| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08539710B2 |
Retractable hook set
The Retractable Hook Set consist of a trigger attached to a string or ribbon that retracts back into the hook set shell or pole holder for tangle free storage. The string or ribbon is adjustable by the use of a spring loaded spool and button which allows it to adapt to most pole lengths. This also allows the tension of the pole to be set, which changes the power at which the hook is set. The hook sets molded shell is designed to have a clamp attached. The clamp allows the hook to be attached to the pole or most pole holders. The trigger holds and releases the tension of the pole which hooks the fish. The hook set is adaptable to all fishing. |
| US08539709B2 |
Gun, bow, crossbow, camera and binocular holding device
A gun rest for releasably attaching to the lower leg of a hunter. The rest is comprised of a lower leg support having upper and lower ends and formed to fit along the side of a leg. The leg support defines an inner leg contact surface and an outer surface. Attached to the outer surface is a telescoping member adjustable for height with an upper end that is attached to a gun support rest or bracket. The lower leg support is releasably attached to the lower leg of a hunter between the knee and the ankle, preferably by releasable straps. It may therefore be carried as the hunter moves about the fields, and when the hunter sits, for example on a deer stand, the rest may be telescoped up for use to create a steady aim. |
| US08539706B1 |
Recoil reducing firearm system
A frame is adapted to be held by a user. A barrel is coupled to the base. A slide is slidably received on the barrel and adapted for rearward movement in response to firing. A full-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the entire rearward movement of the slide including primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement. A recoil reducer includes a part-time spring. The part-time spring is operable for abating recoil during the primary portion of the rearward movement. The recoil reducer also includes an engager. The engager is operable in response to movement of the slide between the primary and secondary portions of the rearward movement to terminate operation of the part-time spring. |
| US08539705B2 |
Crossfold electronic device
A computing device with a keyboard and display is configurable to fold from a compact and protective pocket sized closed configuration to other computing configurations. An embodiment of the device includes dispersed or interspersed hinge mechanisms to enable a cross folding mechanism to configure the device to multiple configurations using only simple hinges. An embodiment of the device further unfolds to a fully flat configuration supported by interspersed feet. Keys of reduced aspect ratio can reduce the footprint of a folded device without reducing the key's sideways spacing. A rotating input pad can supplement the keyboard input without increasing the footprint of the folded pocked sized configuration. |
| US08539700B2 |
Iron and a method thereof
An iron including a storage means to removably stow a funnel. |
| US08539699B2 |
Modular system for connecting attachments to a construction machine
A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules. |
| US08539697B2 |
Suspension heel
A suspension heel is provided for use with footwear, such as high heeled shoes, to provide cushioning to the wearer. The suspension heel includes a heel shaft connected to the shoe sole and a compliant heel plug attached to the heel shaft. The shaft includes a cavity or other receptacle for receiving the compliant heel plug. The suspension heel provides cushioning as well as stability for the wearer of the footwear, while maintaining aesthetic style. A relief detail formed by the compliant heel plug and the shaft provides compliance by compressing when a force is applied. For instance, as a person walks in the shoe, ground contact applies a force to the suspension heel. The relief detail deforms or compresses in response to the force, attenuating it and providing cushioning to the wearer. |
| US08539695B1 |
Footwear device
A footwear device for releaseably receiving footwear that has an upper surface, a sole, and a heel. The footwear device includes a sole having an upper surface and a ground-engaging surface, a forefoot support member extending from the sole to form a first loop, a heel support member extending from at least one of the sole and the forefoot support member to form a second loop. When footwear is inserted into the footwear device, the forefoot support member overlaps at least a portion of the upper surface of the footwear, the heel support member overlaps at least a portion of the heel of the footwear, and the sole of the footwear device substantially covers the sole of the footwear to protect the same. |
| US08539693B2 |
Brake mechanism for a device for drying foods and other items
A brake assembly for reducing the rotational velocity the spinning basket of a food spinning device applies a frictional force to an annular ridge on the lid of the spinning basket. A brake button movably disposed in a cover of the spinning device includes flexible pinching arms having cam surfaces. The cam surfaces of the flexible pinching arms extend through a guide aperture, thereby causing the pinching arms to flex toward each other when the brake button is depressed and to apply the frictional engagement to the annular ridge. |
| US08539692B1 |
Construction for a permeable flexible liner for a modular preserver system
A construction for a permeable liner within a modular shoe preserver system having interchangeable components. The preserver adapted to snugly fit within a shoe including a permeable covering, a permeable liner and an absorbing material. The permeable liner is disposed within the permeable covering. The permeable liner is constructed from an expandable material having a closed heel end and an open toe end adapted to receive an absorbent material. In construction, the open toe end of the permeable liner is folded various times before it is closed to define a forefoot end having a material mass substantially thicker and wider than the remainder of the permeable liner that resembles that of a forefoot. The absorbing material is disposed within the permeable liner to withdraw moisture from an interior surface area of the shoe. |
| US08539690B2 |
Wall mountable height measuring device
A wall mountable height measuring device to record development of height of a person comprises a board, a pair of vertical slits, at least one linear measurement scale, a horizontal frame and a leveling bar. The board includes a front surface, a rear surface, a left side and a right side. The pair of vertical slits is present at the left side and right side of the board. The horizontal frame can slide along the pair of slits. A middle portion of the horizontal frame includes a cut out. A housing present at the middle portion of the leveling bar is for holding the at least one date stamp. The at least one date stamp indicates the date at which the height measurement was taken. |
| US08539684B2 |
Vehicle wheel alignment system and methodology
A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications. |
| US08539683B2 |
Stamping machine
An engraving device that forms a desired image via a plurality of engraved marks in a surface of an object via a working tool is presented. The engraving device includes a base comprising a retainer configured to retain the object, a X-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a X-axis along the surface of the object, a Y-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis along the surface of the object, and a Z-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Z-axis toward and away from the object. |
| US08539682B2 |
Rotary can opener
An easy to operate, extremely quiet, efficient can engagement and opening mechanism is provided for use in an opener for a can, and that provides a pair of missing teeth operating endpoints at opposite ends of its opener cycle, along with an eccentrically operating idler gear and cutter gear urging mechanism that produces a non-jamming foolproof mechanism that can be urged forward to a closed and operating position or reversed to a disengagement and non-operating position. |
| US08539680B2 |
Utility knife
A utility knife includes a first housing portion carrying one of a strike plate and a sliding nut assembly and a second housing portion carrying the other one of the strike plate and the sliding nut assembly. The sliding nut assembly includes a rotatable screw and a sliding nut. The sliding nut is movable between a first position where the sliding nut is positioned behind the strike plate and a second position where the sliding nut is positioned spaced from the strike plate. When the sliding nut is in the first position, the sliding nut engages the strike plate upon rotation of the screw to draw the first housing portion toward the second housing portion. |
| US08539677B2 |
Utility knife
A utility knife comprises a first housing portion carrying a strike plate and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion between a closed position and an open position. The second housing portion carries a locking member. An overlapping locking mechanism locks the first housing portion to the second housing portion in a first direction when the first housing portion is moved relative to the second housing portion in a second direction. The locking member is movable between a first position in which it engages the strike plate to prevent the first housing from moving relative to the second housing in the first direction and a second position in which it does not engage the strike plate and allows the first housing to move relative to the second housing in the first direction. |
| US08539673B2 |
Method and device for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve
A method for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve in a power generating or industrial plant. An upper valve part and the internal housing fittings are removed from the housing of the shut-off valve to thereby expose a housing opening. A clamping device with a counter-bearing is introduced through the housing opening into the connection pipe and fastened to its inner wall. A machine tool with a bearing is introduced through the housing opening and mounted with its bearing on the counter-bearing. A machining step is carried out with the machine tool on the sealing seat. Then the machine tool is detached and removed through the housing opening. The clamping device is detached from the connection pipe and removed through the housing opening. Then, the upper valve part and the internal fittings are reattached to the housing. |
| US08539671B2 |
Method for repairing an electrode assembly
A method of repairing a used electrode device is disclosed wherein a used electrode assembly has an inner conductor with an integral electrode tip; the inner conductor is encapsulated in an insulator body having an outer conductor and an outer electrode tip; and an outer sleeve is attached to the insulator body, the sleeve being filled with a particle suspended fluid and the sleeve being retained by a metal ring at the location of attachment to the insulator body prior to removing the inner conductor from the insulator body; the electrode assembly is placed in a fixture with a collet holding the metal ring in place; the sleeve is pushed upon to release the ring; and the inner conductor is pressed with the integral electrode tip while holding or restraining the insulator body to apply a force sufficient to disengage the inner conductor from the insulator body. |
| US08539670B2 |
Method of producing an electrical feedthrough in a metal wall
A method for making an hermetic and electrically insulating feedthrough in the metal wall of a housing of a device, preferably of an active medical device, is disclosed. The method includes: a) forming electrically insulating layers (24, 26) on each of the internal and external sides of the wall (10), b) on the internal side of the wall, forming a non-through groove with a closed contour (30) defining in the wall a metal islet (28) that is physically and electrically isolated from the rest of the wall, by removing the entire thickness of the electrically insulating internal layer (26) and the wall (10), leaving intact a sufficient thickness of the electrically insulating external layer (24) so that the external layer mechanically supports the metal islet, and c) on the external and internal sides respectively, exposing pads (34, 36) for making an electrical contact to the metallic islet, by a localized removal of material of the electrically insulating external and internal layers (24, 26), respectively. |
| US08539669B2 |
Adapter tips for cable connectors
A hand-held tool for terminating connectors onto a coaxial cable has an elongated body and an end stop and plunger on the body, the plunger being controlled by a lever arm which will axially advance the plunger toward and away from the end stop to radially compress a portion of the connector into firm crimping engagement with the end of the coaxial cable. To accommodate different lengths of connectors, a plunger permits mounting of different length adapter tips to vary the axial spacing between the adapter tips and the end stop according to the length of connector being terminated. |
| US08539663B2 |
Reducing crimping damage to polymer scaffold
A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the catheter by a multi-step process for increasing scaffold-catheter yield following a crimping sequence. Damage reduction during a crimping sequence includes modifying blades of a crimper, adopting a multi-step crimping sequence, and inflating a supporting balloon to support the scaffold during crimping. |
| US08539657B2 |
Captive screw device and method
A press for securing a captive screw assembly within a hole in a panel cover. The press is supported from the panel cover as it is operated and includes a tool for extracting the captive screw assembly from the panel cover hole when the captive screw assembly is no longer functional. The extraction tool engages a bottom end of the captive screw and severs the flare on the ferrule of the captive screw assembly that anchors the assembly to the hole in the panel cover. A captive screw assembly is also described that has a knurled end that anchors the captive screw assembly to a hole in the panel cover. |
| US08539650B2 |
Slide fastener
A slide fastener where each fastener element includes an upper half element portion disposed at a first surface side of a fastener tape and a lower half element portion disposed at a second surface side of the fastener tape. The upper half element portion includes a first tape-sandwiching portion and a first head portion of a tapered form that extends from the first tape-sandwiching portion. The upper half element portion has a tapered portion that gradually decreases in a dimension between front and rear side surfaces, in the tape length direction, of at least the first tape-sandwiching portion as it goes upward. Each fastener element can be lightweight, and the fastener element can look like a metal fastener element. |
| US08539649B2 |
Headset cord holder
A headset cord holder comprises a body and a first groove built into the body configured to receive and releasably hold a headset cord. In some embodiments, the first groove has a diameter less than or equal to approximately 2 mm. In further embodiments, the body is integrally formed within the teeth of a zipper. In some embodiments the body comprises one or more of rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more of stamped metal and molded metal. In further embodiments, the body comprises molded plastic. In some embodiments, the body comprises one or more additional grooves configured to receive and releasably secure the headset cord. |
| US08539648B2 |
Quick detach shackle
A shackle is provided that is fixedly mounted to a surface. The shackle can have a body, a hasp, and a locking pin. The body can define at least one mounting bore that is configured for mounting the shackle to the surface. The proximal end of the hasp is configured to rotate relative to the body and the distal end of the hasp is configured to selectively engage the locking pin, such that an enclosed area is defined. A tethering device can be attached to the shackle via cooperative engagement with the selectively enclosed area. |
| US08539647B2 |
Limited durability fastening for a garment
A limited durability fastening for a garment. The garment is provided with fastening members which engage to close the fastening and the fastening members are provided with means for controlling the degradation of the closure strength of the fastening as it is opened and closed and thus the number of permissible closures of the fastening having a pre-determined closure strength. The garment is particularly useful when fitted to a foot where short life is desirable at low cost or to a garment where re-use is to be discouraged for either clinical or commercial reasons. |
| US08539642B2 |
Static air dam
The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier. |
| US08539640B1 |
Caster wheel lift and brake assembly
A caster wheel assembly includes a vertical axis brake and barrier-traversing member. The caster shaft housing contains a stator surface adjacent the caster wheel assembly. The barrier-traversing member with barrier contact surface is biasedly fastened to the caster wheel assembly. A braking surface member is attached to the barrier-traversing member opposite the barrier contact surface and adjacent the stator surface. In operation, the moving caster wheel assembly first contacts an obstacle with the barrier contact surface of the barrier-traversing member. The encountered obstacle elevates the barrier-traversing member and attached braking surface member into contact with the stator surface of the caster shaft housing, thereby restraining rotation of the caster wheel assembly. Then, further forward movement of the rotation-restrained caster wheel assembly allows the barrier-traversing member to elevate the caster wheel, transfer load to the caster wheel, and thereby more easily traverse the obstacle. |
| US08539635B2 |
Integrated vacuum wand and method of use
A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided. |
| US08539634B2 |
Wiper blade
A wiper blade (10) consisting of a rubber profiled element (48) comprising a wiper lip (50) and at least one carrier element (46) that can be connected to a wiper arm (18) by means of a fixing element (14) and a connection element (22). The fixing element (14) comprises a covering cap (16) and the connection element (22) fixed to the wiper arm (18) secures the wiper blade (10) perpendicularly to a pivoting axis (20) by means of a clip (52), on the end (54) thereof at an angle to the wiper blade. According to the invention, the covering cap (16) comprises an opening (34) or recess for the angular end (54) of the clip (52), on the side of the cap opposing the rubber profiled element (48), in the region of the connection element (22), said opening only partially overlapping the covering cap (16) in the mounted position. |
| US08539631B2 |
Roller for providing benefits to fabric
Roller for providing benefits to fabric. The present invention relates to utilizing one or more benefit agents in conjunction with a hand-held roller in order to provide one or more benefits to fabrics. The present invention also relates to a method for applying one or more benefit agents to the roller. |
| US08539630B2 |
Oral care implement with air flossing system
An oral care implement with an air flossing system cleans debris from the teeth of a user. The oral care implement may include an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue. A body is provided for gripping the implement. An air source is disposed in the body for proving pressurized air to an air outlet. The air outlet is disposed in the oral care region for injecting the pressurized air to clean debris from the oral tissue. |
| US08539628B2 |
Infant mattress that fits safely in a crib
An infant mattress fits safely in a crib without any gap between the mattress and the walls or bars of the crib. A ring of memory foam surrounds the supporting foam layers of the mattress and forms a snug fit with the vertical bars of the crib regardless of whether the dimensions of the particular crib or mattress vary from their standard sizes. The memory foam ring intentionally renders the infant mattress somewhat larger than the inner dimensions of the crib. The ring compresses when the mattress is placed in a crib in which opposing side bars are separated by a distance that is smaller than the mattress width. The ring is formed by pouring foam into a rectangular mold around the supporting foam layers. Where the mattress includes pocket coils on the supporting foam layers, the ring of memory foam conforms to the outer row of pocket coils. |
| US08539624B2 |
Structure based fluid distribution system
A climate controlled seat assembly includes a seat cushion that has an outer surface with a first side for supporting an occupant in a seated position and a second side, which generally faces in an opposite direction than the first side. An air passage extends from the first side to the second side of the seat cushion. A support member has a first side that is configured to provide support to the seat cushion and a second side. the first side and the second side of the support member generally face in opposite directions. A distribution passage is in communication with the air passage and is formed at least in part by a recess formed at least in part in one of the first side of the support member and the second side of the seat cushion. |
| US08539620B1 |
Baby swaddling apparatus
A baby swaddle apparatus can comprise generally a torso portion, a blanket portion, and a pouch portion. The torso portion having a plurality of panels and containing a torso waist opening and neck opening to receive a baby inside of the torso portion. The front panel of the torso also comprising at least one fastener. The blanket portion coupled to the torso rear panel comprising of a blanket panel containing an exterior and interior side and at least one fastener. The pouch portion can contain a pouch opening which receives the baby's legs. The pouch comprising of a pouch front and rear panel and a pouch front panel which contains a plurality of fasteners which allow the pouch to be modified in a way to allow for at least one leg opening. |
| US08539619B2 |
Cleaning systems and/or methods
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to systems and/or methods that help clean persons having reduced mobility. The systems and/or methods of certain example embodiments help clean persons in areas that are difficult and sometimes even impossible to clean, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection, disease, development of antibiotic resistant diseases, etc. At least one showerhead is provided in such systems/methods. A chair, table, bench, or the like, has a seat and a back support. At least one bladder is connected to the seat and/or the back support of the chair, or on the table, bench, etc., with each said bladder having at least one opening. A hose connects a supply of cleansing fluid to the at least one bladder such that, in operation, the cleansing fluid is forced out of the at least one opening of each said bladder towards the person. |
| US08539618B2 |
Drain cover for sinks
An apparatus includes a drain having an opening, the opening having an outboard edge, a cover having an underside having a portion including a downwardly extending curved section and an outer edge, wherein the portion extends a first distance beyond the outboard edge and wherein cover extends a second distance above the drain such that a ratio of the second distance to the first distance is about 1 or less and such that splash and aerosolization from under the cover beyond the cover is minimized. |
| US08539617B2 |
Sanitary toilet
The invention provides a mechanism to lift a toilet seat. A depressable foot pedal connects to a rod which rod is connected to the lid of the toilet seat. When the pedal is depressed, the rod lifts and thus lifts the lid of the toilet seat. A second depressable foot pedal connects to a second rod which is connected to the toilet seat. When the second pedal is depressed the rod lifts and thus lifts the toilet seat. |
| US08544109B2 |
Methods and systems involving survey administration
A method includes authorizing a user to participate in a survey, generating a key associated with a user identifier and a survey identifier, sending the key to a user terminal, directing the user terminal to a survey uniform resource locator (URL), connecting communicatively with the user terminal via a second URL, determining whether the second URL designates the survey as completed, retrieving the encrypted key from the user terminal responsive to determining that the second URL designates the survey as completed, and updating the status of the survey in a memory responsive to verifying the integrity of the encrypted key. |
| US08544103B2 |
Policy determined accuracy of transmitted information
Systems and methods for controlling accuracy of transmitted information are described. A package is assembled based on a numerical value, such as a measurement, and one or more policies associated with the sender. When the package is received by a receiver, it is unpacked to yield a second value representing the numerical value and having a reduced accuracy with respect to the first value. The accuracy reduction depends on policies associated with the receiver and/or the sender. Examples of numerical values in different applications include geo-location data, medical data, and financial data. |
| US08544099B2 |
Method and device for questioning a plurality of computerized devices
Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to a device and a method of questioning computerized devices within an organization's network. The device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, may include a questioning module and an agentless module. The questioning module may be adapted to receive data specifying a plurality of computerized devices to be questioned, and to receive data indicating which one or more questioning subjects are selected to be questioned on the specified computerized devices. The agentless module may be adapted to invoke and configure at least a remote access process, to question at least a registry of a remote computerized device. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the questioning module may be adapted to utilize multiple threads of the agentless module to invoke and configure a plurality of remote access processes to question in parallel and without using agents at least a registry of the specified computerized devices, in accordance with the selected questioning subjects. |
| US08544097B2 |
Attachment chain tracing scheme for email virus detection and control
An automated email virus detection and control scheme using attachment chain tracing (ACT) technique is provided. Based on conventional epidemiology, ACT detects virus propagation by identifying the existence of transmission chains in the network. It uses contact tracing to find epidemiological links between hosts. A soft-quarantine scheme controls virus propagation by detecting and quarantining without virus signature information. A progressive immunization strategy uses transmission chain information to guide the immunization process. |
| US08544096B2 |
On-access and on-demand distributed virus scanning
On-demand and on-access anti-virus scan requests are distributed over a plurality of virus checkers for on-demand anti-virus scanning concurrent with on-access anti-virus scanning. For example, the on-demand requests are grouped into chunks of multiple requests, and the on-demand and on-access requests are combined in a queue. Scanning for requests from a prior chunk are completed before distributing the requests for a next chunk. To give priority to the on-access requests, the on-demand requests are not placed on the queue unless the number of requests on the queue is less than a threshold. An on-access request is placed on the queue in response to a request for user access to the file. On-demand requests are produced in response to a request from a system administrator for anti-virus scanning of the files in a specified file system. |
| US08544095B2 |
System and method for server-coupled application re-analysis
To prevent malware, spyware and other undesirable applications from affecting mobile communication devices (e.g., smartphones, netbooks, and tablets), a device uses a server to assist in identifying and removing undesirable applications. When scanning an application, a device transmits information about the application to a server for analysis. The server receives the information, produces a categorization assessment and can provide a categorization re-assessment, and transmits the assessment to the device. By performing analysis on a server, a device can reduce its battery and performance cost of protecting against undesirable applications. The server transmits notifications to devices that have installed applications that are discovered to be undesirable. The server receives data about applications from many devices, using the combined data to minimize false positives and provide comprehensive protection against known and unknown threats. The server can accumulate this data and perform a categorization re-assessment of a data object previously assessed. |
| US08544094B2 |
Suspicious node detection and recovery in MapReduce computing
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to distributed computing for large data sets on clusters of computers and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for detecting and correcting malicious nodes in a cloud computing environment (e.g., MapReduce computing). In one embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for detecting and correcting malicious nodes in a cloud computing environment can include selecting a task to dispatch to a first worker node, setting a suspicion index threshold for the selected task, determining a suspicion index for the selected task, comparing the suspicion index to the suspicion index threshold and receiving a result from a first worker node. The method further can include applying a recovery action when the suspicion index exceeds the selected suspicion index threshold. |
| US08544091B2 |
Advocate for facilitating verification for the online presence of an entity
Some embodiments provide an advocate system to facilitate automated online presence verification for different entities on behalf of the entities. The advocate system places service providers on notice that profiles and information hosted by them and that form the online presence for a particular entity should first be verified with that particular entity. The advocate system further facilitates online presence verification by 1) directly or indirectly connecting the service providers that are placed on notice with the appropriate authoritative entities to facilitate the verification of the profiles and information, 2) selectively targeting service providers hosting profiles and information that are unverified, 3) automatedly verifying hosted profiles and information based on a verified profile lists and verified information that authoritative entities provide to a central repository. In so doing, the advocate system prevents potential damage to the authoritative entity's credibility while also mitigating potential for fraud, identity theft, etc. |
| US08544088B2 |
Method for protecting a network through port blocking
A method for protecting a network against a security attack from an user, and in particular, for a layer 2 switch, against a MAC flooding attack. Here, the MAC flooding attack floods the layer 2 switch with at least one packet, a database is provided which saves a MAC address and its allocation and the database has a maximum quantity. According to the method, an interface between the user of the network and a network access functions as a line of demarcation. When the limit of the maximum quantity for a port is reached, the port is blocked during a blocking time. This not only protects the first access node, but also the following network nodes and users respectively, against a security attack. |
| US08544084B2 |
System and method for secure control of resources of wireless mobile communication devices
Systems and methods for secure control of a wireless mobile communication device are disclosed. Each of a plurality of domains includes at least one wireless mobile communication device asset. When a request to perform an operation affecting at least one of the assets is received, it is determined whether the request is permitted by the domain that includes the at least one affected asset, by determining whether the entity with which the request originated has a trust relationship with the domain, for example. The operation is completed where it is permitted by the domain. Wireless mobile communication device assets include software applications, persistent data, communication pipes, and configuration data, properties or user or subscriber profiles. |
| US08544079B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing security through network address translations using tunneling and compensations
This invention provides a method for providing network security services, such as those provided by the IPSEC protocol, through network address translation (NAT). The method is based on determining the transformations that occur on a packet and compensating for the transformations. Because only TCP and UDP protocols work through NATs, the IPSEC AH/ESP packets are encapsulated into UDP packets for transport. Special operations are performed to allow reliable communications in such environments. |
| US08544066B2 |
Access right management system, access right management method, and access right management program
An authentication device includes a user authentication certificate generation unit that issues to another device user authentication information on which information about a user is recorded; and a right transfer certificate/token generation unit that issues right transfer information and a token corresponding to the right transfer information to another device on the basis of information about a user to whom the right is transferred and a condition under which the right is transferred. A service proxy access device includes a token request unit that requests the issuing of the right transfer information and the token in order to access another device; and a user proxy access unit that accesses another service using the token. The service providing device includes a user authentication certificate request unit that acquires user authentication information from the authentication device using the token. |
| US08544062B2 |
Method and system for improving computer network security
Computers connected to a private network are monitored and controlled through the use of a client agent that operates in association with the computer and a server client that establishing security parameters, privileges and authorizations for the computer. The invention can prevent access to certain devices according to an active security policy. Any activity of the computer, such as a request to transfer data to an external device, access a particular file, etc. is monitored and controlled by the client agent. No operations or procedures are allowed by the computer inconsistent with the active security policy. The security policy may be set by the administrator of the private network according to the user rights and position in the organization. |
| US08544060B1 |
Method and system for detecting and protecting against potential data loss from unknown applications
A system and method for detecting and protecting against potential data loss from unknown applications is described. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting, by an endpoint data loss prevention (DLP) system running on a client computing device, that a local application has accessed a document on the client computing device. The method further includes determining that the document contains sensitive data according to one or more DLP polices of the endpoint DLP system and determining that a combination of the local application and a type of the document is not included in a whitelist of the DLP policies. Then, the method includes capturing at least one of one or more screenshots, and video of one or more operations that the application performs on the document and sending the captured at least one of the one or more screenshots, and the video to an enforcement server associated with the endpoint DLP system. |
| US08544058B2 |
Techniques of transforming policies to enforce control in an information management system
In an information management system, policies are deployed to targets and targets can evaluate the policies whether they are connected or disconnected to the system. The policies may be transferred to the target, which may be a device or user. Relevant policies may be transferred while not relevant policies are not. The policies may have policy abstractions. |
| US08544057B2 |
Method of customizing a standardized IT policy
A system and method are described herein for standardizing an IT policy that is used to configure devices operating on a network. An IT policy can be generated that applies to a group of users or to one or more special users without having to define and store a new IT policy for each special user. This can be achieved by specifying global and per-user IT policy rules and merging these rules as needed to produce IT policy data. The IT policy can also be used to configure settings associated with storing electronic messages on the devices. |
| US08544052B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting multimedia frame in broadcast system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting a multimedia frame through a heterogeneous network in a broadcast system supporting a multimedia service based on an interne protocol are provided. The method includes generating header information including a frame identifier distinguishing a multimedia frame and information measuring a quality of a connection service between network layers and end-to-end network capabilities, and combining the header information and multimedia data to configure the multimedia frame. |
| US08544050B2 |
Rule-based playlist engine
A client device is enabled to access content by generating a request to access content residing on a host. A rule set associated with a user is accessed that includes one or more rules configured to identify content responsive to a predicted interest of the user. The rule set is used to identify content selections from a library of content selections available on the host. A first address corresponding to a first content selection and a second address for a second content selection identifying are identified from among the identified content selections. The first content selection is accessed from among the identified content selections by establishing a connection to the host at the address identified for the first content selection. In response to receiving a change instruction to change a content selection being rendered, the second content selection is accessed from the identified content selections at the second address. |
| US08544048B2 |
System for content delivery
A system for and method of transmitting audio and visual programming content, by identifying an amount of broadcast transmission capacity available for transmitting the content to one or more users. The content is separated into at least first and second portions based on user demand for the content and/or the identified available broadcast transmission capacity. The first portion of the content is transmitted, to a receiver/STB associated with at least one of the users, using the identified broadcast transmission capacity; and the second portion of the content is transmitted to the receiver using transmission other than broadcast transmission. The content can include nonlinear content. Transmission other than broadcast transmission can include unicast transmission, which can be in response to a user request and/or an initiation by a server. The received nonlinear content can be stored at the receiver for play back at a time different from the time of transmission. |
| US08544044B2 |
Up next video guide for TV video player
An Internet TV shows which video clip in an Internet-provided playlist of multiple clips is “up next” for play. |
| US08544042B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying entertainment system data upon selection of a video data display
A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed. |
| US08544037B2 |
Digest creating method and device
An apparatus includes an input unit to which replay information including a broadcasting section of a replay video and a reference section representing an actual filming time zone, and information for designating a length of a digest are input; a replay importance degree computing unit that obtains the number of replays, an interval between predetermined positions of the replay broadcasting section and the replay reference section, a time length of replay broadcasting, speed of replay broadcasting, the number of cut switches of the replay from the replay information, and computes the importance degree of the replay video on the basis of these items; and a digest creating unit that sets the replay video as a digest candidate, and selects a combination of the digest candidates based on a length condition of the digest and a composite importance degree of the combination of digest candidates. |
| US08544036B2 |
Methods and apparatus for scheduling broadcast commercials
A method for scheduling broadcast commercials includes receiving a plurality of scheduling criteria, and automatically scheduling a plurality of commercials based on the received criteria. |
| US08544035B2 |
Program promotion feedback
A user request to watch a program is received in response to a promotion for the program. One or both of recording the program and playback of the program is performed. Information regarding one or both of the recording and the playback is output, this information including an identifier of the promotion. Additionally, a report can be generated from this information output by multiple devices, the report describing the recording of the program and the playback of the program on the multiple device in response to the promotion. |
| US08544031B2 |
Use of modes for computer cluster management
A system, method and computer program product for managing a plurality of applications in a computer cluster. Each application is able to run on a particular node in the cluster. In one embodiment, associations are maintained among a plurality of modes and the plurality of applications, with each application being associated with at least one mode. Responsive to designation of at least one mode as active for the cluster, each application that is associated with an active mode is flagged as eligible for activation, each inactive application that is not associated with any active mode is flagged as ineligible for activation, and each active application that is not associated with any active mode is flagged as ineligible for activation and inactivated. Flagging as eligible, flagging as ineligible and flagging as ineligible and inactivating may be performed in any order, and inactivating is sequenced according to dependencies among the applications. |
| US08544026B2 |
Processing data communications messages with input/output control blocks
Processing data communications messages with an Input/Output Control Block (‘IOCB’) ring that includes a number of IOCBs characterized by a priority and arranged in sequential priority for serial operation, where processing the messages includes depositing message data in one or more IOCBs according to depositing criteria; processing, by a message processing module associated with an IOCB having a priority less than the present value of a state counter, the message data in the IOCB while a message processing module associated with an IOCB having a next priority waits; increasing, upon completion of processing the message data of the IOCB having a priority less than the present value of the state counter, the present value of the state counter to a value greater than the next priority; and processing, by the message processing module associated with the IOCB having the next priority, the message data in the IOCB. |
| US08544019B2 |
Thread queueing method and apparatus
In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a request to generate a thread and supplying a request to a queue in response at least to the received request. The method may further include fetching a plurality of instructions in response at least in part to the request supplied to the queue and executing at least one of the plurality of instructions. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a storage medium having stored therein instructions that when executed by a machine result in the method. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes circuitry to receive a request to generate a thread and to queue a request to generate a thread in response at least to the received request. In some embodiments, a system includes circuitry to receive a request to generate a thread and to queue a request to generate a thread in response at least to the received request, and a memory unit to store at least one instruction for the thread. |
| US08544016B2 |
Rebuilding a first and second image based on software components having earlier versions for one or more appliances and performing a first and second integration test for each respective image in a runtime environment
A system and method for supporting a virtual appliance is provided. In particular, a support engine may include an update server that can manage a workflow to update an appliance in response to detecting upstream updates to one or more software components that have been installed for the appliance. For example, the workflow may generally include managing a rebuild the appliance to install the upstream updates and further managing an integration test to verify that the rebuilt appliance behaves correctly with the upstream updates installed. In addition, the support engine may further include a support analysis manager that can analyze the software components that have been installed for the appliance in view of various heuristic rules to generate a support statement indicating whether support is available for the appliance. |
| US08544014B2 |
Scheduling threads in multi-core systems
Scheduling of threads in a multi-core system is performed using per-processor queues for each core to hold threads with fixed affinity for each core. Cores are configured to pick the highest priority thread among the global run queue, which holds threads without affinity, and their respective per-processor queue. To select between two threads with same priority on both queues, the threads are assigned sequence numbers based on their time of arrival. The sequence numbers may be weighted for either queue to prioritize one over the other. |
| US08544012B2 |
Changing a scheduler in a virtual machine monitor
Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described to change a first scheduler in the virtual machine monitor. In some embodiments, a second scheduler is loaded in a virtual machine monitor when the virtual machine monitor is running; and then is activated to handle a scheduling request for a scheduling process in place of the first scheduler, when the virtual machine monitor is running. |
| US08544007B2 |
Customization, deployment and management of virtual and physical machine images in an enterprise system
A web page behavior enhancement (WPBE) control element is provided on a rendered web page enabling a user to perform actions on at least a portion of the web page content such as customizing, editing, analyzing, forwarding, and/or annotating the content. The processed content may be presented on the original web page, on a locally stored version of the web page, or archived for subsequent use, where any changes to the original web page content may be tracked and the user notified about the changes. The WPBE control element(s) may be embedded into the web page at the source web application or at the local browser based on factors like web application capabilities, browser capabilities, user preferences, usage pattern, and comparable ones. |
| US08544005B2 |
Autonomic method, system and program product for managing processes
An improved solution for managing processes. In particular, resources are allocated to processes based on a determination of the available resources and an anticipated benefit for each process. The anticipated benefit can be derived from a current status of the process (e.g., lagging or accelerated) and/or benefit knowledge learned from past executions of the process using diverse resource sets. One or more additional attributes, such as resource dependency between processes, can also be considered before allocating resources. |
| US08544002B2 |
Managing virtual overlay infrastructures
A system has a virtual overlay infrastructure mapped onto physical resources for processing, storage and network communications, the virtual infrastructure having virtual entities for processing, storage and network communications. Each virtual infrastructure can be passivated by suspending applications, stopping operating systems, and storing state, to enable later reactivation. This is simpler for a complete virtual infrastructure than for groups of virtual entities and physical entities. It enables cloned virtual infrastructure to be created for testing, upgrading or sharing without risk to the parent. On failure, reversion to a previous working clone is feasible. |
| US08544000B2 |
Information processing device with an automatic return unit for returning a license
An information processing device includes an installation unit which downloads installation data of an application program corresponding to a function from an external device and installs the application program. A license acquisition unit acquires a license file from an external device in order to activate the function. A license managing unit manages presence of a license of the function independently of presence of the license file. A license transfer managing unit transfers the license from a source device to a destination device and updates the presence of the license of the function. An automatic return unit automatically returns the transferred license to the source device according to automatic return conditions stored in the information processing device. |
| US08543999B2 |
Communication of information between a plurality of network elements
A communications protocol interface is configured as being divisible into a core portion and an extensible portion. The extensible portion of the communications protocol interface is further configured to be customized in scope so that each network element can communicate a unique and optionally small, subset of actual interoperable data that corresponds to at least a portion of a larger defined data set. A software generator program is configured to generate a set of extensible source code that operates upon the subset of actual data and that directs the execution of the extensible portion of the communications protocol interface for a particular network element. |
| US08543998B2 |
System and method for building virtual appliances using a repository metadata server and a dependency resolution service
A system and method for building virtual appliances using a repository metadata server and a dependency resolution service is provided. In particular, a hosted web service may provide a collaborative environment for managing origin repositories and software dependencies, whereby remote clients may follow a simple and repeatable process for creating virtual appliances. For example, the repository metadata server may cache and parse metadata associated with an origin repository, download software from the origin repository, and generate resolution data that can be used by the dependency resolution service. The dependency resolution service may then use the resolution data to resolve dependencies for a package selected for an appliance, wherein the dependencies may include packages that are required, recommended, suggested, banned, or otherwise a dependency for the selected package. |
| US08543997B2 |
Secure dynamic loading
A method for loading, installing and running software, called loading units, having different levels of confidence by a data processing unit (1). The method includes at least associating at least one structure of information data concerning security requirements and characteristics of this loading unit with each loading unit (2, 3, 7); associating a dynamic data structure (10) representative of the state of security in the data processing unit (1) to the data processing unit (1); validating the security requirements and characteristics of each loading unit (2, 3, 7) with regard to the state in the data processing unit (1) contained in the dynamic data structure (10via an autonomous security module (9), and; if the validation is positive, authorizing, via the security module (9), the loading, installation or running of the loading unit (2, 3, 7). |
| US08543991B2 |
Profile driven multicore background compilation
Idle processor cores can be used to compile methods that are likely to be executed by a program based on profile data that is captured during one or more previous executions. Methods that are determined by the profile data to be likely to be used can be compiled eagerly on one or more background threads. Transparency can be achieved by ensuring that module load order is not altered because of the background threads by recording the state of loaded modules after each profiled compilation, persisting that data, and waiting to eagerly compile a method until the method to be compiled and all its dependencies has been loaded by the executing program. |
| US08543989B2 |
Program evaluation apparatus and program evaluation method
An apparatus for evaluating a performance of a program includes: a storage unit for storing the program embedded with a plurality of trace statements; a processor executes a process including: executing the program embedded with a plurality of trace statements cyclically; calculating each time intervals of each cycle of execution of the program from a start test program till an end program; and evaluating the performance of the program on the basis of information of the time intervals. |
| US08543984B2 |
Architecture for state driven testing
An architecture for a test script editor that can be used by anybody in the development team, including non-programmer business analyst testers. Software testers can generate test scripts for validating and verifying software without navigating all possible actions or keywords. The current application state is described with one or more test objects. Each test object has one or more associated test methods and each test method can describe one or more state transitions. Only test methods accessible through test objects in the current application state are displayed to the software tester. The current state changes only if the state transition described by the test method selected by the software tester indicates a change from the current state. |
| US08543977B2 |
General purpose interpreter and database for accessing enterprise servers over an internet protocol network
A software system includes a database containing data related to at least one software application and a general-purpose Java-based interpreter on a computer. The interpreter is coupled to the database and is operative to interpret the data, thus enabling a user of the computer to perform functions of the at least one application. |
| US08543975B2 |
Behavior-first event programming model
Traditional programming environments that support event-driven programming typically expose a model where the developer chooses an event to handle on a given object, and then writes the code for that event handler. In contrast, as described herein, the traditional flow of program development is reversed. A (configurable) event-handler (“behavior”) is selected. Upon selection of one of the behaviors, the event triggering the behavior is selected. This is a “what-then-when” approach rather than the traditional “when-then-what” approach for event-driven programming. |
| US08543974B2 |
Plan-based program slicing
A method for generating a slice from a plan-based representation of a program is provided. The method comprises constructing a plan representation of a program, wherein the plan representation comprises a plurality of nodes, edges, and ports; and receiving one or more slicing criteria from a user. The slicing criteria comprise one or more variable occurrences or statements from the program, according to which a slice is generated from the plan representation. |
| US08543970B2 |
Energy consumption visualization for software design
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for visualizing energy consumption for an architecture model of a component based software solution. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for visualizing energy consumption for an architecture model of a component based software solution is provided. The method includes selecting a deployment architecture for a solution of components in a modeling tool executing in memory of a computer and defining a deployment model of computing resources for the solution in the modeling tool. The method further includes establishing performance parameters for the components and computing power consumption for the computing resources based upon utilization and an expected utilization of the computing resources by the components for the selected deployment architecture. Finally, the method includes displaying the computed power consumption in the modeling tool. |
| US08543967B2 |
Computer system and method for determining a temperature rise in direct current (DC) lines caused by joule heating of nearby alternating current (AC) lines
A computer system performs a verification process that quickly and efficiently determines a temperature rise of DC conductor lines of an IC design caused by Joule heating in nearby AC conductor lines of the IC design, and whether the temperature rise is acceptable in terms of an electromigration performance of the IC design. |
| US08543965B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for smart pattern capturing and layout fixing
Various embodiments are directed at methods and systems for implementing automatic fixing of a layout, implementing fuzzy pattern replacement, and implementing pattern capturing in a layout of an electronic circuit design. Various processes or modules comprise the act or module of identifying a first pattern from within an electronic circuit layout. The processes or modules also comprise identifying a fixing process or a replacement pattern for the first pattern and the act of performing pattern replacement or pattern fixing on the first pattern. The processes or modules may further comprise the act or module of searching the layout for patterns that match the first pattern, and the act or module of performing pattern replacement of pattern fixing on the patterns that match the first pattern. Some embodiments are also directed at articles of manufacture embodying a sequence of instructions for implementing the processes described here. |
| US08543964B2 |
Constraint optimization of sub-net level routing in asic design
Functionality can be implemented for optimizing connection constraints in an integrated circuit design. A target timing path associated with a first of a plurality of sub-connections of the integrated circuit is determined. A timing probability value and a route probability value associated with the first of the plurality of sub-connections is determined based, at least in part, on the target timing path associated with the first of the plurality of sub-connections. The timing probability value indicates a probability that timing closure is satisfied on the target timing path. The route probability value indicates a probability that a physical routing track on the target timing path associated with the first of the plurality of sub-connections resolves congestion. A current connection constraint associated with the first of the plurality of sub-connections is modified in accordance with a connection constraint model to which the first of the plurality of sub-connections corresponds. |
| US08543959B2 |
Bonding controller guided assessment and optimization for chip-to-chip stacking
A method, system, and computer program product for performance-based chip-to-chip stacking are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A first candidate chip is selected from a set of candidate chips for stacking, each candidate chip in the set of candidate chips including an integrated circuit. A part of a 3D performance determinant is activated in the first candidate chip. A value of a performance parameter is measured for a set of operating conditions. A stacked performance value is computed for the first candidate chip using the value. A subset of the set of candidate chips is stacked in a stack, the subset including the first candidate chip, such that a combined value of the performance parameter for the subset when stacked in a first order is within a defined range of values for the performance parameter. |
| US08543956B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and pattern layouting method for the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit and a pattern lay-outing method for the same are disclosed, which can suppress bending or partial drop-out of a dummy pattern even when a mechanical stress acts on the dummy pattern in CMP. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes predetermined functional areas and a dummy pattern formed in a space area. The space area is positioned between predetermined functional areas. The dummy pattern includes a first metal portion formed in the shape of a frame and defining an outer edge of the dummy pattern, a second metal portion positioned on an inner periphery side of the first metal portion and formed so as to be continuous with the first metal portion, and a plurality of non-forming areas positioned in an area where the second metal portion is not formed on the inner periphery side of the first metal portion. |
| US08543954B1 |
Concurrent noise and delay modeling of circuit stages for static timing analysis of integrated circuit designs
Systems, apparatus, and methods of static timing analysis for an integrated circuit design in the presence of noise are disclosed. The integrated circuit design undergoing analysis may be partitioned into a plurality of subcircuit stages. Each subcircuit stage in the integrated circuit design may be modeled to include a model of at least one victim driver, at least one aggressor driver, at least one receiver, and an interconnect network. Associated with each subcircuit stage is a set of related edges of a design graph to compute signal propagation delay. For each subcircuit stage, full timing delays of each edge can be concurrently computed. This includes concurrently computing base timing delays for a nominal response to the at least one victim driver and the interconnect network and noise related timing delays in response to the at least one aggressor driver and the interconnect network. |
| US08543953B2 |
Automated stimulus steering during simulation of an integrated circuit design
A method is contemplated in which the stimulus to an IC design simulation may be automatically manipulated or steered so that the test environment is altered during subsequent simulations of the IC design based upon the simulation results and/or configuration settings of previous simulations of the IC design. More particularly, a stimulation steering tool may analyze the simulation results and/or the test environment, and manipulate the test environment, which may include the test generator output, and the test bench model, for subsequent simulations. |
| US08543950B2 |
Computer-aided design system to automate scan synthesis at register-transfer level
A method and system to automate scan synthesis at register-transfer level (RTL). The method and system will produce scan HDL code modeled at RTL for an integrated circuit modeled at RTL. The method and system comprise computer-implemented steps of performing RTL testability analysis, clock-domain minimization, scan selection, test point selection, scan repair and test point insertion, scan replacement and scan stitching, scan extraction, interactive scan debug, interactive scan repair, and flush/random test bench generation. In addition, the present invention further comprises a method and system for hierarchical scan synthesis by performing scan synthesis module-by-module and then stitching these scanned modules together at top-level. The present invention further comprises integrating and verifying the scan HDL code with other design-for-test (DFT) HDL code, including boundary-scan and logic BIST (built-in self-test). |
| US08543948B2 |
Structure for PCI-E based POS terminal
Exemplary embodiments describe a design structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium for designing, manufacturing, and/or testing a design for performing the functions of a PCI Express feature card remotely from a data processing system. The system is comprised of a circuit board connected to a PCI-E feature card. The PCI-E feature card is remotely located in comparison to the circuit board. Architecturally, the PCI-E feature card appears to the circuit board to be located at the circuit board. |
| US08543945B2 |
Software user interface using H-grid navigation in human resource management or customer relationship management applications
A hierarchical grid (H-Grid) is used to select a customer name after preliminary navigation has been performed. The preliminary navigation serves to identify an action, category or type of page to process or display data associated with the selected customer name. The H-Grid can be used in various ways as a replacement for, enhancement or addition to, key or query-based searching to retrieve a page or perform an action. In a particular example, the H-Grid includes customer names that have data available for display according to a form associated with a selected action or category. When the user clicks a customer name in the H-Grid a current form is populated with the customer's data. Subsequent navigation to other pages of data are populated with the currently selected customer name. This approach can replace the requirement of having the user to perform a search or query to identify the customer name or record. |
| US08543944B2 |
Fast edge routing for interactive diagramming
An edge routing system is described herein that uses a spatial decomposition to achieve faster routing, and more quickly generates a sparse visibility graph using a cone spanner. The system provides two approaches that can be used separately or in combination to achieve faster—and hence more scalable and more interactive—edge routing using approximate shortest paths. The first approach uses a spatial decomposition of the nodes in a graph, moving them slightly to obtain strictly disjoint convex hulls around groups of nodes, and then computing visibility graphs over these composite hulls rather than individual nodes. The second approach generates a sparse visibility-graph spanner to accelerate the process of producing the visibility graph. The system allows high quality obstacle avoiding edge routing for large diagrams in interactive diagramming applications where very fast refreshes of routing are used with many nodes moving at the same time. |
| US08543941B2 |
Electronic book contextual menu systems and methods
An electronic book system provides interfaces particularly suited to students' use of textbooks. A finger press on a touch screen produces a contextual menu with user choices that relate to where the finger was pressed or what the user was recently doing with the book. A student provisionally navigates through a book by a specific gesture which, when it stops, returns the user to the previous position in the book. Annotations are displayed and hidden using specific gestures and through selective movement of the reader as sensed by its accelerometer. |
| US08543938B2 |
Terminal and method for displaying information
A method and terminal for displaying information whereby when information, which has been broadcast from a broadcast server, is received and scroll-displayed, previous information or subsequent information of the received information being scroll-displayed can be shifted to be displayed according to the direction of a sliding touch by the user. In addition, when the user wants to check previous or subsequent information of the information being scroll-displayed on the touch screen, he does not need to wait for until the corresponding content is scrolled back, namely, until the corresponding content is scrolled-displayed again, so the user convenience can be considerably improved. |
| US08543933B2 |
Slideshow display of images for user-defined groups of applications
A group is defined by a user to include two or more different applications executed on a computing device. The group is associated with one foreground window and one or more background windows on a screen of the computing device. Images of one application selected as a foreground application is displayed in the foreground window. The applications not selected as the foreground application displays images in the background windows. The foreground window is overlaid on the top of the windows of other applications, thereby partially or totally occluding the windows of other applications in the same group. The foreground application changes with elapse of time or upon detection of an event. Therefore, the same foreground window display images for different applications in the group at different times. The number of windows cluttering a screen of the application can be reduced because the user can interact with different applications in the group using the same foreground window. |
| US08543932B2 |
Generation and testing of graphical user interface for matter management workflow with collaboration
A method including obtaining metadata specifying screens based on a business logic of the matter management workflow, generating, based on the metadata, the screens each including screen objects, where the matter management workflow includes a sequence of the screen objects specified by the metadata based on the business logic, receiving a matter management user input via the screen objects to navigate the matter management workflow, receiving a screen tester user input specifying a test instruction including a first specification based on the screen objects, generating, using the first specification and without further user intervention, a test sequence including a second specification based on the metadata, applying the test sequence to the screen objects to generate a first result depicting an evaluation of navigating the matter management workflow according to the business logic, and generating an alert in response to the first result indicating a violation to the business logic. |
| US08543927B1 |
Methods for simulating icon popout on memory constrained devices
Methods for simulating icon popout on memory constrained devices are described. In some embodiments, the client device displays a message status icon where the message status icon represents a first message status of the respective message. In response to a user action, the status of the respective action changes and the visual appearance of the message status icon varies such that the displayed message status icon represents a second message status of the respective message, to identify a status change of the respective message. The message status icon comprises a fixed image having a display background with at least one property that can be varied to achieve the changes in the visual appearance of the message status icon. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08543922B1 |
Editing within single timeline
Video clips are depicted both in an overall layer and in a set of individual tracks, or rows. The user can cause the display to be expanded or collapsed, as desired, so as to reveal or hide the individual tracks. Video clips are fully editable in either the expanded or collapsed viewing modes. When the collapsed mode is in effect, bars representing individual video clips are still visible, and can be individually selected and manipulated. When the expanded mode is in effect, separate tracks are shown for each individual clip, but the overall layer remains visible, and the individual video clips also remain visible, selectable, and manipulable within the overall layer. |
| US08543921B2 |
Editing key-indexed geometries in media editing applications
Some embodiments of the invention provide novel methods for editing the value of an attribute of a media item (e.g., a media content or a media operation) for a media editing application. Such attributes of a media item can include scale, rotation, opacity, pan, volume, etc. In some embodiments, a media editing application represents the changing value of such an attribute over a duration (e.g., a duration of time, a duration of frequencies, etc.) as a key-indexed geometry. A user of the media editing application can manipulate these geometries to change the attribute value over a duration. Such geometries may include graphs and shapes. For such applications, some embodiments provide novel compressed geometric representations (i.e., collapsed views) of one or more uncompressed key-indexed geometries (e.g., graphs or shapes). Additionally, other embodiments provide a novel method for editing the value of one or more attribute directly in a preview display area used to view the composite presentation created in the media editing application. |
| US08543917B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting a first-person world view of content
An approach is provided for presenting a global view of content. A content mapping platform receives an access address of content, the content including location information. The content mapping platform then determines availability information of the content by causing, at least in part, detection of the content at the access address and causing, at least in part, presentation of the content on a user interface of a user device indicating the location information based on the availability information of the content. |
| US08543916B2 |
System and method for recording collaborative information technology processes in an intelligent workload management system
The system and method described herein for recording collaborative information technology processes in an intelligent workload management system may include a computing environment having a model-driven, service-oriented architecture for creating collaborative threads to manage workloads. In particular, the management threads may include one or more data structures that converge information describing interaction between managed entities and content that may relate to such interaction in time-ordered series of events. The time-ordered event stream may then be replayed in a real-time stream to remediate, roll back, or otherwise analyze the collaborative information technology processes. |
| US08543915B2 |
“Proof print” for job settings
According to techniques described herein, print job attributes are checked to identify potential conflicts and potential invalid settings. According to one embodiment of the invention, a job setting manager process executing on a printing device is configured to examine and store print job attributes as detected by print interpreter modules. According to an embodiment of the invention, the job setting manager maintains a data structure comprising print job attributes, their values, and other information. As each interpreter module detects a job setting in the print data, the job setting manager receives this setting and its value and checks the data structure to identify conflicts between previously-set job attributes and whether the requested job attribute is supported by the destination printing device. According to an embodiment of the invention, if a conflict is identified, a notification is produced. |
| US08543912B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer products for implementing content conversion and presentation services
Methods, systems, and computer products for content conversion and presentation enabled services for television and Internet Protocol television applications. In exemplary embodiments, the system and method identify program content having embedded text, apply a conversion to the program content to extract voice data and play voice data in conjunction with the program content. |
| US08543905B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for automatically generating supplemental content
An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays a portion of a document in a primary user interface for the document. The portion of the document includes a respective author-specified term. The respective author-specified term is associated with corresponding additional information supplied by an author of the document, and the corresponding additional information is not concurrently displayed with the author-specified term in the portion of the document. The device also receives a request to annotate the respective author-specified term in the portion of the document; and in response to the request to annotate the respective author-specified term: annotates the respective author-specified term in the primary user interface; and generates instructions for displaying, in a supplemental user interface for the document distinct from the primary user interface, the respective author-specified term and at least a portion of the corresponding additional information for the respective author-specified term. |
| US08543902B2 |
Converting a drawing into multiple matrices
The present invention enables converting the pictures, drawings, 3D models, or the like into a new graphics format that enables the computer system to extract positional, numerical, or directional information related to the objects of said pictures, drawings, or 3D models. The present invention enables providing a set of automated solutions for a design problem related to said objects, and identifying the objects' names in said pictures, drawings, or 3D model serving a variety of IT, medical, engineering, and industrial applications. |
| US08543901B1 |
Verification of content stored in a network
The systems and methods described herein are useful for maintaining the integrity of documents, such as web pages, which contain hyperlinks to other documents, such as other web pages. A value representative of the content or a portion thereof of the document referenced by the hyperlink may be included in the hyperlink, such that changes in the content of the document are reflected as changes in the value representative thereof. Subsequent retrievals of the referenced document may then be analyzed to verify that the contents of the document have not been altered since the hyperlink was created. |
| US08543889B2 |
Method of list decoding and relative decoder for LDPC codes
A method is for generating, for each check node related to a parity check equation of a LDPC code, signals representing a first output table of corrected values of symbols of a word received through a communication channel and transmitted according to the LDPC code, and signals representing a second output table of the logarithm of the ratio between the respective probability of correctness of the values of same coordinates in the first output table and their corresponding maximum probability of correctness. The method is implemented by processing the components of a first input table of values of a Galois Field of symbols that may have been transmitted and of a second input table of corresponding probability of correctness of each value. |
| US08543885B2 |
Methods of joint coding in mobile communication system
A joint coding method in a mobile communication system is disclosed. To block-code kχ-bit first data requiring a received signal quality and k2˜bit second data requiring a different received signal quality, the present invention includes configuring a first block code generation matrix meeting a first minimum hamming distance, configuring a second block code generation matrix meeting a second minimum hamming distance, and configuring a third block code generation matrix including the first block code generation matrix, the second block code generation matrix and a zero matrix of a specific size. Accordingly, the present invention encodes and transmits two data requiring different received signal qualities by one coding scheme, thereby enabling each data to have the required received signal quality in decoding. |
| US08543881B2 |
Apparatus and method for high throughput unified turbo decoding
An apparatus and method for high throughput unified turbo decoding comprising loading data from a first data window; computing a first forward state metric using the data from the first data window; storing the first forward state metric in a memory; computing a first reverse state metric using the data from the first data window; storing the first reverse state metric in the memory; and computing the log likelihood ratio (LLR) of the first forward state metric and the first reverse state metric. In one aspect, the above-mentioned steps are repeated with data from a second data window. In another aspect, extrinsic information for the first data window associated with the unified turbo decoding is computed. |
| US08543878B1 |
Apparatus and a method to test a parametric structure utilizing logical sensing
An apparatus to test a parametric structure utilizing a logical sensing technique is provided. The apparatus includes a device under test (DUT) and tester hardware. The DUT includes a parametric structure that receives a logic signal and transfers the logic signal through the parametric structure to a power pin that is coupled to the parametric structure. The DUT also includes a DFT circuitry that controls a pathway connecting the parametric structure and the power pin. The DFT circuitry gates the logic signal propagation from the parametric structure to the power pin. The tester hardware includes a channel to transfer or receive a logic signal and a power pathway to transfer power to the DUT. The tester hardware also includes a switch to multiplex the power pathway or the channel connections to the power pin. |
| US08543875B2 |
Moving third tap controller from exit2-DR state to pause-DR state
A method implemented to test a plurality of components coupled in a star configuration, each component having a test access port (TAP) controller. The method comprises performing a capture phase of a scan operation on all of the TAP controllers in the star configuration and sequentially selecting one of the TAP controllers at a time to perform a shift state. When all of the TAP controllers have been sequentially selected to perform the shift phase, the method further comprises selecting all of the TAP controllers to perform an update phase. |
| US08543873B2 |
Multi-site testing of computer memory devices and serial IO ports
A method and apparatus for multi-site testing of computer memory devices. An embodiment of a method of testing computer memory devices includes coupling multiple memory devices, each memory device having a serializer output and a deserializer input, wherein the serializer output of a first memory device is coupled with a deserializer input of one or more of the memory devices of the plurality of memory devices. The method further includes producing test signal patterns using a test generator of each memory device, serializing the test signal pattern at each memory device, and transmitting the serialized test pattern for testing of the memory devices, wherein testing of the memory devices includes a first test mode and a second test mode. |
| US08543872B2 |
Detecting and eliminating potential performance degradation caused by neighboring identical scrambling codes
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of detecting potential performance degradation caused by neighboring identical scrambling codes. The method includes detecting an existence of identical scrambling codes in received signals from different cell at the user equipment, and selectively eliminating one or more signals from consideration in processing of received signals based upon the detection. The invention also includes a receiver configured to detect potential performance degradation caused by neighboring identical scrambling codes. The receiver includes a detection component configured to detect an existence of identical scrambling codes in received signals from different base stations at the user equipment, and an elimination component configured to selectively eliminate one or more signals from consideration in processing of received signals based upon the detection by the detection component. |
| US08543871B2 |
Correlating hardware devices between local operating system and global management entity
A method and apparatus for correlating the identities of hardware devices, such as processors or memory controllers, between a local operating system and a global management entity is described. In an embodiment a fault message including a local identifier of a faulting device is received from an operating system. A global identifier of the faulting device is determined that is different from the local identifier. An appropriate replacement device is then selected based on the global identifier of the faulting device, and the selected replacement device is mapped to the faulting device. |
| US08543869B2 |
Method and system for reconstructing error response messages under web application environment
A computer-implemented method and system for reconstructing a response message to an improper accessing request in a web application environment. The method includes: obtaining the URL of a web application to be accessed by the improper accessing request and the error parameter information of the improper accessing request; obtaining a response template based on the obtained URL of the web application to be accessed; and merging the obtained error parameter information of the improper accessing request with the obtained response template to generate a reconstructed response message for the improper accessing request. The system includes: a message obtaining device; a response message template obtaining device; and a response message merging device. |
| US08543867B2 |
Transmission of acknowledgement and negative acknowledgement in a wireless communication system
A communication device configured for transmission of Acknowledgement and Negative Acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) is described. The communication device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The communication device determines one or more thresholds based on a size of one or more code words and generates a compressed ACK/NACK sequence. The compressed ACK/NACK sequence identifies one or more correctly received code words and one or more incorrectly received code words if the number of incorrectly received code words is less than the threshold. If the number of incorrectly received code words is greater than the threshold, the compressed ACK/NACK sequence indicates that all of the one or more code words were incorrectly received. |
| US08543864B2 |
Apparatus and method of performing error recovering process in asymmetric clustering file system
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of performing an error recovery process in an asymmetric clustering file system that has higher efficiency in data recovery when a data server in an asymmetric clustering file system fails than a method of processing the data recovery in the metadata server. The present invention includes receiving a chunk list requiring recovery by a data server included in the other data server groups than a data server group including a failed data server among a plurality of data server groups, requesting chunk data necessary for recovering an erroneous chunk from a data server in the other data server groups to the other data servers than the failed data server in the data server group, and recovering the erroneous chunk based on the chunk data by the data server in the other data server group. |
| US08543863B2 |
Efficiency of hardware memory access using dynamically replicated memory
Dynamically replicated memory is usable to allocate new memory space from failed memory pages by pairing compatible failed memory pages to reuse otherwise unusable failed memory pages. Dynamically replicating memory involves detecting and recording memory faults, reclaiming failed memory pages for later use, recovering from detected memory faults, and scheduling access to replicated memory pages. |
| US08543862B2 |
Data corruption diagnostic engine
A computer is programmed to execute a diagnostic procedure either on a pre-set schedule or asynchronously in response to an event, such as an error message, or a user command. When executed, the diagnostic procedure automatically checks for integrity of one or more portions of data in the computer, to identify any failure(s). In some embodiments, the failure(s) may be displayed to a human, after revalidation to exclude any failure that no longer exists. |
| US08543859B2 |
Host detection circuit powered from primary side of the alternating current adaptor for detecting changes to a power level pulse of an information handling system
A method for managing an alternating current adaptor system is disclosed. A direct current voltage is received at a high impedance power delivery network from a primary side of an alternating current adaptor system. An isolated voltage is output from the high impedance power delivery network to components of a secondary side of the alternating current adaptor system. A transition in a power state identification of an information handling system associated with the alternating current adaptor system is detected. An output voltage level of the alternating current adaptor system is alternated in response to the transition in the power state identification of the information handling system. |
| US08543855B2 |
Energy efficient multifunction printing systems and methods for exiting low power mode
Multifunction document processing systems and operating methods are presented for energy efficient transitions from low power mode to a partially functional mode in which only certain document processing components are initialized and powered in order to support document processing tasks selected by a user. |
| US08543851B2 |
System and method for microeconomic optimization of power usage in a device
A system and method for optimizing power distribution in a closed system. In an electronic device, one may apply a plurality of driving algorithms for components that provide different variations functionality. Thus, each component may be operated according to one of several different algorithms depending on the level and manner of functionality needed. In this manner, the overall system may be optimized for any number of operating modes such that each component may conserve electrical power usage while still providing the needed functionality for specific components during each operating mode. Such an optimization assessment may be a function of an economic model applied to the system whereby functionality and components are assigned specific values and costs based on the required functionality for any given task. Thus, the amount of power available may be allocated in an efficient manner based on a cost-benefit analysis. |
| US08543847B2 |
Redundant power supply configuration for a data center
A redundant power supply configuration for a data center is provided. A method includes receiving instructions to operate power supplies at a high current mode. An individual current for each of the power supplies is calculated to total a high current at the high current mode. The power supplies are operated at the high current mode to provide the high current at the high current mode. In response to operation at the high current mode being complete, the power supplies are operated at a normal mode to provide a normal current at the normal current mode. |
| US08543844B2 |
Inline power control
A physical layer for an inline power device of a network power system. The network power system includes inline power devices such as power source equipment and a plurality of powered devices and further includes a plurality of corresponding transmission media. The plurality of transmission media are connected to the corresponding power source equipment and powered devices through a power interface at each end of the transmission media. The multiple power interfaces of the power source equipment are often referred to as ports. For each port of the power source equipment and the plurality of powered devices, there exists a physical layer. The physical layer includes an inline power control signal source. The inline power control signal designates when to apply power to a port when there is no power applied to the port and when to remove power from the port when there is power applied to the port. |
| US08543843B1 |
Virtual core management
A virtual core management system including one or more physical cores, a virtual core including a collection of logical states associated with the execution of a program, and a virtual core management component configured to map the virtual core to one of the one or more physical cores based upon power management considerations. |
| US08543842B2 |
System and methods for secure transaction management and electronics rights protection
The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node. These techniques may be used to support an all-electronic information distribution, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.” |
| US08543839B2 |
Electronic device and method of software or firmware updating of an electronic device
An electronic device is provided having a memory driver unit for reading partition headers including encrypted version numbers from a memory and for writing updated encrypted version numbers to the memory. The electronic device has an update agent unit for controlling a software or firmware update, a one-time programmable memory for storing a first value, and an encrypt-decrypt unit for decrypting the partition headers stored in the memory. The update agent is configured to compare the retrieved version numbers with a version number from a software or firmware update. The first value is incremented and stored in the one-time programmable memory if an update is performed. The encrypt-decrypt unit is configured to encrypt the version numbers of the software or firmware update based on the new first value. The memory driver unit is configured to write a new partition header with the updated encrypted version numbers into the memory. |
| US08543834B1 |
Voice authentication and command
Methods, systems, and apparatus for voice authentication and command. In an aspect, a method comprises: receiving, by a data processing apparatus that is operating in a locked mode, audio data that encodes an utterance of a user, wherein the locked mode prevents the data processing apparatus from performing at least one action; providing, while the data processing apparatus is operating in the locked mode, the audio data to a voice biometric engine and a voice action engine; receiving, while the data processing apparatus is operating in the locked mode, an indication from the voice biometric engine that the user has been biometrically authenticated; and in response to receiving the indication, triggering the voice action engine to process a voice action that is associated with the utterance. |
| US08543831B2 |
System and method for establishing data connections between electronic devices
A system and method is disclosed, including establishing of data connections between electronic devices. One embodiment provides a method for establishing a data connection between a first and a second electronic device, wherein establishing the data connection is authorized by executing at least one action with at least one physical tool. |
| US08543830B1 |
Method and apparatus for connecting to a security token without restarting an application
A method and apparatus for reconnecting a security token without restarting an application that supports use of the security token. In some embodiments, the method establishes at least one session for an application with a security token that is used to authenticate application data associated with the application, creates dynamic session data including cryptographic information associated with the security token, detects an occurrence of the security token being disconnected and, upon detecting the occurrence, terminates all established sessions and deleting the cryptographic information from the dynamic session data. |
| US08543829B2 |
Token device re-synchronization through a network solution
A system is illustrated as including a One-Time Password (OTP) device operatively coupled to a computer system to receive data, and a server operatively coupled to the computer system via a network connection. A method is illustrated as including initiating a transmission control protocol (TCP) and internet protocol (IP) connection, requesting a current time, receiving the current time, and updating a clock to reflect the current time. An apparatus including one or more processors to generate two or more clock values, pass these two or more clock values through a hashing function to generate two or more One Time Password (OTP) tokens, display these two or more OTP tokens on a screen, transmit data through a Universal Serial Bus (USB), and receive data through a Universal Serial Bus (USB). |
| US08543828B2 |
Authenticating a user with hash-based PIN generation
Systems and methods for authenticating a user of a service are disclosed. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is generated using a plurality of variables, and a user is authenticated by comparing the PIN generated at the user's mobile device with a PIN generated on an authentication server. The authentication enables the user to access a service or resource hosted on a host server. When requesting access to the resource, the user generates a device PIN and transmits the device PIN along with their unique key into the host server. The host server forwards the device PIN and the key to the authentication server. The authentication server generates a server PIN and compares the server PIN to the device PIN. If the two PINS match, the authentication server transmits a successful authentication response to the host server. |
| US08543827B2 |
Methods and systems for providing access control to secured data
In a system for providing access control management to electronic data, techniques to secure the electronic data and keep the electronic data secured at all times are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a secured file or secured document includes two parts: an attachment, referred to as a header, and an encrypted document or data portion. The header includes security information that points to or includes the access rules and a file key. The access rules facilitate restrictive access to the secured document and essentially determine who/when/how/where the secured document can be accessed. The file key is used to encrypt/decrypt the encrypted data portion. Only those who have the proper access privileges are permitted to retrieve the file key to encrypt/decrypt the encrypted data portion. |
| US08543825B2 |
Method and apparatus for input of coded image data
An image input device which includes a means for inputting image data, a memory for storing secret information and an operator for carrying out an operation by using the image data and the secret information. |
| US08543824B2 |
Safe distribution and use of content
A cryptographic hash of content (e.g., applications, documents, widgets, software, music, videos, etc.) is created and made available for distribution over a network (or by other means) as part of a ticket file. The ticket file can be cryptographically signed to ensure its authenticity. The ticket file and content can be downloaded separately (e.g., from different websites) to a user system (e.g., a computer, mobile phone, media player/recorder, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.). The user system verifies the signature of the ticket file and the content hash to ensure that the content has not been compromised. The ticket file can include information relating to downloading the content (e.g., a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI)) and other meta-data (e.g., hash type, content information, public key, size, version, etc.). |
| US08543818B2 |
Controlling communications
A gateway, program and method for use in a packet-based communication system. The gateway comprises: a connection to a public packet-based network comprising a public-network server and a plurality of public-network user terminals; a connection to a private packet-based network comprising a private-network server and a plurality of private-network user terminals each installed with a public-network communication client; a processing device arranged to receive a login request from a public-network client of a private-network user terminal, and in response to initiate both a private-network authentication procedure involving the private-network server and a public-network authentication procedure involving the public-network server, so as subject to both authentication procedures to enable establishment of a communication channel between one of the public-network user terminals and the public-network client of the private-network user terminal; wherein the processing device is further configured to apply a control policy to communications occurring over said channel. |
| US08543817B1 |
Secure indentification and authorization apparatus and method
A cryptographic system that continuously identifies both the client and server applications/systems without the need for long term secret keying material or traditional encryption techniques. This system continuously derives its keying material from the previous transactionally bound conversation between the client and the server as well as nonces from the server. Because the primary keying material is derived by both the client and server from the transactionally bounded conversation, you can not spoof either the client or the server. The provides for a method for both the client and the server to assure that they are talking to the appropriate peer. All attacks that attempt to copy, forge, or replay the keying material are detected and bound. |
| US08543803B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for accurate automated scheduling of computer suspend and resume
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for suspend-resume scheduling in conjunction with an operation requiring a suspend-resume cycle of a computer 200, including updating, for purposes of system configuration management, a non-volatile memory 506, such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”) 702. A control module 402 sends 806 a request to update the EEPROM 702. A suspend module 404 suspends 818 an operating system 204. A standby module 406 prepares 904 the computer 200 to enter a standby state, estimates 914 a sufficient amount of time to enter the standby state, places 916 the estimate into an alarm register 608, and then enters 918 the standby state. An update module 308 exits 1004 the standby state in response to an alarm signal 612, receives the request if present 1008, writes 1012 the EEPROM 702 with the updated information, and resumes 1018 the operating system 204. |
| US08543802B2 |
Booting in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for booting in systems having devices coupled in a chained configuration. One or more embodiments include a host and a number of devices coupled to the host in a chained configuration, wherein at least one of the number of devices is a bootable device and the at least one bootable device is not directly coupled to the host. |
| US08543801B2 |
Booting method using a backup memory in place of a failed main memory
A method for booting a computer system is disclosed. The computer system has a main memory. The method includes the steps of providing a backup memory, replacing the main memory by the backup memory when the computer system is booted and the main memory fails to operate normally, and decompressing the program codes of the BIOS to the backup memory to perform the backup booting procedure. |
| US08543797B1 |
Managed desktop system
A method and system of operating an actual or virtual desktop or server and managing such desktops and servers involves a cache appliance serving desktop, operating system, and application objects to a managed machine. The objects are composited together to present a normal file structure to the user, with all user configuration and data stored in the desktop object. Management requirements are minimized to maintain operating system and application objects, while users maintain distinct and customizable desktops. |
| US08543792B1 |
Memory access techniques including coalesing page table entries
A memory access technique, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, includes coalescing mappings between virtual memory and physical memory when a contiguous plurality of virtual pages map to a contiguous plurality of physical pages. Any of the coalesced mappings are sufficient to map all pages within the coalesced region. Accordingly, a memory subsystem can cache a single coalesced mapping and not all of them. The single cached coalesced mapping may be used to translate all of the virtual addresses to physical addresses for the corresponding contiguous memory space. |
| US08543789B2 |
System and method for managing a storage array
Systems and methods for managing a storage array are disclosed. A method may include segmenting each of a plurality of physical storage resources into a first storage area and a second storage area. The method may also include activating a first logical unit including each first storage area of the plurality of physical storage resources. The method may additionally include placing at least one designated physical resource of the plurality of physical storage resources in a powersave mode. The method may further include activating a second logical unit including the second storage areas of some of the plurality of physical storage resources but not the at least one designated physical storage resource. Moreover, the method may include storing data associated with a write operation intended for the at least one designated physical storage resource to the second logical unit. |
| US08543786B2 |
Computer system and computer system management method for adding an unused real volume to a pool
A computer system of the present invention selects and executes an appropriate action in a case where capacity of a pool that provides a real storage area to a virtual logical volume is insufficient. A management computer determines, based on a utilization status of each pool, whether or not there exists a prescribed pool that requires pool size expansion. The management computer, in a case where the prescribed pool is detected, selects at least any one of a volume addition method for adding an unused real volume to the prescribed pool and a data migration method for migrating data of the virtual logical volume to another pool other than the prescribed pool, and expands a pool size of the prescribed pool in accordance with the selected method. |
| US08543785B2 |
Protocol for managed copy of media content
Various embodiments allow for managed copies of multimedia content to be made by end users. The managed copy process can ensure that end users can make legitimate and controlled copies of content while, at the same time, give content producers the ability to control and authorize such copies. |
| US08543775B2 |
Preventing unintended loss of transactional data in hardware transactional memory systems
A method and apparatus are disclosed for implementing early release of speculatively read data in a hardware transactional memory system. A processing core comprises a hardware transactional memory system configured to receive an early release indication for a specified word of a group of words in a read set of an active transaction. The early release indication comprises a request to remove the specified word from the read set. In response to the early release request, the processing core removes the group of words from the read set only after determining that no word in the group other than the specified word has been speculatively read during the active transaction. |
| US08543772B2 |
Invalidating translation lookaside buffer entries in a virtual machine (VM) system
One embodiment of the present invention is a technique to invalidate entries in a translation lookaside buffer (TLB). A TLB in a processor has a plurality of TLB entries. Each TLB entry is associated with a virtual machine extension (VMX) tag word indicating if the associated TLB entry is invalidated according to a processor mode when an invalidation operation is performed. The processor mode is one of execution in a virtual machine (VM) and execution not in a virtual machine. The invalidation operation belongs to a non-empty set of invalidation operations composed of a union of (1) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate a variable number of TLB entries, (2) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate exactly one TLB entry, (3) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate the plurality of TLB entries, (4) a possibly empty set of operations that enable and disable use of virtual memory, and (5) a possibly empty set of operations that configure physical address size, page size or other virtual memory system behavior in a manner that changes the manner in which a physical machine interprets the TLB entries. |
| US08543765B2 |
Efficient data prefetching in the presence of load hits
A memory subsystem in a microprocessor includes a first-level cache, a second-level cache, and a prefetch cache configured to speculatively prefetch cache lines from a memory external to the microprocessor. The second-level cache and the prefetch cache are configured to allow the same cache line to be simultaneously present in both. If a request by the first-level cache for a cache line hits in both the second-level cache and in the prefetch cache, the prefetch cache invalidates its copy of the cache line and the second-level cache provides the cache line to the first-level cache. |
| US08543763B2 |
Redundant array of independent disks raid controller and system
A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller includes a host interface, a processing core and a storage interface. The processing core is connected to a host and a hard disk. The RAID controller includes a halt control pin connected to the processing core and a control signal line in the host. The processing core receives a first level sent through the control signal line by the host when the hard disk is in a standby state, and halt an execution of a program in the processing core according to the first level; receives a second level sent through the control signal line by the host when the host receives a service request, and resume the execution of the program according to the second level; and receive the service request sent by the host and send the received service request to the hard disk to awaken the hard disk. |
| US08543762B2 |
Computer system for controlling allocation of physical links and method thereof
The computer system of the present invention has a plurality of SAS target devices, an SAS initiator device, and a service delivery subsystem that is connected to each SAS target device by means of a physical link that is physical wiring and connected to the SAS initiator device by means of a wide link constituted by a plurality of physical links. The SAS initiator device controls how many physical links in the wide link are allocated to a particular SAS target device, whereby access from the SAS initiator device to the SAS target device is made via a physical link that is allocated to the SAS target device and is not made via a physical link that is not allocated to the SAS target device. |
| US08543761B2 |
Zero rebuild extensions for raid
Disclosed is a method of reliably operating a RAID storage system. A first block of data is striped across a plurality of drives following a CRUSH algorithm. The first block of data is again striped across a second plurality of drives to a D′+P′ stripe and placed on free drive space following the CRUSH algorithm. The data is written in an asynchronous fashion and possibly at a time when system utilization is low. |
| US08543756B2 |
Solid-state drive command grouping
A method and other embodiments associated with solid-state drive command grouping are described. In one embodiment, a first command and a second command are grouped into a command pack, where the first command and the second command do not share a common channel for execution. A solid-state drive is controlled to execute the command pack on the solid-state drive, where executing the command pack causes the first command and the second command to execute concurrently on separate channels. |
| US08543755B2 |
Mitigation of embedded controller starvation in real-time shared SPI flash architecture
An embedded controller includes a microcontroller core, a first bus interface that does not support bus arbitration, a second bus interface and memory control circuitry. The first bus interface is configured to receive and transmit memory transactions from and to a Central Processing Unit (CPU) chipset. The second bus interface is configured to communicate with a memory and to transfer the memory transactions of the CPU chipset to and from the memory. The memory control circuitry is configured to evaluate a starvation condition that identifies an inability of the microcontroller core to access the memory via the second bus interface due to the memory transactions transferred between the CPU chipset and the memory via the first and second bus interfaces, and to invoke a predefined corrective action when the starvation condition is met. |
| US08543754B2 |
Low latency precedence ordering in a PCI express multiple root I/O virtualization environment
An apparatus and method of low latency precedence ordering check in a PCI Express (PCIe) multiple root I/O virtualization (MR-IOV) environment. The precedence ordering check mechanism aids in enabling a port to comply with PCIe MR-IOV ordering rules. A posted information array mirrors a posted transaction queue, storing precedence order indicator and Virtual Hierarchy (VH) tag information for corresponding posted transaction entries stored in the posted transaction queue. The selector queries the posted information array periodically, such as each cycle, to determine whether the non-posted/completion transaction at the output of their respective queues have any preceding posted transactions of the same VH somewhere in the posted queue. |
| US08543753B2 |
Multi-use physical architecture
A multi-use physical (PHY) architecture that includes a PHY connection that includes one or more bit lines and that is communicatively coupled to a first processor. The PHY connection is configurable to carry signals between the first processor and a second processor, or between the first processor and a memory. The one or more bit lines are configured to carry signals bi-directionally at a first voltage when the PHY connection is configured to carry signals between the first processor and the memory. The one or more bit lines are configured to carry signals uni-directionally at a second voltage when the PHY connection is configured to carry signals between the first processor and the second processor. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. |
| US08543752B2 |
Peripheral component interconnect express interface card with a switch
An exemplary Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) interface card is electrically coupled to a CPU. The PCIE interface card includes a circuit board, a first PCIE interface module arranged on the circuit board, at least one second PCIE interface module arranged on the circuit board, and a PCIE switch arranged on the circuit board. The PCIE switch is electrically coupled to the first PCIE interface module and the at least one second PCIE interface module. The PCIE switch transmits data from the CPU to the first PCIE interface module, and exchanges data between the CPU and the at least one second PCIE interface module. |
| US08543749B2 |
System and method of increasing data processing on a diagnostic tool
A method of processing J1850 requests using a scan tool having multiple processor systems is provided. The scan tool includes a first processor that processes data according to scan tool functions to assist with diagnosing and repairing a vehicle. A second processor receives data transmitted to the first processor and stores the data in a buffer. The second processor determines whether the data is complete to enable the first processor to make a determination regarding the data. |
| US08543747B2 |
Delegating network processor operations to star topology serial bus interfaces
An advanced processor comprises a plurality of multithreaded processor cores each having a data cache and instruction cache. A data switch interconnect is coupled to each of the processor cores and configured to pass information among the processor cores. A messaging network is coupled to each of the processor cores and a plurality of communication ports. The data switch interconnect is coupled to each of the processor cores by its respective data cache, and the messaging network is coupled to each of the processor cores by its respective message station. In one aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the messaging network connects to a high-bandwidth star-topology serial bus such as a PCI express (PCIe) interface capable of supporting multiple high-bandwidth PCIe lanes. Advantages of the invention include the ability to provide high bandwidth communications between computer systems and memory in an efficient and cost-effective manner. |
| US08543745B2 |
Accessory for a portable computing device
An accessory for use with a portable computing device is provided. The accessory includes a keypad and a pedestal to house the control circuitry and provide mechanical stability for the accessory. The accessory includes a metal mass that performs dual functions of providing the mass for stability as well as acting as a ground connection for the keypad and other control circuitry. The accessory includes a connector for interfacing with a portable computing device and an additional connector for interfacing with an additional accessory. |
| US08543744B2 |
A/D converter and programmable controller system
An A/D converter that is attached to a programmable controller (PLC) and sequentially converts an analog value inputted from outside into a digital value. The A/D converter includes: a shared memory that can read-access from a CPU unit that controls the entire PLC and includes a log storage area with a ring buffer configuration for sequentially logging the digital value and a parameter storage area for storing a head pointer serving as a parameter indicating a position where a next log data is stored; and a logging executing unit that writes a digital value in an address indicated by the head pointer in the log storage area as log data and updates the head pointer. |
| US08543741B2 |
Network scanning and management in a device type manager of type device
A method of communicating with a device using a Field Device Tool (FDT) framework, such that the device operates in a process control environment and is communicatively coupled to a communication link, includes generating an instance of a scan capable device type manager (DTM) of type device that represents the device in the FDT framework, communicatively connecting the instance of the scan capable DTM to a communication channel which corresponds to the communication link, scanning the communication link to discover the device using the instance of the scan capable DTM, and obtaining an address of the discovered device at the scan capable DTM. |
| US08543738B2 |
Hardware support for software controlled fast reconfiguration of performance counters
Hardware support for software controlled reconfiguration of performance counters may include a plurality of performance counters collecting one or more counts of one or more selected activities. A storage element stores data value representing a time interval, and a timer element reads the data value and detects expiration of the time interval based on the data value and generates a signal. A plurality of configuration registers stores a set of performance counter configurations. A state machine receives the signal and selects a configuration register from the plurality of configuration registers for reconfiguring the one or more performance counters. |
| US08543736B2 |
Data processing circuit
A data processing circuit is disclosed in the present invention. The data processing circuit includes a decoder and a number of N-stage circuits. The circuits receive input data from at least a memory and separate the input data into N stages. The circuit process and store the N input data simultaneously to decrease the time of data processing in the data processing circuit. |
| US08543734B2 |
System, method and apparatus that isolate virtual private network (VPN) and best effort traffic to resist denial of service attacks
A network architecture in accordance with the present invention includes a communication network that supports one or more network-based Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The communication network includes a plurality of boundary routers that are connected by access links to CPE edge routers belonging to the one or more VPNs. To prevent traffic from outside a customer's VPN (e.g., traffic from other VPNs or the Internet at large) from degrading the QoS provided to traffic from within the customer's VPN, the present invention gives precedence to intra-VPN traffic over extra-VPN traffic on each customer's access link through access link prioritization or access link capacity allocation, such that extra-VPN traffic cannot interfere with inter-VPN traffic. Granting precedence to intra-VPN traffic over extra-VPN traffic in this manner entails special configuration of network elements and protocols, including partitioning between intra-VPN and extra-VPN traffic on the physical access link using layer 2 multiplexing and the configuration of routing protocols to achieve logical traffic separation between intra-VPN traffic and extra-VPN traffic at the VPN boundary routers and CPE edge routers. By configuring the access networks, the VPN boundary routers and CPE edge routers, and the routing protocols of the edge and boundary routers in this manner, the high-level service of DoS attack prevention is achieved. |
| US08543733B1 |
DCOM object control creator
A control creator for developing controls to assist in DCOM client creation. A general-purpose gateway that runs within a Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) environment, and is capable of receiving requests from one or more different types of DCOM clients for service by an On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) style application running on the enterprise server. The services on the OLTP system are designed to accomplish a specific task, for example, update a user's bank account balance following a debit or credit. The DCOM Client can be any type of client, including a Visual Basic client, C++ client, or a Web Browser with Active Server Pages (ASP). The control creator in effect wraps the DCOM server with a control which largely insulates the developer from the details of the DCOM protocol. |
| US08543731B2 |
Method for content responding and content requesting, content responder and content requestor
The present invention sets forth a method for content responding, a method for content requesting, a content responder and a content requester. A content responder receives a first request from a content requester via a network. Then, the content responder generates a first content based on the first request. Then the content responder receives a second request from the content requester via the network. Then, the content responder generates a second content based on the second request. Next, the content responder compares the second content with the first content. After that, the content responder transmits a second response with regard to the second request to the content requester via the network. The second response is generated based on the result of comparison. According to the invention, if there is a very small difference between the first content and the second content, network bandwidth can be saved, the transmitting time of content will be reduced, and thus the waiting time of the user to view content will be reduced. The present invention is particular beneficial to the existing industries (for example, the banking industry) that adopt narrow band network widely. |
| US08543729B2 |
Virtualised receive side scaling
A method for receiving packet data by means of a data processing system having a plurality of processing cores and supporting a network interface device and a set of at least two software domains, each software domain carrying a plurality of data flows and each supporting at least two delivery channels, the method comprising: receiving at the network interface device packet data that is part of a particular data flow; selecting in dependence on one or more characteristics of the packet data a delivery channel of a particular one of the software domains, said delivery channel being associated with a particular one of the processing cores of the system; and mapping the incoming packet data into said selected delivery channel such that receive processing of the packet is performed by the same processing core that performed receive processing for preceding packets of that data flow. |
| US08543726B1 |
Web relay
A method, system, and apparatus are presented in which a web relay/client proxy module is downloaded to a client browser from a Network Security Appliance (NSA). The web relay module intercepts requests from the browser for network resources, and redefines the addresses within those requests so that the NSA can access protected resources on behalf of the client. |
| US08543723B2 |
Home network system with transmission error recovery
A client TV in a home entertainment network receives and buffers an audio/video stream from a server, before playing the stream. In the case of buffer underflow, the client TV requests the server to raise the transmission rate. If this causes an ensuing buffer overflow, the client TV requests the server to reset the transmission rate or stop transmitting altogether for a short time. |
| US08543722B2 |
Message passing with queues and channels
In an embodiment, a send thread receives an identifier that identifies a destination node and a pointer to data. The send thread creates a first send request in response to the receipt of the identifier and the data pointer. The send thread selects a selected channel from among a plurality of channels. The selected channel comprises a selected hand-off queue and an identification of a selected message unit. Each of the channels identifies a different message unit. The selected hand-off queue is randomly accessible. If the selected hand-off queue contains an available entry, the send thread adds the first send request to the selected hand-off queue. If the selected hand-off queue does not contain an available entry, the send thread removes a second send request from the selected hand-off queue and sends the second send request to the selected message unit. |
| US08543721B2 |
System and method for managing media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media distribution system having a controller to identify a plurality of media presentation devices of a user of the MDS, identify one or more distribution preferences supplied by the user for distributing media content to the plurality of media presentation devices, receive media content from one of a plurality of media sources of the user, determine a media content type from the received media content, and distribute the received media content to one or more of the plurality of media presentation devices according to the one or more distribution preferences and the media content type. The one or more distribution preferences comprise in part media content distribution arrangements assigned by the user between the plurality of media sources of the user and the plurality of media presentation devices of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08543720B2 |
Dynamic bit rate scaling
The invention provides for a download agent executing on a computing device to dynamically select between media files with different media quality for delivery of media content provided by a media content provider. The download agent may select between different media files with similar content but different quality based on a playback rate of the media file, the resolution of the media file, or the encoding scheme of the media file. The download agent may seamlessly transition from one media file to another media file at key frames to avoid any motion artifacts and to avoid requiring a user to restart the media file. |
| US08543718B2 |
Technique for efficiently and dynamically maintaining bidirectional forwarding detection on a bundle of links
A technique efficiently and dynamically maintains bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) on a bundle of links in a computer network. According to the novel technique, one or more “standby” BFD sessions may be established on one or more corresponding line cards (LCs), the LCs having one or more links of the bundle (bundle links). Once established, one of the standby BFD sessions may be selected as an “active” BFD session based on activity of one of the bundle links of the corresponding LC. Also, BFD messages may be transmitted from one of the bundle links of the active BFD session, e.g., the link receiving BFD messages. In response to inactivity of the transmitting link (e.g., failure, removal, etc.), the active BFD session may switch to another available active bundle link, and if no other active bundle links are available to the active BFD session, one of the standby BFD sessions is selected as the new active BFD session. In the event no other standby BFD sessions exist, the link bundle is determined to have failed. |
| US08543717B2 |
Retaining channel synchronization through use of alternate control characters
A method and system to improve the retention of synchronization between the transmitter and receiver of image data across a communication channel. If the control character designating the end of the line of data is corrupted, the receiving system will not recognize that the line of data has ended and will continue as if data is still being received. The corruption of a single bit in the control character will cause the receiver to misinterpret the end of line control word. Since the receiving logic does not realize the transmitter is no longer sending data, erroneous data will be stored in the storage elements. By using an alternate control character as an additional end of line indicator, the receiver will terminate the line of data and will wait for the next start of line control character from the transmitter. Synchronization between the transmitter and receiver across the communication channel is thus maintained. |
| US08543712B2 |
Efficient configuration of LDAP user privileges to remotely access clients within groups
A method and system for restricting remote access by users of directory access protocol client systems without using an directory access protocol “netgroup” option by defining a “remote_allowed” attribute for a entire user group, which, if enabled, allows granting of all remote access requests to all clients, but which, if disabled, allows granting of remote access requests to client systems specifically listed in a “hosts” attribute. In this manner, directory administrators may configure remote access rights for groups of users without having to perform cumbersome and tedious “netgroup”. Subsequent to granting access, the authentication, such as a log in, may be performed on the user. The invention is particularly useful for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) systems, where the “hosts” attribute can list client systems by Internet Protocol address, by hostname, or a by combination of address and hostname. |
| US08543707B2 |
Data transfer controlling method, content transfer controlling method, content processing information acquisition method and content transfer system
A method of controlling data transfer, a method of controlling content transfer, a method of obtaining content processing information, and a system for transferring content are provided. The method of controlling data transfer in a data interoperable environment includes: receiving a request for transmitting data from a client; gathering information on entities which are to participate in transmitting data; forming a chain including at least two entities by using the gathered information on the entities; transmitting a plurality of data through the chain; and receiving an event message for representing a transmission status of the data transmitted from at least one of the entities included in the chain. Accordingly, it is possible to control a transmission of the data so that the plurality of data can be transmitted through a single session and to receive the transmission status of the data as an event message. |
| US08543702B1 |
Managing resources using resource expiration data
Resource management techniques, such as cache optimization, are employed to organize resources within caches such that the most requested content (e.g., the most popular content) is more readily available. A service provider utilizes content expiration data as indicative of resource popularity. As resources are requested, the resources propagate through a cache server hierarchy associated with the service provider. More frequently requested resources are maintained at edge cache servers based on shorter expiration data that is reset with each repeated request. Less frequently requested resources are maintained at higher levels of a cache server hierarchy based on longer expiration data associated with cache servers higher on the hierarchy. |
| US08543700B1 |
Asynchronous content transfer
Managing content is disclosed. An indication that a remote host desires to write a content data to a data repository is received. The remote host is caused to transfer the content data to a branch content store that is nearer to the remote host than the data repository is near to the remote host, by a prescribed measure, and that is configured to transfer the content data asynchronously to the data repository. |
| US08543695B2 |
System, apparatus and method for characterizing messages to discover dependencies of service-oriented architectures
A system, apparatus, computer readable medium and method are disclosed for identifying underlying services of transactions in a service-oriented architecture (“SOA”)-based computer network. In one embodiment, a computer readable medium includes executable instructions to characterize messages communicating among services to form characterizations of the messages. Also included are executable instructions to determine dependencies using the characterizations of messages within a subset of the services. These dependencies can be represented as dependency links interconnecting the subset of the services that effectuate a transaction of interest. By identifying the dependency links, the underlying services in SOA-based networked computer system can advantageously be determined for managing the behavior of the subset of the services and other distributed services of the SOA-based networked computer system. |
| US08543694B2 |
Scalable analytical processing of structured data
An advanced intelligence engine (AIE) for use in identifying what may be complex events or developments on one or more data platforms or networks from various types of structured or normalized data generated by one or more disparate data sources. The AIE may conduct one or more types of quantitative, correlative, behavioral and corroborative analyses to detect events from what may otherwise be considered unimportant or non-relevant information spanning one or more time periods. Events generated by the AIE may be passed to an event manager to determine whether further action is required such as reporting, remediation, and the like. |
| US08543693B2 |
System and method for detection of aberrant network behavior by clients of a network access gateway
Embodiments of systems and methods for detecting aberrant network behavior are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a network interface over which network communications are received from a client. These network communications can then be analyzed to determine if aberrant network behavior is occurring with respect to the client. |
| US08543684B2 |
Method for computing the entropic value of a dynamical memory system
Methods, devices, and systems are provided for optimizing the dissemination of information in various types of systems such as an access control system. More specifically, there are provided various mechanisms to increase the efficiency with which system updates and other types of information are spread throughout an access control system having at least one non-networked reader. |
| US08543683B2 |
Remote monitoring of local behavior of network applications
Computer-executable instructions comprising some or all of a program can be delivered to a client for execution on a real-time basis such that the client receives anew the computer-executable instructions for each new execution of the program. Such an environment enables instrumentation instructions to be inserted into the computer-executable instructions after a request and prior to the delivery of the computer-executable instructions. The inserted instrumentation instructions can be spread across multiple deliveries of the same computer-executable instructions, and they can be modified to account for information received from previously inserted instrumentation instructions. The instrumentation instructions can be inserted as part of the server process, the client process, or as part of a proxy server that can be used at the discretion of the program developer. |
| US08543682B2 |
Quality of experience indicator for network diagnosis
A method, system and computer program product for calculating a scaled quality indicator expressing a quality of experience for streaming media, includes calculating network characteristics of packet loss rate of the streaming media, calculating network characteristics of packet jitter of the streaming media, and calculating the scaled quality indicator based on the calculated packet loss rate and the calculated packet jitter. |
| US08543680B2 |
Migrating device management between object managers
Object manager information is maintained for object managers in a network indicating a device type of devices in the network managed by the object managers and device information providing information on the devices in the network, wherein the object managers have access to the object manager information. A determination is made from the object manager information a second object manager comprising one of the object managers in the network managing a same device type as the devices managed by the first object manager. The first and second object managers communicate to establish a migration relationship between the first and the second object managers. In response to a migration event at the second object manager, the first object manager accesses the device information for the second object manager to manage the devices currently managed by the second object manager. |
| US08543679B2 |
Method and device for creating management object instance in management tree of terminal device
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for creating an MO instance in the management tree of a terminal device. In the method, a processor in the device adds the node value to an unnamed node or a specified node of the unnamed node in the MO of the management tree in the terminal device. The processor sets the node value of the specified node under the unnamed node as the name of the unnamed node. The specified node is a sub-node of the unnamed node or a node from other MOs. |
| US08543675B1 |
Consistent link sharing
Consistent link sharing is implemented on one or more share servers. Consistent link sharing includes receiving a request from a user to store a web page that resides on an originating server to one or more share servers. The request includes a universal resource locator (URL) of the web page, which is a web page stored on the share servers of a content distribution network. The share servers generate a replacement URL for future access to the stored web page. The replacement URL may be shared with one or more users. The share servers provide the stored web page to a user who submits the replacement URL. |
| US08543672B2 |
Method for reconfiguring a ring network, a network node, and a computer program product
A method of reconfiguring a ring network having a plurality of nodes connected by a plurality of links, comprising initiating reconfiguring of one of the nodes in response to a network change message received over a link connected thereto from an adjacent node, blocking said link by the one node, reconfiguring network information stored on the one node, flushing any old queued messages on said one node and, in response to completion of said flushing, sending a reconfigured message to the other node adjacent thereto, and de-blocking said link by the one node in response to receipt of a reconfigured message from the first-mentioned adjacent node. |
| US08543670B2 |
Terminal device and computer readable medium for accessing content on a network
A terminal device includes an access unit accessing content summary information on a server based on location information, the content summary information containing first information and second information, the first information providing association between an identification for identifying a status of the terminal device and second location information for accessing the second information, the second information providing summary information of contents regarding the status of the terminal device, an identification acquiring unit acquiring the identification, a first location storage unit storing first location information for accessing the first information, a first access controller controlling the access unit to access the first information based on the first location information stored, a retriever retrieving the second location information associated with the acquired identification based on the first information accessed, and a second access controller controlling the access unit to access the second information based on the second location information retrieved. |
| US08543669B2 |
Network switch and method of preventing IP address collision
A network switch and a method of preventing an IP address collision is provided. When a new node tries to use an IP address, which is being used in one broadcast domain, it is possible to detect and prevent an IP address collision in real-time, disconnect only the new node which caused the IP address collision, and quickly resolve network environment to the original state that existed prior to the collision, in order to prevent communication breakdown without the use of an additional device. |
| US08543666B2 |
System, arrangement and method for providing numerical analysis data, and numerical analysis data utilization device
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a numerical analysis data providing system. The system can include a server side computer which may provide numerical analysis data to a user side computer connected to a network. The server side computer can record a material name and a property item with corresponding to any one or more types of property values from a mechanical property value, a thermal physical property value, and an electromagnetic property value as for plural materials. Such server side computer can extract one or more types of material property data from the mechanical property value, the thermal physical property value, and the electromagnetic property value corresponding to the material name and the property item recorded by a material property data storage arrangement based on the material name and the property item transmitted from the user side computer. In addition, the server side computer can transmit the extracted data to the user side computer. |
| US08543662B2 |
Method and apparatus for redirection of server external hyper-link references
A message is provided to a tracking server system in response to a client system referencing a predetermined resource locator that corresponds to a resource external to the tracking server system. The tracking server system indirectly provides for the client system to have an informational element selectable by the client system, where the informational element is graphically identified on the client system with informational content obtainable from a content server system through use of a content resource locator. The informational element includes a tracking resource locator, referencing the tracking server system, and data identifying the informational element. The selection of the informational element causes the client system to use the tracking resource locator to provide the data to the tracking server system and to use the content resource locator to obtain the informational content from the content server system. |
| US08543661B2 |
Fingerprints and machine-readable codes combined with user characteristics to obtain content or information
The present invention relates generally to processing audio and video data. One claim recites a method of accessing content stored in a remote database. The method includes: receiving video or audio data; decoding an auxiliary machine-readable code from the video or audio data; deriving a fingerprint, which fingerprint is separate from the machine-readable code, from the video or audio data itself; providing user characteristics or an index to user characteristics; and by using the machine-readable code, fingerprint and user characteristics or information obtained with the index to user characteristics, accessing the content stored in the remote database. Of course, additional combinations and claims are provided as well. |
| US08543658B2 |
Presenting a gemstone in a setting
A ring design machine receives one or more selections of gemstones and one or more selections of settings and allows a user to “mix and match” gemstones and settings and view a selected gemstone in a compatible setting for that gemstone. To present the gemstone in the setting, the ring design machine presents a combination image that depicts the gemstone in the setting. The ring design machine, which may be implemented using a computer programmed by software, may present the combination image to the user in response to receiving a selection of the gemstone and a selection of the setting from the user via a network. |
| US08543657B2 |
Data communication system and method using a wireless terminal
There is provided a data communication method using a wireless terminal capable of accessing the Internet. The wireless terminal accesses the Internet, and then sends a data transmission request to a content provider. The wireless terminal provides the content provider with an IP address and associated information of a data terminal to which the data is to be transmitted. The content provider then transmits the data to the data terminal based on the IP address and the associated information. Preferably, the content provider sends a data transmission end message to the wireless terminal after completion of the data transmission. |
| US08543656B2 |
Enhancement of E-mail client user interfaces and E-mail message formats
An enhancement to e-mail user interfaces and message formats includes a dynamic preview window to view and retrieve attachments and summaries of e-mail messages directly in the e-mail list view or inbox view without opening an e-mail message. The efficient viewing mechanism further allows previews without cluttering the listing of the e-mails in the inbox by allowing the client to detect special preview instructions within an e-mail and run executables within the preview window. The enhancement is applicable to standalone e-mail clients (POP or IMAP based) and to web-based e-mail systems. |
| US08543650B2 |
Method and system for sending electronic mail over a network
The present invention provides a method for sending o electronic mail messages (emails) via a network such as t internet by a mail processing unit, comprising: —generating by the mail processing unit of a user's electronic mail message to be authorized, wherein the mail message comprises text image and/or sound data; —addressing of the generated unauthorized mail message by the mail processing unit; —temporarily storing the generated unauthorized mail message at the mail processing unit; —showing the unauthorized mail message to a previously specified supervisor associated with the user; —sending the authorized electronic mail message to the addressee over the network only after authorization b the supervisor. |
| US08543645B1 |
Live experiment framework
This disclosure generally relates to assigning and simultaneously running multiple client-side experiments on client devices. A file includes information regarding experiments that are available, including information regarding “layers,” which are logical, imaginary containers in which each experiment “resides.” Each experiment is associated with one layer. For each experiment, the file includes information regarding a location and size of the experiment within the layer. When the client device takes an action, a software module identifies a value of an identifier associated with the action. Each such identifier is associated with one or more of the layers. The software module can calculate, for each of the associated layers, a location within the layer based on the identifier value. The computer software module can identify, based on the information in the file, each experiment that overlaps with the calculated location within each layer and cause each identified experiment to be activated. |
| US08543644B2 |
URL-based sticky routing tokens using a server-side cookie jar
A method, system and program product are presented for enabling a session, as defined by a series of related transactions to perform a unit of work, to be created between a client and a particular server where the server is managed by a dispatcher. Modifications to the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) are used to create a method of transferring information form the client to the server. The server implements a server-side storage area (cookie jar) to temporarily store information about the client and the session so that the client is routed to the same server for successive messages in the same session and no reliance is made upon an ability by the client to store or return cookies. |
| US08543643B2 |
System and method for inquiry caching in a storage area network
A system and method for servicing an inquiry command from a host device requesting inquiry data about a sequential device on a storage area network. The inquiry data may be cached by a circuitry coupled to the host device and the sequential device. The circuitry may reside in a router. In some embodiments, depending upon whether the sequential device is available to process the inquiry command, the circuitry may forward the inquiry command to the sequential device or process the inquiry command itself, utilizing a cached version of the inquiry data. The cached version may include information indicating that the sequential device is not available. In some embodiments, regardless whether the sequential device is available, the circuitry may process the inquiry command and return the inquiry data from a cache memory. |
| US08543642B2 |
Method of optimizing data flow between a software application and a database server
A method of optimizing the interaction between an application or database and a database server, comprising the steps of: (a) routing data between the application or database and the database server through an optimisation system; (b) the optimisation system analysing the data and applying rules to the data to speed up the interaction between the application or database and the database server. |
| US08543635B2 |
Digital signal processing block with preadder stage
A digital signal processing block with a preadder stage for an integrated circuit is described. The digital signal processing block includes a preadder stage and a control bus. The control bus is coupled to the preadder stage for dynamically controlling operation of the preadder stage. The preadder stage includes: a first input port of a first multiplexer coupled to the control bus; a second input port of a first logic gate coupled to the control bus; a third input port of a second logic gate coupled to the control bus; and a fourth input port of an adder/subtractor coupled to the control bus. |
| US08543633B2 |
Modified Gram-Schmidt core implemented in a single field programmable gate array architecture
A modified Gram-Schmidt QR decomposition core implemented in a single field programmable gate array (FPGA) comprises a converter configured to convert a complex fixed point input to a complex floating point input, dual port memory to hold complex entries of an input matrix, normalizer programmable logic module (PLM) to compute a normalization of a column vector. A second PLM performs complex, floating point multiplication on two input matrix columns. A scheduler diverts control of the QRD processing to the normalizer PLM or the second PLM. A top level state machine communicates with scheduler and monitors processing in normalizer PLM and second PLM and communicates the completion of operations to scheduler. A complex divider computes final column for output matrix Q using floating point arithmetic. Multiplexer outputs computed values as elements of output matrix Q or R. Complex floating point operations are performed in a parallel pipelined implementation reducing latencies. |
| US08543628B2 |
Method and system of digital signal processing
A system comprises a system interface to receive one or more instruction sets from a microcontroller and to receive digital data to be processed. The system further comprises a controller that is reconfigurable according to the one or more instruction sets received by the system interface. The system further comprises a data path device to perform digital filtering operations on the digital data as directed by the controller according to the reconfiguration of the controller by the one or more instruction sets. |
| US08543624B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus having: an image data inputting section; a storage section that stores image data that has been input from the inputting section; a processing section that carries out output processing of the image data; a history management section that establishes correspondence between history information of the output processing and the image data and manages the history information; a warning section; and a control section that, in response to a deleting request for the image data stored in the storage section, based on the history information of the output processing, changes a mode of the warning given out by the warning section of confirming the deleting of the image data. |
| US08543615B1 |
Auction-based service selection
A method and system for locating a service provider capable of providing service level objectives for a data object stored within a computer system. The computer system includes an information management service for providing customized services to data objects residing in the computer system. One exemplary method identifies a data object such as a file, folder or database that is associated with service level objectives. Service level objectives may include services that can be provided to the data object. The method also identifies at least one service provider located within the computer system. An information management service request is sent to the service providers containing the service level objectives associated with the data object. Responses are then received from the service providers including which of the service level objectives the service providers are capable of providing to the data object. |
| US08543614B2 |
Packing nodes into records to store XML XQuery data model and other hierarchically structured data
A storage of nodes of hierarchically structured data uses logical node identifiers to reference the nodes stored within and across record data structures. A node identifier index is used to map each logical node identifier to a record identifier for the record that contains the node. When a sub-tree is stored in a separate record, a proxy node is used to represent the sub-tree in the parent record. The mapping in the node identifier index reflects the storage of the sub-tree nodes in the separate record. Since the references between the records are through logical node identifiers, there is no limitation to the moving of records across pages, as long as the indices are updated or rebuilt to maintain synchronization with the resulting data pages. This approach is highly scalable and has a much smaller storage consumption than approaches that use explicit references between nodes. |
| US08543613B2 |
Generating a checkpoint image for use with an in-memory database
Additional information is provided in a checkpoint image such that direct pointers can be included in the checkpoint image. Thus, an in-memory database management system can be restored from the checkpoint image in the event of a failure without causing any significant performance drawbacks to the database management system. |
| US08543608B2 |
Handling of expired web pages
Information indicating a time of validity of content of a web page is maintained as meta data within the page itself. A content server, in response to receipt of a request for the web page, determines whether web page has expired. If the content is determined not to have expired, the content server forwards the web page to the requesting user without modification. However, if the content is determined to have expired, the content server adds a warning tag in the content section of the page specifying that the content has expired, and then forwards the page to the requesting user, thereby alert the user of the expiry. In addition, the content server may obtain an updated web page, which may then be provided in response to future requests for the web page. |
| US08543606B2 |
Method and system for automated security access policy for a document management system
A method and system for providing an automated security access policy in a document management system are described. The security policies are applied based on metadata rules. Once a document is added to the document managements system, the metadata rules are evaluated using the metadata of the document. Based on the results of the evaluation security access policies are applied to the document. |
| US08543604B2 |
System and method for drafting documents using an outline table
A system and method for drafting documents using an outline table is provided. A database of outlines is maintained. Each outline includes an organizational framework into which document clauses are inserted to form a document. A request for one or more of the outlines is received from a user. The outlines are filtered by removing those outlines that the user is not authorized to access. The outlines are further filtered by removing those outlines that are not preferred by the user. The remaining outlines, not removed, are presented to the user. Input from the user regarding the presented outlines is received. At least one of the presented outlines associated with the user input is selected. The selected outline is populated with predefined values. |
| US08543601B2 |
Creating multiple Mbeans from a factory Mbean
Provided are techniques for creating a unique class of Mbean in which a “parent” Mbean generates and manages multiple “child” Mbeans. When a user requests the functionality of a particular Mbean, a specific type of Mbean, or parent Mbean, is called. The parent Mbean is a factory method that, rather than executing the request, generates a child Mbean to execute the request. The child Mbean is assigned a name that distinguishes the child from other children of the same parent and the process that called the parent is provided with the name. In this manner, the calling process may use the assigned name to access the specific child Mbean for future requests and the child Mbean is employed to store client state information. |
| US08543592B2 |
Related URLs for task-oriented query results
Methods, computer-storage media, and graphical user interfaces are provided for identifying and presenting rich related sites for task-oriented search queries. Upon receipt of a search query input by a user, one or more query logs are analyzed to determine if the search query is a related to a task being performed by the user. If the query is determined to be a task-oriented search query, search results are identified, as is one or more Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) related to a particular search result. The related URL is presented to the user in association with the particular search result. Additional controls, e.g., search tools that facilitate querying of those URLs determined to be relevant to a particular search result, may also be provided to aid the user in performing the task at hand. |
| US08543584B2 |
Detection of behavior-based associations between search strings and items
A system and method are disclosed for automatically detecting associations between particular sets of search criteria, such as particular search strings, and particular items. Actions of users of an interactive system, such as a web site, are monitored over time to generate event histories reflective of searches, item selection actions, and possibly other types of user actions. An analysis component collectively analyzes the event histories to automatically identify and quantify associations between specific search strings (or other types of search criteria) and specific items. |
| US08543583B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a document analyzing unit that extracts phrases including a pair of entities, to which a relevance label is granted, from document data; and a label granting unit that grants the relevance label. The label granting unit acquires vocabulary syntax patterns included in the phrases including the pair of entities, acquires the appearing number of times the vocabulary syntax pattern appears in the document data from the document data, counts the number of pairs of entities, sets a probability model created from a probability density distribution, a parameter Z indicating validity of the granting of the relevance label, and a parameter a indicating a probability of rightly granting the relevance label, calculates the parameters Z and a for which a likelihood is maximum in the probability model, evaluates the validity of the granting of the relevance label, and grants the relevance label on the evaluation result. |
| US08543580B2 |
Mining translations of web queries from web click-through data
Methods and technologies providing translations of web queries based on an analysis of user behavior in click-through data. These methods and technologies generates large-scale and timely query translation pairs guided by a small set of seed word pairs from a dictionary, without relying on additional knowledge or complex models. |
| US08543576B1 |
Classification of clustered documents based on similarity scores
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method that includes receiving a set of clusters of documents and calculating a similarity score for each cluster wherein the similarity score is based at least in part on features included in the documents in the cluster and indicates a measure of similarity of the documents in the cluster. For each cluster associated with a respective similarity score greater than a first threshold, identifying the cluster as satisfying a quality assurance requirement. For each cluster associated with a respective similarity score less than a second threshold, identifying the cluster as failing the quality assurance requirement. For each cluster associated with a similarity score less than or equal to the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value, reviewing at least a subset of documents in the cluster to determine whether the cluster satisfies the quality assurance requirement. |
| US08543567B1 |
On-demand database service system, method and computer program product for generating a custom report
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for generating a custom report using an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for generating an on-demand database service custom report can enable embodiments to generate reports that reflect a relationship between at least two different objects. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional insight into database contents may lead to more efficient and effective reporting. |
| US08543558B2 |
Support for user defined functions in a data stream management system
A data stream management system (DSMS) is designed to support a new user-defined function, by creating and using at least two structures as follows. A first structure (“metadata entry”) is created in response to a command for creation of the new function, and maps a single instance of a class to the function's name. A second structure is created with creation of an operator on receipt of each new continuous query that uses the new function. The second structure (“operator specific data structure”) contains a path to the newly-created instance, which path is obtained by looking up the first structure. Additional second structures are created on receipt of additional continuous queries which use the new function, but all second structures contain the same path. All continuous queries use the same instance. Repeated use of a single instance to compile and execute multiple queries eliminates repeated instantiation of the same function. |
| US08543557B2 |
Evolution of library data sets
An optical metrology includes a library, a metrology tool and a library evolution tool. The library is generated to include a series of predicted measurements. Each predicted measurement is intended to match the measurements that a metrology device would record when analyzing a corresponding physical structure. The metrology tool compares its empirical measurements to the predicted measurements in the library. If a match is found, the metrology tool extracts a description of the corresponding physical structure from the library. The library evolution tool operates to improve the efficiency of the library. To make these improvements, the library evolution tool statistically analyzes the usage pattern of the library. Based on this analysis, the library evolution tool increases the resolution of commonly used portions of the library. The library evolution tool may also optionally reduce the resolution of less used portions of the library. |
| US08543551B2 |
Collaborative, distributed, data de-duplication
Example apparatus, methods, and computers participate in collaborative, distributed, data de-duplication. One example method includes initializing a layered parser in a first node in a collaborative distributed data de-duplication (CDDD) topology with a first set of de-duplication control parameters. After transmitting some information to another node in the CDDD topology, the method includes selectively reconfiguring the layered parser in response to feedback acquired from the second node in the CDDD topology. The feedback concerns the data provided by the layered parser. |
| US08543550B2 |
Prioritized digital media archiving
An investment value of a media file is automatically determined by recording an interaction with the media file. Further, a uniqueness value of the media file is automatically determined by determining a probability that the media file is irreplaceable. In addition, an archival prioritization of the media file is performed in comparison with an additional media file. An archival storage device stores the media file if the archival storage device has space to accommodate the media file and the media file has a higher archival prioritization than the additional media file. |
| US08543539B2 |
Method and system for capturing change of data
Disclosed are systems and methods for synchronizing data present in a target data set with data present in a source data set. The data present in the target data set is partitioned to determine a partition definition of the target data set. A target message digest is calculated for the data present in each partition of the target data set. Based upon the partition definition of the target data set, the data present in the source data set is partitioned. A source message digest is calculated for the data present in each partition of the source data set. The source message digest of a partition is compared with the target message digest of a corresponding partition to capture a change in data present in the source data set. Based upon the captured data, the data in the target data set is synchronized with the data in the source data set. |
| US08543538B2 |
Systems and methods for redistributing data in a relational database
Systems and methods for redistributing data in a relational database are disclosed. In one embodiment, the database includes a plurality of rows of data distributed across a plurality of slices of a table in the database. The database system is configured to distribute the rows of data across the slices according to a first function based on one or more columns of the database. The database system monitors at least one database statistic indicative of variation in a distribution of the rows of data across the slices and detects a redistribution condition based on the at least one monitored database statistic. The database system is further configured to respond to the detected redistribution condition by redistributing the rows of data across the slices according to a second function based on a different number of columns than the first function. |
| US08543536B1 |
Computerized system and method for collecting and storing universal line usage information in a telecommunications network
A universal line usage information collection system is described. The system includes a data collection component for collecting continuous line usage information for one or more items of equipment in a telecommunications network, wherein the data collection component is capable of receiving information for multiple equipment types. The system also includes a structural database component for storing information regarding the physical structure of the telecommunications network and a relational database component for organizing the line usage information accessed from the data collection component according to the structure of the telecommunications network accessed from the structural database component such that the information may be used to generate line usage reports. |
| US08543534B2 |
Concurrency in event processing networks for event server
An event server running an event driven application implementing an event processing network. The event processing network can include at least one processor to implement a rule on at least one input stream. The event processing network can define concurrent operation of at least two components of the event processing networks. |
| US08543533B2 |
Inferring influence and authority
A computer model finds an originating community member or members, for instance amongst bloggers, scientific researchers, or phenomena in phenomenological systems. In one embodiment, non-explicit causal relationships may be inferred from comparing blogs as a whole. Influence relationships are derived from a weighted, directed graph output and sources of influence are ranked. This implementation is useful for a variety of applications. |
| US08543530B2 |
Card authorization terminal system and card management method using the same
A card authorization terminal system of present invention includes a card identifying unit, a database management unit, and an authorization processing unit. The card identifying unit deciphers card property information stored in a card and determines whether the card is valid. The database management unit determines final card property information based on the card property information deciphered by the card identifying unit and property change information stored in the database management unit. The authorization processing unit calculates charges and processes card transactions based on the final card property information generated by the database management unit. The database management unit generates identification numbers sequentially assigned from a predetermined number with respect to respective card numbers corresponding to the property change information, stores the identification number and the property change information corresponding to the identification numbers, and determines the final card property information corresponding to the card property information based on the stored property change information. |
| US08543525B2 |
Method and system for the automatic detection of events in sport fields
The present invention refers to the problem of the automatic detection of events in sport field, in particular Goal/NoGoal events by signalling to the mach management, which can autonomously take the final decision upon the event. The system is not invasive for the field structures, neither it requires to interrupt the game or to modify the rules thereof, but it only aims at detecting objectively the event occurrence and at providing support in the referees' decisions by means of specific signalling of the detected events. |
| US08543523B1 |
Systems and methods for calibrating user and consumer data
A system and method that calibrates subject data for which a relationship to a target population is not known, so that the calibrated subject data can more accurately represent the target population. In many cases the calibration will involve the use of a differential weighting scheme applied to the data at the constituent level. The system and method allows the values of the observed variables in the subject data set to be weighted so that their incidence is equivalent to that of a reference population represented by a reference data set, even if the variables used in the reference data set to make estimates for the reference population were not collected or measured for the subject data set. |
| US08543519B2 |
System and method for remote melanoma screening
A system and method are provided for diagnosing diseases or conditions from digital images taken by a remote user with a smart phone or a digital camera and transmitted to an image analysis server in communication with a distributed network. The image analysis server includes a trained learning machine for classification of the images. The user-provided image is pre-processed to extract dimensional, shape and color features then is processed using the trained learning machine to classify the image. The classification result is postprocessed to generate a risk score that is transmitted to the remote user. A database associated with the server may include referral information for geographically matching the remote user with a local physician. An optional operation includes collection of financial information to secure payment for analysis services. |
| US08543517B2 |
Distributed decision tree training
A computerized decision tree training system may include a distributed control processing unit configured to receive input of training data for training a decision tree. The system may further include a plurality of data batch processing units, each data batch processing unit being configured to evaluate each of a plurality of split functions of a decision tree for respective data batch of the training data, to thereby compute a partial histogram for each split function, for each datum in the data batch. The system may further include a plurality of node batch processing units configured to aggregate the associated partial histograms for each split function to form an aggregated histogram for each split function for each of a subset of frontier tree nodes and to determine a selected split function for each frontier tree node by computing the split function that produces highest information gain for the frontier tree node. |
| US08543514B2 |
Method and system for managing and preparing documentation for real estate transactions
A system, method and computer product for facilitating closing of a loan is provide. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving transaction information for the loan, storing the transaction information in a memory, preliminarily compiling one or more electronic documents with at least some of the transaction information, outputting for review by a first party to the loan, the one or more preliminarily compiled electronic documents, receiving an electronic signature indicating approval of at least one of the preliminarily compiled electronic documents by the first party, maintaining one or more financing terms associated with the loan, outputting electronic closing documents for the loan that comprise the at least one preliminary compiled electronic document with an electronic signature, and one or more documents sufficient to contractually bind the first party to the loan. |
| US08543513B2 |
Tracking details of activation of licensable component of consumer electronic device
Instead of buying blanket licenses for all licensable components of its CE devices, a manufacturer enables users to activate licensable components on a device basis and then obtains the necessary licenses individually. Seldom used activation modes and seldom activated licensable components can be pruned from future devices, while widely activated licensable components can be automatically enabled by purchasing a blanket license for those components. Characteristics of license requests and the people making them can be used to focus marketing. |
| US08543511B2 |
System and method for specifying and processing legality expressions
A system and method are provided for specifying a legality expression for use in a system for processing the legality expression. The system and method include providing a legality expression language, including at least one of a duty element specifying an obligation that a principal must perform an act, a ban element specifying a prohibition that a principal must not perform an act, an intent element specifying an intention that a principal wants to perform an act, and a claim element specifying an assertion that a principal does perform an act. The system and method further include interpreting by the system a legality expression specified using the legality expression language. |
| US08543509B1 |
Payment system for transactions benefitting charities
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for presenting offers and processing payment transactions. A method includes receiving current location information from a mobile device associated with the user; providing a list of merchants that are in an immediate proximity to the user and receiving a selection of one of the merchants. The method further includes providing to the user for presentation on the mobile device a charge authorization form for the merchant; providing to the user a final authorization form that includes an area for a password that is associated with an account of the user; authorizing the transaction based at least in part on the receipt of the password; and providing a code for presentation on the user device to enable the user to complete the transaction with the merchant. |
| US08543507B2 |
Automated transaction machine
An automated retail terminal in which a plurality of goods and/or services are provided in an integrated system. The integrated system generally avoids duplicating hardware or functions in the course of delivering the goods or services offered, so for example in a combination ATM and Internet kiosk the same credit card or smart card reader is used for both the ATM and the Internet kiosk functions, the same control screen activates the ATM functions and the Internet functions, and etc. |
| US08543504B1 |
Systems and methods for automated invoice entry
The present invention is directed to methods and systems for the transfer of paper invoices into electronic invoices for electronic submission from a seller to a buyer. The systems and methods described herein use matching logic to transfer details of the paper invoices into electronic invoices, thereby streamlining the process of invoicing. |
| US08543502B2 |
System and method for pricing of merchant accounts
A system for managing merchant payment transaction processing accounts is provided. The system includes a merchant initialization system that receives merchant account data from a user, such as to provide a quote to the merchant for payment processing. A transaction pricing system receives the merchant account data and provides transaction pricing data for payment transaction processing in response to the merchant account information. User access to one or more merchant account pricing algorithms that are used generate the merchant account pricing data in response to the merchant account data is restricted to a predetermined set of users, so as to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining access to the merchant account pricing algorithms. |
| US08543500B2 |
Transaction processing method, apparatus and system
The present invention relates to transaction processing, for processing of payments between payer's (usually individual payers) and payee's (usually merchants. Conventionally, a payment transaction involves a user's account details being provided to a merchant device, e.g. by swiping a card in the card swipe of the merchant device. The merchant device then prepares a transaction message including information such as the user's account ID, merchant ID and payment information and forwards that message to a transaction processing system, which may comprise a transaction acquirer and an issuing bank. The transaction processing system approves the payment and returns confirmation to the merchant. In the present invention a device associated with the payer, which in a preferred embodiment is a suitably adapted mobile telephone, becomes involved in the payment transaction process. At one level, the transaction processing system requests from the payer electronic device confirmation that the transaction should proceed and the payer keys in an appropriate PIN to authorize the transaction. At another level, all the transaction processing information is provided from the payer electronic device to the transaction processing system and the transaction processing system or the payer electronic device then confirm that the transaction is authorized to the merchant device. This takes the burden of transaction processing off the merchant and also increases the security of the transaction as the payer is in control. In a further embodiment, the payer electronic device may also upload listings of products and select products at the same time as paying for them, the payee (merchant) being advised of the selected product. |
| US08543491B2 |
System and method for managing trading orders with decaying reserves
A system comprises a memory operable to store a trading order for a particular quantity of a trading product, wherein a first portion of the particular quantity is a displayed quantity and a second portion of the particular quantity is a reserved quantity. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to disclose the displayed quantity to one or more market centers. The processor is further operable to identify a decay rate associated with the trading order. The processor is further operable to cause the reserved quantity to decay based at least in part on the identified decay rate. |
| US08543490B2 |
System and method for physicals commodity trading
A method and system for an electronic commodities trading marketplace along with ancillary tools provide an electronic trading center for world market commodity importers, exporters, and the intermediaries and processors between them. This trading center is offered through its website centered around a 24-hour exchange that provides trading markets for commodities such as coffee, sugar, cocoa and cotton. The scalable system provides aggregated third party services linked to both front and back office operations. These services can include items such as live futures quotes and real-time news, futures brokerage, banking and finance links and resources, and a suite of applications tailored to members' specific risk-management and end-to-end contract execution needs. The system also provides access to shipping related services such as freight brokerage, direct booking for liner transport, load and discharge supervision and laboratory testing. |
| US08543485B2 |
System and method for variably regulating order entry in an electronic trading system
A system and method are provided to intelligently limit the frequency at which automated or semi-automated trading tools move or re-price orders in an exchange order book. A tolerance may be input that limits when one or more orders in the exchange order book are moved from one price to another. The system and method assist in reducing the number of orders that are entered into the system which can lead to reduced exchange transaction fees, lost queue position, and reduce network bandwidth consumption. |
| US08543484B2 |
Universal interface to a financial trading system
A method and system for providing remote access to trade functionality at a financial service provider is disclosed. A messaging protocol is provided which allows a party remote from the provider to price and enter into transactions with the provider. The messaging protocol is well suited for use in stateless communication networks, such as the Internet, and requires only minimal support functionality at the remote site to implement, thus making the system easy to use by a wide variety of types of remote systems. |
| US08543481B2 |
Method for aggregating and valuing intellectual property in an exchange
The present invention relates to methods of aggregating and valuing intellectual property in a financial exchange. The present invention provides means whereby holders of intellectual property rights may sell, or license intellectual property to an aggregator and receive shares of stock or cash for the contribution based on the aggregated value of the intellectual property held by the aggregator. |
| US08543478B2 |
System and method for identification of quasi-fungible goods and services, and financial instruments based thereon
A system for creating an underlying instrument for a financial product including selecting a reference item, selecting a specification of the reference item, evaluating the specification against alternatives to the reference item, determining interchangeability between the reference item and alternatives based on the evaluating of the specification in relation to the alternatives, where the determining of interchangeability is based on or includes determining at least one of quasi-fungibility and quasi-anti-fungibility. The method further including forming at least one set based on the determined interchangeability and at least one of determining a financial product and creating a financial product based on or including at least one of the set and at least one member of the set, the at least one of the set and at least one member of the set includes a potential underlying instrument for at least one of determining the financial product and creating the financial product. |
| US08543477B2 |
Value tracking and reporting of automated clearing house transactions
Value tracking of automated clearing house (“ACH”) payments processed by an ACH operator includes receiving an ACH file for ACH processing. The ACH file comprises ACH payments originated by a remote sending point on behalf of a sending customer. A sum value of the ACH payments is added to a value of prior payments processed for the sending customer during a specified time period to obtain an accumulated payment value. The accumulated payment value is compared to a pre-established payment cap to determine whether the accumulated payment value exceeds the payment cap. The ACH payments are processed in response to a determination that the accumulated payment value does not exceed the payment cap. Whether to override the payment cap can be determined in response to a determination that the accumulated payment value exceeds the payment cap. |
| US08543476B2 |
Systems and methods for cash based accounting in a general ledger
In one exemplary embodiment, a method provides a cash ledger. The cash ledger may contain at least one line item and a clearing account. The method may post a payment, which contains at least one line item, to a bank account and clear a business partner account by posting the payment against the business partner account. |
| US08543462B2 |
Placing a purchase order using one of multiple procurement options
A method and system for placing an order to purchase an item via the Internet. The order is placed by a user at a client system and received by a server system. The client system can display information identifying the item and, for each of multiple procurement options having information related to ordering the identified item, can display an indication of the procurement option such that selection of the displayed indication represents an ordering of the identified item using the information of the procurement option. In response to selection of a displayed indication, the client system can send to a server computer a request to order the identified item using the information of the procurement option for the selected indication. |
| US08543459B2 |
Targeting based on intent or presence
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, for campaign management. A method includes: presenting a user interface to a sponsor for customizing targeting information for a campaign including a control for specifying targeting criteria, where at least one targeting criterion includes a presence of a user in a prescribed geographic location or an indication of an interest by a user in the location; receiving a selection from the sponsor of targeting criteria to be associated with the campaign including a selection of one or both of user presence and interest; evaluating content delivery options for presenting content associated with the campaign including determining for a given content request whether a user is present or merely interested in a geographic location; and serving content from the campaign when a content item request satisfies the targeting criteria for the campaign. |
| US08543445B2 |
System and method for direct mailing insurance solicitations utilizing hierarchical bayesian inference for prospect selection
A computer system selects prospects for insurance policy marketing activities. The computer system stores at least one equation that defines a predictive model responsive to a plurality of independent variables and a plurality of parameters and having an associated error component. The error component includes a spatio-temporal error component. The computer system also evaluates the parameters in order to parameterize the predictive model in such a way as to reduce the error component. Further, the computer system applies the parameterized predictive model to a data set that represents a universe of potential prospects for insurance marketing activities. Still further, the computer system generates a list of selected prospects, based on results of applying the parameterized predictive model to the data set. The list of selected prospects represents a subset of the universe of potential prospects. The computer system also outputs the list of prospective prospects. |
| US08543444B2 |
Method and system for assessing compliance risk of regulated institutions
A system and method for assessing compliance risk of a regulated institution. Data on a plurality of regulated institutions is extracted from publicly available sources and stored in an extracted information database. A client questionnaire is created and separated into a plurality of role categories. A list of employees and their area of responsibility is obtained from a client regulated institution. The client questionnaire is distributed to the employees, each employee receiving questions from a role category based on their area of responsibility. Answers are stored in a client questionnaire database. Data on the client regulated institution is located in the extracted information database. Then, based on the questionnaire answers and extracted data, the risk that the client regulated institution will not be compliant with a set of regulations is assessed. |
| US08543442B2 |
Commercial investment analysis
A technique for performing commercial venture analysis involves establishing an empirically-derived structure and evaluating companies using analytical techniques within that structure. The technique may involve defining jobs, or goals a customer is attempting to reach, with dozens or even hundreds of outcomes. Ideally, the structure and tools facilitate analysis that would not be possible otherwise. Moreover, the nature of the system enables real-time input for changing conditions and the ability to calculate returns for new markets in which products or services do not exist. |
| US08543441B2 |
Map association with calendar entry
A map is associated with a calendar entry. An electronic calendar includes at least one calendar entry. The calendar entry includes at least one calendar entry location for indicating a geographic location of where the calendar entry is scheduled to occur. At least one option associated with the calendar entry is provided. In response to receiving a user selection of the option, a map associated with the calendar entry location is provided. |
| US08543440B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for calendar-based coverage monitoring
Methods, systems, and computer program products for calendar-based coverage monitoring are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a coverage rule defining at least one covering entity for performing an activity for a covered entity and at least one period of time during which the multiple covering entities is to perform the activity. Individual calendars for the at least one covering entity are monitored and a change in one of the calendars is detected. It is then determined whether the change causes a threshold criteria to be met, and in response to determining that the change causes the coverage rule to be violated, a coverage warning notification indicating a potential for violation of the coverage rule is automatically generated. |
| US08543439B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf. According to embodiments, a method for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf is provided. According to the method, an indication of the given turf is received. Optimal turfs from where to reallocate technicians to the given turf are determined from a plurality of turfs. Visual cues for identifying at least a portion of the optimal turfs are generated. |
| US08543433B1 |
System and method for real-time revenue management
A system and method for real-time revenue management is provided. Data is received from a scheduling system pertaining to a network comprising a plurality of legs. A sub-network within the network may be identified, and optimization of the sub-network is triggered. A current inventory information value attributable to the identified sub-network is pro-rated, and an expected traffic value for the identified sub-network is calculated using a forecast of the expected demand, a standard deviation of the demand, a gamma distribution equation, and an unsatisfied demand value. An updated inventory information value for the identified sub-network is generated using the pro-rated inventory information value and an optimization equation, wherein the optimization equation generates a maximum revenue value by adjusting the expected traffic, and the updated inventory information value is transmitted to the scheduling system. |
| US08543432B2 |
Competitive availability tools
A competitive, availability prediction system for predicting relative, competitive availability of seating on an airline flight is described. The system includes an availability predictor that predicts seating availability on a competitive flight, an availability system that produces an actual availability response for a flight and decision logic that compares the predicted answer from the availability predictor and the potential answer from the availability system to establish a decision with respect to actual availability. |
| US08543430B1 |
Systems and methods for providing customized marketing information
Computer implemented systems and methods for providing customized pricing information based on limited personal data comprising receiving non-identifying demographic information about a prospective customer; receiving non-identifying location information about the prospective customer; receiving non-identifying information about a property of the prospective customer; automatically identifying a comparable segment of existing customers based on the non-identifying demographic information, the non-identifying location information, and the non-identifying information about the property of the prospective customer; automatically determining representative pricing information based on prices paid by existing customers in the comparable segment of existing customers; and generating displayable content comprising the representative pricing information. The displayable content may further comprise comparable rating and products information. |
| US08543428B1 |
Computerized system and method for estimating levels of obesity in an insured population
A computerized system and method for estimating levels of obesity in an insured population using claims data. The model uses health risk assessment data comprising age, height, and weight information as well as information about health conditions and health behaviors for a member population. Claims data is used to train a two-stage model on the member population. The first stage comprises a support vector machine, a rule-based module, and a generalized linear model that estimates the probability of obesity. The second stage comprises a regression neural network that operates on the output of the first stage and a subset of the input feature vector. Cost and utilizations in these areas, along with overall health measures as well as demographics and social factors, are inputs to a set of pattern recognition engines that perform regression. The output is the estimated body mass index of the member. |
| US08543427B2 |
Weather risk management system
This disclosure relates to a system for managing financial risk associated with weather-based service contracts, and more specifically, to a system based on the purchase of weather derivatives to select, manage, minimize, and redistribute financial burdens associated with costs incurred from the payment of services related to greater than average weather-based events. An option contract having a tick price, and an associated premium at a fixed strike price is selected at a desired coverage, in one embodiment, the desired coverage is associated with a payout with the associated tick price that covers the base price of performing the service for a nominal weather condition, the premium of buying the option, and the price of performing the services for exceptional weather precipitations of a three standard deviation from the nominal value. If a hedge trader offers this service rather than a service provider, the desired coverage will also cover the a commission for the trade. |
| US08543425B1 |
Providing life insurance
Disclosed are systems and methods to provide life insurance. The systems and methods provide techniques to provide an accurate quote to a customer over a website and then allow the customer to complete an application on the website and have that application submitted, while satisfying appropriate state regulations, without the customer having to do anything more. |
| US08543422B2 |
Personalized medical content recommendation
Method, system, and computer program product for personalized medical content recommendation are provided. The method may comprise having a patient medical profile; having a concept or relationship relating to the patient medical profile; obtaining medical content relevant to the concept or relationship; determining a score of the concept or relationship to the patient medical profile; enhancing the score with a context score based on the values of attributes of the concept or relationship in the patient medical profile; enhancing the score with an additional knowledge score based on knowledge of the concept or relationship additional to the medical content; recommending medical content with respect to a patient medical profile based on the enhanced scores. The method may also include providing an explanation of a medical content recommendation based on a matching concept or relationship. |
| US08543417B1 |
Systems and methods for dispensing and collecting data related to controlled substances
A system for providing pharmaceutical manufacturers marketing data related to the provision of samples includes an automated sample dispensing unit, a collateral materials printing device, a product information communication device, related prescription data flow information management services, companion wireless devices, robotic dispensing techniques, and bar code scanning capabilities. |
| US08543416B2 |
Infusion pump with configurable screen settings
A method and apparatus provides for configuring the backlight brightness level. The backlight brightness level can be configured at the drug library and/or at the medical device, thereby improving the flexibility a user has in changing backlight parameters. A method and apparatus for managing a power saving mode allows the user to configure the power saving program at the drug library and/or at the medical device. |
| US08543413B2 |
To-do lists in computerized healthcare environment
Electronic to-do lists are provided in a computerized healthcare environment for managing and documenting events during clinical care processes. A to-do list includes events that may need to be completed and, in some cases, documented during a clinical care process. The to-do list may be generated in response to a selection of a to-do macro including data associated with a number of clinical events that need to be completed during the clinical care process. As events are completed by clinicians during the process, the to-do list may be used to document the completion of the event. As such, clinicians may readily identify events that have been performed, as well as events that have yet to be performed. In some cases, a clinical event in a to-do list may include associated details, which may be used to populate information in an electronic record when the clinical event is indicated as completed. |
| US08543412B2 |
Web-based data submission for nursing quality indicators
A system for surveying nursing quality of nursing units at multiple healthcare facilities via a network includes a first Web client, a second Web client, a third Web client, a database, and a Web server. A staff member of a first nursing unit of a first healthcare facility is prompted for a type of data relating to a nursing quality indicator via the first Web client. A staff member at a second nursing unit of a second healthcare facility is prompted for the same type of data via the second Web client. Data elements are transmitted to a Web server and stored in a database. If the first nursing unit and the second nursing unit are of the same type, the data elements are compared. Results from the comparison are listed based on unit type and healthcare facility. Results are transmitted from the Web server to a third client for display. |
| US08543407B1 |
Speech interface system and method for control and interaction with applications on a computing system
A speech processing system which exploits statistical modeling and formal logic to receive and process speech input, which may represent data to be received, such as dictation, or commands to be processed by an operating system, application or process. A command dictionary and dynamic grammars are used in processing speech input to identify, disambiguate and extract commands. The logical processing scheme ensures that putative commands are complete and unambiguous before processing. Context sensitivity may be employed to differentiate data and commands. A multi faceted graphic user interface may be provided for interaction with a user to speech enable interaction with applications and processes that do not necessarily have native support for speech input. |
| US08543406B2 |
Method and system for communicating with an interactive voice response (IVR) system
Disclosed is a method and system for interacting with an IVR system. In one aspect, a computing device receives a user request to connect to an IVR system to perform an action. A request for information (e.g., a request to select from a plurality of menu options) is obtained from the IVR system. In response to the request, the computing device automatically supplies an answer to the request for information to the IVR system. In one embodiment, the answer is a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signal. The obtaining and supplying steps are repeated until the action has been performed. |
| US08543401B2 |
System and method for improving performance of semantic classifiers in spoken dialog systems
A method and apparatus for continuously improving the performance of semantic classifiers in the scope of spoken dialog systems are disclosed. Rule-based or statistical classifiers are replaced with better performing rule-based or statistical classifiers and/or certain parameters of existing classifiers are modified. The replacement classifiers or new parameters are trained and tested on a collection of transcriptions and annotations of utterances which are generated manually or in a partially automated fashion. Automated quality assurance leads to more accurate training and testing data, higher classification performance, and feedback into the design of the spoken dialog system by suggesting changes to improve system behavior. |
| US08543400B2 |
Voice processing methods and systems
Voice processing methods and systems are provided. An utterance is received. The utterance is compared with teaching materials according to at least one matching algorithm to obtain a plurality of matching values corresponding to a plurality of voice units of the utterance. Respective voice units are scored in at least one first scoring item according to the matching values and a personified voice scoring algorithm. The personified voice scoring algorithm is generated according to training utterances corresponding to at least one training sentence in a phonetic-balanced sentence set of a plurality of learners and at least one real teacher, and scores corresponding to the respective voice units of the training utterances of the learners in the first scoring item provided by the real teacher. |
| US08543399B2 |
Apparatus and method for speech recognition using a plurality of confidence score estimation algorithms
An apparatus for speech recognition includes: a first confidence score calculator calculating a first confidence score using a ratio between a likelihood of a keyword model for feature vectors per frame of a speech signal and a likelihood of a Filler model for the feature vectors; a second confidence score calculator calculating a second confidence score by comparing a Gaussian distribution trace of the keyword model per frame of the speech signal with a Gaussian distribution trace sample of a stored corresponding keyword of the keyword model; and a determination module determining a confidence of a result using the keyword model in accordance with a position determined by the first and second confidence scores on a confidence coordinate system. |
| US08543398B1 |
Training an automatic speech recognition system using compressed word frequencies
Respective word frequencies may be determined from a corpus of utterance-to-text-string mappings that contain associations between audio utterances and a respective text string transcription of each audio utterance. Respective compressed word frequencies may be obtained based on the respective word frequencies such that the distribution of the respective compressed word frequencies has a lower variance than the distribution of the respective word frequencies. Sample utterance-to-text-string mappings may be selected from the corpus of utterance-to-text-string mappings based on the compressed word frequencies. An automatic speech recognition (ASR) system may be trained with the sample utterance-to-text-string mappings. |
| US08543396B2 |
Continuous speech transcription performance indication
Audio data that includes speech may be transcribed to text by a speech recognition engine. One or more metrics associated with the audio data and/or the text may be determined. An indicator related to a metric may be provided for a portion of the audio data or the text for which the metric was determined. The indicator may be presented in a user-perceptible format. |
| US08543394B2 |
Mobile terminal and text correcting method in the same
A mobile terminal including a voice receiving unit configured to receive input voice, a controller configured to convert the received input voice to text, a display configured to display the converted text, and an input unit configured to select a word included in the displayed converted text. Further, the controller is further configured to control the display to display a plurality of possible candidate words corresponding to the selected word in an arrangement in which a corresponding displayed candidate word is displayed with a proximity from the selected word that is based on how similar the corresponding candidate word is to the selected word. |
| US08543393B2 |
Systems and methods of improving automated speech recognition accuracy using statistical analysis of search terms
Systems and methods of improving speech recognition accuracy using statistical analysis of word or phrase-based search terms are disclosed. An illustrative system for statistically analyzing search terms includes an interface adapted to receive a text-based search term, a textual-linguistic analysis module that detects textual features within the search term and generates a first score, a phonetic conversion module that converts the search term into a phoneme string, a phonetic-linguistic analysis module that detects phonemic features within the phoneme string and generates a second score, and a score normalization module that normalizes the first and second scores and outputs a search term score to a user or process. |
| US08543392B2 |
Encoding device, decoding device, and method thereof for specifying a band of a great error
Disclosed is an encoding device which can accurately specify a band having a large error among all the bands by using a small calculation amount. A first position identifier uses a first layer error conversion coefficient indicating an error of a decoding signal for an input signal so as to search for a band having a large error in a relatively wide bandwidth in all the bands of the input signal and generates first position information indicating the identified band. A second position identifier searches for a target frequency band having a large error in a relatively narrow bandwidth in the band identified by the first position identifier and generates second position information indicating the identified target frequency band. An encoder encodes a first layer decoding error conversion coefficient contained in the target frequency band. |
| US08543384B2 |
Input recognition using multiple lexicons
A word pattern recognition system improves text input entered via a shorthand-on-keyboard interface. A core lexicon comprises commonly used words in a language; an extended lexicon comprises words not included in the core lexicon. The system only directly outputs words from the core lexicon. Candidate words from the extended lexicon can be outputted and simultaneously admitted to the core lexicon upon user selection. A concatenation module enables a user to input parts of a long word separately. A compound word module combines two common shorter words whose concatenation forms a long word. |
| US08543381B2 |
Morphing text by splicing end-compatible segments
This invention is a method for “text morphing,” wherein text morphing involves integrating or blending together substantive content from two or more bodies of text into a single body of text based on locations of linguistic commonality among the two or more bodies of text. This method entails: identifying pairs of “Synonym-Different-Synonym” (SDS) text segments between an import body of text and an export body of text; and, for each selected pair of SDS text segments, substituting some or all of the SDS text segment from the export body of text for some or all of the SDS text segment in the import body of text. In some respects, this method is analogous to splicing and substituting gene segments with compatible starting and ending sequences, but different middle sequences. Text morphing as disclosed herein can be useful for creative ideation, product development, integrative search engines, and entertainment purposes. |
| US08543375B2 |
Multi-mode input method editor
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which an input method editor receives composition inputs and determines language context values based on the composition inputs. Candidate selections based on the language context values and the composition inputs are identified. |
| US08543374B2 |
Translation system combining hierarchical and phrase-based models
A method comprises: receiving or generating bi-content including source content in a source language or format and corresponding target content in a target language or format, wherein the target language or format is different from the source language or format; generating a source weighted finite state automaton representing the source content of the bi-content; generating a target weighted finite state automaton representing the target content of the bi-content; and computing a bilateral intersection between (i) the source weighted finite state automaton, (ii) a synchronous weighted context-free grammar comprising synchronized grammars for the source language or format and the target language or format, and (iii) the target weighted finite state automaton to generate an enriched synchronous weighted context free grammar. |
| US08543371B2 |
Write-protected storage medium, write-protected apparatus, and write-protected environment
An emulation apparatus includes a translator, a first memory map, a second memory map, and a rewriting unit. The translator translates an instruction output from the target program to an instruction executable by the emulation apparatus. The first memory map is located in a memory region for use by the target program and is write-protected based on operation environment of the emulation apparatus. The second memory map is write-protected based on at least one of the execution environment of the target program and content of the instruction from the target program. The rewriting unit rewrites a first write instruction output from the translator to a second write instruction to the second memory map when the first write instruction causes a write protection violation to the first memory map. |
| US08543365B1 |
Computer-readable medium, a method and an apparatus for designing and simulating electrodynamic machines implementing conical and cylindrical magnets
A method, apparatus, system and computer-readable medium for designing and/or simulating electrodynamic machinery are disclosed to, among other things, optimize one or more performance characteristics by manipulating structural and/or functional characteristics of the constituent components of an electrodynamic machine. According to the various embodiments, a motor designer can create a new motor design by modeling a rotor-stator structure to design and/or simulate electrodynamic machines that implement, for example, conically shaped magnets and accompanying field pole members. |
| US08543360B2 |
Parallel simulation of general electrical and mixed-domain circuits
A new method for simulation of general electrical circuits on parallel computing platforms is disclosed. Parallel simulation of general time-domain circuits that are represented by nonlinear/linear differential algebraic equations is accomplished by partitioning them into smaller subcircuits via a novel combination of the companion form representation of the given circuit and an efficient form of node splitting, during Newton Raphson iterations, at any time point. The new invention formulates the interface vectors between partitions, through purely binary vectors, leading to a high degree of parallelism, scalability and reduced computational and communication costs for synchronizing the solutions between various partitions. Parallel platforms considered can be diverse such as (including but not restricted to) multicore CPUs, distributed systems of computers. The new invention also provides for scalable parallel simulation of mixed-domain formulations, such as (including but not restricted to), integrated circuits, electronic packages, PCBs, electromagnetic modules, MEMS and optical components etc. |
| US08543358B2 |
Method for directed design
The present invention provides a method for generating a directed design for a physical space requiring design comprising the steps of (a) maintaining a main computer, wherein the main computer is capable of exchanging data with a remote computer; (b) acquiring digitally encoded signals representing an image of the physical space; (c) storing the digitally encoded signals in a imaging computer storage medium; (d) transmitting the stored digitally encoded signals to a design center; (e) designing an interior design plan using the transmitted digitally encoded signals; (f) storing the design plan in a design computer storage medium; (g) transmitting the stored design plan to the main computer; and (h) providing for remote computer communication link access to the stored design plan. |
| US08543357B1 |
RF power density and field characterization technique
An apparatus and method for characterization of a directed beam of electromagnetic radiation is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the invention can include an apparatus and measuring technique method which uses a model for blackbody radiation that includes consideration all the degrees of freedom due to translation, vibration, and rotation of molecules or atoms that make up the absorber and a heat transfer term which averages the behavior of all the atoms of the material as a function of temperature. This apparatus and method provides an advantage of increased accuracy, substantial reductions of time required for processing, simplification of measuring processes, and reduction required equipment. |
| US08543354B2 |
Glucose sensor signal stability analysis
Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal stability analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to assess an underlying trend of a change in responsiveness of the at least one sensor signal to the blood glucose level of the patient over time. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to respond to the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric assessing an underlying trend. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein. |
| US08543352B2 |
System for measuring a shape, method for measuring a shape, and computer program product
A system for measuring a shape, includes an external storage unit storing tolerances of first and second shape factors defining a design shape of a measuring object; a first measuring tool measuring the first shape factor of the measuring object to obtain measurement data; and a measurement processing unit determining a shape of the measuring object. The measurement processing unit includes; a comparison module comparing the measurement data of the first shape factor with the tolerance of the first shape factor; a verification module composing a predicted shape using the measurement data and verifying whether the predicted shape is formed as a figure; a calculation module calculating predicted data of the second shape factor from the predicted shape; and a determination module determining a measurement shape by comparing the predicted data with the tolerance of the second shape factor. |
| US08543351B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
A portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a plurality of sensors, disposed in the housing, to generate sensor data which is representative of activity of the user, processing circuitry, disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors, to calculate the one or more activity metrics of the user using the sensor data, wherein the processing circuitry calculates a number of stairs or flights of stairs traversed by the user using the sensor data. |
| US08543349B2 |
Test device, display device, and method for checking a validity of display signals
A test device for checking the validity of display signals pertaining to a predefined image includes a device for ascertaining image data from the display signals, device for determining a test value of the image data, and a comparator unit for comparing the ascertained test value with a stored test value pertaining to the image, a validity of the display signals being established in the case where the two test values coincide. |
| US08543341B2 |
System and method for monitoring health of airfoils
A method for monitoring the health of one or more blades is presented. The method includes the steps of determining a delta TOA corresponding to each of the one or more blades based upon respective actual time of arrival (TOA) of the one or more blades, determining a normalized delta TOA corresponding to each of the one or more blades by removing effects of one or more operational data from the delta TOA, and determining a corrected delta TOA corresponding to each of the one or more blades by removing effects of reseating of the one or more blades from the normalized delta TOA. |
| US08543339B2 |
Gamete donor selection based on genetic calculations
Gamete donor selection includes receiving a specification including a phenotype of interest, receiving a genotype of a recipient and a plurality of genotypes of a respective plurality of donors, determining statistical information pertaining to the phenotype of interest based at least in part on different pairings of the genotype of the recipient and a genotype of a donor in the plurality of donors, and identifying a preferred donor among the plurality of donors, based at least in part on the statistical information determined. |
| US08543332B2 |
Methods, devices, and computer program products for geo-tagged photographic image augmented files
A method of providing augmented Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation can include detecting movement of a GPS enabled mobile device along a navigational route and displaying a photographic image on a display of the GPS enabled mobile device responsive to detecting movement of the GPS enabled mobile device along the navigational route provided by the GPS enabled mobile device. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08543331B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for planning and displaying a route path
An electronic map device apparatus, and an associated method, creates a route between a route source and a route destination for display at the electronic map device. Locations, area, and features that a user does not desire to encounter during travel along the route are identified and form exclusion information. The exclusion information is entered by way of a user interface. The exclusion information is utilized in the formation of the selected route. A mapping that identifies the selected route is displayed at a display device of the user interface. |
| US08543325B2 |
Collision monitoring for a motor vehicle
A method for collision monitoring for a motor vehicle, a predefined surrounding area being monitored. The method includes the steps of providing information on the position and direction of motion of at least one object located in the surrounding area, providing vehicle information which indicates at least one position of a vehicle component and/or a driver's intended driving direction, designating an object if it is ascertained based on the vehicle information that the object does not pose any collision risk for the motor vehicle, and signalizing a collision risk if it is recognized based on the information on position and direction of motion that a not-designated object is approaching the motor vehicle. |
| US08543323B1 |
Displaying representative images in a visual mapping system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations. |
| US08543318B2 |
Controlled engine shutdown system for a stop-start system and a hybrid electric vehicle
An engine system includes a stop-start module that generates a shut down signal to shut down an engine. A friction module that generates a friction signal based on the engine shut down signal. The friction signal indicates an estimate of a sum of friction forces between components of the engine. A position module estimates a position of the engine and generates a position signal. An energy module estimates kinetic energy of the engine based on the friction signal and the position signal. A cylinder deactivation module stops the engine based on the kinetic energy in at least one of (i) a predetermined position and (ii) a predetermined range. |
| US08543315B2 |
Method and system for pre-ignition control
Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions. |
| US08543314B2 |
Injection control device of internal combustion engine
A fuel injection control device (ECU) for controlling injection supply of fuel to an engine is applied to an injector that has a valve body formed with a fuel injection hole, a needle accommodated in the valve body for opening and closing the injection hole, and a piezoelectric element for driving the needle such that the needle reciprocates and that can continuously adjust an injection rate in accordance with an injection command signal to the piezoelectric element. The fuel injection control device senses a fuel pressure waveform indicating a transition of fuel pressure fluctuation accompanying a predetermined injection of the injector based on an output of a fuel pressure sensor and calculates an injection command signal for approximating a predetermined injection parameter concerning the predetermined injection to a reference value of the parameter based on the sensed fuel pressure waveform. |
| US08543312B2 |
System for controlling continuous variable valve lift actuator of diesel engine, and method thereof
A system for controlling a continuous variable valve lift actuator of a diesel engine and a method thereof stabilize exhaust gas and improve performance by variably controlling lift and timing of intake and exhaust valves based on combustion state and driving purpose. The method may include, recognizing a driving purpose and combustion state by detecting driving conditions, temperature of exhaust gas at predetermined locations on an exhaust pipe, and NOx concentration contained in the exhaust gas, determining target position and timing of intake and exhaust valves by applying the driving purpose and the combustion state to a predetermined map table, controlling position and timing of the intake and exhaust valves by actuating a CVVA, detecting combustion pressure in a combustion chamber, and modifying fuel injection amount according to the combustion pressure. |
| US08543298B2 |
Operator interface with tactile feedback
An operator interface assembly for a machine includes a base, an operator input device, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The operator input device is operable to move in a direction in relation to the base. The first biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. The second biasing member is operable to contact the operator input device at a second position and resist movement of the operator input device in the direction. |
| US08543296B2 |
Turning drive control unit and construction machine including same
A turning drive control unit configured to control driving of the rotation mechanism of a construction machine driven to turn by an electric motor includes a drive command output part configured to output a speed command driving the electric motor based on the amount of operation input via the operation part of the construction machine; a rotation speed detection part configured to detect the rotation speed of the electric motor; and a drive command generation part configured to generate a drive command driving the electric motor based on the speed command output from the speed command output part and the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection part. At a time immediately before a rotation stop of the electric motor, the drive command generation part causes the braking torque of the electric motor to be smaller than before the time immediately before the rotation stop. |
| US08543295B2 |
Electronically controlled speed limiting system for turf care machine
An electronically controlled speed limiting system for a turf maintenance machine includes at least one traction motor rotating a wheel. At least one hydraulic pump in fluid communication with the traction motor provides hydraulic fluid to operate the traction motor. At least one actuator in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump varies an output of the hydraulic pump. A controller in communication with the actuator commands the actuator to control the output of the hydraulic pump and thereby an operating speed of the wheel. A brake is activated by the controller if a wheel speed sensor signals the wheel is slip-spinning, to mitigate turf damage. A steering position sensor signal is used by the controller to modify brake activation during machine turns. An inclinometer signal is used by the controller to automatically reduce machine speed on inclined surfaces. |
| US08543294B2 |
Coaxial two-wheeled vehicle and its control method
To provide a coaxial two-wheeled vehicle capable of performing a turning movement with stability and its control method. A coaxial two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes drive means to drive two coaxially-arranged wheels, turning reference-input input means to input a turning reference input, and control means to control the drive means according to a turning gain based on a turning reference-input input by the turning reference-input input means to thereby perform a turning movement. The control means preferably brings the turning gain to substantially zero when the coaxial two-wheeled vehicle is in a backward traveling state with a backward speed greater than or equal to a first speed, and sets the turning gain to a value greater than zero when a vehicle speed is substantially zero. |
| US08543283B2 |
Tracking vehicle maintenance using sensor detection
Radio frequency identification is used in cooperation with the computer system aboard a motor vehicle to track service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle. Each component or part of the vehicle that may require maintenance is provided with a unique passive identification tag. The output data from the tag is read by a reader placed in proximity to the tag, and the data is transmitted to an on-board computer module where it is processed, and the service record is updated. A data stream converter may be used to process the information read by the reader into a format that is acceptable to the on-board computer. The data from the on-board computer is stored in a device external to the computer. Provisions are included for notification to the user, the auto dealer or service other agency as needed. |
| US08543281B2 |
Method and system for estimating the angular speed of a mobile
A method of determining an angular velocity of an aircraft includes measuring the angular velocity using at least one gyro delivering a measured angular velocity signal affected by stochastic noise; measuring the angular acceleration of the aircraft using at least one accelerometer delivering a signal representing the angular acceleration of the aircraft; and using a filtering complementary in a frequency domain to combine a sum of the measured angular velocity signal and the angular acceleration signal so as to obtain a hybrid estimated angular velocity signal with reduced stochastic noise. |
| US08543276B2 |
Unmanned autonomous vehicle for displacing feed
An unmanned autonomous vehicle for substantially lateral displacement of feed lying on a ground, comprising two wheels separately drivable by separate drive units, a torque difference adjusting device for adjusting the torque difference between the wheels, a control unit for controlling the vehicle and moving it in a direction of travel by controlling at least one of the separate drive units, a feed displacing device for substantially lateral displacement of the feed, and an adjusting device which is arranged to adjust the height and/or the position of a lowest point of the feed displacing device. The adjusting device comprises a vehicle tilting device which is arranged in such a manner that the lowest point will be located at least substantially off the center line of the vehicle. |
| US08543273B2 |
Cruise control with braking activated brake regeneration
A controller unit facilitates determining that a fast approaching forward vehicle has breached a fast approach threshold and may initiate brake regeneration to slow a commercial hybrid host vehicle in which the controller is employed. The controller determines whether there is capacity in the state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery to permit brake regeneration, and/or determines whether there is capacity in on board air tanks to permit a compressor motor to compress air, thereby drawing charge from the battery to create brake regeneration capacity. When battery SOC is below a predetermined threshold and a fast approaching vehicle breaches a fast approach threshold, the controller sends a brake regeneration command to a traction motor to act as a generator to supply charge to the battery, which in turn slows the vehicle. |
| US08543272B2 |
Distance oriented energy management strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle
A vehicle and a method to control a vehicle includes selecting a trip route for the vehicle using a user interface, generating a charge reference profile of a battery coupled to an electric motor based on the trip, and commanding propulsion devices in the vehicle based on a location of the vehicle with respect to the trip route such that a state of charge (SOC) of the battery tracks the reference profile. |
| US08543270B2 |
Efficient dual source battery pack system for an electric vehicle
A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. |
| US08543261B2 |
Methods and apparati for predicting and quantifying threat being experienced by a modeled system
A method predicts and quantifies the threat posed to a human-operated device based on an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor. A model of the device together with a model of anticipated hazards and the current state of both the device and the hazards are used to iteratively generate an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor or region within state space. Device dynamics are forward-simulated over a time horizon. A method generates a threat assessment metric from the resulting sequence of optimal vehicle states. This threat assessment may be used to devise various types and levels of operator assistance. The human operator can control the device within a safe corridor or region. Threat assessment is based on the nearness of successive optimal trajectory predictions to limits of safe device handling rather than on deviation from a predefined path. |
| US08543257B2 |
Vehicle remote operation system and on-board device
In a vehicle remote operation system that remotely operates a vehicle V using a portable terminal 200, during the remote operation of the vehicle V by the portable terminal 200, when the cab of the vehicle V is not locked, a main control unit 112 of an on-board device 100 does not permit movement of the vehicle V. Therefore, the vehicle V can be remotely operated only when the cab of the vehicle is locked. As a result, it is possible to prevent a malicious person from getting in the vehicle V during the remote operation. In addition, even when a well-meaning person who gets in the cab unexpectedly unlocks and opens the door, the vehicle is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to ensure safety. |
| US08543252B2 |
Onboard apparatus, navigation system, and method for setting display screen
To use the same onboard apparatus and navigation system in many kinds of vehicles. A table in which manufacturers and vehicle types are connected with designs and functions has been previously stored in a navigation system module 21. The navigation system module 21 itself sends the center controller 11 a query about vehicle information (the country that manufactured, manufacturer, vehicle type, using country, manufacturing number), recognizes the vehicle information supplied from the center controller 11, and automatically sets the screen design, function, etc., suitable to the vehicle on which the onboard apparatus is mounted. |
| US08543245B2 |
Systems and methods for specifying an operational parameter for a pumping system
Systems and methods for specifying one or more operational parameters for a pumping system are disclosed. A first suction pressure loss profile for a first pump in a pumping system is determined. A second suction pressure loss profile for a second pump in the pumping system is determined. The first suction pressure loss profile is compared with the second suction pressure loss profile. One or more operational parameters are specified based, at least in part, on the comparison. |
| US08543241B2 |
Method, medium, and system estimating pose of mobile robots
A method, medium, and system reducing the computational complexity of a Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) algorithm that can be applied to mobile robots. A system estimating the pose of a mobile robot with the aid of a particle filter using a plurality of particles includes a sensor which detects a variation in the pose of a mobile robot, a particle filter unit which determines the poses and weights of current particles by applying the detected pose variation to previous particles, and an evolution unit which updates the poses and weights of the current particles by applying an evolution algorithm to the poses and weights of the current particles. |
| US08543231B2 |
Method and an apparatus for processing a signal
A method of processing a signal is disclosed, which includes receiving a downmix signal, object information and rendering information; obtaining downmix gain flag information indicating whether a downmix gain is included in the object information; and generating downmix processing information using the object information and the rendering information based on the downmix gain flag information, wherein the object information includes modified object level information or object level information, wherein the modified object level information is determined using a level of a modified object generated by applying the downmix gain to an object, and wherein the object level information is determined using a level of the object. Accordingly, in an apparatus for processing a signal and method thereof according to the present invention, the signal is decoded using modified object level information based on downmix gain flag information. Therefore, the present invention enables to select an efficient signal processing method according to an environment. |
| US08543229B2 |
Data reproducing apparatus, data reproducing method and information storing medium
When a plurality of items of data are sequentially read and reproduced from a data storing means which stores the data, data suited to a user's mood at the moment or a situation is selected to be reproduced without needing any complex operation. A data reproducing apparatus for sequentially reading and reproducing a plurality of items of data from a data storing unit (104) which stores the data includes: a reproduction history storing unit (202) that stores reproduction history including identification information of data at least a part of which has been reproduced; an identification information reading unit (204) that reads the identification information of some or all of the data from the reproduction history storing unit (202); a reproduction characteristic information generating unit (208) that generates, based on the characteristic information of data identified by the read identification information, reproduction characteristic information regarding a predetermined situation; and a reproducing order setting unit (212) that sets a data reproducing order based on the reproduction characteristic information and characteristic information of a part or all of the data stored in the data storing unit (104). |
| US08543228B2 |
Coded domain audio analysis
The present invention provides methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for determining a measure a similarity of the audio content of a plurality of files. Quantized samples are converted to energy values from files having audio content with compressed formats. Energy characteristics are determined from the energy values and are matched to obtain a greatest content match for a plurality of delay instances. A selected delay value corresponds to a determined offset between the files for relating the audio content of the files. A degree of similarity is determined to relate the audio content of the files. A frequency spectrum is partitioned into a plurality of frequency bands, and a total energy value is determined for each frequency band. The total energy values are correlated for the files. |
| US08543227B1 |
Sensor fusion algorithm
Sensor fusion algorithm techniques are described. In one or more embodiments, behaviors of a host device and accessory devices are controlled based upon an orientation of the host device and accessory devices, relative to one another. A combined spatial position and/or orientation for the host device may be obtained based on raw measurements that are obtained from at least two different types of sensors. In addition, a spatial position and/or orientation for an accessory device is ascertained using one or more sensors of the accessory device. An orientation (or position) of the accessory device relative to the host computing device may then be computed based on the combined spatial position/orientation for the host computing device and the ascertained spatial position/orientation for the accessory device. The relative orientation that is computed may then be used in various ways to control behaviors of the host computing device and/or accessory device. |
| US08543225B2 |
Service panel with microprocessor
A service panel for limiting access to authorized persons. A sub-region of the service panel controls at least one electrically-operated (e.g., solenoid-operated) valve that is connected to service utilities (e.g., water or gas) piping so as to control flow through the valve. According to one embodiment, another sub-region (i.e., a utility controller region) contains a PCB and other electrical controls for controlling the valve(s) and communicating with other services such as a remote transmitter, or an auxiliary monitoring system (e.g., a fire alarm system). The service panel facilitates the use of advantageous features including: emergency shutdown by anyone while permitting reset only by authorized personnel; modular construction so as to facilitate installation of the system. Various jumper terminals and connecting wires provide for programming of the system to accommodate a variety of applications. |
| US08543224B2 |
Active fixation lead with helix securement mechanism
An implantable lead may have a distal assembly including a coupler and a fixation helix secured to the coupler. The coupler may include a helical groove that is configured to accommodate the fixation helix. The helical groove may facilitate attaching the fixation helix to the coupler by threading the fixation helix into the helical groove. A weld may provide a secondary attachment between the fixation helix and the coupler. |
| US08543220B2 |
Medical device having a glass coating and method therefor
A medical electrical lead and a method of forming a medical electrical lead having at least one glass coating between a first and second component. The glass coating forms a portion of a strong, hydrothermally stable joint between components or provides insulation, or tailors an impedance and/or capacitance of an electrode. The glass coating is bonded to at least one of the first component or second component along the length of the joint. |
| US08543219B2 |
Device for modulation of neuronal activity in the brain by means of sensory stimulation and detection of brain activity
The invention relates to a device for controlled modulation of physiological and pathological neuronal rhythmic activity in the brain by means of sensory stimulation, which is capable of diagnostically ascertaining functional disorders in the brain and of alleviating or eliminating the symptoms of a functional disruption. According to the invention, the device comprises a control unit (4), a stimulator (1) and at least one means for detecting brain activity, said means being connected to the control unit (1). |
| US08543214B2 |
Configuring and testing treatment therapy parameters for a medical device system
Apparatus and method support the configuration and testing of therapy parameters for a medical device system in the treatment of nervous system disorders. With the embodiment, the medical device system operates in a manual treatment therapy mode, in which the medical device system evaluates a set of information that is indicative of a system configuration. The medical device system determines if the set of information is acceptable. During the manual treatment therapy mode, the medical device system applies therapeutic treatment to a patient in accordance with the set of information. If the patient cannot tolerate the therapeutic treatment, the user indicates so through a user interface. The medical device system may associate the patient's intolerance to therapeutic treatments that equal or exceed the patient's level of tolerance. Moreover, the medical device system may use this information to prevent a delivery of therapeutic treatment that exceeds the patient's level of tolerance during a run mode. |
| US08543210B2 |
Device and implantation system for electrical stimulation of biological systems
An implantable stimulation device for use in stimulation based treatments for diseases such as GERD or obesity is described. The device is provided with an anchoring unit which upon deployment assumes a shape optimized for the site of deployment. Sensing electrodes and stimulating electrodes in the device are also designed to assume a suitable shape upon deployment. A novel catheter is also provided for easy and expeditious deployment of the device. |
| US08543207B2 |
MRI operation modes for implantable medical devices
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the processor is in electrical communication with the timer, and is further operable to switch the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period. |
| US08543206B2 |
Early detection of lead failure using an impedance histogram
Testing lead conditions in an implantable medical device includes continuously sampling the impedance values of a lead associated with the implantable medical device. The sampling is conducted over a predetermined period of time. An impedance histogram is then generated using the sampled impedance values by separating each measured impedance value into a specific bin assigned to contain a particular range of impedance levels. The lead condition of the tested lead can then be determined based on one or more characteristics of the impedance histogram. |
| US08543205B2 |
Temperature sensor for a leadless cardiac pacemaker
A leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises a housing, a plurality of electrodes coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and a pulse delivery system hermetically contained within the housing and electrically coupled to the electrode plurality, the pulse delivery system configured for sourcing energy internal to the housing, generating and delivering electrical pulses to the electrode plurality. The pacemaker further comprises a temperature sensor hermetically contained within the housing and adapted to sense temperature information, wherein the pacemaker can control electrical pulse delivery at least partly based on the temperature information. |
| US08543199B2 |
Implantable systems and methods for identifying a contra-ictal condition in a subject
Systems and methods of monitoring a subject's neurological condition are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of analyzing a physiological signal (such as an EEG) from a subject to determine if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition; and if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition, providing an indication (e.g., to the subject and/or to a caregiver) that the subject is in the contra-ictal condition. The systems and methods may utilize a minimally invasive, leadless device to monitor the subject's condition. In some embodiments, if the subject is in a pro-ictal condition, the method includes the step of providing an indication (such as a red light) that the subject is in the pro-ictal condition. |
| US08543196B2 |
Lie detection based on heart rate variability
The present disclosure provides computer readable storage media useful in lie detection based on heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and HRV analysis using strange entropy. The computer readable storage medium may have a computer program encoded thereon, the computer program, when executed by a computer, instructs the computer to execute a method of lie detection that includes receiving an input associated with HRV and performing a nonlinear HRV analysis based on the input associated with HRV to obtain a lie detection result, the nonlinear HRV analysis. |
| US08543193B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid interpretive analysis of electrocardiographic waveforms
A method for analyzing a subject-visit group of ECG waveforms captured digitally on an electrocardiograph machine, on a Holter monitor device or digitized from paper electrocardiograms. A cardiologist selects a subject-visit group from a number of subject-visit groups, and each ECG waveform of the subject-visit group is scanned for artifact. Those ECG waveforms containing artifact are annotated appropriately. A determination is made if measurement calipers are present in each ECG waveform, measurement calipers are added to ECG waveforms lacking measurement calipers, and a preliminary interpretation is assigned to each ECG waveform that lacks a preliminary interpretation. Each ECG waveform is assigned a grouping metric, and the ECG waveforms are segregated according to their grouping metric for display and evaluation. |
| US08543192B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing subsurfaces of a target material
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08543188B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating medical devices
A calibration apparatus for a medical device is disclosed herein. The calibration apparatus includes a locating member configured to locate a first predetermined portion of the medical device. The calibration apparatus also includes a calibration member positioned relative to the locating member such that, when the calibration apparatus is attached to the medical device, the calibration member aligns with a second predetermined portion of the medical device. A corresponding method for determining the location of the second predetermined portion of the medical device is also provided. |
| US08543183B2 |
Analyte monitoring and management system and methods therefor
Method and apparatus for providing multiple data receiver units in a data monitoring and management system such as analyte monitoring system where a first data receiver includes all of the functionalities for the data monitoring and management system receiver unit, and a second data receiver unit is configured with limited functions to provide application specific convenience to the user or patient is disclosed. |
| US08543182B2 |
Implantable biosensor and methods of use thereof
Provided herein is a stabilized oxygen transport matrix that includes a reversible oxygen binding protein, such as hemoglobin, immobilized throughout the stabilized oxygen transport matrix. The stabilized oxygen transport matrix is used to transport oxygen and can be used as an oxygen transport region and a reaction region of an analyte sensor, such as an implantable glucose sensor. The reversible binding protein can also function as an oxygen probe within the analyte sensor. |
| US08543181B2 |
Sensor holder for medical sensor
A sensor holder for a medical sensor. The sensor holder includes a housing surrounding a hollow for a subject appendage, the housing having a first channel for a gas volume following the hollow, a first aperture, a second aperture and a third aperture for a ventilation of the gas volume of the first channel. |
| US08543180B2 |
Method and apparatus for total hemoglobin measurement
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for total hemoglobin measurement. A modulated optical signal based on a digital code sequence is transmitted to human tissue. A temporal transfer characteristic is derived from the modulated optical signal. Total hemoglobin is determined based on the temporal transfer characteristic. |
| US08543178B2 |
Superconductor induction coil
An induction heating apparatus that can operate at current frequencies of greater than 60 Hz and at least 1 kW. The induction heating apparatus includes a high frequency power supply, a superconductive induction coil, and a fluid cooling system. A fluid cooling system is designed to cause a cooling fluid to flow at least partially about and/or through the superconductive induction coil. |
| US08543172B2 |
Input device with user balanced performance and power consumption
Operational characteristics of a wireless input device are modified so as to balance performance and power conservation. Power management algorithms may include an algorithm that improves device performance and increases device power consumption, as well as an algorithm that decreases device power consumption and reduces device performance. An algorithm that most closely corresponds to the desired balance of performance and power consumption is identified. The identified algorithm is then transmitted to the wireless device. |
| US08543167B2 |
Display arrangement
The present invention relates to a display arrangement comprising a display means and receiving and/or transmitting means adapted to be arranged in association with said display means. An optically transparent and electrically conductive layer structure is adapted to be provided on the display means. Said optically transparent and electrically conductive layer structure is arranged or structured to form a plurality of receiving and/or transmitting elements constituting said receiving and/or transmitting means. Feeding and/or controlling means are provided to individually or groupwise feed and/or control said receiving and/or transmitting elements. |
| US08543162B2 |
Interface and communication protocol for a mobile device with a smart battery
Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile communication device that utilizes a smart battery. The mobile device includes a main processor for controlling the operation of the mobile communication device. The smart battery is coupled to the main processor and provides supply power. The smart battery includes a battery processor for controlling the operation of the smart battery and communicating with the main processor, and a battery module having one or more batteries for providing the supply power. A battery interface is provided for coupling between the main processor and the battery processor for providing communication therebetween. The battery interface comprises a data communication line and protection circuitry for protecting the main processor from electrostatic discharge. A communication protocol is also provided for communication between the main processor and the battery processor. |
| US08543161B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing mobile terminal events
The wireless terminal selectively stores incoming voice calls and text messages in a common Answer List. The incoming transmissions may be added to the Answer List manually. If the “Answer List” menu option is selected, the incoming transmission data is logged into the Answer List and that entry is deleted from the Missed Call List, Text Message List or Call Log. In this manner, the incoming transmission data may be saved in only one location on the wireless terminal. An entry may also be saved to the Answer List from the wireless terminal's calendar application or web browser application. An entry may be deleted from the Answer List after the entry is responded to. This allows the user to enter wireless terminal related activities in the Answer List such that the list may also include entries that do not arise from an incoming transmission. |
| US08543158B2 |
Technique for providing network access to different entities
A technique for selectively providing network access to various components is described. A modem device for realizing this technique comprises a first platform module adapted to support network access via a Radio Access Technology (RAT). The first platform module comprises a first data interface. The apparatus further comprises a second data interface adapted to be coupled to a second platform and a third data interface adapted to be coupled to an external device. A switching mechanism selectively couples the first data interface to the second data interface to provide network access, via the second platform module, to an application residing on the apparatus. The switching mechanism may further couple the first data interface to the third data interface to provide network access to the external device. |
| US08543157B1 |
Communication device which notifies its pin-point location or geographic area in accordance with user selection
The communication device comprising a pin-point location notifying implementer, a geographic area notifying implementer, a location dependent program activating implementer, a multiple answering machine implementer, a time dependent answering machine implementer, an audiovisual storage implementer, a street address icon displaying implementer, and an audiovisual multiple recording/replaying implementer. |
| US08543155B2 |
Channel access method for vehicle communication handover
A first roadside equipment operates as a transmitting/receiving mode in a control channel interval of an Nth synchronization interval so as to support a handover. In this instance, a second roadside equipment neighboring to the first roadside equipment operates as a receiving mode in the control channel interval of the Nth synchronization interval. The first roadside equipment operates as the receiving mode in a control channel interval of an (N+1)th synchronization interval. In this instance, the second roadside equipment operates as the transmitting/receiving mode in the control channel interval of the (N+1)th synchronization interval. |
| US08543152B2 |
Power control for a wireless communication system utilizing orthogonal multiplexing
Techniques for adjusting transmit power to mitigate both intra-sector interference to a serving base station and inter-sector interference to neighbor base stations are described. The amount of inter-sector interference that a terminal may cause may be roughly estimated based on the total interference observed by each neighbor base station, channel gains for the serving and neighbor base stations, and the current transmit power level. The transmit power may be decreased if high interference is observed by a neighbor base station and increased otherwise. The transmit power may be adjusted by a larger amount and/or more frequently if the terminal is located closer to the neighbor base station observing high interference and/or if the current transmit power level is higher, and vice versa. The intra-sector interference is maintained within an acceptable level by limiting a received SNR for the terminal to be within a range of allowable SNRs. |
| US08543151B2 |
Method for generating downlink frame, and method for searching cell
The present invention relates to a method of generating a downlink frame. The method of generating the downlink frame includes generating a first sequence and a second sequence for identifying cell groups; generating a first scrambling sequence and a second scrambling sequence that are one-to-two mapped to the sequence number of the primary synchronization signal; scrambling the first sequence with the first scrambling sequence and scrambling the second sequence with the second scrambling sequence; and generating a secondary synchronization signal including the scrambled first sequence and second sequence and mapping the secondary synchronization signal to a frequency domain. |
| US08543145B2 |
Short message service management system, short message forwarding device, short message forwarding manner definition information supply device, and short message forwarding method
A short message with a destination of a single terminal device that has been defined by a user on the transmitting side, from among multiple terminal devices used by an identical user on the receiving side, is forwarded to and received by another predetermined terminal device that has been defined as a destination. Communication relay equipment included between multiple networks operated by network operators is provided with functions of temporarily storing a short message and storing information that defines a short message forwarding manner. In transmitting the short message, even if the original destination is not capable of receiving the message, the short message is transmitted to another destination based upon the information that defines the short message forwarding manner. |
| US08543140B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining paging time
The technical solution under the present invention determines paging time by determining the position of the radio sub-frame that includes a paging identifier, with a view to ensuring energy efficiency of a User Equipment (UE). Network-side and user-side paging apparatus and methods are disclosed to perform the paging time determination steps of the invention. |
| US08543134B2 |
Interactive communication and tracking dog collar
A wirelessly interactive dog collar is disclosed, comprising a neck collar having imbedded features that allow voice commands and tracking over long distances, along with features that facilitate tracking and visualization. The device comprises an elongated collar adapted to fit around a dog's neck having an internal compartment housing a cellular connectivity electronics module, a power supply and wiring to a plurality of speakers, light sources and a global positioning tracking antenna. The device provides a cellular phone antenna and means to transmit and receive voice transmissions through a cellular network, facilitating an owner's ability to track the animal and initiate voice communication. Light sources around the collar improve visualization of the pet at night, while the GPS tracking unit provides a backup to cellular triangulation, allowing location determination over long distances. |
| US08543132B2 |
Method of estimating position of mobile node in wireless sensor network
The present invention relates to a method of estimating the position of a mobile node in a wireless sensor network using a passive mode OWR method. The method includes: estimating frequency offsets of anchor nodes and a mobile node; allowing the anchor nodes to sequentially transmit ranging frames; allowing the mobile node to receive the ranging frames and to estimate the difference between the reception times of signals from two anchor nodes; and applying the estimated difference between the reception times of the signals to time difference of arrival (TDOA) to estimate the position of the mobile node. According to the above-mentioned structure of the present invention, a plurality of mobile nodes can estimate their positions with a minimum number of ranging frame transmissions, without using a separate network synchronization unit. In addition, it is possible to easily construct a wireless sensor network for position recognition, and rapidly and accurately perform distance estimate using an OWR method. |
| US08543126B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting high-speed mobile terminals in a distributed antenna system
A method and apparatus for supporting a high-speed mobile terminal in a distributed antenna system. The method includes acquiring information on a position and a speed of each terminal of a plurality of terminals, mapping the plurality of terminals to at least one or more terminal groups based on at least one or more of the position or the speed of the terminal, determining a service end time point at a serving antenna node and a service start time point at a target antenna node, using position and speed information associated with the terminal group, and switching an antenna node for the terminal group, according to the service end time point at the serving antenna node and the service start time point at the target antenna node. |
| US08543123B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling resource allocation to control inter-cell interference in a cellular communication system, and base station thereof
A method and apparatus for controlling inter-cell interference in an evolved Node-B for a cellular communication system with a frequency reuse factor of 1 are provided. The apparatus includes a bitmap generator for receiving scheduling information from evolved Node-Bs of a plurality of neighbor cells, and for generating scheduling information including its cell's bitmap information for the resource allocation using the received neighbor cells' scheduling information, and a scheduler for scheduling the resource allocation for UEs in its cell based on the scheduling information provided from the bitmap generator and power allocation information of the UEs in its cell. |
| US08543122B2 |
Creation of a pilot channel in an opportunistic radio communications system
A method and apparatus are provided for creating a pilot channel in an opportunistic radio communication system whose frequency spectrum comprises a set of frequency bands and for which system the successive frames of a radio communication channel are divided into time intervals. The method includes the steps of: opportunistically selecting a free frequency band from the frequency spectrum, so as to support the pilot channel; sending a beacon signal over at least one time interval of the successive frames of the pilot channel and probing the free frequency band over at least one time interval distinct from the previous one. |
| US08543121B2 |
Systems and methods for usage-based radio resource management of self-optimizing cells
Systems and methods are described for allocating frequency resources based on historical usage data in a wireless communication system. A base station tracks its local usage pattern to generate a set of historical usage statistics. The base station may share those statistics with another base station node in the same network and with a server. The server may generate a frequency resource allocation plan to allocate shared resources most efficiently to various base stations based on historical usage information. Allocating frequency resources in this manner reduces the probability of cochannel interference between nearby cells and optimizes power solutions for local and regional radio access networks. |
| US08543118B1 |
Multidomain, intercarrier network-to-network interface
A method, system, and network-to-network interface are provided for sharing data across networks in different domains. An embodiment of the method includes receiving from a requesting device a request for services by way of a first network in a wireless-communications-services (or other) domain; determining that the request requires information in a second network in a cable-television-services (or other) domain; retrieving the information from the cable-television-services domain; and communicating the retrieved information to the requesting device. |
| US08543116B2 |
Method and base station for energy saving compensation
The present invention relates to the technical field of wireless communications, is used for optimizing an energy saving mechanism, and provides a method for energy saving compensation, which method comprises: expanding, by a base station, a signal coverage area to form a new cell, when the energy saving activation requirements are met, so as to allow an energy-saving cell managed by the base station to switch users to the new cell and to activate the energy saving state; and when energy saving deactivation requirements are met, and if the energy-saving cell managed by the base station deactivates the energy saving state, then switching, by the base station, the users to the energy-saving cell and reducing the signal coverage area. The present invention optimizes currently available energy saving mechanisms and provides a solution capable of compensating the service loss of energy-saving cells. |
| US08543110B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a pilot beacon on behalf of one or more base stations
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing a pilot-beacon on behalf of one or more base stations, such as one or more femtocells. A pilot-beacon transmitter, separate from the base stations, determines the locations of coverage areas of the base stations and then dynamically configures a pilot-beacon radiation pattern to encompass (approximately) the determined coverage areas. That way, a mobile station may detect the pilot beacon and initiate scanning of coverage provided by the base stations. Optimally, the method can be used to provide a pilot beacon for femtocells, thereby avoiding the need for the femtocells to include pilot beacon transmission functions and thus possibly decreasing the cost of the femtocells. The pilot-beacon transmitter or another entity may also be configured to receive and forward GPS signals to the base stations, possibly offsetting GPS timing based on measured delays for communication with the base stations. |
| US08543108B2 |
Method for improved idle-mode signaling in wireless communication networks
A method is provided for activation of Idle-mode Signaling Reduction (ISR) for a given mobile terminal based on behavior of the given mobile terminal, in a manner to minimize signaling load between the mobile terminals and the wireless network. The methodology operates to dynamically enable or disable ISR on a per-terminal basis, using the session arrival rate and timeout data for the mobile terminal. Based on these mobile-terminal behavioral criteria, and preferably using an iterative process at long time scales, the methodology operates to optimize the decision thresholds used to turn ISR on or off. |
| US08543105B2 |
Using standard cellular handsets with a general access network
Mobile communication is disclosed. A standard cellular mobile station at is communicated with at least in part via a standard cellular air link. A mobile communication between the standard cellular mobile station and a core mobile network is relayed via a generic access network. In some embodiments, translation between the standard cellular air link and a generic access network uplink interface is performed. |
| US08543102B2 |
Wireless base station apparatus, wireless communication method in the wireless base station apparatus, and wireless communication system
A wireless base station apparatus performing wireless communication with a mobile station apparatus includes: a transmission unit to transmit data to the mobile station apparatus; a reception unit to receive a delivery result for the data from the mobile station apparatus; and a control unit to determine whether reception processing through a first channel is performed or parallel reception processing through the first channel and a second channel is performed on the basis of a radio line quality between the wireless base station apparatus and the mobile station apparatus or an amount of processing in the reception unit if the transmission unit transmits a permission notification permitting the transmission through the first channel to the mobile station apparatus, where the reception unit performs the reception processing in accordance with the result of the determination to receive the delivery result transmitted through the first channel or the second channel. |
| US08543101B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless base station, mobile station, and wireless communication method
A mobile station that includes a mobile station controller which performs a process of responding to a call signal and a wireless base station that includes a base station controller which performs a determination of a priority of the call signal to be transmitted to the mobile station and a baseband unit that transmits a first call signal having a first priority to the mobile station and that stores a second call signal having a second priority in a queue and performs a transmission process wherein when the second call signal has been discarded, the baseband unit notifies the mobile station of information representing that the second call signal has been discarded and the mobile station controller executes, when deciding the second call signal has been discarded, a processing of an inquiry response to the wireless base station. |
| US08543096B2 |
Transmission of authorization information
The present invention relates to a method for utilizing a mobile station for the transmission of authorization information requiring verification in a telecommunication network comprising the mobile station. In the method, the information to be verified is transmitted to the mobile station, the authorization information transmitted is presented on the display of the mobile station, the authorization information presented is read from the display of the mobile station, and the authenticity of the authorization information thus read is verified. According to the invention, the authorization information is sent in a form comprising information to be presented in a graphic form, and the authorization information is presented on the display of the mobile station using a user-independent function of the mobile station in question for the presentation of graphic information. |
| US08543095B2 |
Multimedia services include method, system and apparatus operable in a different data processing network, and sync other commonly owned apparatus
Architecture for accessing and purchasing multimedia services in a mobile terminal cellular environment. The architecture brings together the on-the-fly discovery of music and connectivity for the purchase or preview of multimedia services (e.g., music tracks). Provided is a music client on a cell phone or other mobile communications device that facilitates the discovery, storage, and play of multimedia content or portions thereof such as music. A user can listen to music transmitted to the mobile terminal device (e.g., cell phone) via broadcast, satellite radio, streaming internet radio, etc., review the music, and buy tracks or whole albums over-the-air via the mobile terminal. |
| US08543094B2 |
System and method for configuring devices for wireless communication
A system and method for configuring devices for wireless communication are disclosed. A method may include transmitting an activation key from an activation broker to a wireless agent. The method may also include transmitting the activation key from the activation broker to a wireless registrar. At least one of the transmission of the activation key to the wireless agent and the transmission of the activation key to the wireless registrar may include transmitting the activation key via a short-range wireless communication technology. In addition, the activation key may include information for authenticating wireless communication between the wireless agent and a wireless access point. |
| US08543088B2 |
System and method of using diameter based signaling to support billing models for visually rendered services
A system and method of using Diameter based signaling is provided to track usage to support multiple billing models for visually rendered revenue generating services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The system includes a computer system includes first program instructions to provide usage information to an accounting platform for processing charging information for visually rendered services in an IP Multimedia subsystem based network. The computer system also comprises a computer readable media which stores the first program instructions and a central processing unit to execute the first program instructions. |
| US08543087B2 |
Systems and methods to facilitate repeated purchases
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate repeated purchase and payment transactions. In one aspect, a system includes an interchange and a data storage facility configured to store payment transaction records associated with phone numbers. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. The common format processor is configured to identify a prior payment transaction associated with a phone number in response to a message from a mobile phone having the phone number, communicate with a merchant to repeat a purchase according to the prior payment transaction, and transmit via one of the converters premium messages to the mobile phone to collect funds for a payment to repeat the purchase. |
| US08543086B2 |
System for schools managing SMS credits using mobile reverse charge technology
A method of billing or charging a receiver for a mobile communication being message, that allows the receiver to receive messages as part of a service, the receiver being billed directly by the telecommunications carrier who then in turn aggregates a revenue share based on messages sent to receivers, who then in turn pay a percentage of the revenue share to the premium SMS aggregator. The receiver can be of a selected status, which is set to a pre-selected schedule and can receive messages without charge or with a charge. This enables the payment system to be simple and efficient. |
| US08543085B2 |
Quality of experience estimation
Technologies are generally described for estimating a quality of experience (QoE) based on movements of a mobile device in a telecommunication system. In some examples, a mobile device may include a detection unit configured to detect a first movement of the mobile device and a second movement of the mobile device, a timer configured to measure a time interval between the first movement and the second movement detected by the detection unit, and a decision unit configured to determine whether the first and second movements are related to telecommunication quality of the mobile device based on the time interval measured by the timer. |
| US08543084B2 |
Systems and methods for providing multiple simultaneous calls from the same prepaid account
Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring. |
| US08543082B2 |
Method and system for transmitting the notification message in earthquake and tsunami warning system
The present invention discloses a method and system for transmitting an ETWS primary notification message. After paging a terminal through a paging message containing ETWS message indication information, a base station schedules the ETWS primary notification message as user data in a sub-frame subsequent to a sub-frame with the paging message and generates control information containing an ETWS ID and resource information on a DL-SCH assigned for the primary notification message of the ETWS; the base station sends the control information over a PDCCH and sends the primary notification message of the ETWS over the DL-SCH based on the control information; and after receiving the paging message, the terminal detects and analyzes the control information containing the ETWS ID by monitoring the PDCCH to obtain the resource information thereof, and receives the ETWS primary notification message on corresponding resources of the DL-SCH based on the resource information. |
| US08543081B2 |
Method of integrating emergency information in a mobile device
A wireless communications device displays an emergency information screen presenting emergency contact information for one or more emergency contacts. This emergency contact information is automatically integrated from the address book by identifying contacts in the address book that have been designated by the owner of the device as emergency contacts. The device can automatically update the emergency contact information by periodically polling the address book to ascertain whether any changes have been made to the contact information. |
| US08543080B2 |
Method of downloading data in a radio communications system
According to one aspect of the invention, in a radio communications system comprising at least one base station (BS1, BS2) provided with means for transmitting data via a communication link (BCCH; V), wherein the data is divided into a plurality of data packets and being transmitted via the communication link to at least one receiving station (UE). To reduce power consumption it is proposed that the downloading of the data packets is halted if it is determined that a data packet has not been received or a corrupted data packet has been received by the receiving station, the missing or corrupted data packet is retransmitted via the same or a different communication link at a later time. |
| US08543075B2 |
Received signal to noise indicator
A method and device may be used to produce a received interference value in wireless communications. The device may include one or more components to measure a received power of a channel and measure an average noise plus interference power of the channel. The device may include a processor configured to calculate a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI) value. The RSNI may be based on the measured received power and the measured average noise plus interference power. |
| US08543064B2 |
Enhanced estimation of uplink interference coupling
Uplink interference coupling is estimated between a first cell and a second cell by adjusting downlink interference coupling between the cells at least according to user equipment UE transmit power per physical resource block PRB. This estimated uplink interference coupling is used to decide whether to take a component carrier into use in the first cell. In various embodiments: the uplink interference coupling is estimated by adjusting the downlink interference coupling according to transmit power per PRB of a first UE in the first cell and transmit power per PRB of a second UE in the second cell; and by further adjusting the downlink interference coupling according to path losses of the first and second UEs; and the transmit power per PRB as well as the path loss of the second UE is determined from signaling received in the first cell from the second UE operating in the second cell. |
| US08543058B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing short range wireless communications within a larger wireless network
A networked computing system that is configured to optimize short-range wireless communications within a distributed wireless communications network. The networked computing system may include one or more base stations, a transceiver device having shorter range wireless communications capability than the base station(s), and one or more user equipment capable of communicating with the transceiver device and the base station(s). Within the networked computing system, the transceiver device is configured to: transmit a signal to detect a regional base station and then determine at least one operating parameter based on communications characteristics associated with the detected regional base station(s). The operating parameter(s) may be a non-interfering operating power levels or a modulation and coding scheme level utilized to facilitate communications between the transceiver device and the user equipment. |
| US08543054B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink scheduling using relays
In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for “early” triggering of a BSR in a relay node. Doing so is advantageous, for example, in reducing the overall time between a UE's transmission of data to a relay node on an access link and the corresponding transmission of that data from the relay node to a donor base station on a backhaul link. Of course, that example is non-limiting. More broadly, in at least one embodiment, the present invention provides for triggering a BSR in the relay node right after learning that there is at least one UE connected to the relay node that wants to transmit UL data. Further, one or more embodiments provide a simple method and apparatus for using a relay node BSR to inform a donor base station about the scheduled status of UEs supported by the relay node. |
| US08543045B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a rotatable fixing roller, an endless fixing belt, a pressing unit having first and second pressing members that press a surface of the fixing belt against the fixing roller, a fixed support member that supports the fixing roller rotatably, a movable support member that supports the first pressing member in a fixed state and supports the second pressing member such as to be movable closer to and away from the fixing roller, a first pressure spring that presses the movable support member closer to the fixing roller, a second pressure spring that presses the second pressing member closer to the fixing roller, and a switch mechanism that switches between a first state in which the first and second pressing members are pressed against the fixing roller and a second state in which only the second pressing member is pressed against the fixing roller. |
| US08543044B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus having sheet separation device
A fixing device conveying a sheet carrying a toner image under heating and pressurization at a nip section and fixing the toner image on the sheet comprising; a fixing member provided with a heating member, a pressure member pressing on the fixing member and forming the nip section which sandwiches the sheet carrying the toner image; a blower duct equipped with an outlet opening toward a vicinity of a sheet outlet of the nip section; a blower member for blowing air in a vicinity of the sheet outlet through the blower duct; and a guide device provided with a guide member for guiding the sheet ejected from the nip section arranged on an upper side of a sheet conveyance path; and, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the sheet toward the guide member, in the vicinity of the nip section. |
| US08543043B2 |
Endless flexible members for imaging devices
Flexible members for use in imaging devices which may include a non-ionic surfactant; a fluorinated surfactant; or both. |
| US08543039B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming portion for forming a developer image, said first image forming portion including a first image supporting member for forming a static latent image and a first developing member for attaching developer to the static latent image; a second image forming portion for forming a developer image, said second image forming portion including a second image supporting member for forming a static latent image and a second developing member for attaching developer to the static latent image; a transfer portion for transferring the developer image to a printing medium; and a fixing unit for fixing the developer image to the printing medium. The second developing member has a surface roughness greater than that of the first developing member. The fixing unit is disposed at a position closer to the first image forming portion relative to the second image forming portion. |
| US08543032B2 |
Devices and methods for remanufacturing printer cartridges
There is provided a device and method for remanufacturing a printer cartridge. The printer cartridge has an organic photoconductor (OPC) drum having a drum axle and a hub assembly attached to the drum axle, and the hub assembly is in a locked position in the printer cartridge. The device has a first portion having an end configured to engage the hub assembly and unlock and lock the hub assembly. The device further has a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion having an end configured to extract the hub assembly from the printer cartridge when the hub assembly is in an unlocked position. |
| US08543031B2 |
Intermediate transfer member reconditioning
There is disclosed a method for reconditioning an intermediate transfer member and the reconditioned intermediate transfer member. The method comprises stripping off an outer layer of the intermediate transfer member. A mixture of a polymer, conductive particles and a solvent is coated over the outer surface of a seamless intermediate transfer member. The mixture is heated to form a layer on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt. An apparatus for reconditioning an intermediate transfer member is also described. |
| US08543030B2 |
Electrophotographic printer with dust seal
An electrophotographic printer includes a rotatable photoreceptor adapted to receive dry toner and a rotatable toning member arranged with respect to the photoreceptor to supply toner thereto. A seal includes a complaint contact member and a non-contact member. The contact member is arranged in mechanical contact with the photoreceptor. The non-contact member is spaced apart from the surface of the toning member by a selected non-zero distance, the selected distance being greater than zero. This reduces dusting. |
| US08543026B2 |
Terminal device, printing charging system, and method for charging printing costs
A method of charging printing costs using a printing charging system that is connected to an image forming apparatus, the method including: setting printing costs for each of a plurality of people; generating print data for each person, of the plurality of people, based on the set printing costs; and transmitting the generated print data to the image forming apparatus. |
| US08543023B2 |
Electrophotographic color image forming apparatus
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a supporting member that supports a plurality of electrophotographic photosensitive drums and is movable between an image forming position and a retracted position, a driving unit for driving the electrophotographic photosensitive drums, an intermediary transfer belt onto which images formed by developing the electrostatic latent images formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drums are transferred, and a controller for controlling execution of image formation. The controller controls the image formation so as to provide, on the electrophotographic photosensitive drums, areas having a lowered absolute value of surface potential, and so as to stop driving of the electrophotographic photosensitive drums by the driving unit in a state that the areas are opposed to the intermediary transfer belt. |
| US08543022B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having an image carrier; an electrostatic latent image forming device that forms an electrostatic latent image on the image carrier; a development device having a housing section that stores toner therein, a stirring device for stirring the toner inside the housing section, and a toner, carrier that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by imparting the toner to the image carrier; a voltage applying device that applies a development bias voltage between the image carrier and the toner carrier; a control device that makes the electrostatic latent image forming device and the development device form a test toner image on the image carrier; and a sensing device that senses a toner adhering amount of the test toner image. The control device determines whether to make the stirring device stir the toner based upon a relation between the toner adhering amount of the test toner image and the development bias voltage that was applied by the voltage applying device for formation of the test toner image. |
| US08543017B2 |
Load abnormality detection apparatus performing accurate judgment of cause of abnormality
A load abnormality detection apparatus detects a load abnormality in at least one of a first rotational member and a second rotational member. An element acquisition part acquires a first control element and a second control element. A first comparison part compares the first control element with a first threshold value and also compares the first control element with a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value. A second comparison part compares the second control element with a third threshold value and also compares the second control element with a fourth threshold value larger than the third threshold value. An abnormality detection part detects a load abnormality in a load applied to at least one of the first and second rotational members based on results of comparison by the first comparison part and the second comparison part and identifies a cause of the detected load abnormality. |
| US08543016B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image processing device
An image forming apparatus includes: an image information input section into which image information is input, and image holding members by which toner images of two or more colors including black and clear colors are held, respectively. The image forming apparatus further includes a transfer-receiving material to which toner of all colors are transferred from their respective image holding members, an image-area pinpointing section wherein an area of clear toner image to be superposed on a linear image region to be formed with toner of the black color is pinpointed in the image information input into the image information input section, and an image processing section wherein is performed replacement processing that at least part of black image on the pinpointed image area is formed with a hybrid of two or more kinds of colored toner instead of black toner. |
| US08543014B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus, includes: a photoconductive drum; a developing container having a first chamber that contains a developer made of toner and a toner additive therein, and a receive port that communicates with the first chamber; a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive drum with toner in the developing container; a toner cartridge having a second chamber that contains a supply of toner to the developing container therein, and a discharge port that communicates with the second chamber and transports the supply of toner to the receive port; a storage medium fixed to the toner cartridge, and is rewritable and stores specific data therein; a sensor that detects a toner concentration in the toner cartridge; and a controller that rewrites specific data stored in the storage medium by random data upon detecting the toner empty by the sensor. |
| US08543011B2 |
Receiving apparatus and method for electronic noise compensation in phase modulated optical transmission
A receiving apparatus and method for processing a differential phase shift keying signal carrying a plurality of symbols are disclosed to provide for improved compensation of linear and non-linear noise in phase modulated optical transmission. The receiving apparatus comprises an input unit for receiving electrical signals derived from an optical signal and a calculation unit for calculating a current value of a decision variable. The current value is indicative of a differential phase shift in the optical signal between a currently received symbol and a previously received symbol as a function of the optical signal power of the optical signal for the currently received symbol and at least one previous value of the decision variable. The receiving apparatus also comprises a decision unit for determining the differential phase shift from the current value of the decision variable obtained from the calculation unit to obtain the currently received symbol. |
| US08543001B2 |
Cascaded injection locking of fabry-perot laser for wave division multiplexing passive optical networks
An optical network unit (ONU) comprising a first optical fiber, a first optical circulator coupled to the first optical fiber, a first seed light injected laser coupled to the first optical circulator, wherein the first optical circulator is positioned between the first seed light injected laser and the first optical fiber, and a second seed light injected laser coupled to the first optical circulator and the first seed light injected laser, wherein the first optical circulator is positioned between the second seed light injected laser and the first optical fiber. Also disclosed is a method comprising receiving a seed light signal, amplifying the seed light signal using seed light injection locking, thereby producing an amplified seed light signal, and producing an optical signal using the amplified seed light signal and seed light injection locking, wherein the optical signal has about the same wavelength as the seed light signal. |
| US08542993B2 |
Burst power measurements using averaged power measurement
An apparatus comprising an individual optical power level calculation (IOPLC) module and a transceiver coupled to the IOPLC module and configured to communicate with a plurality of optical network units (ONUs). Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a control and management (CM) module, an average power level measurement (APLM) module coupled to the CM module, a first transceiver coupled to the CM module and configured to communicate with an optical line terminal (OLT), and a second transceiver coupled to the CM module and the APLM module, and configured to communicate with a plurality of ONUs. |
| US08542992B2 |
System and method for mitigating polarization hole burning
A system for mitigating the effects of polarization hole burning in an optical communication system. The system includes an optical input signal comprising one or more traffic channels, a measurement module configured to check for the existence of ghost channels around the traffic channels, and a ghost channel generation module configured to generate a ghost channel around the traffic channels from amplified spontaneous emission noise of the optical input signal. |
| US08542991B2 |
Power-up of device via optical serial interface
An optical communication serial interface is employed to power up a device from a powered down state to a powered on state. An optical receiver element receives serial optical signals transmitted by at least one optical fiber and converts the received serial optical signals to electrical signals. A low level reception converter detects and decodes the electrical signals to provide data and control words from detected and decoded normal electrical signals for a high level command processor. A power supply maintains low level power to at least the optical receiver element and the low level reception converter of the optical communication serial interface while the device is in the powered down state. The low level reception converter detects a particular abnormal sequence of electrical signals; and in response to detecting the particular abnormal sequence of electrical signals, asserts a control signal to power up the device controllable power supply. |
| US08542986B2 |
Recording medium, playback device, and integrated circuit
Provided is a recording medium that enables seamless connection between preceding playitems which are stream data arranged prior to a position where a long jump occurs, such as a layer boundary, and succeeding playitems which are stream data arranged subsequent to the position where the long jump occurs. A block exclusively for 2D playback Ln2D is arranged succeeding a 3D extent block in which a depth map data block, a right-view data block, and a left-view data block are arranged in an interleaved manner. A 3D extent block including a block exclusively for 3D playback L3SS is arranged between the block exclusively for 2D playback and a long jump point LB. The block exclusively for 2D playback and the block exclusively for 3D playback are identical in content. |
| US08542982B2 |
Image/video data editing apparatus and method for generating image or video soundtracks
In a video editing apparatus (100) a first video data set describes a first scene in a first video. Among second video data sets describing second scenes contained in a plurality of second videos, third video data sets are identified that represent third scenes having the highest degree of similarity with the first scenes. Audio data sets associated with the third scenes are evaluated. Among a plurality of second audio data sets such audio data sets describing soundtracks having the highest degree of similarity with the first soundtracks may be identified. One of the third audio data sets may be combined with the first video data set to generate a media output data set where an audio track is added to the video data set in accordance with the preferences of the user. |
| US08542978B2 |
Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface. |
| US08542976B2 |
Time-shift buffer
A method and system is disclosed for time-shifted access to media content. The time-shifted access may be facilitate with a time-shift buffer and the use of time-shift buffers to mark periods in time from which time-shifted access is to be begin according to triggering events registered at output devices being used to facilitate the time-shifted access. |
| US08542975B2 |
Method to stabilize video stream using on-device positional sensors
A video device is provided. The video device comprises a sensor to determine an amount of movement of the video device, a memory component to store video-related information, and a processor to receive movement information from the sensor and to interrupt communication of video-related information to the memory component when the movement information indicates that acceleration of the video device exceeds a threshold. |
| US08542974B2 |
Portable information terminal apparatus, information processing method, computer-program storage medium
A portable information terminal apparatus generates a first signal, based on the user's operation, that causes a recording/reproducing apparatus to acquire program information. A second signal based on the user's operation, causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to display the acquired program information. A third signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to preset the program for unattended recording. A fourth signal based on the user's operation causes the recording/reproducing apparatus to convert the recorded program to video data in a predetermined file format. |
| US08542971B2 |
Packages for high power operation of optical fiber components
A package for dissipating heat power and/or optical power from an optical fiber component of a device is provided. The package includes a heat sink packaging receptacle for accommodating the optical fiber component having a cavity for receiving a temperature sensitive portion of the optical fiber component. According to one aspect, the package may include a power-dissipative material for dissipating heat power or optical power, the power-dissipative material extending within the cavity and surrounding the temperature-sensitive portion of the optical fiber component. According to another aspect, the package may include at least one channel extending between the cavity and an end of the heat sink packaging receptacle, the channel being in intimate contact with the cladding of the optical fiber component for dissipating heat power and/or optical power from the optical fiber component. |
| US08542967B2 |
Depressed graded index multi-mode optical fiber
A multi-mode optical waveguide fiber including a central core region having an outer radius surrounded by an inner cladding region having an outer radius, the inner cladding region having a lower index of refraction than the central core region, wherein both the central core and inner cladding regions are doped with fluorine, wherein the refractive index profile of the central core region is of the gradient index type and the central core region in the range of rε[0-ra] comprises germanium at a maximum concentration within the range of 0.5 percent by weight to 4.0 percent by weight taken at a given radius, wherein said fiber has an Overfilled Modal Bandwidth >500 MHz·km at a wavelength of 850 nm and 1300 nm, according to IEC 60793-2-10. |
| US08542965B2 |
Bidirectional optical link over a single multimode fiber or waveguide
A transceiver for use in a bidirectional optical communication link over a multimode channel is provided. The transceiver includes a single transverse mode light source in a transmitter. A waveguide or fiber based bidirectional coupler projects the transmitter mode to the high modes of the multimode channel. A detector coupled to predominantly all the modes of the channel via the waveguide or fiber based bidirectional coupler. |
| US08542961B2 |
Optical beam couplers and splitters
Beam couplers and splitters are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a beam coupler and splitter includes a first waveguide including a bevel and a bend, and a second waveguide including a bevel complementarily shaped to the first waveguide bevel. The first waveguide bevel is configured to totally internally reflect at least some light incident thereon. The second waveguide is coupled to the first waveguide such that i) the second waveguide bevel is adjacent to at least a portion of the first waveguide bevel, and ii) a predetermined coupling ratio is achieved. |
| US08542958B2 |
Compact photonic integrated circuit having geometrically arranged active and passive regions
According to this disclosure, embodiments of the present invention include photonic integrated circuits having active and passive geometric regions geometrically arranged to provide for more compact integrated photonic integrated circuits which, in turn, leads to higher chip yields and lower fabrication costs. |
| US08542957B2 |
Optical waveguide sensor and manufacturing method of the same
An optical waveguide sensor includes a substrate and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a core and a lateral clad. The core extends in a spiral shape above a surface of the substrate. The lateral clad is disposed in a same layer as the core above the surface of the substrate and is in contact with either side surfaces of the core. At least a part of a surface of the core located opposite from the substrate is a transmission surface from which light leaks and is absorbed by a detected object. |
| US08542954B2 |
Optical component having reduced dependency on etch depth
An optical device includes an active component on a base. The active component is a light sensor and/or a light modulator. The active component is configured to guide a light signal through a ridge of an active medium extending upwards from slab regions of the active medium. The slab regions are on opposing sides of the ridge. The active medium includes a doped region that extends into a lateral side of the ridge and also into one of the slab regions. The depth that the doped region extends into the slab region is further than the depth that the doped region extends into the ridge. |
| US08542953B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus supports image processing in multiple languages via a user interface, a determining unit, a setting unit, and a character recognizing unit. The user interface sets an instruction from a user for various functions performed by the image processing apparatus. The user interface displays characters in a language. The determining unit automatically determines the language currently used for the characters displayed in the user interface of the various functions. The setting unit sets, in response to the determining unit automatically determining the language currently used for the characters displayed in the user interface, the determined language as a scanned document language for use in recognizing characters in a scanned document which is obtained by scanning a paper document. The character recognizing unit utilizes the scanned document language set by the setting unit to recognize characters in the scanned document and create text data. |
| US08542952B2 |
Contextual information encoded in a formed expression
Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark. |
| US08542941B2 |
Imaging device, image detecting method and focus adjusting method
An imaging device includes: an image pickup device that captures an image via an imaging optics; a focus detector that detects a focus adjustment state of the imaging optics; a face detection circuit that detects an image corresponding to a face of a person from the image captured by the image pickup device; and a controller that causes the face detection circuit to execute detection of the image corresponding to the face, according to a focus detection result of the focus detector. |
| US08542940B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for optimization of data compression
A sequence of n coefficients is compressed by determining a cost-determined sequence of n coefficient indices represented by a cost-determined sequence of (run, index derivative) pairs under a given quantization table and run-index derivative coding distribution, wherein each sequence of (run, index derivative) pairs defines a corresponding sequence of coefficient indices such that (i) each index in the corresponding sequence of coefficient indices is a digital number, (ii) the corresponding sequence of coefficient indices includes a plurality of values including a special value, and (iii) each (run, index derivative) pair defines a run value representing a number of consecutive indices of the special value, and an index-based value derived from a value of the index following the number of consecutive indices of the special value. |
| US08542938B2 |
System and method for intra-frame compression using predictive coding
A system and method for intra-frame compression using predictive coding utilizes some pixels of a macroblock of a video frame as reference pixels to perform predictive coding on the rest of the macroblock when some or all predefined reference pixels for performing predictive coding on the macroblock are not available in the video frame. |
| US08542934B2 |
Transform space difference compression
An invention is disclosed for performing differencing of graphical data in post-transform space for a remote presentation session. Graphical data is transformed from a first representation to a second representation (e.g. with a DWT), and then a difference is taken of the post-transform data and the post-transform data of the frame that preceded the current frame. This difference is then encoded and transmitted to a client, which decodes it, and creates a representation of the graphical data using the delta, and a previously determined representation of the previous frame. By performing differencing in post-transform space, fidelity of the remote presentation session is retained while it may decrease bandwidth. This may occur because the entropy of the delta representation is usually lower than a non-delta representation while the scheme retains the identical data of the final decoded image of the non-delta version of the same compression scheme. |
| US08542930B1 |
Mark reader configured to prioritize images
Systems and methods for use with a mark reader that reduce the trigger-to-decode response time by prioritizing images to be decoded based on the likelihood of a successful decode are provided. A reader attempts to decode a priority image(s) first to avoid attempting to decode images that are less likely than other images to be successfully decoded. Images are rated based on feature attributes, and then prioritized for decoding. Image feature attributes are correlated with parameter groups, and the parameter groups are prioritized for use in subsequent image acquisitions. |
| US08542921B1 |
Systems and methods for remote deposit of negotiable instrument using brightness correction
An image of a negotiable instrument may be taken by an imaging device and provided from a user to a financial institution. The image may be processed using operations such as deskewing the image, dewarping the image, and detecting corners or edges of the check in the image. Brightness correction may then be performed on the image. The brightness correction may be performed on the image using a histogram of the image with an overlaid reference mark. The negotiable instrument may be deposited in a user's account using the brightness corrected image. |
| US08542918B2 |
Image color enhancement
Some embodiments of the invention provide a non-linear image-enhancement method to enhance an image that includes a number of picture elements. The non-linear enhancement method adjusts the brightness value of each pixel in the image and adjusts at least one chromatic value of each pixel in the image based on the adjustment to the brightness value of that pixel. |
| US08542917B2 |
System and method for identifying complex tokens in an image
In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of providing an image file depicting an image, in a computer memory, determining log chromaticity representations for the image, clustering the log chromaticity representations to provide clusters of similar log chromaticity representations and identifying regions of uniform reflectance in the image as a function of the clusters of similar log chromaticity representations. |
| US08542914B2 |
Film scanning method
A film scanning method is provided. When the film is judged as a negative film, the scanning device sets the scan exposure time for the film according to the base background color of the film. The negative film is scanned for the scan exposure time, wherein, the film passes through the scanning device at one time so as to complete the above judge of the film type and scanning of the film. The film scanning method automatically completes the recognition of film type, performs accurate scanning based on the scan exposure time, expands the dynamic range and reduces noise impacts, so as to obtain a scanned image with higher accuracy. |
| US08542913B2 |
Separating directional lighting variability in statistical face modelling based on texture space decomposition
A technique for determining a characteristic of a face or certain other object within a scene captured in a digital image including acquiring an image and applying a linear texture model that is constructed based on a training data set and that includes a class of objects including a first subset of model components that exhibit a dependency on directional lighting variations and a second subset of model components which are independent of directional lighting variations. A fit of the model to the face or certain other object is obtained including adjusting one or more individual values of one or more of the model components of the linear texture model. Based on the obtained fit of the model to the face or certain other object in the scene, a characteristic of the face or certain other object is determined. |
| US08542907B2 |
Dynamic three-dimensional object mapping for user-defined control device
A computer-implemented method is provided to interactively capture and utilize a three-dimensional object as a controlling device for a computer system. One operation of the method is capturing depth data of the three-dimensional object. In another operation, the depth data of the three-dimensional object undergoes processing to create geometric defining parameters for the three-dimensional object. The method can also include defining correlations between particular actions performed with the three-dimensional object and particular actions to be performed by the computer system. The method also includes an operation to save the geometric defining parameters of the three-dimensional object to a recognized object database. In another operation, the correlations between particular actions performed with the three-dimensional object and particular actions to be performed by the computer system in response to recognizing the particular actions are also saved to the recognized object database. |
| US08542905B2 |
Determining the uniqueness of a model for machine vision
Described are methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for determining model uniqueness with a quality metric of a model of an object in a machine vision application. Determining uniqueness involves receiving a training image, generating a model of an object based on the training image, generating a modified training image based on the training image, determining a set of poses that represent possible instances of the model in the modified training image, and computing a quality metric of the model based on an evaluation of the set of poses with respect to the modified training image. |
| US08542901B2 |
Method for correcting motion artifacts in magnetic resonance images
For resonance image data of an imaged subject, a method that first detects and estimates the dominant motions of k-space data (i.e., the motion vectors) and then constructs a graphical model for each estimated motion vector. The segments of the k-space that are determined to be corrupted by motion are restored by minimizing the energy associated with the corresponding graphical model. Consequently, the MR image of the imaged subject becomes free of motion artifacts. |
| US08542900B2 |
Automatic reduction of interfering elements from an image stream of a moving organ
Apparatus and methods are described for imaging a portion of a body of a subject that undergoes a motion cycle. A plurality of image frames of the portion are acquired. The image frames are enhanced with respect to a first given feature of the image frames, by (a) image tracking the image frames with respect to the first given feature, (b) identifying a second given feature in each of the image frames, and (c) in response to the identifying, reducing visibility of the second given feature in the image frames. The image frames that (a) have been image tracked with respect to the first given feature, and (b) have had reduced therein the visibility of the second given feature, are displayed as a stream of image frames. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08542896B2 |
Medical image processing device and medical image processing method
There is provided a medical image processing device and a medical image processing method that can extract and display lesion candidate regions having different sizes and similarity forms at a time through a series of processing. Therefore, with respect to a first medical image, a first evaluation for the curved surface form of the first medical image is made to extract first lesion candidate regions. With respect to each of the first lesion candidate regions extracted by a first extracting unit, a second evaluation for the curved surface form thereof is made to extract a second lesion candidate region. The second lesion candidate region extracted by a second extracting unit is superimposed and displayed on a second medical image. |
| US08542883B2 |
System and method of adaptive vertical search range tracking for motion estimation in digital video
A system and method which determines an adaptive vertical search range used to provide motion estimation in digital video content are disclosed. In some embodiments, a fixed-size vertical search range for the motion estimation is defined and utilized. A reference frame and target frame are stored in memory, and a block in the reference frame is selected for consideration. An offset value is determined which is indicative of a directional shift of the fixed-size vertical search range and the vertical search range is shifted based on the offset value. A motion vector is then estimated using the shifted vertical search range. |
| US08542879B1 |
Facial recognition
An example method includes receiving a first image and a second image of a face of a user, where one or both images have been granted a match by facial recognition. The method further includes detecting a liveness gesture based on at least one of a yaw angle of the second image relative to the first image and a pitch angle of the second image relative to the first image, where the yaw angle corresponds to a transition along a horizontal axis, and where the pitch angle corresponds to a transition along a vertical axis. The method further includes generating a liveness score based on a yaw angle magnitude and/or a pitch angle magnitude, comparing the liveness score to a threshold value, and determining, based on the comparison, whether to deny authentication to the user with respect to accessing one or more functionalities controlled by the computing device. |
| US08542876B1 |
Methods and systems for enhancing backscatter X-ray foreign object debris detection
A method for detecting an anomaly associated with a structure is described. The method includes obtaining a baseline scan of the structure, changing at least one condition associated with the structure which is intended to impart a movement of the structure or a movement of objects within the structure, obtaining a secondary scan of the structure, the secondary scan obtained from a same position, with respect to the structure, as the baseline scan, determining any differences between the baseline scan and the secondary scan, and identifying at least one of a foreign object proximate the structure and a structural anomaly associated with the structure based on any differences between the baseline scan and the secondary scan. |
| US08542874B2 |
Videotracking
A method for tracking an object in a sequence of video frames includes the following steps: creating a model with characteristic features for the object to be tracked; and performing a template matching algorithm in individual frames on the basis of the created model for determining a position of the object in the respective frame. An apparatus arrangement for performing the method includes at least one video camera (10, 12), at least one monitor (24, 26), one computer (20) and one input device (28) for an observer (22). |
| US08542873B2 |
Motion object detection method using adaptive background model and computer-readable storage medium
A motion object detection method using an adaptive background model and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. In the motion object detection method, a background model establishing step is firstly performed to establish a background model to provide a plurality of background brightness reference values. Then, a foreground object detecting step is performed to use the background model to detect foreground objects. In the background model establishing step, a plurality of brightness weight values are firstly provided in accordance with the brightness of background pixels, wherein each of the brightness weight values is determined in accordance with the relative background pixel. Thereafter, the background brightness reference values are calculated based on the brightness of the background pixels and the brightness weight values. In addition, a computer can perform the motion object detection method after reading the computer-readable storage medium. |
| US08542872B2 |
Motion-validating remote monitoring system
A method of autonomously monitoring a remote site, including the steps of locating a primary detector at a site to be monitored; creating one or more geospatial maps of the site using an overhead image of the site; calibrating the primary detector to the geospatial map using a detector-specific model; detecting an object in motion at the site; tracking the moving object on the geospatial map; and alerting a user to the presence of motion at the site. In addition thermal image data from a infrared cameras, rather than optical/visual image data, is used to create detector-specific models and geospatial maps in substantially the same way that optical cameras and optical image data would be used. |
| US08542869B2 |
Projection based hashing that balances robustness and sensitivity of media fingerprints
Multiple candidate feature components of media content or projection matrices (or other hash functions, e.g., non-linear projections) are identified. Each of the candidate projection matrices (or other hash functions) includes an array of coefficients that relate to the candidate features. A subgroup of the candidate features or the projection matrices (or other hash functions) are selected based at least partially on an optimized combination of at least two characteristics of the candidate features or projection matrices (or other hash functions). Media fingerprints that uniquely identify the media content are derived from the selected optimized subgroup. Optimal projection matrices (or other hash functions) may be designed. Performance or sensitivity (e.g., search time) characteristics of the fingerprints are thus balanced with robustness characteristics thereof. |
| US08542868B2 |
Embedding interactive data into an audiovisual content by watermarking
A method for referencing and interconnecting contents, applications and metadata to an audiovisual content is described, especially for iTV of for distribution on DVD, which comprises the step of inserting a digital watermark into the audiovisual content during an audiovisual content encoding step, the digital watermark being possibly used for allowing a user to reproduce or exploit additional contents supplementing those provided by the audiovisual content, wherein the digital watermark is inserted into the audiovisual content as data frame with header and body by subdividing it into a plurality of consecutive ‘I’ frames and forcing the parity of LSBs of mid-frequency providing an auxiliary watermark channel, e.g. in an MPEG2 transport stream. |
| US08542861B2 |
Loudspeaker, video device, and portable information processing apparatus
A loudspeaker includes a diaphragm that vibrates back and forth to emit a sound, a magnetic circuit that is provided on a rear side of the diaphragm and has a magnetic gap on a diaphragm side, and a voice coil that is directly or indirectly joined to the diaphragm and disposed within the magnetic gap. A magnetic fluid is loaded within the magnetic gap. Also, a plurality of first edge pieces are provided at different positions in an outer circumferential portion of the diaphragm for vibratably supporting the diaphragm, each of the first edge pieces having a non-linear cross-sectional shape. |
| US08542859B2 |
Interchangeable headphone audio system
A configurable audio system for use in a plurality of different settings includes a set of speaker assemblies that can be attached, detached and reattached to a plurality of different accessories configured for use in specific settings (e.g., ski goggles, or conventional headphones). In one implementation, each accessory comprises a set of engagement assemblies for detachably receiving the set of speaker assemblies. For example, a strap on a pair of goggles can comprise a set of engagement assemblies affixed in-line with the strap. By contrast, a traditional headphone band can comprise a pair of engagement assemblies that extend from each opposing end of the traditional headphone band. In either case, each engagement assembly of the goggle strap or the traditional headphone band is configured in size and shape to attach to, and detach from, each speaker assembly, as desired. |
| US08542855B2 |
System for reducing acoustic feedback in hearing aids using inter-aural signal transmission, method and use
The invention relates to a hearing aid system comprising first and second spatially separated hearing instruments, the system being adapted for processing input sounds to output sounds according to a user's needs. The invention further relates to a method and use. The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative scheme for reducing the effect of acoustic feedback in a hearing aid system. The problem is solved in that the hearing instruments comprises, respectively, first and second input transducers for converting a first input sound to first and second electric input signal, and first and second output transducers for converting first and second processed electric output signal to first and second output sounds, wherein the system is adapted to provide that a first Tx-signal originating from the first electric input signal of the first hearing instrument is transmitted to the second hearing instrument and used in the formation of the second processed electric output signal, and that a second Tx-signal originating from the second electric input signal of the second hearing instrument is transmitted to the first hearing instrument and used in the formation of the first processed electric output signal. This has the advantage of providing a scheme for reducing or effectively eliminating acoustic feedback in a pair of hearing instruments. The invention may e.g. be used in listening devices, e.g. hearing aids, head sets, or active ear plugs. |
| US08542852B2 |
Electro-mechanical transducer, an electro-mechanical converter, and manufacturing methods of the same
An electro-mechanical transducer contains a vibrating electrode (15b), a vibrating-electrode-insulating film (15a) disposed at a bottom surface of the vibrating electrode (15b), an electret layer (13) facing to the vibrating electrode (15b), an electret-insulating layer (14e) joined to a top surface of the electret layer (13), and a back electrode 17 in contact with a bottom surface of the electret layer (13). A microgap between ten nanometers and 100 micrometers is established between the vibrating-electrode-insulating film (15a) and electret-insulating layer (14e). A central line average roughness Ra of the vibrating electrode (15b), including a bending, is 1/10 or less of a gap width measured between the bottom surface of the vibrating electrode (15b) and the top surface of the electret layer (13). |
| US08542848B1 |
Musical instrument preamplifier
The present invention provides embodiments of a musical instrument preamplifier. It is especially suited to acoustic and electric guitars and basses. All components, including the power source, are contained within or on the body of the instrument. The preamplifier dubbed BPTD (for Battery Powered Tube Driver) contains a vacuum tube input stage and may utilize a second stage consisting of either a vacuum tube or semiconductor device, such as a JFET. Circuitry is included to bias the cathode heater and the preamplifier circuit with no dangerous high voltages present. The tube may be mounted on the instrument body to provide for a pleasing display. |
| US08542842B2 |
Remote programming system for programmable hearing aids
Bluetooth-enabled programmable digital hearing aids can be adjusted remotely and in real time. The hearing aid patient at home or a location convenient to the patient logs on to a hearing clinic web site to connect with a clinician, e.g. audiologist or hearing aid technician, at a central clinic location. The patient computer is provided with software for this and the patient is provided with a wireless hearing aid adjustment device. The clinician downloads the patient's hearing aid program and other data, and then makes adjustments and reprograms the hearing aids in real time. |
| US08542840B2 |
Apparatus and method for filtering a signal to match a loudspeaker
A signal-processing circuit for the generation of a loudspeaker signal may include an input for the feeding of a digital input signal and a digital equalizer filter that is coupled with the input and has at least one first recursive filter that is defined by a first adjustable set of coefficients, an amplification device, a current measurement device, a digital filter block that may be configured to generate, through filtering, an estimate signal as a function of the measurement signal, and a matching block that may be configured to determine a new set of coefficients as a function of the measurement signal, the estimate signal, and the filtered input signal. |
| US08542839B2 |
Audio processing apparatus and method of mobile device
An audio processing apparatus and method for a mobile device are provided. The audio processing apparatus and method may appropriately determine sound source localizations corresponding to a voice signal and an audio signal, and thereby may simultaneously provide a voice call service and a multimedia service. Also, the audio processing apparatus and method may guarantee quality of the voice call service even when simultaneously providing the voice call service and the multimedia service. |
| US08542836B2 |
System, apparatus and methods for highly scalable continuous roaming within a wireless network
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first access point within a wireless network. The first access point is configured to identify a communication device within a radio frequency (RF) range of the first access point. The first access point is also configured to request a session key associated with the communication device from a first network controller associated with the first access point in response to the communication device being identified. The first access point is further configured to receive the session key associated with the communication device from a second network controller associated with a second access point having an RF range partially overlapping the RF range of the first access point. |
| US08542835B2 |
Method and system for mobile communications
When a network pages the temporary user mobile identifier of a mobile station, the mobile station sends a response to the network. Next, the network checks the authenticity of the user using a ciphering key, corresponding to the temporary user mobile identifier and a random number. If the temporary user mobile identifier is authenticated, a normal incoming call acceptance procedure is executed. If the mobile station is authenticated although the temporary user mobile identifier is wrong, the network reassigns a new temporary user mobile identifier to the mobile station and stops the current communication. In communication, the network and the mobile station mutually notify encipherment-onset time and negotiate about encipherment manner with each other. In addition, diversity handover is commenced upon a call attempt. Furthermore, if a branch replacement is necessary, the current branch is replaced by new branches capable of executing the diversity handover. Additionally, when a new call occurs to or from the mobile station capable of treating a plurality of calls simultaneously, the mobile station uses the same branch structure and the same communication frequency band for all of calls. Additionally, when a new call occurs to or from the mobile station capable of treating a plurality of calls simultaneously, a branch structure and a communication frequency band, which can continue all of the calls, are selected and used. Therefore, the mobile communications system is suitable for transmission of various sorts of data in accordance with the development of multimedia. |
| US08542834B1 |
System and method for securely pairing a wireless peripheral to a host
A device, system, and method are provided for simply and securely pairing a wireless peripheral device with a host device or system. The device, claim, and method and other peripheral devices provide for improved simplification and security of the pairing process involved with establishing a secure wireless connection between a peripheral device and a host. Simplification is improved because actions required by the user to complete the pairing process are minimized, and security is improved because of a greatly increased ability on the part of the user to ensure that pairing process is conducted in a secure environment. The pairing may be applicable to any number of host devices and peripheral devices. The host device may be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, or similar device, and the peripheral device may be a keyboard, mouse, game controller, or personal digital assistant (PDA). |
| US08542827B2 |
Shared encryption key generation via accelerometer digitization
An apparatus and method for generating a shared secret between at least two wireless portable electronic devices. A shared secret is generated by holding together the at least two devices and shaking them. An acceleration of the at least two devices is measured at least during a time window beginning at a time corresponding to when a magnitude of the acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold. The acceleration is sampled, resulting in a plurality of vectors, such that a first vector is an initial sample of the acceleration during the time window. In some embodiments, the acceleration is measured in three dimensions. Dot products are calculated between the first vector and each of a plurality of subsequent vectors, resulting in an array of scalars. At least a portion of this array is used to generate the shared secret between the at least two devices. |
| US08542824B2 |
System and method for processing messages with encryptable message parts
A system and method for processing messages with encryptable message parts. When constructing an encoded message, an encryption key of a plurality of identified encryption keys is used to encrypt message data of a message part. A key identifier is associated with the message part and identifies the encryption key used for the encryption of the message data of the message part. In at least one exemplary embodiment, encryption keys that are used to encrypt message data of message parts are provided in a separate message part, arranged by key identifier. In particular, the encryption keys, arranged by key identifier, may be provided in exactly one message part separate from the message parts containing message data. This allows for a compact message encoding. |
| US08542822B2 |
Method and module for renewing the code of a cryptographic algorithm, method and module for generating a seed, security processor and recording carrier for these methods
This method for renewing the code of an algorithm comprises: receiving (122) a randomly drawn seed whose size in terms of number of bits, is at least four times smaller than the number of bits needed to encode the N numerical constants of the cryptographic algorithm, expanding (128) the seed deterministically to obtain a sequence of numbers whose size, in number of bits, is at least equal to the number of bits needed to encode the N numerical constants of the cryptographic algorithm, generating (132) N new numerical constants from the sequence of numbers obtained, and replacing (134) the N constants of the code of the cryptographic algorithm by the N new constants generated to obtain the code of a renewed cryptographic algorithm. |
| US08542821B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing differential power attacks on processors
A method of masking a cryptographic operation using a secret value, comprising the steps of dividing the secret value into a plurality of parts; combining with each part a random value to derive a new part such that the new parts when combined are equivalent to the original secret value; and utilizing each of the individual parts in the operation. |
| US08542818B2 |
Vehicle call device, call system, center, and calling method
A vehicle call device, a call system, a center, and a calling method capable of detecting a problem while controlling the cost increase are disclosed. The vehicle call device includes a speaker mounted in a vehicle, the speaker outputting a received voice of an opposite communication party; a microphone mounted in the vehicle; an echo canceller unit removing the received voice that has been output from the speaker and input into the microphone; a detecting unit detecting an emergency situation of the vehicle; and a remove preventing unit preventing the eco canceller unit from removing the received voice when the detecting unit detects the emergency situation. |
| US08542813B2 |
Method and system for providing a camp-on service in telecommunications
According to one embodiment of the invention a method for facilitating communication includes receiving an indication that a caller desires to camp-on a telephone associated with a campee and in response to the indication assigning the caller to a camper queue that stores a prioritized list of a plurality of campers camping on the telephone associated with the campee. |
| US08542809B2 |
Method and system for alphanumeric indexing for advertising with cloud computing
A method and system for alphanumeric identifier indexing for advertising with cloud computing. A cloud computing service is provided to process alphanumeric identifiers (e.g., mobile device identifier, social network identifier, etc.) and used to categorize and associate pre-determined advertising and/or dynamically generated advertising with the alphanumeric identifiers. When the alphanumeric identifier is received anywhere on a cloud computing network, pre-determined or dynamically generated advertising associated with the alphanumeric identifier is sent to a target device. The cloud computing service keeps advertising synchronized across all devices all alphanumeric identifiers and all logins owned by a user of the target device used from anywhere on the cloud computing network. |
| US08542808B2 |
Contact image selection and association method and system for mobile device
A method and computing device for encoding an image according to a preset encoding parameter for the image. The encoding producing an encoded image having a file size. If it is determined that the file size exceeds a maximum file size and the encoding parameter does not meet a threshold, the encoding parameter is modified. The encoding, determining and modifying are repeated until the file size does not exceed a maximum file size or the encoding parameter meets the threshold. |
| US08542805B2 |
System and method for encrypted media service in an interactive voice response service
A third-party interactive voice response service includes a media archiving service in which media streams from a call to a subscriber is encrypted by a public key of the subscriber. The media streams may optionally be compressed and are encrypted in real-time so that at any time no tangible portion of the media streams can be accessed by the third party provider. The multiple media streams can optionally be compressed and/or encrypted individually or after they have been combined into a combined stream. The subscriber is able to retrieve the encrypted media streams and decrypt them using the subscriber's private key. The encryption and compression are under program control of the interactive voice response service. |
| US08542800B2 |
Asynchronous motor with features creating magnetic field disturbance
A component for introducing disturbances into the magnetic field of an asynchronous motor by altering a reluctance of the motor is disclosed. An asynchronous motor is provided that includes a stator having a plurality of windings that is configured to generate a rotating magnetic field when a current is provided to the plurality of windings. The asynchronous motor also includes a rotor positioned within the stator configured to rotate relative thereto responsive to the rotating magnetic field and a component separate from the stator and the rotor that is positioned within the rotating magnetic field, with the component being configured to alter a magnetic reluctance of the rotor so as create a disturbance in the rotating magnetic field. |
| US08542798B2 |
Battery-type X-ray imaging apparatus
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly, to an X-ray imaging apparatus in which a condenser is charged with low battery voltage, and the charged voltage of the condenser, or the sum voltage of the output voltage of the battery serially connected to the condenser and the charged voltage of the condenser is used as X-ray generating power. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the battery power and the condenser power are serially connected to provide power for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus, thus generating power for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus from the low battery power, and obtaining a lightweight and less bulky X-ray imaging apparatus. Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention senses the charged voltage of the condenser unit, and cuts off power being applied to the condenser charging unit from the battery when it is determined that the charging of the condenser unit is completed, thus reducing the power consumption of the battery. |
| US08542797B2 |
Radiotherapy apparatus configured to track a motion of a target region using a combination of a multileaf collimator and a patient support
The present invention provides a radiotherapy apparatus for applying therapeutic radiation to a target region of a patient, comprising a patient support, a source of radiation, a collimator comprising a plurality of leaves, a sensing system and control circuitry. The position of a target region is determined and resolved into two components orthogonal to the radiation beam axis. One component is assigned to the patient support, and the other to the collimator leaves, such that movement of the target region is compensated for and the radiation beam intersects is correctly targeted. |
| US08542796B2 |
Radiation image capturing device, radiation image capturing system, computer readable medium and radiation image capturing device control method
A radiation image capturing device is provided with plural pixels, a detection unit and a control unit. The pixels are each provided with a sensor portion and a switching element that reads out charges generated at the sensor portion and outputs the charges to a signal line. The detection unit detects the start of irradiation if electronic signals according to the charges satisfy a pre-specified condition for irradiation detection. After the start of irradiation of radiation is detected, the control unit acquires electronic signals corresponding to the charges and determines whether the acquired electronic signals include an electronic signal caused by noise. If the electronic signal caused by noise is included, the control unit controls a reporting unit so as to report this. |
| US08542794B2 |
Image processing apparatus for a moving image of an object irradiated with radiation, method thereof, and storage medium
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises: an imaging unit to capture a moving image of an object irradiated with radiation; a first extraction unit to extract an object area where an object exists from an exposure field region of radiation in a first frame image of the moving image; a second extraction unit to extract a region of interest as a target for calculation of a first feature amount indicating a feature of an image from a region corresponding to the object area in a second frame image following the first frame image; a first calculation unit to calculate the first feature amount of a region of interest in a third frame image following the second frame image from a region corresponding to the region of interest in the third frame image; and a control unit to control a radiation generating unit based on the first feature amount. |
| US08542793B1 |
System for measuring sample pore using computed tomography and standard sample and method thereof
The present invention relates to a system for measuring a sample pore using a computed tomography (CT) and a standard sample and to a method thereof, more particularly to a system for measuring a sample pore using a computed tomography (CT) and a standard sample and to a method thereof, wherein the number of pixels in the count range of a cross-sectional image of the measurement sample and the number of pixels corresponding to the gray level range of the pore are calculated with reference to the count range utilized in the cross-sectional image of the standard sample and the gray level range of the pore so as to accurately measure the porosity of the measurement sample after performing a CT scan of the standard sample and the measurement sample together using a CT scanner. |
| US08542783B2 |
Method for unifying secondary synchronization signal detection and frame timing synchronization
The present invention discloses a method for joint secondary synchronization signal detection and frame timing synchronization, including: (1) generating local secondary synchronization sequences SSC1—n and SSC2—n according to a sector number of a cell group; (2) converting a received time domain signal to a frequency domain signal to obtain secondary synchronization signals S1 and S2 to be detected; (3) performing inner product operation to obtain P1—n=P1—n−1+[S1,SSC1—n]+[S2,SSC2—n], and P2—n=P2—n−1+[S1,SSC2—n]+[S2,SSC1—n]; (4) selecting the maximum value P of absolute values of correlation values in the P1—n and P2—n, and judging whether the maximum value P is greater than a preset threshold Tmax, (5) if yes, taking the index of the maximum value P as an ID number of the cell group, or else, further carrying out step (2), and then further carrying out step (3). |
| US08542778B2 |
Closed loop power normalized timing recovery for 8 VSB modulated signals
A receiver timing error recovery loop expands the bandwidth of a received signal and determines the timing error based on the bandwidth expanded received signal. |
| US08542770B2 |
Radio communication device and radio communication method
Provided is a radio communication device which can separate propagation paths of antenna ports and improve a channel estimation accuracy even when using virtual antennas. The device includes: a mapping unit (103) which maps a data signal after modulation to a virtual antenna (0) and a virtual antenna (1); a phase inversion unit (104) which inverts the phase of S0 transmitted from an antenna port (2) in synchronization with a phase inversion unit (105) between the odd-number slot and the even-number slot; the phase inversion unit (105) which inverts the phase of R0 transmitted from the antenna port (2); a phase inversion unit (113) which inverts the phase of S1 transmitted from an antenna port (3) in synchronization with a phase inversion unit (114); and the phase inversion unit (114) which inverts the phase of R1 transmitted from an antenna port (3). |
| US08542766B2 |
Time alignment algorithm for transmitters with EER/ET amplifiers and others
An apparatus and method for aligning input and feedback signals in a transmission circuit are provided. The method includes capturing an input signal and a feedback signal, determining a first time delay between the input signal and the feedback signal, determining a second time delay between the input signal and the feedback signal, the determination of the second time delay having a higher resolution than the determination of the first time delay, and applying the first time delay and the second time delay to temporally align the input signal with the feedback signal. Use of the present invention provides an improved resolution of time alignment while reducing the overall complexity and cost of the transmission circuit. |
| US08542763B2 |
Systems and methods to coordinate transmissions in distributed wireless systems via user clustering
Systems and methods are described for coordinating transmissions in distributed wireless systems via user clustering. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: measuring link quality between a target user and a plurality of distributed-input distributed-output (DIDO) distributed antennas of base transceiver stations (BTSs); using the link quality measurements to define a user cluster; measuring channel state information (CSI) between each user and each DIDO antenna within a defined user cluster; and precoding data transmissions between each DIDO antenna and each user within the user cluster based on the measured CSI. |
| US08542762B2 |
Bi-directional beamforming multiple-input multiple-output wireless communication
Techniques are provided herein to configure first and second wireless communication devices in order to perform bi-directional beamformed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication. Each device uses received signals from the other device to compute beamforming weight vectors for application to a plurality of signal streams to be simultaneously beamformed transmitted to the other device. |
| US08542758B2 |
Signal generation device and signal generation method
Disclosed is a signal generation device that employs a transmission method using inverse Fourier transform. The signal generation device includes: a modulation unit which modulates transmission data to obtain modulation data; a serial-parallel conversion unit which converts the modulation data input in series to parallel data of a predetermined size smaller than the size of inverse Fourier transform; a duplication unit which selects and duplicates all or a portion of the parallel data to obtain duplication data; a first time-axis shift unit which shifts the duplication data along the time axis to obtain time-axis shift data; and an inverse Fourier transform unit which carries out inverse Fourier transform on the parallel data obtained by the serial-parallel conversion unit and the time-axis shift data obtained by the first time-axis shift unit. |
| US08542747B2 |
Low latency cadence detection for frame rate conversion
A frame rate converter sequentially buffers video frames in a sequence of video frames in a buffer and interpolates at least two of the plurality of video frames in the buffer based on at least one interpolation parameter, to form interpolated output frames. Conveniently, the interpolation parameter is adjusted with each newly buffered frame in dependence on the current value of the cadence of the frame sequence. In this way, delays associated with cadence detection may be reduced. |
| US08542746B2 |
Decoding control apparatus which decodes the fewest pictures (although not displayed) prior to an edit point
Decoding control apparatus for decoding predictive encoded data. A picture detector determines the fewest possible pictures which must be decoded first before decoding a picture which are to be displayed after an edit point. A start-point finder for finds the start point for decoding the fewest possible pictures determined by said picture detector even though those fewest pictures are not to be displayed. A plurality of decoders decode the encoded data in picture units, on the basis of the start point. A picture obtained by the decoders is selected on the basis of the edit point and output. |
| US08542745B2 |
Method for video decoding supported by graphics processing unit
A method for utilizing a CUDA based GPU to accelerate a complex, sequential task such as video decoding, comprises decoding on a CPU headers and macroblocks of encoded video, performing inverse quantization (on CPU or GPU), transferring the picture data to GPU, where it is stored in a global buffer, and then on the GPU performing inverse waveform transforming of the inverse quantized data, performing motion compensation, buffering the reconstructed picture data in a GPU global buffer, determining if the decoded picture data are used as reference for decoding a further picture, and if so, copying the decoded picture data from the GPU global buffer to a GPU texture buffer. Advantages are that the data communication between CPU and GPU is minimized, the workload of CPU and GPU is balanced and the modules off-loaded to GPU can be efficiently realized since they are data-parallel and compute-intensive. |
| US08542742B2 |
Image information encoding method and encoder, and image information decoding method and decoder
A motion compensation method includes performing a motion compensation of a decoded image signal including a luma signal and a chroma signal in a format in which the number of chroma pixels is vertically different from the number of luma pixels. The method further includes detecting a condition that a reference field has a different parity from a current field for a motion compensation. The method further includes controlling, in the detected condition, the motion compensation so as to vertically shift a phase of the chroma signal in the reference field so that the reference field will coincide in phase of the chroma signal with a current field. |
| US08542730B2 |
Fast macroblock delta QP decision
A system and method for encoding multimedia video is described. As video is encoded a quantization parameter is selected for each macroblock. As described herein, the quantization parameter for each macroblock may be selected by limiting the universe of all possible quantization parameters to a particular range of possible quantization parameter values. This increases the speed of video encoding by reducing the number of quantization parameters that are tested for each video macroblock. |
| US08542728B2 |
Inverse quantization processing method and device
An inverse quantization processing method and associated device is provided comprising a determining unit, a bit reduction unit, a frequency/time-domain conversion unit, and a bit addition unit which collectively perform an inverse quantization processing method by receiving a plurality of quantized frequency-domain data, performing a bit reduction on a current quantized frequency domain data according to an adjusting factor, generating a bit-reduced quantized frequency-domain data when an accumulated count value of a plurality of valid bit numbers of the plurality of quantized frequency-domain data greater than a first threshold reaches a second threshold, performing a frequency/time domain conversion on the bit-reduced quantized frequency-domain data to obtain a bit-reduced time-domain PCM data, and performing a bit addition on the bit-reduced time-domain PCM data according to the adjusting factor, so as to obtain a time-domain PCM data. |
| US08542721B2 |
System and method for television signal demodulation and decoding
A modem for use with a computer having a demodulator and a decoder, the modem comprises a hardware interface; a demodulator front-end having a first input and a first output, the first output of the demodulator front-end being configured to interface with the demodulator of the computer and to provide a demodulated front-end signal to the demodulator over the hardware interface; and a forward error correction (FEC) unit having a second input and a second output, the second input of the FEC unit being configured to interface with the demodulator of the computer and to receive a demodulated signal from the demodulator over the hardware interface, the demodulated signal being a demodulation of the demodulated front-end signal, and the second output of the FEC unit being configured to interface with the decoder of the computer and to provide an FEC signal to the decoder over the hardware interface. |
| US08542719B2 |
System and method for making busses limited to a linear topology extensible to other topologies
A communication system and method includes a main bus that operates in accordance with a standard limited to a linear topology, a bus controller coupled to the main bus and configured to send and receive messages on the main bus, and a first remote terminal coupled to the main bus and configured to send and receive messages on the main bus including the messages sent by the bus controller. The system and method also includes a repeater coupled to the main bus and configured to send and receive messages on the main bus including the messages sent by the bus controller and by the first remote terminal, and second and third remote terminals coupled to the repeater, wherein the second and third remote terminals send and receive messages on the main bus via the repeater. |
| US08542715B2 |
Ship based cellular and satellite communication
A ship based cellular and satellite transceiver receives, demodulates and processes data, voice and video signals from a satellite transmitter and provides the processed signals in cascade to a OFDM and to a CDMA modulator and transmitter for transmission to a ship based mobile unit. The OFDM signal is transmitted in a Wi-Fi network and the CDMA signal is transmitted in frequency bands used by cellular phones and cellular connected devices. The ship based transceiver receives from a mobile unit, e.g. from a cellular phone or a computer an OFDM or a CDMA signal generated and transmitted by the mobile unit and receives, demodulates and processes the cellular phone transmitted signal and provides these processed signals for cascade processing, modulation and transmission to a satellite. |
| US08542709B2 |
Method of processing traffic information and digital broadcast system
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change. |
| US08542708B1 |
Method and system for transporting constant bit rate clients across a packet interface
A method and apparatus are described for signaling the phase and frequency of constant bit rate (CBR) clients over a network or fabric. An incoming CBR client stream is segmented into variable sized segments, such as packets or general framing protocol (GFP) frames, and is regenerated on the other side of a fabric or network phase-locked to the incoming stream. Regeneration of the CBR client clock is based solely on segment sizes, and in the case of GFP frames, the rate of the SONET Path or OTN ODUk stream carrying the GFP frames. No overhead bytes are inserted into the GFP frames to convey phase and frequency information. The method disclosed is important for reducing the cost and complexity of communications networks by allowing CBR clients to be transported with low jitter and wander without requiring the source and sink network elements to be phase-locked to a common stratum reference. |
| US08542697B2 |
Method of transmitting data in a wireless communication system
A method of transmitting data in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting downlink scheduling information regarding downlink radio resource allocation and uplink scheduling information regarding uplink radio resource allocation on a downlink control channel, transmitting downlink data on a downlink data channel according to the downlink scheduling information, and detecting an acknowledgement (ACK)/negative-acknowledgement (NACK) signal for the downlink data from a radio resource exclusively allocated to the ACK/NACK signal. According to the present invention, when an error occurs in a downlink control channel due to deterioration of a channel condition, the error can be promptly handled using an error detection protocol agreed between a user equipment and a base station. Therefore, data can be transmitted with higher reliability. |
| US08542696B2 |
Device, system and method of simultaneously communicating with a group of wireless communication units
Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and/or methods of simultaneously communicating with a group of wireless communication devices. For example, a wireless communication unit may assign a plurality of wireless communication devices to at least one Space-Division Multiple Access (SDMA) group based on traffic-specification (TSPEC) information corresponding to the plurality of wireless communication devices, wherein the wireless communication unit is to simultaneously transmit a plurality of different wireless communication transmissions to the plurality of wireless communication devices of the group, respectively. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08542695B1 |
System and method for storing/caching, searching for, and accessing data
A system for persistently maintaining data using a network for data packets is provided. The system includes a transmission medium associated with the network, a plurality of switches operatively connected to the transmission medium. Each switch has an intelligent network controller adapted for delivering the data packets to a device operatively connected to the intelligent network controller in response to a request for the data packets from the device and further adapted for re-transmitting unexpired data packets over the network. |
| US08542694B1 |
System and method for packet and time division multiplexed transport
A system and method are presented for providing packet and time division multiplex (TDM) services in a data communication interface. The method accepts packets at a first rate over a packet interface, and transfers time-sensitive data in the packets as packet data units (PDUs) having a smaller number of bits than a packet and a second rate, faster than the first rate. The method transforms the PDUs into frames in a first TDM protocol. Typically, the PDUs are transformed into units having a smaller number of bits than the PDU and a third rate, faster than the second rate. Then, the TDM frames are transmitted over a line interface. |
| US08542688B2 |
Data link layer protocol unit, mobile radio device and method for mapping data which are to be transmitted using a mobile radio device from at least one logical channel, and control data which are to be transmitted, onto at least one transport channel
A data link layer protocol unit, in a mobile radio device, that maps useful data which are to be transmitted using the mobile radio device from at least one logical channel, and control data which are to be transmitted, onto at least one transport channel, wherein the data link layer protocol unit maps the control data onto the at least one transport channel based on at least one prioritization information item associated with the control data which are to be transmitted from a plurality of prioritization information items. |
| US08542681B2 |
Method and system for simplified network wide traffic and/or flow monitoring in a data network
Method and system for providing dynamic network data traffic monitoring including monitoring a data network, detecting a change in the data network, initiating a span session based on the detected change in the data network, and dynamically modifying network configuration based on the detected change in the data network is disclosed. |
| US08542680B2 |
Server arbitrated reliable multicast system and process for accessing the same
A system and a process for a session layer protocol allows a large number of client machines to receive a reliable data stream over inherently unreliable multicast connections in a highly efficient and scalable manner. More specifically, streaming of high-quality video, audio, stock and news tickers, or any other application specific data that requires a reliable data stream is described. The streaming allows for the source to instruct individuals to drop their connection to the stream to prevent noisy individuals from disrupting the operating efficiency of the stream. |
| US08542676B2 |
Method and system for multimedia messaging service (MMS) rating and billing
The advances disclosed herewith delimit an improved method and system for smoothly rating and billing Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Implemented as part of a computer program product, the solution seeking the protection of Letters Patent, represents a comprehensive real-time solution for rating incoming and outgoing MMS messages which, with a view towards simplicity and efficacy of purpose, enables wireless/mobile subscribers to maintain a single account for both voice and messaging (MMS) services. |
| US08542675B2 |
Customizability of event notification on telephony-enabled devices
A system and method of notifying a user of events in a customizable manner during and not during a voice call is provided. According to one aspect, the notifications are configurable to be dependant on whether or not there is an active voice call. Notifications may also be configured to be different depending on whether or not the wireless device is inside a device holster. Notifications can be configured to be different for different events so that the user may be able to associate certain notifications with certain events. The user can also configure the type of events that trigger notification. Notifications include any combination of audible cues, visual cues, and vibration cues. |
| US08542648B2 |
Random access channel frequency diversity
The present invention provides a method of transmitting on a random access channel in a radio communication system. In a single time slot there are enabled at least two different radio frequencies for transmission on the random access channel. Only one frequency is selected for transmission in the same time slot. A random access preamble is then transmitted on the selected random access channel in the time slot. |
| US08542647B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting sounding reference signal in radio communication system
Disclosed is a method for transmitting a sounding reference signal from a terminal to a base station in a radio communication system. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving downlink control information from a base station; checking a flag bit included in said downlink control information; checking an interpretation bit is included in said downlink control information, when said flag bit indicates an uplink; and transmitting an additional sounding reference signal and/or an uplink common channel based on said interpretation bit. |
| US08542643B2 |
Approach for managing the use of communications channels based on performance
An approach for selecting sets of communications channels involves determining the performance of communications channels. A set of channels is selected based on the results of performance testing and specified criteria. The participant generates data that identifies the selected set of channels and provides that data to other participants of the communications network. The participants communicate over the set of channels, such as by using a frequency hopping protocol. When a specified time expires or monitoring of the performance of the channel set identifies poor performance of the set of channels, the participant selects another set of channels for use in communications based on additional performance testing. By selecting channels based on the initial performance testing and performance monitoring, the communications network adaptively avoids channels with poor performance. |
| US08542642B2 |
Channel condition dependent scheduling
An apparatus for data traffic scheduling comprises a scheduler assigning at least one priority parameter value prioritizing usage of a communication resource comprising a plurality of logical channels, to each of a plurality of users of the communication resource, a channel analyzer providing at least one channel condition indicator for each logical channel, and a filter providing a scheduling parameter value for each logical channel to the scheduler determining the priority parameter value, the scheduling parameter value being a weighted average of a plurality of values of the at least one channel condition indicator. |
| US08542635B2 |
Calibration apparatus and method for multicell multiple input multiple output transmission in multiple antenna system
A calibration apparatus and a calibration method for multicell Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission in a multiple antenna system are provided. More particularly, an operating method of a Mobile Station (MS) for performing calibration for multicell MIMO transmission in a multiple antenna system includes negotiating a multi-Base Station (BS) joint processing with a BS, receiving a control message including information instructing multi-BS calibration for sounding based on the multi-BS joint processing, from the BS; when receiving the control message involving the multi-BS joint processing, generating a second sounding sequence by mapping estimated phases of downlink channels per subcarrier of BSs to a first sounding sequence allocated from the BS, and transmitting the second sounding sequence, including the phases of the downlink channels per subcarrier, over a sounding symbol interval with respect to each of the BSs involving the multi-BS joint processing. Hence, feedback overhead in the calibration of the multicell MIMO transmission can be reduced. |
| US08542631B2 |
Communication device and method for internally redirecting control information
A base station unit of a communication device generates control information identical with those generated by other communication devices. The control information includes information defining regions in a radio frame that are used by the communication device and the other communication devices to transmit data. A terminal unit receives data in accordance with the control information. A switching unit changes the connection among the base station unit, the terminal unit and an antenna. When the control information is output from the base station unit, a switch controller operates the switching unit so that the base station unit may be connected to the terminal unit to output the control information to the terminal unit. |
| US08542625B2 |
Method for transmission and configuration of ranging channel in accordance with a variety of frame structures in radio communication system
The present invention relates to configuration procedures and transmission of a ranging channel for a synchronization of an uplink of user equipment and a relay station in a communication system which supports a relay, in that the configuration of the ranging channel for acquiring an uplink synchronization may vary in accordance with a variety of frame structures, thereby reducing uplink interferences and performing an uplink synchronization in a stable and quick manner. |
| US08542623B2 |
Use of RF reference in a digital baseband interference cancellation repeater
A wireless repeater includes an echo canceller to cancel an estimated feedback amount from an input signal and a reference receiver to sample a portion of the transmit signal prior to over-the-air transmission for use as the reference signal for channel estimation. More accurate channel estimation is obtained by using the reference signal from the reference receiver as the reference signal accounts for distortions in the transmitter circuit of the repeater. |
| US08542621B2 |
Method of and apparatus for providing and receiving video service in digital audio broadcasting
Methods and apparatuses for providing and receiving a video service in digital audio broadcasting (DAB) are provided. The method includes inserting a profile ID (identifier) indicating an encoding method used for a provided video service stream and program type information indicating the type of the provided video service stream into a fast information channel (FIC) that is different from a service data channel and multiplexing service data channel including the video service stream and the FIC into a transmission frame for transmission. |
| US08542610B2 |
Adaptive power saving for a mobile subscriber unit in a wireless communication network
A method and apparatus for adaptive power saving for a mobile subscriber unit in a wireless communication network includes receiving beacons from an access point, measuring timing periods between received beacons, determining a delay in timing periods, and associating the delay in timing periods to a change in a quality of a communication link. The link quality can be quantified and used for reconfiguring power-save parameters in response to a change in link quality. |
| US08542608B2 |
Method for achieving an optimal shaping rate for a new packet flow
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a communication network node (15) of achieving an optimal initial shaping rate for a new packet flow on a transport network between said communication network node (15) and a second communication network node (10) in a communication network system. The shaping rates of ongoing packet flows on said transport network are determined. And, based on said determined shaping rates of ongoing packet flows, an initial shaping rate for said new packet flow is selected so as to obtain a maximized fairness among all shaping rates. |
| US08542607B2 |
Enhanced recovery procedure
A method and apparatus is provided for performing normal reordering or timer based stall avoidance or window based stall avoidance, for instance for a 3GPP HSPDA compliant user entity; the method furthermore comprising the steps of deriving an accumulated quality measure pertaining to the packet data being communicated from the transmitter entity to the receiver entity; comparing the accumulated quality measure with a predetermined threshold value; if the accumulated quality measure meets predefined criteria, moving the window corresponding to the highest received value forward to a position corresponding to the received sequence number; and setting the next expected value in the receiver window forward to a position corresponding to a rear position of the window determined by the window size. |
| US08542605B2 |
System and method for allocating resources in an extended bandwidth wireless network
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are disclosed in which a base station provides an extended bandwidth having an extension portion and a non-extension portion. The base station can indicate for a particular user equipment (UE) to utilize only a portion of the extended bandwidth. In this way, the extended bandwidth can include multiplexed resources directed to a plurality of UEs, improving capacity and/or throughput. Moreover, backwards compatibility with devices compatible with LTE Release 8 can be achieved, as those devices can be directed to utilize only the non-extension portion of the extended bandwidth. In one aspect, the base station indicates a system bandwidth including resource blocks associated with the non-extension portion and resource blocks associated with the extension portion, and the UE is not required to monitor more than a predetermined number of resource blocks to receive a downlink transmission. |