| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08555008B2 |
Storage system with storage medium package power control
The present invention makes is possible to appropriately set the power saving control of the storage device from the management device of the storage device. In addition, the storage device executes control of the power saving for the magnetic disk device after ensuring consistency between an instruction from the administrator and the operating state of the magnetic disk device in the storage device. |
| US08555005B2 |
Memory managing apparatus and method using a pointer indicator bit to perform garbage collection
A memory managing apparatus and method are provided. The memory managing apparatus may determine, based on a pointer indicator bit, the target memory area on which garbage collection is to be performed, and may perform the garbage collection on the target memory area. The memory managing apparatus may generate the pointer indicator bit and store the generated pointer indicator bit in a pointer field. |
| US08555004B2 |
Storage system having function of performing formatting or shredding
It is desired to reduce the danger of leakage of data stored in a logical storage device. A storage system has a detection unit and a security processing unit. The detection unit detects a system change, during which it is not possible to perform I/O for a first logical storage device, among a plurality of logical storage devices in the storage system. And the security processing unit takes this type of system change as the opportunity for performing security processing, i.e. formatting or shredding, upon the first logical storage device. |
| US08554997B1 |
Method and system for mirrored multi-dimensional raid
A method for storing data. The method includes receiving a request to write data, determining that the storage mode for the data is mirrored mode, selecting a Redundant Array of Independent Devices (RAID) grid location in a RAID grid to write the data based on the storage mode, writing the data to memory, updating a data structure to indicate that the RAID grid location is filled, and determining a data grid is filled. Based on the determination, determining a first physical address and a second physical address in persistent storage corresponding to the RAID grid location; writing the data to a first physical location in the persistent storage corresponding to the first physical address and writing the data to a second physical location in the persistent storage corresponding to the second physical address, and writing the parity values associated with data grid to the persistent storage. |
| US08554994B2 |
Distributed storage network utilizing memory stripes
Multiple data slices are generated from an original data segment. The data slices are constructed to prevent recovery of the original data segment using a single related data slice, but to allow recovery of the original data segment using fewer than all of the data slices. Each data slice is stored in the same memory stripe as the other data slices. The memory stripe extends across multiple memory devices and multiple different distributed storage units. The memory device in which each data slice is stored can be determined based on a source name associated with each data slice. |
| US08554993B2 |
Distributed content storage and retrieval
Distributed content storage and retrieval is disclosed. A set of features associated with a content object is determined. A storage location is selected to perform an operation with respect to the content object, from a plurality of storage locations comprising a distributed content storage system, based at least in part on probability data indicating a degree to which the selected storage location is associated statistically with a feature comprising the set of features determined to be associated with the content object. |
| US08554987B2 |
Nonvolatile memory system for improving stream data writing
The nonvolatile memory device prevents data writing from temporarily slowing down significantly in the middle of writing data to a block when an access device writes all the data in the block in units of a smaller size than the block. The nonvolatile memory device comprises a memory controller including an interface unit configured to receive a first command that identifies a first write range for writing data, and a second command that identifies a second write range that is a part of the first write range and orders to write data to the second write range, an address management unit configured to determine, before data is written into a nonvolatile memory, a new block for writing data to the first write range based on the first command, and a read/write control unit configured to write data to the new block in response to the second command. |
| US08554982B2 |
Storage device and information processing system
A storage device able to make a redundant write operation of unselected data unnecessary and able to optimize an arrangement of pages to a state having a high efficiency for rewriting, wherein the storage device has a first memory unit, a second memory unit having a different access speed from the first memory, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit has a function of timely moving the stored data in two ways between the first memory unit and the second memory unit having different access speeds in reading or rewriting. |
| US08554973B2 |
Storage device and method for managing size of storage device
The invention relates to a storage device in which MR-IOV is applied to the internal network of a storage controller, whereby the size of the storage device can be easily expanded. The storage device is expanded on the basis of a network having processor-connected RPs, FE I/F, BE I/F, and CM I/F that are connected with a switch. In the switch, a plurality of ports other than those connected to the RPs, FE I/F, BE I/F, and CM I/F are connected with a cross-link. Each processor is allowed to control the FE I/F, BE I/F, or CM I/F either via a path that passes through the cross-link or via a path that does not pass through the cross-link within the unit device. When unit devices are connected to expand the size of a storage device, the cross-link is removed first and then the unit devices are connected with a new cross-link (see FIG. 4). |
| US08554968B1 |
Interrupt technique for a nonvolatile memory controller
A nonvolatile memory controller processes a nonvolatile memory command and generates a completion status for the nonvolatile memory command. The nonvolatile memory controller transmits the completion status to a host processing unit for storage in a completion queue of the host processing unit. An interrupt manager in the nonvolatile memory controller determines the completion queue contains an unprocessed completion status and generates an interrupt message packet. The nonvolatile memory controller transmits the interrupt message packet to the host processing unit for triggering an interrupt in the host processing unit and alerting the host processing unit to the unprocessed completion status. |
| US08554966B2 |
Method for data exchange
A method for data exchange via a bus system, wherein an amount of data determined for data exchange is composed of a plurality of data packets, which data packets are to be transmitted in a predetermined sequence from a second participant of the bus system to a first participant of the bus system, wherein, for data exchange, a first data query is sent from the first participant to the second participant, and wherein, as a reply to the first data query, a first data packet is sent from the second participant to the first participant. Especially after the first participant has received the first data packet, a second data query is sent from the first participant to the second participant via the bus system, and as a reply to the second data query, a second data packet is sent from the second participant to the first participant. The second data packet is either the first data packet or a data packet following the first data packet in the predetermined sequence. The first and the second data query contains, in each case, a parameter with a first or a second parameter value, and in the case in which the parameter values of the first and second data query agree, the first data packet is sent, while, in the case in which the parameter values of the first and second data query differ, the data packet following the first data packet in the predetermined sequence is sent. |
| US08554962B2 |
Data transfer control device and data transfer control method
A data transfer control device that selects one of a plurality of DMA channels and transfers data to or from memory includes a request holding section configured to hold a certain number of data transfer requests of the plurality of DMA channels and a request rearranging section configured to select and rearrange the data transfer requests that are held in a basic transfer order so that the data transfer requests of each of the plurality of DMA channels are successively outputted for a number of successive transfers set in advance. |
| US08554961B2 |
Apparatus, methods, and computer-code for handling an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host device
Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD). |
| US08554959B2 |
Apparatus and methods for communicating with programmable devices
A circuit arrangement includes a programmable logic device. The programmable logic device includes configuration logic circuitry. The programmable logic device also includes configurable interconnects. The circuit arrangement further includes a storage device configured to provide data to the programmable logic device. The storage device communicates with the programmable logic device via a bi-directional interface. |
| US08554957B1 |
Method for creation of device drivers and device objects for peripheral devices
All steps required to create and operate a peripheral device of an electronic device can be performed without the need to plug in the peripheral device to the electronic device. Setup information for a peripheral device is extracted, modified and stored to fit to a physical existent peripheral device. The modified setup information is used to create a data structure that is passed to the peripheral bus driver. As the data structure contains a hot plug notification the reception causes the peripheral bus driver to initiate the setup process for the peripheral device. As the data structure is built from setup information that is available at the electronic device no additional user action is required. The invention also allows the creation of a device object for existing signed driver packets that may not be altered. |
| US08554956B1 |
Method for creation of a device driver for a peripheral device
A method and apparatus may be configured to create setup information, and perform the initialization and performance of an installation of a peripheral device of an electronic device. One example method may include storing a device identification (ID) of the peripheral device, extracting data and creating a data structure from existent setup information. The method may also include replacing a device ID in the data structure with the device ID of the peripheral device, and creating and storing a setup information file from content of the data structure. The method may also include creating and passing a request to at least one of a device driver of an interface of the peripheral device and a bus that initiates the installation of the peripheral device. The peripheral device may not be connected to the electronic device. |
| US08554946B2 |
NAT traversal method and apparatus
According to an embodiment of network address translation traversal, a server agent interfaces a private network to a public network. Private IP addresses for servers located in the private network are mapped to corresponding identifiers known to clients located outside the private network. A request message sent over the public network by a client located outside the private network is received by the server agent. The request message includes a host identifier having a first portion that identifies the server agent to the public network and a second portion that identifies a server located in the private network. The second portion of the host identifier is unknown to the public network. The request message is sent to the server identified by the second portion of the host identifier using the private IP address that maps to the second portion of the host identifier. |
| US08554945B1 |
Cellular extension of wireless local area networks
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is linked with a remote LAN to transport data packets therebetween. The WLAN includes a cellular-enabled WLAN device for communicating with a cellular network and the cellular network includes a bridge. A bridge identifier associated with the bridge is established within the cellular network. The cellular-enabled WLAN device and the remote LAN are interconnected with the bridge in response to the cellular-enabled device signaling the cellular network with the bridge identifier. The cellular-enabled WLAN device echoes WLAN network packets originating in the WLAN to the bridge. The remote LAN receives the echoed WLAN network packets from the bridge. Packets originating in the remote LAN are echoed by the bridge to the cellular-enabled WLAN device. The cellular-enabled WLAN device receives the echoed remote LAN network packets from the bridge and transmits them within the WLAN. |
| US08554940B2 |
System and method for routing media
The system and method for streaming media to a viewer and managing the media comprises an enhanced service routing processor (ESRP), a real time switch management system (RTSMS), a name routing processor (NRP), and a managed media switch (MMS). The RTSMS has a reservation system. The ESRP receives media from an owner, manages the media according to media rules and order rules defined by the owner, and distributes the media to one or more switches, such as the MMS, according to the media rules and the order rules. The RTSMS is configured to receive the media rules and to receive a viewer's media request via the reservation server. The reservation system of the RTSMS processes the media request according to the media rules and builds a reservation for the requested media. The RTSMS generates the reservation to the viewer and to the NRP. The NRP receives the reservation data from the viewer and from the RTSMS. The NRP processes the reservation data and locates an MMS that can stream the media to the viewer. The NRP transmits the IP address of the MMS to the viewer and transmits the reservation data to the MMS. The viewer initiates a session or connection with the MMS using the reservation number. If the reservation data from the viewer matches the reservation data from the NRP, the MMS streams the media to the viewer. |
| US08554935B2 |
Relay server and relay communication system
In a relay server, a routing group information sharing unit shares routing group information, which is prepared by grouping routing control points including at least two of a first relay server in a relay group, a second relay server in the relay group, a client terminal connected to the first relay server, and a client terminal connected to the second relay server. A routing session establishment unit establishes a routing session, which enables a communication packet to be routed via the routing control points, for each group indicated in the routing group information while referring to relay server information. |
| US08554933B2 |
Dynamic selection of packet data network gateways
A device receives a PDN connection request from a UE, and exchanges, with a HSS, authentication and authorization information associated with the UE. The device also constructs an APN FQDN based on the authentication and authorization information, and sends a query, that includes the APN FQDN, to a DNS server. The device further receives, from the DNS server, PGW FQDNs that contain the APN FQDN, and compares the PGW FQDNs with a FQDN associated with a SGW. The device determines, based on the comparison, a PGW, associated with a PGW FQDN that is a closest match to the FQDN associated with the SGW, to be a primary PGW for the PDN connection request. The device also determines, based on the comparison, one or more PGWs, residing within a predetermined distance of the SGW, to be one or more backup PGWs for the PDN connection request. |
| US08554932B1 |
Data exchange management system and method
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented system and method for data exchange management. The method may incorporate a physical data exchange management system and/or a logical data exchange management system. The method may include storing a data exchange profile for each communicating entity, receiving a request for data exchange from one of the communicating entities, and processing the request through a request handler for handling receipt of data exchange requests from the communicating entities, wherein the request handler accesses a relevant data exchange profile for the requesting communicating entity. The method may additionally include formatting data for exchange in accordance with the relevant data exchange profile and delivering the formatted data to a destination in accordance with the relevant data exchange profile. |
| US08554926B2 |
Method for establishing data connection on mobile network, mobile network, and policy control entity
A method for establishing data connections on a mobile network, a mobile network, and a policy control entity are disclosed. The method includes: establishing a data channel between a user equipment (UE) and a gateway (GW), and allocating an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the UE according to an address allocation request or a data channel setup request sent from the UE; and triggering the policy control entity to establish or update a policy control session according to the IP address. By using the mobile network and the policy control entity under the present invention, after the data channel is established between the UE and the GW, the GW may trigger the policy control entity to establish or update a policy control session. |
| US08554924B2 |
Connection to multiple accessories with multiple accessory-specific protocols
Embodiments of the present invention provide various communication techniques for communication between a mobile computing device and an accessory. An accessory protocol that is generic to the mobile computing device can be used for some communication. An application executing at the mobile computing device can communicate with the accessory using an application communication protocol. In some embodiments, the application communication protocol can be different from the accessory communication protocol. In other embodiments the application protocol may only be recognized by the application and the accessory. In some embodiments, messages conforming to an application protocol can be communicated between the application and the accessory by packaging the messages inside a message conforming to the accessory communication protocol. |
| US08554922B2 |
Method of processing data in internet protocol television receiver and internet protocol television receiver
A method of processing data in an IPTV receiver and such an IPTV receiver are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a request signal for resolution of a content reference identifier (CRID) corresponding to a content, receiving location information including a session initiation protocol-uniform resource identifier (SIP-URI) and a session description protocol-uniform resource locator (SDP-URL), wherein the SIP-URI and the SDP-URL correspond to the CRID, requesting a server corresponding to the SDP-URL to transmit a session description protocol (SDP) file by using the received SDP-URL, and receiving the SDP file from the server. |
| US08554918B1 |
Data migration with load balancing and optimization
Backup requirements of a new client and one or more existing clients stored in a first set of first storage units are determined. Data of the one or more existing clients is then migrated from the first set of storage units to a first storage unit that is selected from a second set of storage units based on a cost calculated using a cost function based on at least backup requirements of the new and existing clients. Subsequent data of the new client and the existing clients is stored in the first storage unit. |
| US08554917B2 |
Performance isolation for storage clouds
Embodiments of the present invention provide performance isolation for storage clouds. Under one embodiment, workloads across a storage cloud architecture are grouped into clusters based on administrator or system input. A performance isolation domain is then created for each of the clusters, with each of the performance isolation domains comprising a set of data stores associated with a set of storage subsystems and a set of data paths that connect the set of data stores to a set of clients. Thereafter, performance isolation is provided among a set of layers of the performance isolation domains. Such performance isolation is provided by (among other things): pooling data stores from separate performance isolation domains into separate pools; assigning the pools to device adapters, RAID controller, and the set of storage subsystems; preventing workloads on the device adapters from exceeding capacities of the device adapters; mapping the set of data stores to a set of Input/Output (I/O) servers based on an I/O capacity and I/O load of the set of I/O servers; and/or pairing ports of the set of I/O servers with ports of the set of storage subsystems, the pairing being based upon availability, connectivity, I/O load, and I/O capacity. |
| US08554916B2 |
Service delivery platform and development of new client business models
The present invention relates to systems and methods for delivering telecommunications services to customers. The systems and methods allow for the rapid creation and deployment of new telecommunications services, and the bundling of multiple services into service packages that can be sold together as a single product. Based on the systems and methods, targeted service packages may be developed and marketed toward business customers in specific industries. The systems and method provide opportunities for new business arrangements between telecommunications service providers and smaller third party providers. The new business arrangements provide access to a much wider customer pool for the third party providers, and create new sources of revenue for telecoms. |
| US08554912B1 |
Access management for wireless communication devices failing authentication for a communication network
When a failure notification is received that was transmitted from a service node indicating a failure of a wireless communication device to pass an authentication when attempting to register with a communication network, device information, network data, and a user profile associated with the wireless communication device is retrieved and processed to generate a network access score for the wireless communication device. If the network access score exceeds a priority threshold, a priority notification is transferred instructing the service node to bypass the authentication for the wireless communication device. If the network access score exceeds a legitimate user threshold but does not exceed the priority threshold, an access notification is transferred instructing the service node to bypass the authentication for the wireless communication device, and subsequent usage of the wireless communication device is monitored for fraudulent activity. If the network access score does not exceed the legitimate user threshold, a suspect notification is transferred instructing the service node to maintain the authentication for the wireless communication device. |
| US08554903B2 |
Network appliance for vulnerability assessment auditing over multiple networks
An apparatus, system, and method are directed towards enabling auditing of network vulnerabilities from multiple network vantage points virtually simultaneously. Multiple network vantage points may include, but are not limited to, remote/branch enterprise sites, devices on an enterprise perimeter, on either side of a security perimeter, and even through the security perimeter. In one embodiment, an auditor performs reflected audits thereby extending auditing of network vulnerabilities to provide a comprehensive 360 degree audit of internal, external, and remote enterprise network sites. In one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented employing a single auditing device, and one or more audit extension devices that are configured to extend the auditing device's audit reach. The auditing device and one or more audit extension devices may communicate using an encrypted network channel through a security perimeter and/or across multiple networks. |
| US08554902B2 |
System and method for remotely maintaining devices
A method for maintaining a device via a remote service computer initiates a transmission of maintenance data via the device or the service computer, transmits maintenance data from the device to the service computer, and evaluates the maintenance data received from the device using the service computer. The method further transmits at least one monitoring parameter request from the service computer to the device as a function of the evaluation of the maintenance data, and at least one parameter value of the at least one requested monitoring parameter from the device to the service computer, then evaluates the at least one monitoring parameter value; and displays the evaluation of the at least one monitoring parameter value via a display device of the service computer. |
| US08554894B2 |
Network scheduling for energy efficiency
A network comprising a plurality of network devices is configured to implement scheduling for energy efficiency. In one aspect, a set of network devices interconnected in a line within a network is identified, and a common frame size is established. For each of the network devices of the line, active and inactive periods for that network device are scheduled in a corresponding frame having the common frame size, with the frames in the respective network devices of the line being time shifted relative to one another by designated offsets. For each of one or more of the active periods of each of the network devices of the line, received packets are scheduled for processing in that network device. |
| US08554893B2 |
Apparatus and method for changing subscription status of service in mobile communication system and mobile communication system thereof
A method for changing a subscription status of a service in a mobile communication system, and a system thereof. A method is provided for changing a subscription status of a service by a terminal in a mobile communication system. The method includes transmitting a pause request message, in which a pause period of the subscription status is included, to a network entity; receiving, from the network entity, a pause response message including therein a possible pause period for the pause period included in the pause request message, and a trigger for changing validity for a Long-term Key stored in the terminal; and changing validity for the Long-term Key using the trigger for the possible pause period included in the pause response message. |
| US08554892B2 |
Systems and methods for n-core statistics aggregation
Described herein are systems and methods for aggregating performance data or trace data for a multi-core, multi-packet-engine networked appliance. A plurality of packet engines operate on the appliance and manage network traffic between a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers. In various embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of packet engines and an aggregator communicating with the packet engines through shared memory allocations. Each packet engine can write performance data or trace data to the a shared memory allocation. The aggregator can obtain the performance data or trace data and consolidate the data to provide unified performance data or unified trace data representative of the appliance. |
| US08554891B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing feedback regarding digital content within a social network
Maintaining a social network and providing corresponding access to digital content. A social network includes at least one social group having a defined membership. The content items that collectively correspond to content resource devices of the group members are identified, and feedback information for the content items is maintained based upon feedback respectively provided by group members. The feedback includes ratings, amount of usage and recommendations of the content items. Members are then provided with displays wherein the feedback is conveyed in association with the corresponding content items. |
| US08554889B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for managing computer identity
Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to accurately match a particular computing device within a networked computing environment with an identity of that computing device. According to one aspect, a method for identifying a client computing device in a networked computing environment is provided. The method receives a discovery data record that includes a hardware identification and a logical identification, and in response, queries a plurality of client records for a matching client record. If a matching client record is identified by the query it is compared with the received discovery data record to identify the client computing device. |
| US08554887B2 |
System and method for efficient transfer of applications and data during device swap
A method for automatically registering the runtime environment and related component applications with an application gateway when transferring the applications from a first wireless device to a second wireless device is provided. Applications installed on the first wireless device are registered with an application gateway, which maintains a registration list of identification information for all registered wireless devices and applications installed thereon. A back-up is created of the applications and registration information for the runtime environment installed on the first wireless device for transfer to a second wireless device. An application container of the second wireless device determining installation and communicating to the application gateway identification information regarding the second wireless device and the restored applications. The application gateway registers the second wireless device by updating the registration list with the identification information for the second wireless device and the applications installed thereon. |
| US08554885B2 |
Techniques for evaluating and managing cloud networks via political and natural events
Techniques for evaluating and managing cloud networks via political and natural events are provided. Geographical locations for cloud processing environments are combined with attributes and usage metrics to form associations between each cloud processing environment's geographical location and that cloud's corresponding attributes and usage metrics. Some associations and attributes relate to political and natural events. The political and natural events are used to update a proper selection of a particular cloud processing environment to handle targeted services. |
| US08554881B2 |
Method and computer-readable medium for delivering hybrid static and dynamic content based on static content inrepository and dynamic content received from second functional module across network
The present invention relates generally to software functional modules and, in particular, to such modules used for delivering hybrid static and dynamic content. More particularly, there is described a computer-readable storage medium and corresponding method. The storage medium comprises: (a) a repository of static content; and (b) a program element for execution by a computing device to deliver hybrid content via a user interface. The program element comprises: (i) program code means for commanding instantiation of a functional module remote from the computing device; (ii) program code means for receiving dynamic content from the remote functional module; (iii) program code means for accessing the repository of static content; and (iv) program code means for delivering hybrid content on the basis of the static content in the repository and the dynamic content received from the remote functional module. |
| US08554875B1 |
Communicating future locations in a social network
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed which include receiving, from a user operating a user interface on a computing device, an indication of a first future date; identifying one or more friends of the user, for each of the one or more friends, gathering future trip information from the social network, determining based on the gathered trip information, whether each of the one or more friends are going to be physically present at the future locations on one of the second future dates that matches the first future date, displaying a geographic map on the user interface including displaying a friend representation corresponding to each of the respective future locations where one or more friends are going to be physically present on the first future date, and dynamically updating the friend representations respectively on the geographic map based on a third future date received. |
| US08554874B2 |
Method for broadcast of an html application
For a satellite-based transmission of an HTML application accessible from an initial site, there is provided at the level of an intermediate platform hardware and software means making it possible on the basis of a semantic and syntactic analysis of the application to group together into transmission modules pages of like depth of the application and included components, if any, in these pages. The modules containing the low depth pages are transmitted with a greater frequency than the pages of greater depth.In this way a user more quickly receives all the information necessary for the displaying of a page. |
| US08554872B2 |
Integration of different mobile device types with a business infrastructure
A mobile implementation channel enables secure mobile customer alerts, content delivery, event and location awareness and context integration that can be leveraged across multiple lines of business using basic interfaces. Pushed documents may be processed by an application executing at a mobile device in a secure manner. An alert indication may be sent to the mobile device when the documents are available. The documents may then be downloaded over a secure channel if the user affirmatively responds to the alert indication and may be further encrypted and stored in an application file store. The user may subsequently select one of the documents from a document list so that the selected document may be decrypted and displayed. The stored documents in the application file store may be deleted if the operating system has been compromised, the user is not associated with a business, or the user device is lost or stolen. |
| US08554870B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating linking means and updating text files on a wide area network
Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to methods for automatically generating a link in E-mail, web pages and other documents and files presented to users of wide area computer networks, and for automatically updating text and other types of files on a wide area network with links to data desired to be presented to such users. In embodiments of the present invention, selected key words are stored in a memory location or key word file. A comparison is made between the words in a downloaded text file and the key words stored in the key word file. If a word is detected in the textual data and the key word file or files, the key word displayed to the user is converted into a link. |
| US08554866B2 |
Measurement in data forwarding storage
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for measurement in data forwarding storage. A method includes, in a network of interconnected computer system nodes, receiving a request from a source system to store data, directing the data to a computer memory, storing information about the data in a store associated with a central server, and continuously forwarding the data and the store from one computer memory to another computer memory in the network of interconnected computer system nodes without storing on any physical storage device in the network. |
| US08554865B2 |
System and method for remotely administering and synchronizing a clustered group of access control panels
The present invention advantageously provides a system and method for remotely administering and synchronizing a clustered group of access control nodes using a gateway node. A device, such as a network browser, submits an update for one node of the cluster of nodes to a web server in the gateway node. The web server transmits, via a communication interface in the gateway node, the submitted update to the node configuration database of the appropriate node while the gateway updates its configuration database in accordance with the submitted update. In another embodiment, the device is a dedicated host computer. The data can be transmitted in accordance with a binary access protocol. |
| US08554864B2 |
System and method to synchronously display 3D object information on plural screens of plural computers
A synchronous control method for multi-computer is provided. The multi-computer is connected with each other through a network. The method includes the following steps: maintaining a running information list on each computer in the network, where the identifier information of all computers and the running state information of the corresponding computers are contained in the running information list; receiving a synchronous control instruction inputted by a user at any of the computers in the network; executing the synchronous control operation on the computers recorded in the running information list when the running state information of the computer receiving the instruction accords with a predetermined rule. |
| US08554863B2 |
Master and slave system wherein master interface unit compares parameter from payload of parameter obtaining command with communication capability parameter of parameter display unit
A communication system including a master device and one or more slave devices enables parameters of the slave devices to be set in an efficient manner. A master device (2) transmits a parameter setting command as a broadcast command. A slave device (1) receives the parameter setting command, and compares the received parameter value with a parameter value stored in a parameter display unit, and transmits a parameter setting command to which the comparison result has been added. The master device (2) receives the parameter setting command transmitted from the slave device (1) and determines that the parameter setting has been completed. |
| US08554857B2 |
Sending notification of event
Usability is improved by decreasing the number of notifications to be read in receiving mails including notifications of events. A notification of an event is sent. In one aspect, this comprises receiving, in response to occurrence of an event, a notification of the event; storing, when event data generated from the received notification matches a conditional expression in a profile associated with the event, the notification of the event in a queue associated with at least one of change management information corresponding to the event and a recipient of the change management information; and sending, when an earliest time out of transfer times set in respective notifications stored in the queue has come, all the notifications stored in the queue, to a client that is the recipient, as a single notification. |
| US08554855B1 |
Push notification delivery system
An example method for delivery of push notifications includes receiving a push notification including a message and a destination, creating a send token, sending a push notification derived from the received push notification and the send token, and receiving push information concerning a processing of the sent push notification which is identified by the send token. An example system for delivering push notifications includes a server system having a processor, memory, and a network interface, where the memory stores program instructions including code segments for receiving a received push notification via the network interface. In this example, the program instructions further includes code segments for creating a send token, code segments for sending a sent push notification derived from the received push notification and the send token via the network interface, and code segments for receiving received push information concerning a processing of the sent push notification are provided. |
| US08554851B2 |
Apparatus, system, and methods for facilitating one-way ordering of messages
Methods, apparatus and systems for facilitating one-way ordering of otherwise independent message classes. A one-way message ordering mechanism facilitates one-way ordering of messages of different message classes sent between interconnects employing independent pathways for the message classes. In one aspect, messages of a second message class may not pass messages of a first message class. Moreover, when messages of the first and second classes are received in sequence, the ordering mechanism ensures that messages of the first class are forwarded to, and received at, a next hop prior to forwarding messages of the second class. |
| US08554849B2 |
Variable level sound alert for an instant messaging session
Controlling the volume of an audible alert associated with an instant messaging communications session includes rendering, on a first instant messaging user system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least a first instant messaging user and a second instant messaging user, receiving notification of an event related to the instant messaging communications session, determining a characteristic of the event, accessing an audible alert to be rendered to signal existence of the event, adjusting based upon the determined characteristic of the event a volume of the audible alert corresponding to the event, and rendering the audible alert to signal existence of the event. |
| US08554848B2 |
Collective asynchronous media review
A system and method for sharing annotations corresponding to media content among a plurality of members of a group over a communications network. The system generally includes at least one server coupled to the communications network and configured for receiving at least one annotation from a first group member corresponding to media content from the communications network; adding the at least one annotation to a database; accessing a list of members of the group, each member of the group having a user profile stored in memory; and automatically sending a notification to at least a second member of the group upon receipt of each annotation. The annotation comprises annotation content and a temporal identifier that identifies a segment of the media content to which the annotation corresponds, and the at least one server is configured for sending the annotation to at least the second group member and optionally a media stream including at least the segment of the media content with the annotation. |
| US08554844B2 |
System and method for managing informational objects on mobile devices
A system and method for managing informational objects on a mobile device. A user-selectable option is displayed to a user of the mobile device. The option is associated with an action to be performed on informational objects sharing at least one specified characteristic (e.g., storing all e-mail messages that are part of the same thread in a folder, generating a distribution list of contacts belonging to a specified group). After the user has selected the option, the application identifies informational objects having the at least one specified characteristic and performs the action on the identified objects. |
| US08554842B2 |
Method and apparatus for joining electronic conference
According to the present invention, even while a chat opening process is in progress, users can join chats by means of a simple procedure from a video game machine. Once a chat has been opened, an invitation signal can further be transmitted to other chat guests. A video game machine of an expected guest receiving the invitation signal displays a screen prompting the guest to enter the chat room, and the expected guest can join the chat by transmitting an enter room signal to a database. At this time, a chat answer signal indicating that the expected guest accepts the invitation from a chairman is transmitted from the expected guest to the chairman. |
| US08554839B2 |
Method and device for intercommunicating address book information between different networks
A method for intercommunicating address book information between different networks is provided, which includes the following steps: an interworking request carrying address book information is received, in which the interworking request comes from a network address book system other than a Converged Address Book (CAB) system; the address book information is converted according to an address book format supported by a server of the CAB system; the converted address book information is sent to the CAB system. A device and a system for implementing the method are further provided. |
| US08554832B1 |
Server side user interface simulation
A method is provided that comprises running a screen display process on a client machine; in response to the running the screen display process on the client machine, running the screen display process on a server machine; sending over a network to the client machine at least a portion of the data required by the screen display process running on the server machine; and using by the screen display process running on the client machine at least a portion of the sent over data while running the screen display process on the client machine. |
| US08554825B2 |
Method for systematic modeling and evaluation of application flows
A system and method for modeling and evaluating resource requirements of services is disclosed. The system and method in one aspect enable describing an application session in a software model, for example, as a sequence of events in a sequence diagram, annotating the sequence diagram with information and using the sequence diagram and the information to create a mathematical model such as a Markov model that represents the application session. Once in Markov form the service can be analyzed. The system may include a user interface for allowing a user to enter annotations to the sequence diagram. |
| US08554824B2 |
Efficient technique for optimal re-use of hardware in the implementation of instructions used in viterbi, turbo and LPDC decoders
Low density parity check (LDPC) decoding can be mapped to a class of DSP instructions called MINST. The MINST class of instructions significantly enhance the efficiency of LDPC decoding by merging several of the functions required by LDPC decoders into a single MINST instruction. This invention is an efficient implementation of the MINST class of instructions using a configurable three input arithmetic logic unit. The carry output results of the three input arithmetic logic unit enable permit boundary decisions in a range determination required by the MINST instruction. The preferred embodiment employs 2's complement arithmetic and carry-save adder logic. This invention allows reuse of hardware required to implement MAX* functions in LDPC functions. |
| US08554822B2 |
Decimal adder with end around carry
Binary code decimal (BCD) arithmetic add/subtract operations on two BCD numbers independent of which BCD number is of a greater magnitude include, responsive to the BCD arithmetic add/subtract operation being a subtract operation, performing a BCD arithmetic subtraction operation on a first BCD number and a second BCD number, the first BCD number having a first magnitude and the second BCD number having a second magnitude. The first magnitude is greater than, equal to, or less than the second magnitude. The performing includes: in parallel to a carry generation, partial sums or partial differences of the first and second BCD numbers are computer such that a final result in signed magnitude form is selectable from the partial sums or differences based on carry information without any post processing steps. |
| US08554819B2 |
System to implement floating point adder using mantissa, rounding, and normalization
A computation processor outputs whether a carry-out is generated, by incrementing a result of computation by 1, during rounding of the result of the computation. The computation processor includes a computing unit that performs the computation; a shift amount calculating unit that calculates a shift amount of the result of the computation; a normalizing unit that performs normalization of the result of the computation, by using the shift amount; a predicting unit that, when the result of the computation is shifted by an amount equal to or more than a predetermined shift amount by using the shift amount, predicts whether each of bits in a predetermined region of a shift result is 1, in parallel with the normalization; and a detecting unit that detects a generation of the carry-out, by receiving a normalized result from the normalizing unit and a predicted result from the predicting unit. |
| US08554818B2 |
Signal processing method and data processing method and apparatus
The present invention discloses a signal processing method and a data processing method and apparatus. A time-domain to frequency-domain signal processing method includes: pre-processing time-domain data; pre-rotating the pre-processed data by using a rotation factor a·WNn+0.5; performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of N/4 points on the pre-rotated data; and post-rotating the data transformed by the DFT by using a rotation factor b·WNk+0.5 to obtain frequency-domain data. A frequency-domain to time-domain signal processing method includes: twiddling frequency-domain data; pre-rotating the twiddled data by using a rotation factor c·WNk+0.5; performing a DFT of N/4 points on the pre-rotated data; and post-rotating the data transformed by the DFT by using a rotation factor d·WNn+0.5; and post-processing the post-rotated data to obtain time-domain data. The present invention increases the efficiency of signal processing. |
| US08554813B2 |
Checking of the skew constancy of a bit flow
A method and a circuit for detecting a loss in the equiprobable character of a first output bit flow originating from at least one first element of normalization of an initial bit flow, including analyzing the flow rate of the normalization element. |
| US08554812B1 |
Metric-converter watch device
A metric-converter watch device comprising a small watch-shaped housing with a top dock panel pivotably attached to the housing. The clock panel has a front side with a functioning clock face and a back side with a back side screen. An inside touch screen is disposed within the housing. When the clock panel is flipped up, the back screen and the inside screen are powered on to show a calculator interface with the inside screen displaying a plurality of icons and the back screen displaying input numbers and results. A microprocessor is operatively connected to the inside touch screen and back side screen. The microprocessor is configured to perform mathematical operations and configured to convert a first English numeric value to a first metric numeric value and convert a second metric numeric value to a second English numeric value. |
| US08554811B2 |
Software routine fingerprints in performance data
Program profile data is used to prepare temporal cost-incurrence fingerprints, which show when a given method or method frame incurred specified cost(s) during a period of interest while a program was/is executing. Relationships between methods can be elicited by studying their temporal cost-incurrence fingerprints. Methods which are often good candidates for optimization can be automatically selected by identifying a small set of methods whose amount of cost lies within specified bounds relative to the most costly method, or in absolute terms, and whose respective fingerprints differ from one another. |
| US08554810B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, processing method thereof, and recording medium
Aspects of invention may allow an operator to recognize that a search corresponding to search conditions set in a search folder does not function when such case occurs. In one embodiment, an information processing apparatus may include a search unit that conducts a search that corresponds to each of one or a plurality of search conditions set in a search folder, and searches for at least one folder element of the search folder. The apparatus also includes a search status confirmation unit that confirms the search status for each search condition in the search unit, and a folder-content display unit (e.g., search folder display unit) that displays, when the search status confirmation unit confirms that the search corresponding to the one or plurality of search conditions set in the search folder does not function, information indicating a malfunction. |
| US08554809B1 |
Calculating quota usage without impacting file system services
An online tree quota check tool computes quota usage of files in a directory tree while the structure of the directory tree keeps changing due to concurrent write access by other applications and clients. The quota check tool computes the quota usage without interfering with the ongoing file access operations that change the directory content and quota usage. A quota check database keeps track of which files have been checked and which have not, so that each file is checked and its quota usage is accumulated once and only once while directories are moved and directory scans are restarted as a result of the changing directory content. File system operations are modified to synchronize with the online tree quota check. The quota check tool can be single threaded or multi-threaded. A multi-threaded tool dispatches idle directory iteration threads to scan subdirectories in the directory tree. |
| US08554806B2 |
Cross platform transportable tablespaces
Stored data are transported between different systems having different platforms by converting the format of the stored data into a common format either before or after transmitting the stored data from the source database system to the target database system. The common format may be a format that is universal in that the common format is not machine dependent. The stored data may be kept in the common format at the target database system and never converted to another format. Optionally, the stored data may be converted from the common format to a format associated with the target database system, thereby facilitating backward compatibility. A tool may be provided for performing the conversion. |
| US08554803B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating access to documents via a set of content selection tags
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate access to documents via a set of content selection tags. According to one embodiment, information is received from a content reader. For example, a content controller may receive information from a content reader via a Web site. A set of content selection tags are then established based on the received information, each content selection tag being associated with a hierarchical tag domain. It is then arranged for the content reader to receive an indication of a document tag in accordance with the set of content selection tags. For example, a content controller may retrieve one or more documents based on a set of content selection tags and document tags and transmit indications of the retrieved documents to a content reader via a Web site. |
| US08554802B1 |
System to dynamically collect and synchronize data with mobile devices
The invention enables bi-directional mobile communication by researchers, clinicians or counselors with their patients and study participants. An exemplary application is ecological momentary assessment of psychological and physical status related to weight management. The system may be combined with objective information to trigger a communication and enhance responses assessed on food choices, dietary intake, physical activity, exertion, mood and companions. |
| US08554801B2 |
Method and apparatus for converting heterogeneous databases into standardized homogeneous databases
A method, an apparatus, and a system for configuring, designing, and/or implementing database tables are detailed that provides a framework into which a remainder of database tables is developed. Also detailed is a method to develop this framework of database tables. This so developed framework provides a platform for converting multiple independent heterogeneous databases into standardized homogeneous databases. |
| US08554800B2 |
System, methods and applications for structured document indexing
A data management system, the system including: (i) an input interface for acquiring a source document; and (ii) a processor configured to: (a) divide the source document into multiple objects in response to content of the source document; (b) analyze the multiple objects to generate multiple low level sub-trees, wherein each of the low level sub-trees includes at least one of the multiple objects; (c) generate multiple mid level sub-trees, wherein each of the mid level sub-trees includes link to at least one of the low level sub-trees; (d) generate a top level sub-tree that includes multiple section links, wherein each of the section links to one of the mid level sub-trees; (e) create metadata descriptive of at least one of the sub-trees generated, wherein the metadata includes data which is not included in the source document; and (f) generate a structured document that includes the top level sub-tree, at least some of the mid level sub-trees and at least some of the low level sub-trees, and the metadata. |
| US08554796B2 |
Query-based semantic analysis of ad hoc configuration languages for networks
A method is provided for analyzing the semantic content of network configuration files, comprising the steps of accessing configuration files associated with corresponding network components, the files containing commands that define the configuration of those components; transforming the commands into a structural database based, at least in part, on a non-grammatical analysis of the commands, wherein the structure of the commands is represented as the structural database; and constructing a semantic database of the configuration files by querying the structural database. |
| US08554794B2 |
System and method for enforcing privacy in social networks
The present application describes systems and methods for Relationship Capital Management (“RCM”). An RCM system mines relationship capital, which it correlates to eliminate redundancies, that is made available for searching. An initial result set of the search may be narrowed to a single individual, e.g., the target. Weighted paths are identified that connect the user to the target, which may comprise one or more intermediaries between the two. Weighted paths are presented as maps, which may be embedded in other applications to improve business processes such as selling, marketing, hiring, etc. Selection of a path to the target initiates processing of requests for access to relationship capital and responses between the user and the one or more intermediaries. The processing of requests ultimately leads to the approval, conditional approval or denial of access to the relationship capital to which the user wishes to obtain access. |
| US08554791B1 |
Persistent folder associations for personal internet communicator
In a personal Internet communication device, a system for directing the storage of files uses a file navigation program to control the location of where files may be stored by the user. With the system, attempts to save files by the file navigation program are directed to a predefined or default storage location in a fixed directory structure. All other applications on the person Internet communicator may also be modified to control file save operations. The person Internet communicator is further configured to maintain the file save associations with the predefined or default storage location, even when the user has previously saved files to another location. |
| US08554790B2 |
Content based load balancer
A content based load balancing system receives a request for data provided by a resource. The content based load balancing system searches a content history cache for a content history cache entry corresponding to the requested data. The content based history cache then selects a resource node to service the request based on the content history cache entry corresponding to the data. |
| US08554782B2 |
Creating concise and re-useable queries over complex data
A novel system, computer readable storage medium and method for creating re-usable queries over complex data including hierarchies, trees and graphs is described. This is achieved by an object-oriented query language, where a class is a logical property of a data item, and inheritance is implication between such properties. Virtual method calls execute all relevant method implementations in most specific classes. Expressions can be multi-valued, thus avoiding the need for naming intermediate results. All constructs closely follow the syntax of mainstream object-oriented languages like Java. |
| US08554779B1 |
Protecting privacy in audience data
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating respective random weights for identified audience members matching an audience specification in order to mask the behavior of individuals. The mean value of the random weights for large audience results approaches one so that a sum of the weights approximates a count of the matching records. |
| US08554777B2 |
Content storage mapping
A data storage method and system. The method includes defining, by a computing system, a meta-object, a schema based structured definition for the meta-object, and a taxonomy with configuration data. The computing system creates content associated with the taxonomy and associates topics of the content with a logical storage room representations. Reference coordinates associated with the logical storage room representations are associated with the taxonomy. The computing system generates updated configuration data that includes the reference coordinates and a uniform resource identifier associated with the content is generated. The computing system generates an account associated with the meta-object for a user. Metering charges for usage of the account and a report associated with the account and usage are generated. |
| US08554774B2 |
System and method for word indexing in a capture system and querying thereof
Searching of objects captured by a capture system can be improved by eliminating irrelevant objects from a query. In one embodiment, the present invention includes receiving such a query for objects captured by a capture system, the query including at least one search term. This search term is then hashed to a term bit position using a hash function. Then objects can be eliminated if, in a word index associated with the object, the term bit position is not set. |
| US08554770B2 |
Profile construction using location-based aggregate profile information
Systems and methods are disclosed for creating a user profile for a subject user based on historical aggregate profile data for locations at which the subject user was previously located. In one embodiment, one or more location and time period pairs are determined for the subject user. Each location and time period pair defines a previous location of the subject user and a time period during which the subject user was at the previous location. Historical aggregate profile data is obtained for the location and time period pairs. For each location and time period pair, the historical aggregate profile data is generally an aggregation of user profiles of a number of users relevant to the location and time period pair. A user profile for the subject user is then created based on the historical aggregate profile data for the one or more location and time period pairs. |
| US08554769B1 |
Identifying gibberish content in resources
This specification describes technologies relating to providing search results. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a network resource, the network resource including text content; generating a language model score for the resource including applying a language model to the text content of the resource; generating a query stuffing score for the reference, the query stuffing score being a function of term frequency in the resource content and a query index; calculating a gibberish score for the resource using the language model score and the query stuffing score; and using the calculated gibberish score to determine whether to modify a ranking score of the resource. |
| US08554765B2 |
System and method for identifying a location of interest to be named by a user
A mobile communication device for identifying a location to be named comprising a position locator component configured to determine a location of a user and a communication interface component configured to provide the location for use in determining user-specific location information including at least one of a number of times and an amount of time the user is present at or near the location. The location naming component is configured to receive an identification of the location as a location of interest. The location naming component is configured to provide a prompt for naming the location of interest for presentation by a graphical user interface component in association with received suggested name information. The location naming component is configured to receive name information for naming the location. The graphical user interface component is configured to present the name information for the location of interest on the mobile communication device. |
| US08554762B1 |
Data replication framework
Generally described, the present disclosure is directed to an eventually consistent replicated data store that uses, for its underlying storage, a computer software library that provides a high-performance embedded database for data. The replicated data store employs a plurality of hosts interconnected to one another, allowing for writes to any host and full awareness of membership across all hosts. With the data replication framework disclosed herein, various modes are allowed to be built up on top of the core system. |
| US08554760B2 |
System and method for optimizing queries
There is provided a computer-implemented method of optimizing a query. An exemplary method comprises receiving a first query configured to generate a result set. The query may comprise an operation for an outer table, a first predicate, and a second predicate. The second predicate may comprise a subquery correlated to the operation. Additionally, the first predicate and the second predicate may be disjunctive. The exemplary method also comprises generating a first query tree representing the first query, and generating a second query tree representing a second query. The second query may be configured to generate the result set, and may not comprise the subquery. The exemplary method additionally comprises generating a query plan based on the second query tree. |
| US08554756B2 |
Integrating social network data with search results
A user of a social network may submit a search query relating to one or more topics to a search engine indexing a set of data items, but the search results, while authoritative and informative, may be highly impersonal with respect to the user. Conversely, the user may search for social data items within the social network relating to the topics, and such social data items may be more highly personalized to the user, but may also be inaccurate or incomplete. Instead, the search query may be applied to both the search engine and the social network, and the selected search results and social data items may be integrated into a presentation featuring both authoritative and personalized information about the topics associated with the search query. |
| US08554754B2 |
Skills database management system and method
A computer-based on-line skills/résumé management system, the system comprising: (a) a relational database having a plurality of fields wherein a portion of the fields are arranged in a hierarchical relationship; (b) database population mechanism for populating the database with information, the population mechanism interfacing with a first user and prompting the first user for information for at least a portion of the fields arranged in the hierarchical relationship; (c) query generation mechanism for interfacing with a second user and prompting the second user to select a combination of the fields in the hierarchical relationship to form at least a portion of a query for searching the database; (d) search mechanism operatively connected to database for applying the query to the relational database; and (e) output mechanism for providing the second user with results of the search. |
| US08554752B2 |
Information providing system, information receiving apparatus, information providing apparatus, information providing method and program
The information receiving apparatus includes the related information receiving portion to receive content-related information, the mode selecting portion to select a link condition between the content and the related information, the related information request transmitting portion to transmit content designation information when the link condition is switched to the link mode or the content is switched in the link mode, and the display control portion to display the content, related information and link condition. The information providing apparatus includes the related information storage portion to store the related information associating with the content, the related information request receiving portion to receive the content designation information, the related information extracting portion to extract the related information corresponding to the content, and the related information transmitting portion to transmit the related information. This provides the information providing system enabling browsing of the related information with or without a link to the content. |
| US08554743B2 |
Optimization of a computing environment in which data management operations are performed
Described are embodiments of an invention for optimizing a computing environment that performs data management operations such as encryption, deduplication and compression. The computing environment includes data components and a management system. The data components operate on data during the lifecycle of the data. The management system identifies all the data components in a data path, how the data components are interconnected, the data management operations performed at each data component, and how many data management operations of each type are performed at each data component. Further, the management system builds a data structure to represent the flow of data through the data path and analyzes the data structure in view of policy. After the analysis, the management system provides recommendations to optimize the computing environment through the reconfiguration of the data management operation configuration and reconfigures the data management operation configuration to optimize the computing environment. |
| US08554741B1 |
Timeline application for log structured storage devices
A host computer receives log structured data from a data storage device (DSD), wherein the log structured data comprises logical block addresses (LBAs) corresponding to a plurality of write operations performed on the DSD, and the log structured data comprises at least one duplicated instance of an LBA, wherein each instance of the LBA represents a different write operation. Timeline information related to the log structured data is displayed in an accounting window. |
| US08554730B2 |
Adding a key column to a table to be replicated
Techniques are disclosed for adding a key column to a table to be replicated, where the key column stores key values for use in replication. In one embodiment, a request is received to add a table to a replication domain, such that the table is replicated from a first database server to at least a second database server. Key values are generated for both existing records and new records subsequently requested to be inserted into the table, respectively. Each generated key value is unique across the replication domain. Further, the key column may be added to the table without requiring exclusive access to the table. |
| US08554728B2 |
Method and system for managing a distributed transaction process
Systems and methods for managing a distributed transaction process include an active transaction manager that manages transactions with an active database, a latent transaction manager that manages transactions with a merge database, a transaction log that reflects the set of transactions in the active database that are not affiliated with the transactions in the merge database, and a merge manager that uses the transaction log to determine whether to transfer control of the merge database to the active transaction manager. Systems and methods may further instruct the active transaction manager to halt transactions with the active database while the merge database is updated to reflect a set of transactions affiliated with the set of transactions in the transaction log, and instruct the active transaction manager to subsequently manage transactions to the active database and the merge database. |
| US08554727B2 |
Method and system of tiered quiescing
A method and system of tiered quiescing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a representation data of a multi-tier network, embedding a flag marker at a transaction event based on at least of an event data and a timing data, and quiescing, based on the representation data, a set of modules of the multi-tier network associated with at least one of the event data and the timing data using the flag marker. The representation data may be generated based on a transaction modeling of data flows between the set of modules of the multi-tier network (e.g., the set of modules may each operate in different tiers of the multi-tier network). In addition, a series of consistency points may be determined based on the transaction modeling of data flows between the sets of modules of the multi-tier network. |
| US08554725B2 |
System and method for highly reliable data replication
Data replication includes generating replication data that is part of a replicated file system to be sent over a communication channel to a destination replication device; adding additional verification information to at least a portion of the replication data to prevent data corruption; and sending the replication data and the additional verification information over the communication channel to the destination replication device. The replication data with additional verification information is sent over the communication channel using a reliable protocol that allows the replication data to be verified by the reliable protocol at the destination replication device. The reliable protocol is a protocol capable of detecting most but not all data corruption introduced by the communication channel. The additional verification information includes information for verifying that replication data sent using the reliable protocol does not include data corruption that was introduced by the communication channel and undetected by the reliable protocol. |
| US08554723B2 |
Mining of user event data to identify users with common interest
A computer-implemented matching service matches users to other users, and/or to user communities, based at least in part on a computer analysis of event data reflective of user behaviors. The event data may, for example, evidence user affinities for particular items represented in an electronic catalog, such as book titles, music titles, movie titles, and/or other types of items that tend to reflect the traits of users. Event data reflective of other types of user actions, such as item-detail-page viewing events, browse node visits, search query submissions, and/or web browsing patterns may additionally or alternatively be considered. By taking such event data into consideration, the matching service reduces the burden on users to explicitly supply personal profile information, and reduces poor results caused by exaggerations and other inaccuracies in such profile information. |
| US08554722B2 |
Method for transferring data into database systems
A method, computer program, and computer network are disclosed for transferring data to a database system. The method includes preparing a plurality of input records, each including a plurality of fields and a selector configurable to represent a plurality of states. For each input record of the plurality of input records, the following steps are performed. A state represented by the selector for an input record is read. Based on the state represented by the selector, a subset of the fields for the input record is transferred to the database system. |
| US08554716B1 |
Systems and methods for predictive coding
Systems and methods for analyzing documents are provided herein. A plurality of documents and user input are received via a computing device. The user input includes hard coding of a subset of the plurality of documents, based on an identified subject or category. Instructions stored in memory are executed by a processor to generate an initial control set, analyze the initial control set to determine at least one seed set parameter, automatically code a first portion of the plurality of documents based on the initial control set and the seed set parameter associated with the identified subject or category, analyze the first portion of the plurality of documents by applying an adaptive identification cycle, and retrieve a second portion of the plurality of documents based on a result of the application of the adaptive identification cycle test on the first portion of the plurality of documents. |
| US08554709B2 |
Entity performance analysis engines
A system and method for measuring a performance of an entity and for predicting its future performance is disclosed. Raw information about the entity is collected from internal and external sources. The information is cleaned to exclude false positives. Using performance categories, the information is organized and transformed into meaningful data for the performance analysis engine. The information is normalized by scaling the meaningful data by industry type. A performance score is calculated by the performance analysis engine based on the normalized data. Further, a competitive relationship score is calculated based on the performance score and the normalized data. These scores are reported in a user interface displaying the performance of the entity and are used as inputs, among other factors, to a predictive analysis engine that assesses the future performance of the entities. |
| US08554705B1 |
Computer based education for use with multiuser software
Methods and systems for performing computer based education are described herein. According to various aspects, a user is presented with computer-based education regarding completion of an objective within an interactive computing environment. When the user is ready to perform (or attempt to perform) the objective in a real-world or “live” situation, the software may place the user in a training session where other users are actually computer-controlled participants, or bots, having a prescribed level of artificial intelligence. If the user successfully completes the objective, the software may increment the level of AI until the user completes the objective while interacting with bots having a required level of AI. The user may thereafter be allowed to participate in dynamic sessions with other human users. During training sessions the user may be affirmatively led to believe that other participants are human, rather than bots. |
| US08554703B1 |
Anomaly detection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for anomaly detection. One of the methods includes receiving training data for updating an updateable trained first predictive model. The method includes inputting the training data into a trained second predictive model and generating predictive output data. The method includes based on the predictive output data, detecting an anomaly in the training data as compared to previously received training data. The method includes generating a retrained first predictive model based on the updateable trained first predictive model, a training function and training data that includes the received training data and previously received training data, wherein the received training data is weighted differently than the previously received training data based on the detected anomaly. |
| US08554701B1 |
Determining sentiment of sentences from customer reviews
Technologies are described herein for classifying sentences or phrases as expressing positive or negative sentiment based on machine learning from training data comprising sentences manually labeled as to sentiment. A list of terms is generated from the manually labeled sentences and sentiment scores are determined for the terms in the list of terms based on the manually labeled sentences. A collection of sentences or phrases may then be classified as to sentiment utilizing one or more logistic regression classifiers trained on the sentiment scores determined for the terms in the list of terms. The classified collection of sentences may be further analyzed to determine an overall majority sentiment regarding a topic discussed in the sentences and/or to extract specific sentences or phrases expressing a particular sentiment for display to a customer. |
| US08554697B2 |
Self-learning engine for the refinement and optimization of surgical settings
The present invention pertains to a system (or engine) that monitors a system's performance during a surgery, analyzes that performance, and makes recommendations to the user/surgeon for changes in his settings and/or programs that will result in more effective and time-efficient surgeries. Further, the system may comprise one or more components, including, but not limited to, a user preference filter, a surgical circumstances filter, a surgical instrument, a real time data collection module, and an analysis module. |
| US08554686B2 |
Anti-hack protection to restrict installation of operating systems and other software
In a personal Internet communication device, a security key is stored on the master boot record. Any bootable device attempting to write operating system files or software files must have an authorized signature key in order to be eligible to install files on the personal Internet communication device. |
| US08554684B2 |
Controlling database copyrights
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a utilization permit key may be pre-defined to permit at least one of displaying, editing, storing, copying, and/or transferring of digital data. |
| US08554673B2 |
Methods and systems for discounts management
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a computer implemented business method in an electronic system in which payment information is exchanged between a buyer and a seller. Approval is received from the buyer of an electronic invoice received by the buyer. At a time when no agreed upon discount is available based on the invoice or pre-agreed terms between the buyer and the seller, a request is received from the buyer to offer the seller early payment in exchange for a discount of the amount owed. The discount is based on an annual hurdle rate provided to the system by the buyer. The offer is presented to the seller on the seller's user interface, and a clickable button is provided for the seller to indicate selection of such offer. In another embodiment of the invention, in an electronic system in which payment information is exchanged between buyers and at least a seller, an identification of a date upon which a seller would like to receive early payment is received through a computer input associated with the seller. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a relationship between a buyer and a seller where there is a standard discount term, and there is also a discount term in a respective invoice. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method related to enrollment of a new seller in the system. |
| US08554670B1 |
Systems and methods for crediting missed location-based electronic check-ins in a social network
Identifying missed electronic check-ins and crediting missed check-ins to members of a social network by utilizing transaction data from an intermediate computer other than a computer of the social network. Missed check-ins are identified using transaction data resulting from an activity of the member at a check-in location, e.g., when the member purchased an item from a merchant at a check-in location or made a call from the location. Transaction data is sent from a computer that stores the data to the social network computer that manages check-ins. Transaction location is compared with check-in locations to determine whether the member should receive credit for the missed check-in, which may count towards rewards or benefits of the social network even though the member is not currently at the check-in location since the missed check-in is validated by a trusted source of transaction data. |
| US08554668B2 |
Financial transaction card with installment loan feature
There is provided a financial transaction payment method and system for processing a transaction conducted using a financial transaction card. The financial transaction card has associated therewith a financial account in a financial institution and one or more transaction criteria. The financial transaction payment system includes a processing unit and an application program for execution on the processing unit. The method includes the step of determining by the application program whether a transaction activates an installment loan on the financial account based on the one or more transaction criteria. |
| US08554667B2 |
Total structural risk model
The present invention generally relates to financial data processing, and in particular it relates to credit scoring, consumer profiling, consumer behavior analysis and modeling. More specifically, it relates to risk modeling using the inputs of credit bureau data, size of wallet data, and, optionally, internal data. |
| US08554660B2 |
Payment method employing a bill of exchange
A method of paying for a product is traded from a seller to a buyer, wherein a bill of exchange is issued by the seller and accepted by the buyer. The bill of exchange can be payable at a certain future date to the order of the seller at a first financial institution and drawn on the buyer at a second financial institution and becomes a negotiable instrument at the certain future date without reference to the transaction. The method can include: originating the bill of exchange from an originator who is not the seller; signing of the bill of exchange by the buyer then the seller and the seller then issuing of the bill of exchange. The method can also include negotiating the bill of exchange after issuance and on or after the certain future date to effect payment. The bill of exchange can be issued and accepted before a triggering event. |
| US08554657B2 |
Financial system and method
The present invention relates to a data processing method and system for predicting income derived from an anticipated future benefit (Horizon Gain), wherein the system comprises: (a) registration means for registering a borrower in a first database and for registering characteristics a lender in a second database; (b) first automated means for inputting values to a first database; (c) automated means for generating databases as necessary populated with values for one or more selected future time divisions for the borrower's asset over one or more AD's before optimization, the values being calculated according to a predetermined formulae; (d) visual display means to represent predicted income derived from the anticipated future benefit; (e) automated means for responding to a redemption event by determining the value of a payment to the lender that is the greater of, (i) an agreed proportion of appreciation of the asset (HGAV), or (ii) qualifying outgoings (QO). |
| US08554653B2 |
Systems and methods to identify payment accounts having business spending activities
Systems and methods are provided to generate tools to evaluate the probability of an account being actually used by a business rather than an individual. In one aspect, a computing apparatus includes: a data warehouse configured to store transaction data of accounts issued by a plurality of issuers; and at least one processor configured to calculate values of a first plurality of variables for each of the accounts using the transaction data of the accounts issued by the plurality of issuers. The accounts include business accounts and non-business accounts. The at least one processor is further configured to identify a second plurality of variables from the first plurality of variables for a classification model to distinguish, using the values and logistic regression, the business accounts from the non-business accounts. |
| US08554651B2 |
Method and arrangement for transaction processing in connection with mobile telecommunication
A method in a telecommunications system, in which there are at least three parties involved in the system's exploitation, namely at least one service provider capable of providing services for at least one user, and at least one operator responsible for the operation of the telecommunications system, wherein payable services delivered to an authorized and authenticated user are identified, and in which system each service transaction as well as the user are identified. The definition of the transaction flow is done on the basis of at least one predefined transaction rule and the parties involved are allowed to dynamically alter the function of at least one of the rules and/or the execution order of multiple rules for creating a flexible transaction flow. |
| US08554649B1 |
Maintenance-cost-aware billing for cloud services
In some examples, a method for performing maintenance-cost-aware billing is described. The method may include generating a version of a virtual machine image. The method may also include calculating a usage charge for usage of an instantiated virtual machine corresponding to the version of the virtual machine image. The calculation of the usage charge may be based on an age of the version of the virtual machine image. |
| US08554646B2 |
Accounting method and accounting system
An accounting system under standard costing as absorption costing which identifies a break-even point, performs a process in which, in a break-even chart represented as a standard-costing marginal profit chart for a company or business line departments, a “net carryover manufacturing overhead allocation cost” η of an inventory and a managed gross profit QM (=Sales Amount X−Sales Absorption Cost) are defined, a managed fixed cost F (=η+Manufacturing Overhead C+General Administrative Cost G) is treated as a fixed cost, and the point of intersection between line segment OB′ connecting the origin O (0, 0) and point B′ (X, Vs) and horizontal line segment EN′ taking the value of the managed fixed cost F is identified as a break-even point (point H2′). Here, Vs is the sum of the managed gross profit QM and a sales manufacturing overhead allocation cost ACX. |
| US08554643B2 |
Method for placing a palletless goods package in a stock shelf and delivering therefrom and for controlling logistics of packages
A method and equipment to stack palletless and as to their size variable packages (1) on warehouse rack (15) and to retrieve them from the rack and to control the logistics of packages, in which the warehouse rack is furnished with an automatic packages stacking and retrieving robot, and in which the control of warehouse data and logistics takes place by a data system. Equipment (5) receives package (1), for instance, onto conveyor belt (2), equipment (5) carries out weighing of package (1), determination for the necessary space requirement, reading of remote code connected to package (1), as RFID code (20) in order to choose the rack space determined for it on basis of previous functions, and package (1) is retrieved from the rack steered either by the order of the user or of the data system, and the data from above mentioned stacking and retrieving functions are transmitted to the data system. |
| US08554638B2 |
Comparative shopping tool
The claimed subject matter relates to a computer-implemented architecture that can provide a non-invasive comparative shopping tool, such as a browser plug-in. For example, the plug-in can determine whether a web user is currently visiting a purchase page, thus indicating that the web user is likely to be interested in purchasing items online. Upon making this determination, the plug-in can display a non-invasive listing (that can be quickly and conveniently dismissed) of comparable items at favorable prices (or with favorable features, etc.) that are available for purchase at other web sites. In addition, the plug-in can communicate with a data store, e.g., by way of the web, in order to help make various determination as well as to receive the listing of comparable items. |
| US08554635B2 |
Social marketplace digital worth score
A method and system are disclosed for managing catalog resources within a social commerce environment. Users are referred by a plurality of affiliates to a social commerce marketplace system. Once referred, the users are presented with a customized social commerce storefront that is associated with an individual affiliate. Each of the customized social commerce storefronts comprises a micro catalog of purchasable products, which is a subset of a master catalog comprising a set of available products. Social data associated with the user and catalog data associated with the purchasable products is processed to generate product catalog data to the user, which is then provided to the user. The user reviews the social commerce content and selects individual purchasable products for purchase. |
| US08554632B2 |
Mobile commerce framework
A subscription-based system for providing commerce information for one or more mobile devices for one or more merchants. Some techniques employed feature a subscription-based method for presenting commercial resources to a mobile device. The method involves receiving mobile device user information relating to a geographic location to locate one or more merchants within a subscription-based shopping network, and receiving mobile device user information relating to a merchant type within the subscription-based shopping network. The method also involves receiving, from a database over a communication network, information for one or more merchants associated with the mobile device user information for the geographic location and the merchant type, and presenting the associated merchant information on the mobile device. The associated merchant information can include a merchant name and address, a merchant telephone number, a merchant advertisement, a merchant coupon, or a merchant product or service offering to subscribers of the shopping network. |
| US08554629B2 |
Targeted ads based on user purchases
The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing advertisements on websites. In an embodiment, a method for providing an advertisement on a website includes obtaining purchase information submitted by a user making a purchase on the website, determining at least one advertisement for a product or service related to the purchase but of a different type than the purchase, and displaying the at least one advertisement on the website when the purchase is completed. In another embodiment, a system for providing an advertisement on a website includes a purchase server, an advertisement source, an analyzer, and an advertisement server. |
| US08554627B2 |
User generated photo ads used as status updates
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating and utilizing photo advertisements (“ads”). In one embodiment, a photo advertisement is posted as a status update for a user via a social networking service. More specifically, first, one or more photo ad templates are obtained for the user, where each photo ad template includes one or more photo wells. A photo advertisement is then generated based on one of the photo ad templates such that a filler image of a different one of one or more participants identified for the photo advertisement is inserted into each of the one or more photo wells in the photo ad template. The photo advertisement is then used as a status update for the user. In another embodiment, the photo advertisement is stored and subsequently used to serve ad requests. |
| US08554625B2 |
Mobile advertising and content caching mechanism for mobile devices and method for use thereof
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for a mobile advertising and content caching mechanism for mobile devices and a method for using such a mechanism. In one example, the method includes monitoring a mobile device for activity indicating user interest in an advertising area. The method detects an application launch request corresponding to the monitored activity and intercepts the application launch request. The method provides multimedia advertising content to an output component of the mobile device, and launches the application corresponding to the application launch request after the multimedia advertising content has finished playing on the output component. |
| US08554615B2 |
Context-induced wireless network transport for content and profile information
In accordance with the present invention, context-induced wireless network information and content transport systems and methods are provided. In another aspect of the present application, a system includes first and second mobile devices that store respective interest profiles. A further aspect of the present application provides that wireless point-to-point connections are formed when the first and second mobile devices are in close physical proximity to each other. In another aspect, the mobile devices automatically exchange advertising content between each other based on the respective interest profiles over the wireless point-to-point connections. Yet another aspect employs a content distribution device wirelessly transmitting advertising content to one of the first and second mobile devices when the one of the first and second mobile devices is in close physical proximity to the content distribution device. A method of operating such a wireless network is also provided. |
| US08554613B2 |
Providing coupons based on user selected preference options
A device is configured to receive, from a first mobile device of a first user of a group of users, information identifying a first location of the first mobile device and to receive, from a second mobile device of a second user of the group, a second location of the second mobile device. The device is further configured to determine a geographic area of a venue associated with a coupon. The device is also configured to match the coupon to the group when the first location and the second location are within the geographic area, and transmit information associated with the matched coupon to the first mobile device and the second mobile device. The group is organized by the first user or the second user for a plurality of users to receive coupons for a particular type of service associated with the matched coupon. |
| US08554602B1 |
System and method for behavioral segment optimization based on data exchange
System and method for automatic definition and tuning of user segment combinations used for targeted advertisement and marketing. Automated analysis and feedback modules may provide, ad hoc, optimized market segments definitions that maximize the conversion ratio for advertisements. The system and method may optimize of segment data based on a learning-running process built around a data exchange within a real-time bidding (RTB) media exchange system. In identifying qualified combinations for segments on-going loops or iterations may analyze the correlation between the performance of an advertisement or “creative” and user data, based on a set of parameters. As a part of data segmentation, embodiments of the present invention find combinations of parameters that may predict lift. Segment combinations are optimized by, for example combining a segment combination with one or more other segment combinations and/or dividing a segment combination into two or more different combinations. |
| US08554601B1 |
Managing content based on reputation
Techniques are described for managing various types of content in order to identify content having attributes of interest, such as based at least in part on automatically generated assessments of the reputations of authors of the content and/or of evaluators of the content. When content of sufficient interest is identified, it can then be provided to readers in various ways. In some situations, the content being evaluated and managed may include item reviews and/or how-to guides provided to a Web merchant by user authors, and in some situations may include information from blogs. Various types of awards can also be provided to authors and/or evaluators based on one or more of multiple types of reputation scores from their assessed reputations. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring it, and is submitted with the intention that it not reflect the limit of the scope of the claims. |
| US08554600B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting data for an item
A sale of a product or service may trigger a third party, such as a payment provider, to arrange for the collection of individual post-sale market data from the customer. Alternatively, such post-sale market data may be directly provided by smart devices and the like. Dependent upon the type of product or service involved, a schedule for continuously submitting post-sale market data for the product or service may be provided and the consumer may be encouraged to submit post-sale market data in accordance therewith through a variety of incentives. The received, individual, post-sale market data may be aggregated by one or more sources to determine aggregate post-sale market data for the product or service. The submitted individual data and/or the determined aggregate post-sale market data may then be provided to consumers in order to assist them in making purchasing decisions. |
| US08554596B2 |
System and methods for managing complex service delivery through coordination and integration of structured and unstructured activities
The invention allows for the integration of structured and unstructured human activities in the context of delivering one or more service. The systems and method described improve efficiency and quality of service delivery by increasing overall productivity and by providing better accountability for the actual cost of delivery. |
| US08554595B2 |
Systems and methods for providing controls for aggregated weather-based work
Systems, methods, non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer program instructions for causing a computer device to implement methods, and the like utilize weather information from one or a variety of locations to estimate costs for providing weather-dependent work, and to provide financial controls for weather-dependent work allegedly performed. One method includes utilizing historical weather information relating to performance of weather-dependent work at a work location to generate an estimate of an anticipated frequency with which weather-dependent work will be necessary, utilizing information to estimate an anticipated cost per incident for performing weather-dependent work at the selected work location, and using such information at a plurality of locations to generate an aggregate bid for performing weather-dependent work at the locations. Weather information is also used to audit weather-dependent work allegedly performed at the work locations to provide financial controls to the aggregated weather-dependent work in compliance with law and regulation. |
| US08554593B2 |
System and method for quantitative assessment of organizational adaptability
A method, system, and computer program product for measuring and assessing an organization's business adaptability is provided. In one embodiment, a taxonomy comprising a hierarchical list of taxonomy indicators that captures organizational elements that can be used to measure an organization's responsiveness to change is created. The taxonomy indicators are industry specific. A set of weights associated with the elements of the taxonomy, indicating a relevant contribution of each element to an overall adaptability of an organization, is assigned. The set of weights are industry specific. An enterprise profile is created assigning a level of adaptability to each taxonomy indicator indicating where, in a range of scores from low to high, an enterprise rates relative to the relevant taxonomy indicator. An adaptability result of the organization from the weights, taxonomy, and enterprise profile is then calculated. The adaptability result provides a quantitative assessment of the organization's adaptability. |
| US08554592B1 |
Systems and methods for transaction-based profiling of customer behavior
A system and method is provided for updating customer profiles based on current information on merchant transactions performed by the customers. The customer profiles, which include data fields for customer attributes, are stored in a profile data base. The customer profiles may be updated when a batch of merchant-customer transaction reports in a given time period becomes available. The information in the batch of merchant-customer transaction reports, which may be supplemented with additional known information on the merchants and/or customers, is sorted by customer account number. The customer profiles then are updated, one customer account number at time, using the sorted information. Profiling models which relate transaction types or characteristics to customer attributes are used to assign updated values to the customer attribute data fields. |
| US08554590B1 |
Methods for administering loan premiums in a pension insurance program
A pension insurance plan method governs the establishing and administering of a loan premium towards a plan loan secured by participant's plan assets, eliminating adverse tax consequences to the plan beneficiary in the event of the death or disability of the borrower-participant and ensures that the full plan account balance passes intact to beneficiary in such event. |
| US08554589B2 |
Insurance product, rating system and method
In the present invention, an insurance product, rating system and method generally relates to a rating and pricing system for quantifying the risk that the annual savings will not fall below specified levels associated with implementing and maintaining economic improvements. The product, system and method can be applied to various industries, including, power generation, petro-chemical, manufacturing and refining facilities. Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for pricing an insurance policy for insuring a minimum level of return on investment. |
| US08554587B1 |
Rich claim reporting system
A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired. |
| US08554580B2 |
Automated management of medical data using expert knowledge and applied complexity science for risk assessment and diagnoses
A knowledgebase comprising a plurality of feature-sets is created using complexity science. The knowledgebase is accessible through a network to a computer, a system, and a computer program code that receives and analyzes medical data to determine the existence of a disease state. The medical data is input and correlated to features within the knowledgebase to identify feature-sets, each feature-set indicating a particular medical condition. After one or more feature-sets have been selected, associative algorithms consider the magnitudes or values of the medical data and, with the values of features in the feature-sets, assess the risk burden of the medical condition associated with the feature-set. An output is generated that may include diagnoses of one or more medical conditions, the risk burden of the medical condition(s), possible treatment options and prevention techniques. |
| US08554578B2 |
Managing the business of a medical scheme
The method of the invention provides incentives for medical scheme members to minimize medical expenses both by responsible use of the benefits of the scheme, and also by offering positive incentives to members to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to make use of preventative procedures and pre-treatment medical advice facilities. A number of health-related facilities and/or services (such as membership of health clubs, gymnasiums or fitness programs) are offered to the medical scheme members, and the members are allocated points for using these facilities. Members are also allocated points for using predetermined preventive medical procedures and medical advice services. Rewards are allocated to members based on their points accrued, and the reward may include a payback of premium payments. |
| US08554576B1 |
Automated document filing
A document management device provides a user interface that receives an indication from a user of one or more series associated with an electronic document, such as a scanned or electronically completed medical-related form. In other embodiments, the document management device comprises document detection intelligence that determines a type of document and/or series for an electronic document. After determining a series associated with a document, one or more attributes that have previously been associated with the determined series are associated with the electronic document. The attributes associated with the electronic document may then be used to control user's rights to the document, indicate a type of viewer associated with the document, indicate a storage location for the document, and/or indicate a type of the electronic document, for example. |
| US08554574B2 |
System and software of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long-term care facilities and related methods
A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server. |
| US08554570B2 |
Apparatus and method for transportation and upselling of product
A system and method for using product profiling to maximize load capacity of a vehicle. The method includes defining product profiles and retrieving product information associated with the product profiles. The method further includes performing cubing operations for products associated with the product information. The system includes components to perform the method steps. |
| US08554563B2 |
Method and system for speaker diarization
A method and system for speaker diarization are provided. Pre-trained acoustic models of individual speaker and/or groups of speakers are obtained. Speech data with multiple speakers is received and divided into frames. For a frame, an acoustic feature vector is determined extended to include log-likelihood ratios of the pre-trained models in relation to a background population model. The extended acoustic feature vector is used in segmentation and clustering algorithms. |
| US08554559B1 |
Localized speech recognition with offload
A local computing device may receive an utterance from a user device. In response to receiving the utterance, the local computing device may obtain a text string transcription of the utterance, and determine a response mode for the utterance. If the response mode is a text-based mode, the local computing device may provide the text string transcription to a target device. If the response mode is a non-text-based mode, the local computing device may convert the text string transcription into one or more commands from a command set supported by the target device, and provide the one or more commands to the target device. |
| US08554556B2 |
Multi-microphone voice activity detector
A dual microphone voice activity detector system is presented. A voice activity detector system estimates the signal level and noise level at each microphone. A level differential between the two microphones of nearby sounds such as the signal is greater than the level differential of more distant sounds such as the noise. Thus, the voice activity detector detects the presence of nearby sounds. |
| US08554549B2 |
Encoding device and method including encoding of error transform coefficients
A voice encoding device accurately encodes a spectrum shape of a signal having a strong tonality such as a vowel. The device includes: a sub-band divider which divides a first layer error conversion coefficient to be encoded into M sub-bands so as to generate M sub-band conversion coefficients; a shape vector encoder which performs encoding on each of the M sub-band conversion coefficients so as to obtain M shape encoded information and calculates a target gain of each of the M sub-band conversion coefficients; a gain vector former which forms one gain vector by using M target gains; a gain vector encoder which encodes the gain vector so as to obtain gain encoded information; and a multiplexer which multiplexes the shape encoded information with the gain encoded information. |
| US08554548B2 |
Speech decoding apparatus and speech decoding method including high band emphasis processing
An audio decoding device can adjust the high-range emphasis degree in accordance with a background noise level. The audio decoding device includes: a sound source signal decoder which performs a decoding process by using sound source encoding data separated by a separator so as to obtain a sound source signal; an LPC synthesis filter which performs an LPC synthesis filtering process by using a sound source signal and an LPC generated by an LPC decoder so as to obtain a decoded sound signal; a mode judger which determines whether a decoded sound signal is a stationary noise period by using a decoded LSP inputted from the LPC decoder a power calculator which calculates the power of the decoded audio signal; an SNR calculator which calculates an SNR of the decoded audio signal by using the power of the decoded audio signal and a mode judgment result in the mode judger and a post filter which performs a post filtering process by using the SNR of the decoded audio signal. |
| US08554544B2 |
Method for generating text that meets specified characteristics in a handheld electronic device and a handheld electronic device incorporating the same
Incoming e-mails, instant messages, SMS, and MMS, are scanned for new language objects such as words, abbreviations, text shortcuts and, in appropriate languages, ideograms, that are placed in a list for use by a text input process of a handheld electronic device to facilitate the generation of text. Systems and methods consistent with the present invention may gather new language objects from sources of text external to the handheld electronic device, and may ignore new language objects that are not considered to be in a current language of the handheld electronic device. |
| US08554542B2 |
Textual entailment method for linking text of an abstract to text in the main body of a document
A system and method are provided for processing an input document which enable assessment of the coherence of an abstract of the document. The method includes storing the document in memory and, for each sentence of the abstract, comparing the sentence with sentences of a main body of the document using textual entailment techniques to identify whether the sentence of the abstract entails a sentence in the main body of the document. Links can then be generated between the entailing sentences of the abstract and the corresponding entailed sentences of the document. The document and generated links are output. The links enable the coherence of the abstract to be evaluated, either manually or automatically, using an evaluation component of the system. |
| US08554541B2 |
Virtual pet system, method and apparatus for virtual pet chatting
A virtual pet system includes: a virtual pet client, adapted to receive a sentence in natural language and send the sentence to a Q&A server; the Q&A server, adapted to receive the sentence, process the sentence through natural language comprehension, generate an answer in natural language based on a result of natural language comprehension and reasoning knowledge, and send the answer in natural language to the virtual pet client. A method for virtual pet chatting includes: receiving a sentence in natural language, perform natural language comprehension for the sentence, and generating an answer in natural language based on a result of natural language comprehension and reasoning knowledge. A Q&A server includes: a sentence comprehension engine unit, adapted to process a received sentence in natural language through natural language comprehension, and send a result of natural language comprehension to a reasoning engine unit; the reasoning engine unit, adapted to generate an answer in natural language based on reasoning knowledge and the result of natural language comprehension, and send the answer in natural language; a knowledge base, adapted to store the reasoning knowledge. |
| US08554540B2 |
Topic map based indexing and searching apparatus
A topic map based indexing apparatus analyzes community Q/A lists to acquire Q/A analysis information, removes redundant answers depending on the Q/A analysis information, removes insignificant answers based on the degree of reliability, ranks answer lists, and extracts the highest ranking answer as a best answer, to thereby store, in a community Q/A topic map, index information containing the community Q/A lists and the Q/A analysis information. A topic map based searching apparatus analyzes a user question to acquire question analysis information, searches similar questions from community Q/A lists belonging to a specific topic node of a pre-stored community Q/A topic map, ranks the searched similar questions depending on the question analysis information, removes redundant answers among answers to the ranked similar questions, ranks the answers, and extracts the highest ranking answer as a best answer. |
| US08554537B2 |
Method and device for transliteration
A method for transliteration includes receiving input such as a word, a sentence, a phrase, and a paragraph, in a source language, creating source language sub-phonetic units for the word and converting the source language sub-phonetic units for the word to target language sub-phonetic units, retrieving ranking for each of the target language sub-phonetic units from a database and creating target language words for the word in the source language based on the target language sub-phonetic units and ranking of the each of the target language sub-phonetic units. The method further includes identifying candidate target language words based predefined criteria, and displaying candidate target language words. |
| US08554535B2 |
Instruction-set architecture simulation techniques using just in time compilation
A method of simulating a program. Compiled and interpretive techniques are combined into a just-in-time cached compiled technique. When an instruction of a program simulation is to be executed at run-time, a table of compiled instructions is accessed to determine whether compiled data for the instruction is stored in the table. If the compiled data is not therein, the instruction is compiled and stored in the table. The compiled data is returned to a simulator that is executing the program simulation. In another embodiment, before storing new information in the table, another table may be consulted to determine if the location to which the new information is to be stored is protected. If the table location is protected, the new information is not stored in the table. Rather, the new information is simply passed on to the simulator. |
| US08554533B2 |
Methods and apparatus for advancing time in a distributed business simulation
Methods and apparatus for advancing time in a distributed business process simulation are disclosed. The methods and apparatus simulate an interdependent business process, such as a financial transaction system, in a secure distributed manner. Each business entity that is part of the interdependent business process models itself on a local client device at any chosen level of detail. A simulation server connects the separate client based simulations into one large simulation. Details of each local simulation may be hidden from other simulation participants. However, interruptions in business flow caused by simulated disruptions introduced at the simulation server and/or a client device are propagated to all of the effected simulation participants via the simulation server. In addition, simulation time may be warped from one breakpoint to another breakpoint thereby facilitating an efficient ratio of simulation time to real time. |
| US08554531B2 |
System and circuit for simulating gate-to-drain breakdown
A system and circuit for simulating gate-to-drain breakdown in an N-channel field effect transistor (NFET). In one embodiment, a simulation circuit includes a primary field effect transistor (FET), a first depletion mode FET and a second depletion mode FET. The first depletion mode FET and the second depletion mode FET are connected between a gate and a drain of the primary FET. A gate and a drain of the first depletion mode FET are connected to the gate of the primary FET. A gate and a drain of the second depletion mode FET are connected to the drain of the primary FET. |
| US08554530B1 |
Methods and systems for property assertion in circuit simulation
Systems and methods for simulating and verifying a design are contemplated. Various embodiments determine a set of verification rules for a design, wherein the verification rules use a PSL or SVA syntax in a SPICE netlist to describ a property of the circuit design. The state of a circuit at a simulated first time, t1, can be determined. The state at the first time, t1, may be analyzed to determine if a triggering event has occurred. Based on the occurrence of the triggering event, the systems and methods can verify the state at the first time, t1, against the set of verification rules. Some embodiments of the systems and methods described herein can include a mixed-signal circuit including an analog portion and a digital portion, and the analog portion, the mixed-signal portion, or both, may be simulated and verified. |
| US08554529B2 |
Black box model for large signal transient integrated circuit simulation
A method of simulating an integrated circuit device under test (DUT) is provided, wherein the DUT includes a plurality of terminals. For each terminal of the DUT, a probe pulse is applied to the terminal and a reaction is recorded at the terminal and each of the other terminals to obtain values representative of reactive tails for the terminal. For each terminal, the values representative of the reactive tails obtained for the terminal are stored as an entry of a look-up table. Each entry includes n+x fields, wherein n represents a number of arguments in the entry and x represents a number of functions in the entry. For each terminal, a signal value at a selected time step is calculated. |
| US08554528B2 |
Systems and methods for simulating fieldbus devices
Systems and methods for simulating operations of a Fieldbus system (FS). The FS (200) includes a Fieldbus interface module (FIM) coupled to field devices. The methods involve creating a simulation computer model (SCM) of the FS, generating simulation data records (SDRs), and running simulation software (SS). The SS is installed on a computer system (242), FIM (232, 234), or embedded device (222, 226). The SS simulates at least one operation of the FS. The SS uses at least a portion of the SCM and at least one of the SDRs. The SCM includes functional blocks and interconnections between the functional blocks. The functional blocks represent the FIM and/or field devices. The SDRs include data defining the SCM, a control strategy of the FS, and communication links between the FIM and field devices. The SDRs also include data defining the operating characteristics of the FIM and field devices. |
| US08554527B2 |
Particle simulator and method of simulating particles
The memory size used in DEM calculation of particle having a particle diameter distribution is suppressed.A particle simulator includes a particle-information retaining unit 11 holding particle information including position and velocity information of a particle group, a particle-number changing unit 14 assigning particle numbers specifying particles in an order in accordance with the positions of the particles to the particle, a contact-candidate-list preparing unit 16 selecting particle pairs of a target particle and another particle that may be in contact with the target particle, a contact determining unit 18 calculating contact forces generated between particles in the particle pairs on the basis of particle information and storing the contact forces in the contact-force tables, a contact-force calculating unit 19 extracting contact forces of particles having a diameter greater than particles from contact-force tables using a contact-force reference table 54, extracting contact forces of particles having a diameter smaller than the particles by specifying the storage positions in the contact-force tables using integrated-contact-candidate numbers s_jgi[i], and calculating the sum of the contact forces, and a particle-information updating unit 20 updating the particle information on the basis of the contact forces of the particle. |
| US08554523B2 |
Method for creating garment
A method for creating a garment comprises steps of: creating a garment on a garment window; adding a first panel to the garment; adding a second panel to the garment; enclosing a plurality body parts of the human body with a plurality of panel positioning boxes; positioning selected panels on faces of the panel positioning boxes disposed around the human body three-dimensionally in order to facilitate matching of corresponding seam lines; defining a seam between the two selected panels which belong to the garment; deleting a selected panel from the garment; saving the garment into a garment file; and opening the garment by reading in the garment file stored in a storing device. |
| US08554519B2 |
Method for designing the layout of turbines in a windfarm
A method and system for designing a layout of turbines on a grid is provided. The method comprises receiving wind data for each possible location of placement of a turbine on said grid; calculating an energy yield for a given layout of turbines on said grid as a nonlinear objective function, said function constrained by said wind data; implementing a bounding heuristic, said bounding heuristic comparing said calculated energy yield for said given layout of turbines to a current lower bound, and if said calculated energy yield is greater than the current lower bound, replacing the current lower bound with the calculated energy yield; and repeating the above steps for different layouts of turbines on the grid. |
| US08554518B1 |
Discrete principal component analysis (DPCA) for pattern recognition and diagnostics of tissue pathologies such as cancer
A method for recognizing figures in an image frame provided by an optical device is disclosed. The method includes selecting a set of calibration images having characteristic figures; selecting a number of horizontal and vertical channels for dividing the image, obtaining a digital signature for the image corresponding to each channel to create a calibration image matrix, obtaining a first set of characteristics and a second set of characteristics from said calibration image matrix and selecting two coordinates from at least one component in each of said first and second sets of characteristics from said calibration image matrix; forming a pattern vector from said selected coordinates from at least one component in each of said first and second sets of characteristics from said calibration image matrix, forming a calibration pattern matrix using pattern vectors from a plurality of said calibration images, forming a sample pattern vector from said selected coordinates from at least one component in each of said first and second sets of characteristics from a sample image, obtaining a two-dimensional projection of the vector resulting from transforming a sample pattern vector by the calibration pattern matrix, and determining whether the sample figure corresponds to a calibration pattern by the location in a two-dimensional plot of said projection. A method for recognizing tissue conditions in a sample tissue image frame provided by an optical device using the pattern recognition as described above is also provided. |
| US08554514B2 |
Test apparatus and test method
A data signal is transmitted synchronously with a clock signal, and contains n phases (n represents an integer of 2 or more) of data for each cycle of the clock signal. A first time to digital converter generates clock change point information which represents the change timing of the clock signal. A second time to digital converter receives a data sequence in increments of cycles of the clock signal, and generates data change point information items which represent the change timing of the data in increments of phases of the data. A calculation unit calculates difference data between the change timing represented by the data change point information and the change point timing represented by the clock change point information in increments of phases. A judgment unit judges a DUT based upon the difference data received from the calculation unit. |
| US08554512B2 |
Athletic performance data system and method
An athletic performance data system has an athletic field data collection system for obtaining athletic performance data and athlete identifying information for plural athletes at an athletic performance event. An athletic data host server receives the athletic performance test data and athlete identifying information from the athletic field data collection system, and the athletic performance data and athlete identifying information are posted to an athletic performance web site in a separate, personalized page for each of the plural athletes. |
| US08554510B2 |
Method of measuring properties of dynamic positioning errors in a lithographic apparatus, data processing apparatus, and computer program product
Movements of a lithographic apparatus include dynamic positioning errors on one or more axes which cause corresponding errors which can be measured in the applied pattern. A test method includes operating the apparatus several times while deliberately imposing a relatively large dynamic positioning error at different specific frequencies and axes. Variations in the error in the applied pattern are measured for different frequencies and amplitudes of the injected error across a frequency band of interest for a given axis or axes. Calculation using said measurements and knowledge of the frequencies injected allows analysis of dynamic positioning error variations in frequency bands correlated with each injected error frequency. |
| US08554506B2 |
Distributed computing
On a typical motherboard the processor and memory are separated by a printed circuit data bus that traverses the motherboard. Throughput, or data transfer rate, on the data bus is much lower than the rate at which a modern processor can operate. The difference between the data bus throughput and the processor speed significantly limits the effective processing speed of the computer when the processor is required to process large amounts of data stored in the memory. The processor is forced to wait for data to be transferred to or from the memory, leaving the processor under-utilized. The delays are compounded in a distributed computing system including a number of computers operating in parallel. The present disclosure describes systems, method and apparatus that tend to alleviate delays so that memory access bottlenecks are not compounded within distributed computing systems. |
| US08554505B2 |
System and method for calibrating and monitoring the condition of a sensor device
A system and method allow a sensor device that is used in a process stream to be efficiently calibrated and monitored as to its operating condition. The sensor device is a measuring probe with a sensor portion, a memory device and an electrical input/output port, arranged so the memory device is in communication with both the sensor portion and the input/output port. The sensor device may be connected through an electrical connector to either a first external source, such as a personal computer having an input/output port, remote from the process stream, or a second external source, such as a transmitter, proximate to the process stream. Operating software is accessible to at least the first external source for monitoring and calibrating. Database software is accessible to each of the external sources, for storing data on every measuring probe used in the system. |
| US08554502B2 |
Method for calculating probe mounting position in on-machine measuring device
A measurement program is created for measurement performed by moving X- and Z-axes so that a central axis of a probe is perpendicular to the surface of a reference sphere, and errors are obtained between original probe position data and probe position data obtained by measurement performed at two different angles θ1 and θ2 of a rotary axis according to the created measurement program. Position coordinates of a tip end of the probe at the two different angles θ1 and θ2 of the rotary axis are corrected so that the errors are zero. Then, the X- and Z-axis coordinates are corrected based on a positive or negative phased shift amount, and measurement errors are obtained by calculation. A real probe tip position is defined by the X- and Z-axis coordinates corrected by a correction amount with which the obtained measurement errors become minimum. |
| US08554496B2 |
Water consumption monitor
A system and method for monitoring utilization and waste of a natural resource, such as water. Data is received indicating natural resource consumption by a facility. An indication of at least one period of natural resource usage by the facility is received. Natural resource usage corresponding to utilization of the natural resource for a useful purpose. Quantities of the natural resource consumed by the facility during the at least one period of water usage is recorded as a utilized quantity. |
| US08554489B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling properties of nucleic acid nanostructures
Techniques for controlling properties of nucleic acid nanostructures include receiving data that indicates a sequence of nucleotides on at least a first strand of a nucleic acid. Values are determined for at least one physical property for each portion of the at least first strand. Based at least in part on a numerical model and the physical properties for each portion, a value is determined of at least one derived property of a nanostructure that comprises the at least first strand of nucleic acid. In some embodiments, information gained from the numerical model is used iteratively in order to optimize or improve one or more of the properties of the target DNA origami structure. |
| US08554481B2 |
System and method for declustering well log samples
Wellbore data samples related to a subsurface volume of interest are weighted based on wellbore orientation and/or stratal orientation. Declustering weights are determined that account for differences in sampling density caused by wellbore and/or stratal structure orientation. The declustering weights may be implemented to weight samples of parameters taken within wellbores, and/or to update or adjust other weights determined according to other schemes. |
| US08554469B2 |
Apparatus and method for updating digital maps
A navigation unit for a vehicle for updating a navigation map is specified, wherein the navigation unit is configured to proactively ascertain a required portion of the map and is also configured to receive a restricted update for the map which relates to the required portion of the map. |
| US08554458B2 |
System and method for planning, disruption management, and optimization of networked, scheduled or on-demand air transport fleet trajectory operations
Disclosed are algorithms and agent-based structures for a system and technique for analyzing and managing the airspace. The technique includes managing bulk properties of large numbers of heterogeneous multidimensional aircraft trajectories in an airspace, for the purpose of maintaining or increasing system safety, and to identify possible phase transition structures to predict when an airspace will approach the limits of its capacity. The paths of the multidimensional aircraft trajectories are continuously recalculated in the presence of changing conditions (traffic, exclusionary airspace, weather, for example) while optimizing performance measures and performing trajectory conflict detection and resolution. Such trajectories are represented as extended objects endowed with pseudo-potential, maintaining objectives for time, acceleration limits, and fuel-efficient paths by bending just enough to accommodate separation. |
| US08554455B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An IIS system that performs control related to intermittent stopping of engine operation by idling stop control is applied to an internal combustion engine including a VVT mechanism that makes the valve timing of an engine valve variable and has an intermediate lock mechanism that mechanically locks the valve timing at an intermediate lock position between a most retarded position and a most advanced position. The IIS system is configured to inhibit the engine operation from being intermittently stopped at the occurrence of a failure of the VVT mechanism to avoid the internal combustion engine from being prevented from being restarted after the intermittent stop depending on the occurrence of the failure of the VVT mechanism. |
| US08554453B2 |
Device and method for controlling starter, and vehicle
A starter includes a pinion gear that can be engaged with a ring gear coupled to a crankshaft of an engine, an actuator to move the pinion gear to a position where the pinion gear is engaged with the ring gear in a driven state, and a motor to rotate the pinion gear. When the engine is started in response to a driver's start intention, any mode of an engagement mode in which the actuator causes the pinion gear to engage with the ring gear before the motor is driven and a rotation mode in which the motor is driven before the actuator is driven is selected. When the engine is started not in response to a driver's start intention, the engagement mode is selected. |
| US08554452B2 |
Economic ISG system and control method thereof
An ISG system makes it possible improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle by achieving an ISG system at a low cost in a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission and considerably improve commercial quality of a vehicle by relatively reducing the parts and cost for manufacturing the vehicle, without using a sub-oil pump and a hill-start assist control device. |
| US08554450B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a first detector that detects air/fuel ratio in an exhaust passageway on an upstream of an exhaust gas-controlling catalyst in multi-cylinder internal combustion engine; a second detector that detects the air/fuel ratio in the exhaust passageway on a downstream of the catalyst; a feedback controller that executes a feedback control so that a first detected value based on the first detector output follows to be equal as a first predetermined target value and so that a second detected value based on the second detector output follows to be equal as a second predetermined target value that corresponds to the first predetermined target value during an initial state; an abnormality detection device configured to detect a variation abnormality in the air/fuel ratio among the cylinders; and a change device that changes the second predetermined target value when the variation abnormality is detected. |
| US08554449B2 |
Fuel injection control apparatus
A fuel injection control apparatus for controlling a fuel injection valve including an arithmetic processing section that determines whether a necessary fuel amount is injectable or not within a fuel injectable range from a first fuel injection start timing, computes a second fuel injection start timing in which the necessary fuel amount is injectable within the fuel injectable range in the case that it is not injectable, and controls the fuel injection valve at the computed second fuel injection start timing so as to start fuel injection. |
| US08554448B2 |
Fuel injection detecting device
A fuel injection detecting device computes an actual fuel-injection-end timing based on a rising waveform of the fuel pressure detected by a fuel sensor during a period in which the fuel pressure increases due to a fuel injection rate decrease. The rising waveform is modeled by a modeling formula. A reference pressure Ps(n) is substituted into the modeling formula, whereby a timing “te” is obtained as the fuel-injection-end timing. |
| US08554446B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine including variable valve operating mechanism
Provided is a control apparatus, which can successfully suppress that deterioration of combustion is caused in response to inflow of a large amount of blow-by gas to cylinders at the time of a valve return from a valve stop state in an internal combustion engine including a positive crankcase ventilation system and a variable valve operating mechanism that is capable of stopping at least one valve of an intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state. A valve stop control is performed which stops the intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state when a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine is executed. A deviation amount ΔA/F between a predetermined target air fuel ratio and an actual air fuel ratio detected by an A/F sensor at the time of a valve return is obtained. A correction is performed to decrease a fuel injection amount by a fuel amount equivalent to the deviation amount ΔA/F at the time of the subsequent valve returns. |
| US08554443B2 |
Vehicle travel control device
An ECU designates a value of a variation “Vunder” based on at least one of information about driver's operation, a velocity, and a road surface gradient when an actual velocity “V” is higher than a target velocity, sets a value of a variation “Vtarget” based on the designated value of the variation “Vunder” and the target velocity, adjusts the velocity of the vehicle to the velocity of the set value of the variation “Vtarget”, and determines whether the actual velocity “V” after the adjustment is a value not greater than the value of the variation “Vtarget”. Then, the ECU converges the velocity of the vehicle to the target velocity after it has been determined that the actual velocity “V” after the adjustment is a value not greater than the value of the variation “Vtarget”. |
| US08554432B2 |
Power transfer mechanism control device and power transfer device
A power transfer mechanism control device that controls a power transfer mechanism which is mounted on a vehicle including an automatically stoppable and automatically startable motor and which transfers power from the motor to an axle side via a friction engagement element actuated by a fluid pressure from a fluid pressure actuator, wherein during neutral control performed while the motor is in operation, a neutral control amount, which is a control amount for causing the friction engagement element to stand by in a neutral state with pressure lower than a complete engagement pressure, is set on the basis of a power transfer state of the power transfer mechanism to control the fluid pressure actuator, and learned, and while the motor is automatically stopped, the fluid pressure actuator is controlled using the learned neutral control amount such that the friction engagement element stands by in the neutral state. |
| US08554426B2 |
Automatic productivity management control with standard power shift transmission
An engine-powered vehicle having an automatic power management feature is provided. It includes an engine, a transmission with multiple gear ratios driven by the engine, a final drive which provides axle torque data to the transmission to establish engine torque, and an electronic controller for controlling both the engine and the transmission. The electronic controller has automatic speed control, and it also has a device to input data, receive data, and to evaluate at least one variable during automatic speed control. When the electronic controller receives data input from the engine, transmission, final drive, and device, the electronic controller determines engine rpm and transmission gear as a result of the data received to maintain a selected speed. |
| US08554421B2 |
Dynamics control
A vehicle having a dynamics control system, the vehicle comprising: a first set comprising multiple adjustable sub-systems that affect the performance of the vehicle's powertrain; a second set comprising multiple adjustable sub-systems that affect the vehicle's handling; a dynamics user interface including a first input device and a second input device; and a dynamics controller coupled to the user interface and configured to adjust the operation of the sub-systems of the first set in dependence on the first input device and to adjust the operation of the sub-systems of the second set in dependence on the second input device. |
| US08554420B2 |
Vehicle unit
The invention relates to a vehicle unit in a vehicle, including at least one multimedia control unit and at least one safety control unit for controlling multimedia and safety functions, wherein the vehicle unit is provided as a switching unit between the multimedia control unit and the safety control unit, and wherein the switching unit processes the data received from the multimedia control unit and makes the data available to the safety control unit. The switching unit also transmits data received from the safety control unit to the multimedia control unit. Furthermore, the switching unit has a safety level which is higher than that of the multimedia control unit and lower than that the safety control unit. |
| US08554416B2 |
Rear wheel steering angle controlling device for vehicles
The present invention provides a rear wheel steering angle controlling device for vehicles comprising: a rear wheel steering mechanism (5R, 5L) for changing a rear wheel steering angle; a front wheel steering angle detector (9) for detecting a front wheel steering angle (δf); a vehicle velocity detector (10R, 10L) for detecting a vehicle velocity (V); a feedforward rear wheel steering angle control target value setting unit (21) for setting a feedforward control target value (δrFF) of said rear wheel steering angle according to said front wheel steering angle, said vehicle velocity, a steering yaw rate transfer function property (Gγ0) of the vehicle without a rear wheel steering angle control, and a prescribed reference steering yaw rate transfer function property (Gideal); and a controlling device (11) for controlling said rear wheel steering mechanism according to said feedforward rear wheel steering angle control target value; wherein a steady-state property of said reference steering yaw rate transfer function property is configured to be identical to said steering yaw rate transfer function property without said rear wheel steering angle control. |
| US08554413B2 |
Steering control apparatus
A VGRS device checks whether assist control of an EPS device for assisting steering operation of a steering wheel is being stopped. If the assist control of the EPS device is being stopped, a speed increase ratio is determined so that the rotation angle of the output shaft is less than the rotation angle of the input shaft. A VGRS motor is controlled and driven based on a determined speed increase ratio. Thus, steering operation of the steering wheel can be controlled appropriately so that the steering operation of the steering wheel can be continued with relatively small torque. It is less likely that a driver will erroneously feel that the steering wheel is locked. |
| US08554411B2 |
Electric power steering system
In an electric power steering system, an ECU 11 includes two independent microcomputers 17a, 17b that serve as motor control signal generators, and the microcomputers 17a, 17b perform the same current feedback computation. Switching arms 20a, 20b that constitute a driving circuit 18 operate independently of each other, based on motor control signals generated by the corresponding microcomputers 17a, 17b. Each of the microcomputers 17a, 17b determines whether an absolute value of a current deviation of an actual current I (I1, I2) from a current command value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the current deviation exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the system. |
| US08554409B2 |
Method for influencing the transverse dynamics of a vehicle
In a method for influencing the transverse dynamics of a vehicle, a transverse dynamics disturbance variable acting on the vehicle is detected by a disturbance variable determination device and a counter-yaw moment counteracting the transverse dynamics disturbance variable is produced. For this purpose, the dynamic transverse dynamics disturbance variable is detected by the disturbance variable determination device, and a first counter-yaw moment is produced to compensate at least partially for the dynamic transverse dynamics disturbance variable with the help of a first vehicle system. The first counter-yaw moment is reduced following the at least partial compensation, and with the help of the disturbance variable determination device, a check is made whether a stationary transverse dynamics disturbance variable exists. If so, a second counter-yaw moment is produced with the help of a second vehicle system to at least partially compensate for the stationary transverse dynamics disturbance variable. |
| US08554408B2 |
Control wheel with haptic feedback
A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system. |
| US08554403B2 |
Vehicle failure diagnostic device
A vehicle failure is diagnosed based on data recorded in an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle. Driving data pertaining to multiple parameters which are stored in the electronic control unit of the vehicle for when a vehicle failure occurs are compared with reference values representing data during normal driving in order to diagnose a failure. The device utilizes an approximate search between inspection data, that is, driving data which are stored in the electronic control unit of the vehicle to be diagnosed for failure, and reference value groups categorized by driving environment, wherein a normal value range is set for each of the aforementioned parameters categorized by driving environment, and selects the reference value group categorized by driving environment which approximates the inspection data. Furthermore, the device compares the inspection data with the normal value ranges of each parameter of the selected reference value group categorized by driving environment so as to identify parameters which deviate significantly from the normal value ranges and find the cause of the failure based on the parameters identified. |
| US08554401B2 |
Safety device for hydraulic working machine
There are provided: control valves 22-24 that control flow of pressure oil from the hydraulic source 21 to the hydraulic actuators 15-17; electric lever devices 51-53 that output electrical operation signals v51-v53 in correspondence to lever operation; electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30 through which control pressures for controlling the control valves 22-24 are output; a pressure calculating unit 50 that calculates control pressures P25-P30 in correspondence to the operation signals V51-v53; a control unit 50 that controls the electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30 so that control pressures to be output from the electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30 become the control pressures P25-P30 that have been calculated; a high-pressure selection circuit 41-44 that selects a higher pressure between control pressures that have been output from the electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30; pressure detectors 45 and 46 that detect a control pressure selected by the high-pressure selection circuit 41-44; an abnormality determination unit 50 that determines an abnormality in the electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30 based upon the control pressure detected by the pressure detectors 45 and 46 and the control pressure calculated by the pressure calculating unit; and an inhibiting device 47 and 48 that prohibits control of the control valves 22-24 when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the electromagnetic proportional valves 25-30. |
| US08554399B2 |
Method for operating a drive train
A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle drive train having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and an electrical energy storage. An actual charge state of the electrical energy storage is detected and compared with an established setpoint charge state to determine one of several operating modes for the drive train. The setpoint charge state is determined as a function of an instantaneous driving state of the motor vehicle so that conclusions can be drawn about imminent deceleration, imminent acceleration or imminent cruise control, instantaneous transmission data and/or instantaneous hybrid drive data. Range boundaries and/or range extents of operating modes are shifted as a function of the setpoint charge state. |
| US08554397B1 |
Method of preventing collisions by reacting to control system failures
The present invention relates generally to ground transportation systems, and more particularly to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior ratio of benefits per cost, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today. According to certain aspects, the present invention provides a methodology for limiting the rise in headway as the vehicle speed increases. This innovation further allows systems to achieve shorter time separations between vehicles traveling at high speeds, thus significantly improving the utility of fixed guideway infrastructure. |
| US08554396B2 |
Systems and methods for issuing a hard landing warning and providing maintenance advisories for hard landing incidents
An aircraft is provided. The aircraft may include, but is not limited to, an accelerometer configured to measure a deceleration experienced by the aircraft and a processor coupled to the accelerometer. The processor may be configured to determine if the aircraft experienced a hard landing if the deceleration experienced by the aircraft was greater than a predetermined threshold, and generate a maintenance advisory if the aircraft experienced a hard landing. |
| US08554394B2 |
System and method for rendering an aircraft cockpit display for use with an in-trail procedure (ITP)
A method for rendering symbology on a cockpit display of a host aircraft, relating to a proposed ITP transition, is provided. The method comprises analyzing data to predict an ITP transition that is possible and economical, rendering on the display symbology textually representative of the possible ITP transition, and rendering on the display symbology textually representative of the time before which the ITP transition is possible. |
| US08554392B2 |
Method and device to assist in the driving of a vehicle, in particular of an aircraft, for the avoidance of obstacles
A method and device for assisting in driving a vehicle in motion along an initial trajectory, in an environment containing at least one obstacle, assistance is carried out by checking, by a trajectory checking unit, during movement of the vehicle, the existence of at least one condition for modifying the initial trajectory to avoid the obstacle. A criteria determining unit is used to determine a criterion CR by which to avoid the obstacle, and an avoidance trajectory determining unit is used to determine an avoidance trajectory according to a derivative of the criterion CR. The vehicle is assisted along the determined avoidance trajectory by a driving assist device. |
| US08554391B2 |
Control device of inverted pendulum type vehicle
Provided is a control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of moving the vehicle toward a desired direction easily. In the inverted pendulum type vehicle 1, one end of a cord member C is connected to a seat 3 via an engagement member 4. A tension of the cord member C is detected by a triaxial force sensor. According to the detected tension of the cord member C, a required center-of-gravity velocity generator 74 determines required center-of-gravity velocities Vb_x_aim and Vb_y_aim, and a manipulated variable for control is determined according thereto. |
| US08554389B2 |
Thermal management techniques in an electronic device
A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08554387B2 |
Method, device and system for responsive load management using frequency regulation credits
A method, device and system for responsive load management using frequency regulation credits. The method includes using an AC frequency measuring device, measuring a current AC frequency on an AC power line; using a power consumption measuring device, measuring a current power consumption on the AC power line over a period of time equal to a sampling interval; calculating a power consumption moving average of a last N power current power consumptions measured, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; generating credits or debits based on the current power consumption, the current AC frequency and the power consumption moving average; adding the credits or debits to a frequency regulation credit; and for each next sampling interval repeating measuring the current AC frequency, measuring current power consumption, calculating the power consumption moving average, generating the credits or debits, and adding the credits or debits to the frequency regulation credit. |
| US08554384B2 |
Systems and methods for presenting saving opportunities for electronic devices
A method for presenting saving opportunities for electronic devices is disclosed. Experience based data learned from past power behavior of one or more devices is received. One or more power saving opportunities are generated based on the experience based data. Estimated cost savings is calculated. A notification message is presented to a user that describes the power saving opportunities and associated cost savings for the opportunities. |
| US08554380B2 |
Weather based irrigation controller
A weather based irrigation controller has a thermometer that provides a temperature signal to the controller and a rain gauge that provides a rainfall signal to the controller, for adjusting irrigation schedules. A default mode is initiated when either sensor fails, and introduces an adjustment to the maximum irrigation duration based on historical stored data. |
| US08554379B2 |
Irrigation system and method for operating thereof
The present invention discloses an irrigation system comprising a plurality of valve stations that are operatively coupled with a controller operative to control the operation of the plurality of valve stations. The valve stations are grouped into a plurality of valve station groups, each group comprising at least two valve stations. The at least two valve stations are operatively coupled in parallel with a hotwire to a respective output port of the controller; and the at least two valve stations respective of the plurality of valve station groups are operatively coupled in parallel with a common wire to a corresponding input port of the controller. The controller is operative to change the operational mode of a selected one of the valve stations. |
| US08554377B2 |
Thermal energy storage system comprising optimal thermocline management
Methods for optimizing a thermocline in a thermal energy storage fluid within a thermal energy storage tank are disclosed. The methods comprise identifying a thermocline region in the fluid, adding thermal energy to a fluid stream extracted from the thermocline region, and returning the fluid stream to the tank at a plurality of locations above the thermocline region. The methods further comprise regulating the temperature of the fluid returned to the tank at a set point temperature by modulating the flow rate of the fluid stream and by changing the location from where the fluid is extracted from the tank. |
| US08554376B1 |
Intelligent controller for an environmental control system
The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that continuously, periodically, or intermittently monitor progress towards one or more control goals under one or more constraints in order to achieve control that satisfies potentially conflicting goals. An intelligent controller may alter aspects of control, dynamically, while the control is being carried out, in order to ensure that goals are obtained and a balance is achieved between potentially conflicting goals. The intelligent controller uses various types of information to determine an initial control strategy as well as to dynamically adjust the control strategy as the control is being carried out. |
| US08554375B2 |
Air density comparison control
The invention is related to a method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system of buildings. This controlling is used predominantly in industrial real estates and serves for the establishment and maintenance of the desired room conditions. The method for controlling a ventilating system or an air conditioning system according to the invention uses the air density as the essential parameter for the controlling. The air density depends on the temperature, the air humidity and the air pressure. The air density difference between the introduced air and the room air is kept small. |
| US08554374B2 |
Thermostat with electronic image display
A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller. |
| US08554372B2 |
System and method for histological tissue specimen processing
A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource. |
| US08554371B2 |
Vision aided case/bulk palletizer system
The vision aided case/bulk palletizer system of this invention is a process and apparatus for: providing a camera positioned over the dunnage supply line; initiating a frame grab of the dunnage supply line with the camera; using the frame grab to determine the position of the dunnage; using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the dunnage; feeding the dunnage from the dunnage supply line to the load building area; and controlling the steps with the single programmable robot, microprocessor and software. This system provides for transfer of the dunnage when the position of the dunnage is skewed by using the frame grab to position the programmable robot over the skewed dunnage. In another embodiment, the camera is used to determine any void in the tier of product during the build of a tier of product, and also provides for error-proofing the transfer of dunnage. |
| US08554368B2 |
Frame mapping and force feedback methods, devices and systems
Methods, devices, and systems for controlling movement of a slave manipulator by an operator controlling a master manipulator in a way that the motion of that slave manipulator can be presented via a display to the operator such that the displayed position of the slave manipulator is intuitive to the operator, regardless of the actual position and orientation of the slave manipulator. Methods, devices, and systems relating to force feedback associated with medical robotic procedures. |
| US08554365B2 |
Storage devices, systems, and methods for facilitating medication dispensing and restocking
A storage device, method, and computer program product is provided that includes a number of drawer-level display devices. Each drawer-level display device may be associated with and disposed on a particular drawer. Each drawer-level display device may be configured to present a user with medication information for a selected medication stored in the associated drawer. Thus, a user can have direct access to information required for completing a dispensing or restocking operation at the accessed drawer and does not need to refer back to the cabinet-level display device for information. The drawer-level display devices may be main drawer-level display devices, located near a leading end of each drawer, and/or secondary drawer-level display devices located at the pockets defined by the drawer. Thus, the information needed to complete a dispensing or restocking operation that is in progress can be found at the drawer-level, where the user's attention is already focused. |
| US08554364B2 |
Apparatus for securing drawer contents
A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position. |
| US08554363B2 |
Apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures and associated system and method
An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided. |
| US08554359B2 |
Transfer apparatus
A transfer apparatus includes a container that contains workpieces to be transferred, a sensor that detects a position and a posture of the workpiece existing in a predetermined detection area, and a robot that takes out the workpiece and transfers the workpiece to a transfer destination on the basis of a detection result of the sensor. The sensor includes an area storage that stores a plurality of detection areas, a condition storage that stores a switching condition for switching the detection areas, and a controller that switches the detection areas in a predetermined order when the switching condition is satisfied. |
| US08554352B2 |
Method of generating an optimized venting channel in a hearing instrument
A computerized method is provided for designing a vent in a hearing aid housing shell based on an image of a patient's ear canal impression, and wherein a program is provided on a computer-readable medium. With the program, an image of a starter housing shell based on the image of the patient's ear canal impression is created which is longer than a final version of the housing shell to be created. A starter vent running from an inner canal end near the patient's ear drum to an outer end of the starter housing shell is placed inside the shell. Components are then placed substantially as deep as possible inside the starter shell but lying outside of the starter vent. Portions of the starter shell lying beyond where a faceplate is to be mounted are removed and the faceplate is mounted. The starter vent is then grown larger so that it fills substantially all space inside the shell without interfering with the components. |
| US08554351B2 |
Spectrographic monitoring of a substrate during processing using index values
Methods, systems, and apparatus for spectrographic monitoring of a substrate during chemical mechanical polishing are described. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes storing a library having a plurality of reference spectra, each reference spectrum of the plurality of reference spectra having a stored associated index value, measuring a sequence of spectra in-situ during polishing to obtain measured spectra, for each measured spectrum of the sequence of spectra, finding a best matching reference spectrum to generate a sequence of best matching reference spectra, determining the associated index value for each best matching spectrum from the sequence of best matching reference spectra to generate a sequence of index values, fitting a linear function to the sequence of index values, and halting the polishing either when the linear function matches or exceeds a target index or when the associated index value from the determining step matches or exceeds the target index. |
| US08554348B2 |
Transient detection using a digital audio workstation
A processor implements methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting transients in an audio file. The method includes dividing the audio file into segments. Transients can be detected both in a full band signal of the audio file and one or more band-pass filtered signals of the audio file. A weight value can be assigned to each transient detected in both the full band signal and band-pass filtered signals. Transients that are below a predetermined threshold value can be eliminated. The time position of each remaining transient is determined and displayed in the audio file. |
| US08554347B2 |
Remote audio amplifier monitoring system
An apparatus is provided for remotely monitoring a plurality of amplifiers on a display device. The amplifiers are provided to process audio signals and directly or indirectly connected to a network. In the apparatus, a collecting section collects a group code from each of the amplifiers through the network. The group code is allocated to each amplifier according to a grouping system for grouping the plurality of the amplifiers. A display control section displays a tree diagram of the amplifiers according to the collected group codes on the display device as a graphical representation of the grouping system. |
| US08554344B2 |
Method and apparatus for microscopy
The present invention relates to a compact motorized rotational stage for microscopy applications and control methods for automated sample orientation/rotation. The rotational stage includes a motor, a rotational motion transmission mechanism, and a rotating sample holder for accommodating a holding device such as glass slides/Petri dishes of different sizes. Mouse embryos are used as an example to explain the control methods. A pattern recognition utility was developed for identifying mouse embryo structures. The transformation between the holding device rotational coordinate frame and the translational positioning stage coordinate frame is calibrated during image-based visual servo control. The polar body of an embryo is oriented through purely image-based visual servo control or through coordinate transformation and closed-loop position control. |
| US08554343B2 |
Method for solving control problems
A method solves a quadratic programming (QP) problem in real-time implementations of model predictive control for automation applications. The method can be implemented for fine-grained parallel solutions. Due to the extreme simplicity of the method, even serial implementations offer considerable speed advantages. The method solves the problem by formulating, over a predetermined time interval, an optimization problem with a quadratic cost function, and linear state and control constraints as a quadratic program for the application. Then, the quadratic program is solved by applying a parallel quadratic programming update law starting from a positive initial estimate to obtain control actions for the application. |
| US08554342B2 |
Neural stimulation lead fixation
An implantable lead having at least one electrode contact at or near its distal end prevents undesirable movement of the electrode contact from its initial implant location. One embodiment relates to a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) lead. A first injectable material is injected into the dura space to mechanically position the electrode array with respect to the spinal cord. Conjunctively for use with adhesives, or alternatively for use instead of the adhesives, a balloon may be positioned on the electrode lead array. The balloon is filled with air, liquid or a compliant material. When inflated, the balloon stabilizes the lead with respect to the spinal cord and holds the lead in place. An elastic aspect of the balloon serves as an internal contained relief valve to limit the pressure the balloon may place on the surrounding tissues when the epidural space is constrained. |
| US08554341B2 |
Implantable medical lead having passive lock mechanical body terminations
Disclosed herein is an implantable medical lead configured to receive a stylet. The lead may include a tubular body and a structure. The tubular body may include a distal end and a proximal end. The body may be configured to receive the stylet. The structure longitudinally may extend through the body between the distal end and the proximal end. The structure may be anchored within the body such that a tensile force arising within the body by the stylet being extended through the body causes the tensile force to be substantially carried by the structure. |
| US08554327B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting and controlling the percepts induced by a visual prosthesis
Here we present the first model that quantitatively predicts the apparent spatial position and shape of percepts elicited by retinal electrical stimulation in humans based on the known anatomy of the retina. This model successfully predicts both the shape of percepts elicited by single electrode stimulation and the shape and relative positions of percepts elicited by multiple electrode stimulation. Model fits to behavioral data show that sensitivity to electrical stimulation is not confined to the axon initial segment, but does fall off rapidly with the distance between stimulation and the initial segment. Using the model, it is possible to compensate, preferably with a look up table, to match percepts to a desired image. |
| US08554324B2 |
Mobile device for transcranial auto-stimulation and method for controlling and regulating the device
A mobile device for transcranial auto-stimulation and a method for controlling and regulating the mobile device are provided. The mobile device is controlled according to need, of circumscribed brain structures and brain systems. The device for transcranial electric current stimulation includes the following components:—electrodes with fasteners to exactly position the electrodes on the skin of the head and electrical connecting lines and—a transportable, miniaturized stimulation generator comprising a current generator, a controller, a user interface, an electrical energy storage device and a monitoring and safety module with a separate electrical energy storage device. |
| US08554319B2 |
Active implantable medical device having antitachycardia atrial and antibradycardia ventricular pacing
An active implantable medical device of the cardiac prosthesis type, including antitachycardia atrial pacing and antibradycardia ventricular pacing therapies. The device includes circuits and control logic for detecting electrical atrial and ventricular spontaneous events (R), delivering low energy antitachycardia atrial pacing, and antibradycardia ventricular pacing, and able to deliver a ventricular pacing (V) in the absence of a detected spontaneous ventricular event (R) after a calculated ventricular escape interval (IE). The device includes a sensor delivering an endocardiac acceleration signal (EA) representative of the movements produced by the contractions of the ventricle. The ventricular sensing switches from detection of an electric potential of spontaneous ventricular depolarization (R), to detection of an endocardiac acceleration peak (PEA1) associated with a ventricular contraction in case of activation of the antitachycardia atrial pacing while post-atrial pacing refractory periods mask the detection of ventricular electrical activity. |
| US08554312B2 |
Interference mitigation in biometric measurements
A disclosed apparatus includes a first signal line configured to couple signals from a first electrode to a signal detection circuitry for measurement of biometric signals sensed by the first electrode; a second signal line configured to couple signals from a second electrode, which is different from the first electrode, to the signal detection circuitry for measurement of biometric signals sensed by the second electrode; and a coupling circuitry configured to selectively couple the first signal line and the second signal line to a common electrical potential so as to equalize electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08554311B2 |
System and method of noise reduction in an electrocardiology study
A system to use in combination with an ECG signal acquisition system connected to an arrangement of electrodes on a subject is provided. The system can include an antenna system in communication with the ECG signal acquisition system, a location tracking system operable to track a direction and a location of the antenna system relative to a reference, and an interface connected in communication with the ECG signal acquisition system and the location tracking system. The interface includes an output indicative of a direction of a source of the noise signal detected by the antenna system. A filter reduces an effect of the noise signal on an acquired ECG waveform data received by the ECG signal acquisition system. |
| US08554309B2 |
Localizing obturator with site marking capability
A target localizing and marking device is provided including a cannula having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, and a tip member releasably attached to the distal end, where the tip member includes and outer shell and at least one inner chamber. The device further includes at least one image enhancing component disposed on the outer shell and/or within the at least one inner chamber, at least one marking component disposed in the at least one inner chamber, and a tip member deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism has a manually engageable actuator, a portion of which is dimensioned to slidably pass through the lumen of the cannula, and is operable to separate the tip member from the cannula and deploy the tip member to a predetermined target site. In some implementations, the device is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible and is identifiable under MRI. |
| US08554306B2 |
Guide wire navigation
A system and method for identifying the position of the distal end of a bone guide wire is provided. A position and orientation of the proximal end of the guide wire is identified with the aid of a medical, optical tracking and navigation system and a reference device on the proximal end of the guide wire. The orientation of a bone in which the distal end of the guide wire is located is identified with the aid of the medical, optical tracking and navigation system and a reference device on the bone. By means of the ancillary conditions for the course of the guide wire, which are given by the position and orientation of the proximal end and the orientation of the bone, and by taking into account the physical properties of the guide wire, the position of the distal end of the bone guide wire is identified with the assistance of a computer. |
| US08554304B2 |
MRI compatible visual system that provides high resolution images in an MRI device
An apparatus for providing high resolution images to patients positioned in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The MRI device comprises a head coil arranged to surround a patient's head and to provide MRI images thereof, the apparatus comprising units for receiving video or picture image signals from an external source. The apparatus further comprises units for displaying a video or picture image, the display units being arranged in a housing, the housing being suspended in an arm comprising at least two successive members. A joint is between the housing and the adjacent member, a joint or joints are between the successive members, and a joint is between an attachment element for attaching the apparatus to the head coil, or other part of the MRI device, and the member adjacent to the coil attachment element, each being hinged to allow rotation of the joints. |
| US08554303B2 |
Magnetic resonance RF coil assembly for imaging of the cervical region
A radio-frequency (RF) coil for obtaining magnetic resonance data for imaging the cervical region of a patient has a loop coil contained in a housing of an applicator assembly that is adapted for placement against the cervix of the patient, and a loopless antenna contained in a tandem applicator of the assembly, that is adapted for intracorporeal placement in the cervix of the patient. |
| US08554302B2 |
Apparatus having a combined magnetic resonance apparatus and radiation therapy apparatus
An apparatus having a combined magnetic resonance apparatus is proposed. The magnetic resonance apparatus features at least one main magnet for generating a main magnetic field in an examination space for a magnetic resonance measurement, and a radiation therapy apparatus, which is provided to generate a particle beam and which features a beam guide. The magnetic resonance apparatus features an essentially magnetic-field-free region and the beam guide for the particle beam runs along the essentially magnetic-field-free region. |
| US08554300B2 |
MRI gradient field detector
A device and a method are disclosed for detecting electromagnetic fields, in particular, fields occurring in magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. An implantable medical device (IMD), contained in a hermetically sealed housing, includes a control unit, a programming coil, and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit, together with the programming coil, is designed to allow communication between an external programming device and the IMD by utilizing alternating electromagnetic fields, and further comprising a detection unit for MRT interference fields, characterized in that the detection unit is designed in such a way that voltage profiles induced in the programming coil and originating from a pulsed alternating electromagnetic field of the MRT (gradient field) are detected, and a corresponding MRT detection signal is transmitted from the detection unit to the control unit, if communication with a programming device is not detected at the same time. |
| US08554291B2 |
Sliding portable telephone
A sliding portable telephone in which a second display section is provided on a surface exposed when an upper housing is slid, enabling self-shooting by a built-in camera. Further, in the telephone, a mechanism for stopping the upper housing before a fully opened position is provided so that, when a fingerprint sensor is built-in in an end section of a lower housing, fingerprint authentication is enabled without fully opening the telephone. Also, a recess is formed between sliding surfaces of the upper and lower housings, a flexible circuit board is received in the recess, the flexible circuit board is inserted and led through a slit that is provided only in one end surface of the recess, the insertion section is sealed, and as a result, there is no problem even if water droplets are splashed on the sliding portable telephone in an extended state. |
| US08554286B2 |
Mobile electronic device adaptively responsive to motion and user based controls
A mobile electronic device that is adaptively responsive to motion and user based controls is disclosed. Displayed information on a multi-touch display is responsive to detected motion of the mobile electronic device and motion of the user. |
| US08554279B2 |
Circuit for driving light-emitting element, and cellular phone
A boosting circuit unit supplies a boosting voltage to one terminal of a backlight. A boosting comparator compares a voltage applied to the other terminal of the backlight with a predetermined reference voltage value, and outputs a comparison result as a feedback signal reflecting the boosting voltage to the boosting circuit unit. An LED driver unit is connected to the other terminal of the backlight and supplies drive current to the backlight. An acquisition unit acquires a PWM signal, which is generated based on the content of a video signal and can be used to change the luminance of the backlight. An LPF unit outputs a time-averaged signal of the acquired PWM signal as a control signal to be supplied to the LED driver unit. |
| US08554278B2 |
Mobile device display of multiple streamed data sources
A system and method of navigating among multiple real-time data streams on a mobile device is presented. Multiple thumbnail image representations are displayed wherein each thumbnail image is associated with an available real-time data stream. A user provides navigation input via a user interface for navigating among the multiple displayed thumbnail image representations. The thumbnail image representation currently selected based on the navigation input is highlighted or otherwise made to stand out on the mobile device display. The user then selects a highlighted thumbnail image representation, via the user interface, thereby activating the real-time data stream associated with the highlighted thumbnail image representation. This causes the real-time data stream associated with the selected highlighted thumbnail image representation to be displayed on the mobile device display. |
| US08554277B2 |
Microwave transmission assembly
A microwave transmission assembly comprising a combiner comprising first and second input ports and internal and external output a ports; the combiner being adapted to transfer a signal received at microwave frequency f1 at the first input port to the external output port and signals received at other frequencies to the internal output port; the combiner being further adapted to transfer a signal at a microwave frequency f2 at the second input port to the external output port and signals received at the other frequencies to the internal output port; a resistive load connected to the internal output port; and, a power dependent reflective load connected in series with the resistive load, the power dependent reflective load comprising a reactive element, the reactive element comprising an inductive component and a capacitive component and being adapted to resonate at a load frequency; the impedance of the capacitive component being adapted to drop when the incident microwave power received by the power dependent reflective load exceeds a power limit so switching the power dependent load from a low impedance state to a high impedance state. |
| US08554274B2 |
Cell phone projector
The invention provides a cell phone projector including a housing, a circuit device, a power supply, a projector module, wherein the circuit device and the power supply are disposed in the housing, and the projector module is displaced at one end of the housing, and wherein the housing is provided with a fence-type slot for insertion of a cell phone. The cell phone is inserted into the slot to thereby achieve to connect the cell phone with a projector. In use, a video signal within the cell phone can be easily output through the projector, to bring a better visual effect for users, and it is convenient for people to watch the video. |
| US08554272B1 |
Device, network, server, and methods for providing service requests for wireless communication devices
A server stores personal information associated with a user of a wireless communication device. The server also receives from the wireless communication device an image of an item for sale and a price of the item, and appends the image and the price to include the user's email address and the delivery information. |
| US08554266B2 |
Cell selection in mobile communications
Mobile user equipment for use in a cellular communications environment performs an improved cell selection on transitions out of a connected mode state. The transitions might be from one connected mode state to another or from a connected mode state to idle mode. The improvement in cell selection lies in assembling the list of candidate cells prior to cell selection. In the prior art, the list of candidate cells would usually be restricted to the serving cell or active cells supporting communication between the equipment and the network prior to transition. In embodiments of the invention, the list might comprise cells which are not the serving cell or which are outside the active set, for example a network-preferred cell or cells neighboring the serving cell or cells of the active set. |
| US08554265B1 |
Distribution of user-generated multimedia broadcasts to mobile wireless telecommunication network users
Subscriber-generated broadcasts are distributed to mobile wireless devices in a mobile wireless telecommunication network. The network assists the subscriber in creating a broadcast by, for example, compiling one or more media content items of the subscriber's choosing, such as pre-recorded songs, the subscriber's recorded voice, sound effects, etc. The network stores the broadcast representation in a manner that allows it to be retrieved using a unique broadcast identifier. When the network receives the broadcast identifier from a user of a mobile wireless device, the network uses the broadcast identifier to retrieve the stored broadcast representation and transmit its associated media content to the mobile wireless device. |
| US08554261B2 |
Power loading in MU-MIMO
Embodiments of a system and method for transmitting data from an access point in a multiple user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) system are provided. A first indication of signal quality (ISQ) is received at the access point from a first station and a second ISQ is received from a second station. The access point sets a first power level and a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for transmission of a first aggregated media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (A-MPDU) to the first station as a function of the first ISQ and an amount of payload data corresponding to the first A-MPDU. The access point also sets a second power level and a second MCS for transmission of a second A-MPDU as a function of the second ISQ and an amount of payload data corresponding to the second A-MPDU. |
| US08554258B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling reverse link interference among access terminals in wireless communications
In a wireless communication system, an apparatus and a method are provided for controlling reverse link interference among access terminals that are power controlled by a sector of a base station. In an embodiment, the maximum effective noise power spectral density is used as a parameter for controlling the level of reverse link loading, by setting a reverse activity bit (RAB) to signal the access terminals to reduce their data rates in order to minimize interference between the access terminals if the maximum effective noise power spectral density is above a predetermined threshold. |
| US08554254B2 |
Communications system providing automatic text-to-speech conversion features and related methods
A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output. |
| US08554248B2 |
System and method of UMTS UE location using uplink dedicated physical control channel and downlink synchronization channel
A system and method for estimating a location of a wireless device in a wireless communication system having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of location measurement units (“LMUs”). A set of signal samples from a first wireless device and a second wireless device may be collected by one or more LMUs in a search window. A first time of arrival (“TOA”) is determined, and a second search window is estimated as a function of the first TOA. A second TOA may be determined within the second search window at a second node or one of the LMUs from the set of signal samples. A range estimate of the wireless device may then be determined, and an estimated location of the wireless device may be determined as a function of the first uplink TOA, the second uplink TOA, or the range estimate and second TOA. |
| US08554247B2 |
Method and system for refining accuracy of location positioning
To accurately determine the location of mobile device a multi-phase procedure incorporating mapping and location determination phases is suggested, wherein covered area estimation comprises (i) estimation of base station location, (ii) estimation of transmission range, (iii) estimation of signal map and/or (iv) estimation of area type. The actual location of the mobile device (10) is determined from the covered area estimation based on relative comparison between the actual environment data and estimations (i)-(iv) and weight numbers resulted from the comparison. During the both phases a database is stored in server (14) and updated whenever new environment data is received. The vertical position, or ‘elevation’, of mobile device is further estimated based on vertical level information associated with the covered area estimations during the mapping phase. |
| US08554246B2 |
Combination of multiple baselines for location estimation
A method for combining a plurality of individual location measurements, for use in a wireless location system, includes the following steps. A quality metric for a single location estimate is computed along with individual quality metrics and individual weightings for each individual location measurement. In addition, weighting operations incorporating a quality metric for a single location are performed, and the measurement weights are adjusted based on information about co-location groups; and a decision metric and common bias accounting for multiple reference measurements are computed. |
| US08554231B2 |
Adaptation of portable base stations into cellular networks
A method includes modifying at least one communications protocol packet being passed between at least one of a plurality of portable base stations and a core network, such that the core network considers the plurality of portable base stations as a single base station. |
| US08554230B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating femto cell information for handover in a wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for allocating femto cell allocation information to support handover from a cell of a Base Station (BS) to a femto cell in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes setting a start frequency of a beacon signal to be different from a start frequency of a neighbor femto cell, sequentially hopping a beacon frequency beginning from the start frequency, and allocating new femto cell information based on the frequency hopping. |
| US08554226B2 |
Base station base methods and apparatus for supporting break before making handoffs in a multi-carrier system
A mobile communications device initiates a handoff from its current base station (BS) sector network attachment point to a new BS sector. The mobile sends a handoff request over its current wireless link to the current BS sector, which forwards the request to the new BS sector, e.g., via a network link. The new BS sector processes the request assigning dedicated resources, e.g., an identifier and dedicated uplink segments. Information identifying the allocated resources is conveyed from the new BS sector via the current BS sector to the mobile. The mobile determines the time of the allocated dedicated segments based upon a received beacon signal from the new BS sector with known timing relationships to dedicated segments. The mobile breaks the original wireless link just prior to the time of the first assigned dedicated segment. The mobile communicates information on the assigned dedicated segments to perform registration operations, e.g., timing synchronization and power control, establishing a new wireless link. |
| US08554224B2 |
Cellular network energy saving
Various arrangements for managing wireless network communication are described. Two cells using different radio access technologies (RATs), such as a 3G cell and a 4G cell, may provide overlapping coverage. A first cell using a first RAT, under certain circumstances, may be permitted to enter a powered down state such that less power is consumed. User equipment may communicate with the cell using the second RAT as the preferred network and only communicate with the cell using the first RAT when a service available through the first RAT but not the second RAT has been requested. Upon a request from the second cell, the first cell may enter a powered up state. |
| US08554209B2 |
Sectioned common control channels in cellular networks
A propagated control channel signal for use in a shared radio access network is disclosed. The control channel signal comprises common control data for use by mobile terminals authorized to access the shared radio access network and operator-specific data for use by those of the mobile terminals that are associated with a first mobile operator. The common control data may comprise handover-related data for handovers within the shared radio access network and the operator-specific data may comprise handover-related data for handovers from the shared radio access network to an unshared radio access network having overlapping coverage with the shared radio access network. The common control data and the operator-specific data may comprise values for one or more mobile terminal settings, wherein the operator-specific values are for use instead of the common values by those of the mobile terminals that are associated with the first mobile operator. Methods and apparatus for using and generating the disclosed propagated control channel signals are also disclosed. |
| US08554208B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing subscriber data
A method of managing subscriber data in a communication network, the method comprising: sending a message associated with a subscriber and including data relating to the identity of said subscriber; routing said message to a first network entity based on identity and routing information stored at a register; subsequent to receiving said message at the first network entity provisioning a second network entity with subscriber data required by said second network entity to be able to service said subscriber; and updating routing information associated with the subscriber at the register to route subsequent signalling to the second network entity. |
| US08554206B2 |
Handheld electronic device including preferred network selection, and associated method
A handheld electronic device adapted to display a listing of known networks, scan for available networks, display a listing of the available networks and enable the entry of information relating to manually entered networks. In addition, the device is adapted to (1) enable the addition of preferred networks to a preferred network list wherein the preferred networks are one or more of: (i) certain of the known networks selected from the listing of known networks, (ii) certain of the available networks selected from the listing of available networks, and (iii) the manually entered networks; (2) enable the assignment of a priority value to each of the preferred networks; and (3) utilize the preferred networks for performing wireless communications when the device is in a roaming situation, wherein the preferred networks are utilized in a priority order that is based on the priority value assigned to each of the preferred networks. |
| US08554205B2 |
Methods and apparatus for facilitating dynamic service-based system selection and determination
A method for facilitating dynamic service-based system selection and determination may be implemented by a communications device. The method may include presenting system selection options to a user based on information that is received about Network Access Providers (NAPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs). The method may also include receiving user input about the system selection options. The user may be permitted to provide input about specific services offered by specific NSPs. The method may also include determining user preferences regarding system selection based on the user input. The method may also include creating a preferred roaming list (PRL) based on the user preferences. The method may further include using the PRL to scan for available networks and channels and to find serving systems. |
| US08554204B2 |
Communication management unit server capability
An avionic communication unit with interface capabilities is provided. The communication unit includes at least one first type port, at least one second type port and a communication function. The at least one first type port is configured to couple a communication link using a first communication format to the communication unit. The at least one second type port is configured to couple a communication link using a second communication format to the communication unit. The communication function is configured to provide communications to and from an aircraft. The communication function is further configured to interface communications between the at least one first type port and the at least one second type port wherein avionic devices located on the aircraft and using different communication formats coupled to the respective ports can communicate. |
| US08554202B1 |
Faulty wireless terminal detection
One or more embodiments of a method and apparatus taught herein provide for the detection of faulty wireless terminals in a wireless communication network. According to an exemplary method, an occurrence of one or more service incidents occurring for a wireless terminal during an observation time period is detected. For each service incident, a service quality score indicative of the severity of incident is determined. A performance metric is calculated responsive to the service quality scores of the wireless terminal occurring during the observation time period. The wireless terminal is determined to faulty if the performance metric exceeds a service quality threshold. A corresponding network node operable to implement the method is also disclosed. |
| US08554201B2 |
Method of managing queuing operation for a wireless communications system and related apparatus
A method of managing a queuing operation of a user equipment, known as UE, in a paging state for a network terminal of a wireless communications system includes, through a cell update procedure, queuing the UE at a frequency carrier where the UE currently camps and keeping the UE in the paging state. |
| US08554199B2 |
System and method for releasing RRC connection in wireless communication network
Provided are systems and methods for releasing a radio resource control (RRC) connection between a user equipment and a radio network controller. The system may include a user equipment and a radio network controller. The user equipment may be configured to transmit a RRC connection release indication when a timer expires in a connected mode and release the RRC connection upon receiving a RRC connection release message. The radio network controller may be configured to receive the RRC connection release indication from the user equipment and transmit the RRC connection release message in response to the RRC connection release indication. |
| US08554198B2 |
Test apparatus for testing mobile communication terminal and message display method for displaying message associated with the testing
A test apparatus for a mobile communication terminal is provided with a pseudo base station and display and control units. The control unit includes a analysis unit and a tag addition unit. The analysis unit acquires and analyzes the messages from the base station to take out information from the messages. The tag addition unit detects a group of series messages which have a mutual association and are consecutive in time sequence among the messages analyzed and to add a tag for identifying each group of messages to a detected group of messages. The control unit displays the tag together with the series of messages so as to identify the respective groups of messages. |
| US08554195B2 |
Health management system for group interactions between patients and healthcare practitioners
A health management system for managing the healthcare data of patients, managing interactions with patients, doctors and insurance companies, and managing group messaging and data access from mobile phones of patients and doctors. The health management system facilitates interaction with a plurality of patients. It comprises a patient group management server that is communicatively coupled to a plurality of mobile devices of patients. The patient group management server in turn comprises a message interaction module, a questionnaire distribution and feedback collection module, a remote patient premises data collection module, a coaching distribution module and a content distribution service module. The patient group management server enables communication to each other of an inquiry, a response message, a coaching and guided activity, a questionnaire and relevant reference content by members of the patient group. |
| US08554194B2 |
Method and system for providing virtual messenger service
Provided are a method and a system for providing a virtual messenger service between a mobile communication terminal and a computer. The method includes executing a virtual messenger program for controlling a function of a mobile communication terminal, and receiving a telephone directory provided within the mobile communication terminal; displaying a messenger window when receiving a request for activating the messenger window that collectively includes the telephone directory and menus; generating a communication event message related with a selected telephone number of the other party; and transmitting the generated event message to the mobile communication terminal, and displaying a notification of a communication event to an other party. |
| US08554191B2 |
System and method for managing media
An automobile with a communication interface configured to help communicatively couple a sound system with a wireless telephone such that the wireless telephone can stream selected media content like music or video to the communication module using an asynchronous channel of a localized wireless network. The communication interface may also allow operation of the wireless telephone in a hands free mode to facilitate use of the wireless telephone in the automobile in a way that does not require a user to hold the wireless telephone. |
| US08554188B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for processing communication call
A method, communication terminal and system for processing a communication call are provided, the communication terminal including a reader configured to obtain tag information by reading a tag attached to an object the tag information comprising a terminating number; a communication unit configured to transmit a request for an originating call based on the terminating number; and a control unit configured to control the communication terminal to display termination display information corresponding to one of the obtained tag information and the transmitting of the request for originating the call, wherein the termination display information excludes the terminating number. |
| US08554187B2 |
Apparatus and method for routing communications between networks and devices
An apparatus and method for testing communication capabilities of networks and devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first and a second device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic identifies the second device for receiving the data and identifies a second format compatible with the second device. The data is then translated to the second format. The logic may also determine a status of the interface device by testing components of the interface device to determine if the components are accessible and functioning. The output of the interface device then transmits the translated data to the second device. |
| US08554183B2 |
Call control
A method of call control in which a first communications network, detecting calls directed to a destination in the first network; redirects at least some of the calls to a destination in a second network (e.g. on no answer from the destination in the first network). The first communications network obtains from a client on a terminal associated with the destination in the second network a value for the time delay before a call to the destination in the second network is redirected in the second network on no answer to an alternative destination and sets a delay period to a value less than the value of the time delay obtained from the client. When one of the plurality of calls redirected to the second network is not answered in the second network within the delay period, the first communications network redirects the call to an alternative destination associated with the first network. |
| US08554182B2 |
Method and system for multimedia message delivery in a communication system
A method and system of delivering a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message is disclosed. In one example, the method includes providing a storage location and time duration for outside content to be indirectly referenced by an MMS message. Receiving and storing the outside content via a transport network is also disclosed. The method may include encapsulating an MMS message in a payload of a transport message with the MMS message indirectly referencing the storage location of the outside content. Delivery of the transport message may occur over a transport network. Confirming receipt of the transport message is also disclosed. |
| US08554176B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a remotely activated secure backup service for mobile handsets
Method and systems for protecting data on a mobile handset when remotely activated by a user involve encrypting the data using an encryption key, storing the encrypted data, and deleting the non-encrypted data along with the encryption key. Data may also be uploaded to a server to via a cellular data call for use in backing up the mobile handset. A mobile handset application configures the handset to receive activation commands from a server to encrypt, upload or download data. The encryption key is either received from the server or generated by the mobile handset and communicated to the server. Mock data files may be generated and stored on the mobile handset to enable handset applications to function normally after the data files have been encrypted. |
| US08554175B2 |
Managing mobile device applications on a mobile device
Methods, systems, and computer programs for managing mobile device applications are described. In some aspects, a mobile device application is prevented from accessing resources of a wireless network. For example, a wireless network operator system can determine that one or more mobile device applications are disapproved for use in the wireless network. In some implementations, the wireless network operator denies the disapproved mobile device applications access to the wireless network resources. In some implementations, mobile devices disable access to the wireless network by the disapproved mobile device applications. |
| US08554174B2 |
Selective first delivery attempt (FDA) processing for text messages
Systems and methods are disclosed for selectively applying First Delivery Attempt (FDA) processing for text messages. A text message system in one embodiment includes a rules database that stores rules defining which text messages are authorized to be delivered using FDA processing. The text message system further includes a message processor that initially receives a text message, and determines whether to selectively apply FDA processing for a time period due to an occurrence of a triggering event. If selective FDA processing applies, then the message processor processes the rules in the rules database to determine whether the text message is authorized for FDA processing during the time period of selective FDA processing. If authorized, then the message processor forwards the text message to an FDA system for FDA processing. If not authorized, then the message processor forwards the text message to a store-and-forward system for store-and-forward processing. |
| US08554168B1 |
Systems and methods for alternative routing of voice over IP originated emergency calls
Systems and methods are described for routing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) originated emergency calls. Where registered location information is not available, the present invention can attempt to identify an appropriate emergency call receiving office based on available information regarding the caller's physical location. Such information can include the IP address of the caller and, where the VoIP device is a dual mode device, the location of the last cellular base station accessed by the device. Where registered location information does exist, the present invention offers methods for ensuring that the registered location information is not obsolete and in need of updating and, in some cases, providing a manual override of call routing to the caller. |
| US08554166B2 |
Methods of operating electronic devices, and methods of providing electronic devices
Some embodiments include a method disposing an integrated circuit die within a housing, the integrated circuit die having integrated circuitry formed thereon, the integrated circuitry including first transponder circuitry configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the integrated circuit die is void of external electrical connections for anything except power supply external connections; and disposing second transponder circuitry, discrete from the first transponder circuitry, within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the first and second transponder circuitry are configured to establish wireless communication between one another within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being disposed within 24 inches of the first transponder circuitry within the housing. |
| US08554162B2 |
High efficiency power amplifier
A power amplifier circuit utilizes a cross-coupled tapped cascade topology together with a technique of applying an RF injection current into a wideband node to provide a single-stage power amplifier with improved PAE, output power, and gain over a wide RF band. The amplifier circuit comprises a cross-coupled cascade transistor unit comprising a pair of cross-coupled cascode transistors, a cross-coupled switching transistor unit comprising a pair of cross-coupled switching transistors, and an RF current generator. RF current generator generates a differential RF injection current, while switching transistor unit amplifies the injection current to generate an amplified injection current at the wideband node of the amplifier circuit and the cascode transistor unit further amplifies the injection current to generate the desired amplified signal at the output of the amplifier circuit. The output signal amplitude generally depends on the differential injection current and the supply voltage VDD applied to the power amplifier circuit. |
| US08554159B2 |
Direct FM/PM modulation
Representative implementations of direct FM/PM modulation and systems are disclosed describing frequency modulation or phase modulation of information onto a carrier signal using a divider that is remote from the carrier signal generation path. |
| US08554158B2 |
Current saving by reduced modulation code and selective gating of RF signal
A polar modulation power amplifier employs both thermometer coded and binary coded amplitude modulation data. The thermometer coded amplitude modulation data selectively activates one or more equally weighted power amplifier cells. The binary coded amplitude modulation data selectively activates one or more binary weighted power amplifier cells. When less than full output power is required and the MSBs of the amplitude modulation data are zero (reducing output power at the expense of quantization noise), the power dissipated by RF signal buffers for the unused power amplifier cells corresponding to the MSBs is substantially reduced by gating off the RF signal upstream of the buffers. |
| US08554152B2 |
Apparatus and method for estimating channel in mobile communication system
An apparatus and a method for estimating a channel in a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a channel estimation unit for determining a channel estimation value using a channel power for each of a plurality of fingers, and a noise estimation unit for selecting a scheme for estimating a thermal noise power according to a channel environment among schemes for determining a plurality of thermal noise powers, and for estimating a noise using the channel estimation value in the selected scheme. |
| US08554146B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing the guard band between wireless communication systems operating in the same geographical area
Operators of wireless communication systems operating in the same geographic area are able to build networks on neighboring/adjacent bands, even if one of the systems is using a TDD mode and the other systems is using a FDD mode without using excessive large guard bands. A beaconing mechanism with signaling is used to impose an exclusion zone and power restriction, antenna direction, and other operational parameters. A newcomer operator is able to get an accurate knowledge of the interference to and from the sites of the AP of the existing operator so that the newcomer can deploy his APs without causing interference to the existing APs. |
| US08554144B2 |
Telephone dialer and methods
A system, device and method for placing a call in a telecommunications network is disclosed. In the method, a target address of a target station in a telecommunications network is received through a short range wireless connection. The method includes providing an alert that the target address was received, receiving a calling station off-hook confirmation, and establishing a connection through the telecommunications network between the calling station and the target station. |
| US08554142B2 |
Cellular network traffic offload via local wireless connectivity
A network device receives, from a first mobile communication device via a cellular network, a message to attempt initiate the set-up of data transfer via a local wireless connectivity method. The network device determines a proximity within the cellular network of the first mobile communication device with respect to a second mobile communication device that is the target of the data transfer, and determines a geographic proximity of the first mobile communication device with respect to the second mobile communication device. The network device remotely enables, from the network device, the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device to transfer data between them via the local wireless connectivity method instead of via the cellular network based on the determined network proximity or geographic proximity. |
| US08554138B2 |
Method and apparatus for priority signaling over a wireless serial communication channel
A communication device performs a method for establishing a fast path for signaling priority data. The method includes: establishing a first short range wireless data path to a second communication device for exchanging non-priority data; and establishes a second autonomous short range wireless data path to the second communication device, for exchanging priority data, wherein the second short range wireless data path comprises a wireless serial communication channel such as a radio frequency communication Bluetooth (RFCOMM) channel. An application layer in an upper layer stack of the communication device establishes both the first and the second short range wireless data paths. Non-priority data communicated to the second communication device along the first short range wireless data path is processed by the application layer. However, priority data communicated to the second communication device along the second short range wireless data path bypasses the application layer. |
| US08554136B2 |
Tightly-coupled near-field communication-link connector-replacement chips
Tightly-coupled near-field transmitter/receiver pairs are deployed such that the transmitter is disposed at a terminal portion of a first conduction path, the receiver is disposed at a terminal portion of a second conduction path, the transmitter and receiver are disposed in close proximity to each other, and the first conduction path and the second conduction path are discontiguous with respect to each other. In some embodiments of the present invention, close proximity refers to the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna being spaced apart by a distance such that, at wavelengths of the transmitter carrier frequency, near-field coupling is obtained. In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are disposed on separate substrates that are moveable relative to each other. In alternative embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are disposed on the same substrate. |
| US08554135B2 |
Controlling power dissipation in a base station of a navigation satellite system (NSS)
A method and system for controlling power dissipation in a base station of a navigation satellite system (NSS) is disclosed. One method utilizes a sensor to monitor one or more components of the base station. Then, based on information from the sensor, a transmission bit rate is increased from a pre-defined bit rate to an increased transmission bit rate for an NSS message transmitted from the base station without reducing transmission power level of the base station. The method also periodically provides a bit rate update signal at the pre-defined bit rate, the bit rate update signal informing a rover utilizing the base station of the increased transmission bit rate for the NSS message transmitted from the base station. |
| US08554134B2 |
Method and device for communicating using network coding scheme
A communication system, a relay station, a mobile station, a base station, and a method using a network coding scheme are provided. A communication system includes a relay station, a mobile station, and a base station. A relay station includes a message receiving unit to receive a downlink message transmitted from a base station and an uplink message transmitted from a mobile station, a message generation unit to generate a network coded message by coding the downlink message and the uplink message according to a network coding scheme, and a message transmission unit to transmit the network coded message to the base station and the mobile station during the same time slot. |
| US08554129B2 |
Systems and methods for testing over a distributed network
A computer-based testing system includes testing stations connected to a testing service center and backend via the Internet for providing testing services. The system is operable to perform state management to implement fault recovery due to a computing device failure while a test is being administered. The system is also operable to utilize multiple caching techniques for mitigating network latency while administering tests. |
| US08554126B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing device configured to fix the toner image to the sheet by heat; a discharge tray onto which the sheet to which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device is discharged; a discharge device configured to convey the sheet so as to discharge the sheet onto the discharge tray; and a controller configured to temporarily stop the discharge device conveying the sheet while the sheet is being discharged by the discharge device and to resume the discharge device conveying the sheet after a predetermined stop time has elapsed, the controller controls the discharge device such that the conveyance torque of the discharge device at a time of resuming the discharge device conveying the sheet is larger than the conveyance torque of the discharge device before temporarily stopping the discharge device conveying the sheet. |
| US08554122B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus provided with same
A fixing device is provided in which a rotation member and a roller are caused to rotate pressing against each other, a recording paper is sandwiched and transported in a nip region between the rotation member and the roller, a leading edge of a peeling plate is positioned with respect to a peripheral surface of the rotation member, and the recording paper is separated from the rotation member by the peeling plate. In this fixing device, a surface of the peeling plate faces a transport route of the recording paper. Furthermore, in this fixing device, a contact member is provided that contacts a rear surface of the peeling plate displaced in a direction in which the leading edge of the peeling plate approaches the peripheral surface of the rotation member and prohibits displacement of the peeling plate after contact of the peeling plate to the contact member. |
| US08554112B2 |
Charging device
A charging device includes a corona charger; a shutter of a sheet for shielding an opening of said corona charger, the sheet having such a property that it is curled about an axis when said shutter absorbs moisture; and a winding-up device for winding up the shutter. The axis and a winding-up direction in which the shutter is wound up by the winding-up means form an angle therebetween from 45 degrees to 135 degrees. |
| US08554109B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including plural image forming units each having an image-carrier includes: a cylindrical image-carrier body holding an image; a rotary shaft inserted in the image-carrier body, and rotatably supporting the image-carrier body; a coupling member fitted to an end portion of the rotary shaft, transmitting a rotational-drive-force to the rotary shaft; an engaging member projecting from a circumferential surface of the rotary shaft, being engaged to an engaged portion formed in the image-carrier body to disable relative rotation of the image-carrier body to the rotary shaft; and an attaching member continuously inserted into a first through hole formed in the coupling member and a second through hole formed in the rotary shaft and fixed thereto such that an angle formed between the engaging member and the attaching member is substantially 90 degrees as seen in an rotary shaft axial-direction, attaching the coupling member and the rotary shaft. |
| US08554105B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A wet type image forming apparatus has a primary transfer unit that transfers to an intermediate transfer body a coloring particle image formed on the surface of an image bearing member by using liquid developer. A secondary transfer unit transfers onto a recording medium the coloring particle image transferred to the intermediate transfer body. A cleaning unit recovers liquid developer remaining on the intermediate transfer body after transfer by the second transfer unit. An aggregation promoting agent addition unit is disposed on a downstream side of the secondary transfer unit in a direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer body and on an upstream side of the cleaning unit in a direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer body and adds to the surface of the intermediate transfer body an aggregation promoting agent that promotes aggregation of resin contained in the liquid developer. |
| US08554104B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a fixing device including an exhaust fan
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing member for fixing an image onto a sheet in pressure contact with an outer surface thereof; and a heating source for heating the fixing member. A duct is provided in a position facing the fixing member with respect to a width direction perpendicular to a circumferential direction of the fixing member and which has an inlet for taking in fine particles generated from the fixing member. A filter member is provided inside the duct and which can trap the fine particles which flow through the duct. An exhaust fan is provided in the duct upstream or downstream from the filter member for generating an air flow going from the inlet to an outlet of the duct. A control section controls the operation of the exhaust fan according to initial burst conditions under which the fine particles are emitted from the fixing member. |
| US08554103B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a cylindrical or annular fixing member, an outer surface of which is brought into pressure contact with a conveyed sheet to fix an image onto the sheet; and a heating source for heating the fixing member to a specified target temperature. The fixing member includes a cylindrical or annular base material, a rubber layer with elasticity, and an outer layer for aiding release of the sheet. An end portion of the rubber layer and an end portion of the outer layer are each positioned inner than an end portion of the base material with respect to a width direction perpendicular to a circumferential direction on the base material. A filter member capable of trapping ultra fine particles generated from the rubber layer is provided on the base material in a position facing the end portion of the rubber layer along the circumferential direction. |
| US08554102B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a development roller that holds developer containing toner and carrier, rotates and transports the developer to a development area, and develops a latent image using the toner; a housing that has a first opening that opens towards the image holding member, and that holds the development roller; an airflow path that has a second opening that opens towards the image holding member at a location below the first opening; a blower that causes air in the airflow path to be sent in a direction in which the toner scattered between the housing and the image holding member is sucked from the second opening; and a magnetic plate opposing an end portion of the development roller in a direction of an axis of rotation of the development roller and extending so as to surround the development roller in a direction of rotation of the development roller. |
| US08554101B2 |
Power supply apparatus and image forming apparatus
A power supply apparatus needs to control an output voltage to a target voltage for a short time. A power supply apparatus of the present invention detects voltages output from a piezoelectric transformer. The power supply apparatus also detects peak values in a plurality of detected voltages according to a plurality of frequencies of pulse signals for the piezoelectric transformer, and identifies a frequency corresponding to the highest peak value, and a frequency corresponding to a next peak value next to and on a higher- or lower-frequency side of the frequency corresponding to the highest peak value. Moreover, the power supply apparatus sets an initial frequency used when starting to control the output voltage of the piezoelectric transformer to the target voltage, within a frequency range between the two identified frequencies. |
| US08554099B2 |
Image heating apparatus for cooling the surfaces of an image heating device and a pressing device pressing against the heating device to form a nip
An image heating apparatus includes a heater, a pressor, first and second temperature sensors, a controller, first and said coolers for cooling a surface of the heater and the pressor, respectively, a contact-spacing device for establishing a contact state of the heater and pressor and a spaced state of the heater and the pressor, a portion for executing first and second cooling modes in which at least one of the coolers is operated while rotating the heater and pressor in the contact state and in which the first and second coolers are operated while rotating the heater and pressor in the spaced state, respectively, and a selector for selecting the first cooling mode or the second cooling mode on the basis of an output of the second temperature sensor. |
| US08554097B2 |
Image heating apparatus
An image heating apparatus includes an image heater for heating an image on a recording material. The apparatus also includes a first temperature detecting member that detects a temperature of the image heating member, with the first temperature detecting member provided in a sheet processing region for a recording material of a minimum size. A controller is also provided for controlling electric power supply to the image heater on the basis of an output of the first temperature detecting member. Further provided is a second temperature detecting member is that is capable of detecting a temperature of the image heating member when the image heating member is contacted or is not contacted with a belt. A controller is also provided for controlling the image heating operation on the basis of the temperature of the image heating member. |
| US08554094B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image quality control method
Certain embodiments provide an image forming apparatus including a photoconductor, a latent image forming portion, an image processing portion, a developer, a transferred body, a sensor that detects an image density of a toner image by the amount of toner attached to a surface and has a sensor characteristic in which a sensor output substantially monotonously decreases according to an increase in the amount of toner, a nonlinear amplifier that has a nonlinear amplification characteristic having one or more inflection points, and enlarges and corrects a value read by the sensor in a range where the sensor output monotonously decreases with respect to the amount of toner by amplification, and an image quality control portion that controls a forming condition of an electrostatic latent image using a correction value of a variation amount of the value at a side where the amount of toner is large in the range. |
| US08554093B2 |
Image forming apparatus that adopts image density control with density sensors
An image forming apparatus that can reduce the time period for rotation of an intermediate transfer unit required before toner patches are formed, and measurement of toner patch densities while continuing the rotation. A toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is transferred to a surface of the intermediate transfer unit. A toner image for detection is formed on the intermediate transfer unit, and image forming conditions are corrected based on the amount of toner obtained by reading the toner image for detection. Two density sensors read the surface of the intermediate transfer unit. Outputs from the two density sensors are stored as a first profile and a second profile, respectively. A toner density of the toner image for detection is calculated based on the first and second profiles, and image forming conditions are corrected based on the toner density. |
| US08554079B2 |
Wavelength division and time division multiplex mixing passive optical network system, terminal and signal transmission method
A wavelength division and time division hybrid multiplexing passive optical network system, terminals and a signal transmission method are disclosed in the present invention. The system comprises: a plurality of optical modules at the optical line terminal side connecting to an office all-optical wavelength conversion unit, the all-optical wavelength conversion unit connecting with a subscriber all-optical wavelength conversion unit via a fiber, and the subscriber all-optical wavelength conversion unit connecting with a plurality of optical couplers, and each optical couplers connecting with a plurality of optical network units respectively; the present invention facilitates full use of the existing source of access network and ensures a smooth transition from the time division multiplexing passive optical network to the optical access network of the next generation without changing the structure of the current time division passive optical network. |
| US08554078B2 |
Passive optical network with plural optical line terminals
An optical network includes a first passive optical network optical line terminal, coupled to a first port of a first optical filter arrangement, and a second passive optical network optical line terminal, coupled to a second port of the first optical filter arrangement. An optical coupler is connected between the second passive optical network line terminal and the second port of the first optical filter arrangement. A passive optical distribution node is coupled to a third port of the first optical filter arrangement. |
| US08554075B2 |
Communication system, subscriber accommodating apparatus and communication method
Switching process at the occurrence of a path trouble is performed more quickly to reduce the number of packet discards during a traffic transition from a currently used system path to a standby system path within a section to be protected. An OLT (210-W) refers to the DBA information of a PON section and, if receiving no CCM frame at a timing at which the same should be received, then determines that some trouble has occurred on the path (S801) and transmits, to an OAM-compliant NE (200-Z), an application-for-switching frame (1501) to notify the OAM-compliant NE (200-Z) of the abnormal condition. The OAM-compliant NE (200-Z) monitors the occurrence of the trouble within the PON section nearly in real time, starts a switching process (S802) and generates and transmits a standby-system delivery request (321) (S302, S803). An OAM-compliant NE (200-A) switches the communication path to the standby-system passing through an OLT (210-P). |
| US08554070B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus and optical attenuation amount control method
A storage device stores information regarding a channel from which an optical transmission apparatus at a subsequent stage drops a signal light. A processor determines that switching from second channel transmission using a larger number of channels than a first number of channels to first channel transmission is performed, and controls an attenuation amount, when performing the first channel transmission using the first number of channels, by referring to the storage device according to the determination and making the attenuation amount in a no-signal channel larger than a determine value if the no-signal channel whose wavelength is within a determined range from the wavelength of the signal light channel for the first channel transmission is a channel from which the optical transmission apparatus at the subsequent stage drops a signal light, so as to transmit an amplified spontaneous emission light along the no-signal channel. |
| US08554069B2 |
Imaging unit
An imaging unit includes a housing having an opening on one of opposite sides in a direction of thickness thereof; an imaging optical system provided in the housing and includes an incident surface and an exit-side prism, wherein object-emanated light being incident on said incident surface and traveling in a lengthwise direction of said housing is reflected by said exit-side prism toward said opening; an image sensor, installed in the housing, with an imaging surface facing the other of the opposite sides of the housing toward an exit surface of the exit-side prism; a spacer projecting from the housing or a fixed member, the spacer contacting the image sensor to create a clearance between the exit surface and the imaging surface; and a cover fixed to the housing to close the opening and press the image sensor so as to come in contact with the spacer. |
| US08554066B2 |
Driving mechanism and optical equipment
To provide a driving mechanism with which a reduction in size is possible. A driving mechanism comprising: an optical component that is provided to be movable; a first driving member that is movable in a first direction; a second driving member that is movable in the first direction independently of the first driving member; and an abutting portion that is provided at the optical component and abuts against the first driving member and the second driving member, wherein, the optical component is moved by driving force of the first driving member and the second driving member abutting against the abutting portion. |
| US08554064B1 |
Method and apparatus for generating vapor at high rates
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for vaporizing a liquid to form vapor preferably in a gas stream. The apparatus includes a composite metal structure, the structure comprising a plurality of passageways for providing heat to vaporize the liquid in the gas stream to form a gas/vapor mixture. A non-corrosive interface lies between the metal structure and the gas/vapor mixture, the interface being chemically inert to the gas/vapor mixture and the structure permitting heat to be conducted rapidly therethrough to vaporize the liquid. The apparatus further includes an inlet for the gas and an inlet for the liquid to be vaporized to flow into the plurality of passageways and an exit through which the gas/vapor mixture exits the apparatus. |
| US08554063B2 |
Steam generator
A steam generator includes a housing, a heating unit, an electrothermal unit and a one-way valve. The housing has a chamber and a water inlet. The heating unit includes a heating portion extending into the chamber. The heating portion has a first spiral channel thereon. One end of the heating portion is formed with a vaporization room and a steam outlet. The vaporization room has a second spiral channel therein to extend the time that the water and the wet steam pass through the heating unit so as to provide a complete heating and vaporizing function. Besides, by the one-way valve coupled to the water inlet, the steam generator of the present invention is simple in structure and cost-effective, providing an automatic water supply and re-heating function. |
| US08554059B2 |
Broadcast signal processing system and method for searching storage device thereof
The present invention relates to a broadcast signal processing system and a method for searching a storage device thereof. One of the embodiments of the present invention includes a receiving unit configured to receive a broadcast signal, a decoding unit configured to decode the broadcast signal received by the receiver, a display unit configured to display broadcast content according to the broadcast signal decoded by the decoder, an interface unit configured to communicate with the storage device through a wired network or a wireless network, and a control unit configured to control access to the storage device through the interface unit using one of connection information as to the storage device connected by the interface unit and search information as to the storage device searched through the network by the interface unit, and to control storage of the broadcast signal decoded by the decoder in the storage device or playback of content stored in the storage device by the display unit. |
| US08554056B2 |
Systems and methods for integrating interactive features into multiple media content sources
One embodiment, among others, includes a method for editing video. The method comprises receiving a plurality of media files and receiving specified special effects corresponding to each of the plurality of media files. Based on the received plurality of media files and the specified special effects for each of the plurality of media files, a single output is generated whereby the special effects are incorporated and where the plurality of media files are unmodified. |
| US08554054B2 |
Automated digital video editing system to combine stored video advertising with just-in time content
A system and method are provided for an automated digital video editing system that can combine previously stored video advertising with just-in-time content video, such as breaking news, sports, traffic and weather. The system and method can deliver the combined video to mobile devices in accordance with demographic, geographic, or other criteria selected by the advertiser. |
| US08554052B2 |
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. |
| US08554048B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a detecting portion detecting a signal format of a particular reproduction interval having the longest reproduction time among contents constituted by a plurality of reproduction intervals; and a converting portion converting signal formats of the reproduction intervals of the contents other than the particular reproduction interval into the signal format of the particular reproduction interval. |
| US08554046B2 |
Providing interactive content during trick mode
A system may receive an enhanced media stream that includes media content and interactive content relating to the media content, present the media content for display on a video display device, detect initiation of a trick mode during presentation of the media content, and present information, relating to the interactive content, superimposed on the media content presented for display on the video display device during the trick mode. |
| US08554042B2 |
Optical fiber management shelf including door with push-push fastener
An optical fiber management shelf includes a housing having a first opening and a fiber optic termination module mounted to the fiber management shelf. A first door is pivotably mounted on the housing and pivotable about an axis from a first position substantially covering the first opening to a second position allowing access to the first opening. A first projection is on the first door, and a first receiver is on the housing configured to receive and selectively retain the first projection to releasably secure the first door to the housing. The first receiver includes a latch configured to retain the first projection when the first projection is initially inserted or pushed into the first receiver. The first receiver is also configured to release the first projection when the first projection is subsequently pressed or pushed toward the first receiver after the initial insertion into the first receiver. |
| US08554041B2 |
Optical waveguide optical connector using same, and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is inexpensive optical waveguide for an optical connector which is accurately positioned across the width of cores when inserted in and fixed in an optical waveguide fixing through hole of a ferrule to provide low optical coupling loss when connected, an optical connector using the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. An optical waveguide for an optical connector includes cores, an under cladding layer, and an over cladding layer. The strip-shaped optical waveguide has a longitudinal end portion configured to be fixed in a predetermined through hole provided in a ferrule of an optical connector. The cores are formed on the under cladding layer by a photolithographic method. The over cladding layer is formed with respect to the positions of the cores or positioning alignment marks by a photolithographic method. The over cladding layer covers the cores, and the under cladding layer including crosswise end surfaces thereof. |
| US08554040B2 |
Planar lightwave circuit, design method for wave propagation circuit, and computer program
A planar lightwave circuit is provided which can be easily fabricated by an existing planar-lightwave-circuit fabrication process, which can lower the propagation loss of signal light and which can convert inputted signal light so as to derive desired signal light. A planar lightwave circuit having a core and a clad which are formed on a substrate, has input optical waveguide(s) (111) which inputs signal light, mode coupling part (112) for coupling a fundamental mode of the inputted signal light to a higher-order mode and/or a radiation mode, or mode re-coupling part (113) for re-coupling the higher-order mode and/or the radiation mode to the fundamental mode, and output optical waveguide(s) (114) which outputs signal light. The mode coupling part or the mode re-coupling part is an optical waveguide which has core width and/or height varied continuously. |
| US08554039B2 |
Buffered large core fiber
An optical fiber comprising: (i) a multi-mode silica based glass core, said core having a 80-300 μm diameter and an index of refraction n1; (ii) a cladding surrounding the core, said cladding having a thickness ≦20 μm and index of refraction index of refraction n2 |
| US08554038B2 |
Manufacturing method of photonic band gap fiber and photonic band gap fiber
A manufacturing method of a photonic band gap fiber which includes measuring a hole diameter d0 and a distance-between-holes Λ0 in a preliminary experiment capillary body by first drawing a preliminary experiment preform, calculating a confinement loss to a normalized wavelength λ/Λ being a wavelength λ normalized by an optional distance-between-holes Λ using a ratio d0/Λ0 and the optional distance-between-holes Λ as design parameters, setting a distance-between-holes by calculating the set distance-between-holes Λ1 to a desired transmission wavelength λ1 of a photonic band gap fiber to be manufactured using a value of the normalized wavelength λ/Λ in which the confinement loss becomes about a minimum value, and second drawing a preform for a photonic band gap fiber by using the same members as those of the preliminary experiment preform and by setting a distance-between-holes to the set distance-between-holes Λ1, in a drawing temperature condition used for the first drawing. |
| US08554035B2 |
Production of optical pulses at a desired wavelength using soliton self-frequency shift in higher-order-mode fiber
The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing optical pulses of a desired wavelength. The apparatus includes an optical pulse source operable to generate input optical pulses at a first wavelength. The apparatus further includes a higher-order-mode (HOM) fiber module operable to receive the input optical pulses at the first wavelength, and thereafter to produce output optical pulses at the desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS). The present invention also relates to a method of producing optical pulses having a desired wavelength. This method includes generating input optical pulses using an optical pulse source, where the input optical pulses have a first wavelength and a first spatial mode. The input optical pulses are delivered into an HOM fiber module to alter the wavelength of the input optical pulses from the first wavelength to a desired wavelength by soliton self-frequency shift (SSFS) within the HOM fiber module, thereby producing output optical pulses having the desired wavelength. |
| US08554034B2 |
Optical-electrical hybrid transmission cable
An optical-electrical hybrid transmission cable (100), comprises an insulative layer (2); a shielding layer located on an inner side of the insulative layer; an optical cable (5) disposed in the shielding layer and comprising two optical fibers (51) and an insulative sheath (52) enclosing the two optical fibers; a pair of signal wires (6) twisted together and disposed in the shielding layer; and a pair of power wires disposed in the shielding layer. And the optical cable, the pair of signal wires and the pair of power wires are arranged along a circumferential direction. |
| US08554032B2 |
Optical star coupler for plastic optical fibers
A method and apparatus for assembling an optical coupler system. A first plurality of optical fibers is connected to a first receptacle using an alignment system to align the first plurality of optical fibers in the first receptacle. A second plurality of optical fibers is connected to a second receptacle using the alignment system to align the second plurality of optical fibers in the second receptacle. The first receptacle is connected to a star coupler. The first plurality of optical fibers is optically connected to a mixing channel in the star coupler. The second receptacle is connected to the star coupler. The second plurality of optical fibers is optically connected to the mixing channel in the star coupler. |
| US08554028B2 |
Upstream fiber optic couplers and methods for power splitting passive optical networks
A fiber optic coupler includes a housing that receives upstream optical signals from drop optical fibers that are optically coupled to optical network units in a power splitting passive optical network and provides an aggregate upstream optical signal to a trunk optical fiber that is optically coupled to an optical line terminal in the power splitting passive optical network, without having passed through a power splitter. At least one reflector and/or refractor in the housing is oriented to reflect and/or refract at least one upstream optical signal from at least one of the drop optical fibers, so as to produce the aggregate upstream optical signal for the trunk optical fiber. Various configurations of reflectors and/or refractors may be provided. Relative methods are also disclosed. |
| US08554027B2 |
Optical switch
An optical switch is constituted of a wavelength filter and a control device. The wavelength filter includes a first waveguide exhibiting a transmission band of a predetermined basic mode and a second waveguide, arranged in at least one location of the first waveguide, exhibiting a transmission band with a cutoff frequency corresponding to a finite value included in the transmission band of the basic mode. A pair of optical couplers constituting a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is connected to opposite ends of a filter unit including the first waveguide and the second waveguide. When a plurality of wavelength filters is cascaded, these wavelength filters differ from each other in terms of the cutoff frequency of the second waveguide. The control device changes the cutoff frequency of the second waveguide within the transmission band of the first waveguide, thus adjusting the filtering band of the wavelength filter. |
| US08554025B2 |
Optical connector with reduced mechanical-alignment sensitivity
An optical connector is described. This optical connector spatially segregates optical coupling between an optical fiber and an optical component, which relaxes the associated mechanical-alignment requirements. In particular, the optical connector includes an optical spreader component disposed on a substrate. This optical spreader component is optically coupled to the optical fiber at a first coupling region, and is configured to optically couple to the optical component at a second coupling region that is at a different location on the substrate than the first coupling region. Moreover, the first coupling region and the second coupling region are optically coupled by an optical waveguide. |
| US08554022B1 |
Silicon-graphene waveguide photodetectors, optically active elements and microelectromechanical devices
Systems and methods for modulating light with light in high index contrast waveguides clad with graphene. Graphene exhibits a large nonlinear electro-optic constant χ3. Waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers and clad with graphene are described. Systems and methods for modulating light with light are discussed. Optical logic gates are described. Waveguides having closed loop structures such as rings and ovals, Mach-Zehnder interferometer, grating, and Fabry-Perot configurations, are described. Optical signal processing methods, including optical modulation at Terahertz frequencies, are disclosed. Optical detectors are described. Microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems using graphene on silicon substrates are described. |
| US08554020B2 |
System and method for creating and sharing photo stories
A system and method are described for creating, managing and sharing photo stories. For example, one embodiment of a computer implemented method for selecting among a plurality of different photo story templates comprises: receiving a plurality of new photos from a user the photos having metadata associated; analyzing the photos and the metadata associated with the photos; responsively grouping the photos into a plurality of different photo stories based on the analysis of the photos and the metadata associated with the photos; and selecting a set of photo story design templates for each of the different photo stories based on the analysis of the photos and the metadata associated with the photos grouped into the different photo stories. |
| US08554016B2 |
Image registration system and method for registering images for deformable surfaces
Embodiments of an image registration system and method registering corresponding images of a deformable surface are generally described herein. In some embodiments, image features of the corresponding images are converted to point features, the point features from each corresponding image are sorted based on one or more attributes of the point features, and a plurality of three-point sets are generated for each image from a selected portion of the sorted point features. Each three-point set defines a triangle. Matching triangles may be identified from the corresponding images. The corresponding point features of the matching triangles represent corresponding image features providing for at least local image registration. |
| US08554013B2 |
Selectively transforming a multi-dimensional array
A method for selectively transforming a multi-dimensional input array comprising D dimensions includes, with a computing system, determining a D-dimensional convolution of the input array at only selected points in the array, each the convolution being a function of a product of D one-dimensional kernels; determining partial convolutions at each dimension iteratively, an iterative determination of one of the partial convolutions being determined, in part, from a previous iterative determination; and collecting transformed values from the convolutions into the input array to form a transformed input array. |
| US08554011B2 |
Automatic exposure correction of images
Techniques for automatic exposure correction of images are provided. In particular, the exposure of an input image may be improved by automatically modifying a non-linear function that characterizes the luminance of shadow, mid-tone, and highlight portions of the image. The input image may be segmented into a number of regions and each region is assigned a zone, where the zone indicates a specified range of luminance values. An initial zone assigned to a region of the image may be changed in order to reflect an optimal zone of the region. Based, in part, on the optimal zones for each region of the image, luminance modification parameters may be calculated and applied to the non-linear function in order to produce a modified version of the input image that improves the appearance of overexposed and/or underexposed regions of the input image. |
| US08554009B2 |
Simple matrix method for stray-light correction in imaging instruments
A simple matrix method and computer program product for stray-light correction in imaging instruments is provided. The stray-light correction method includes receiving raw signals from an imaging instrument and characterizing the imaging instrument for a set of point spread functions. For high resolution imaging instruments, the raw signals may be compressed to reduce the size of the correction matrix. Based on stray-light distribution functions derived from the point spread functions, a correction matrix is derived. This fast correction is performed by a matrix multiplication to the measured raw signals, and may reduce stray-light errors by more than one order of magnitude. Using the stray-light corrected instrument, significant reductions may be made in overall measurement uncertainties in radiometry, colorimetry, photometry and other applications. Because the PSFs may include other types of undesired responses, the stray-light correction also eliminates other types of errors, e.g., interreflection between a CCD and the detector window. |
| US08554008B2 |
Anti-aliasing system and method
A system to reduce aliasing in a graphical image includes an edge detector configured to read image depth information from a depth buffer. The edge detector also applies edge detection procedures to detect an object edge within the image. An edge style detector is configured to identify a first edge end and a second edge end. The edge style detector also identifies an edge style associated with the detected edge based on the first edge end and the second edge end. The system also includes a restoration module configured to identify pixel data associated with the detected edge and a blending module configured to blend the pixel data associated with the detected edge. |
| US08554005B1 |
Digital image enhancement method and system that embolden or thin image features
A method and system of digital image enhancement provide controllable emboldening and thinning of image features. The method includes providing an input image, creating an edge map image from the input image, and combining the edge map image with the input image using local clamping to produce an output image. Features of the output image are one of emboldened and thinned. |
| US08554002B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding and multi-view image
A Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a multi-view image are provided. The method of encoding a multi-view image includes determining whether each of pictures included in multi-view image sequences is a reference picture referred to by other pictures included in the multi-view image sequences for inter-view prediction, and encoding the pictures using at least one of inter-view prediction and temporal prediction based on the determination result, thereby efficiently encoding and decoding the multi-view image at high speed. |
| US08553999B2 |
Method and system for providing tile map service using solid compression
The system according to the present invention includes a server including a map data storage device, which stores digital map data, a plurality of tile map data generated from the digital map data, and solid-compressed map data compressed by solid compression from the plurality of tile map data, a solid-compressed map data generation device, which generates the plurality of tile map data from the digital map data stored in the map data storage device, generates the solid-compressed map data by compressing the plurality of tile map data by solid compression, and stores the generated solid-compressed map data in the map data storage device, and a solid-compressed map data providing device, which transmits the solid-compressed map data to a client through a network in response to a request from the client. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of network access and the amount of data transmitted. |
| US08553985B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable medium
An image processing apparatus which performs boundary line extraction for raster image data, comprises: a detection unit configured to detect a color region formed from a plurality of pixels having an 8-neighbor connection in the image data; a determination unit configured to determine whether the 8-neighbor connection in the color region detected by the detection unit is to be modified to a 4-neighbor connection, in accordance with a connection state of pixels connected by the 8-neighbor connection and pixels surrounding the pixels connected by the 8-neighbor connection; a modification unit configured to modify the 8-neighbor connection in the color region, a modification of which is determined by the determination unit, by converting a pixel value of a pixel neighboring the pixels connected by the 8-neighbor connection; and an extraction unit configured to extract a boundary line from image data modified by the modification unit. |
| US08553984B2 |
Fast pattern classification based on a sparse transform
Techniques for determining a feature in an image or soundtrack of one or more dimensions include receiving a subject image. A sparse transformed subject image is determined, which represents the subject image with a few significant coefficients compared to a number of values in the subject image. Multiple patch functions are received, which are based on a portion of a sparse transformed image for each of a training set of images and which represent learned features in the training set. A feature is determined to be in the subject image based on the transformed subject image and the plurality of patch functions. In various embodiments, a wavelet transformation or audio spectrogram is performed to produce the sparse transformed images. In some embodiments, the feature in the subject is determined regardless of feature location or size or orientation in the subject image. |
| US08553983B2 |
Personal authentication system and personal authentication method
A personal authentication system according to the present invention includes a matrix generation unit, a feature extraction unit, a feature transformation unit, a processing unit, and a data matching unit. The matrix generation unit classifies a plurality of feature amounts of face image data, which are recorded in advance, into classes and calculates as a mapping matrix, coefficients of a linear discriminant equation which uses the recorded plurality of feature amounts as variables. The feature extraction unit extracts a first feature amount from first face image data and extracts a second feature amount from second face image data. The feature transformation unit, by using the mapping matrix, transforms the first feature amount into a first transformed feature amount and transforms the second feature amount into a second transformed feature amount. The processing unit calculates as a similarity, a normalized correlation value between the first transformed feature amount and the second transformed feature amount. The data matching unit judges that the first face image data and the second face image data are image data of same person when the similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US08553981B2 |
Gesture-based visual search
A user may perform an image search on an object shown in an image. The user may use a mobile device to display an image. In response to displaying the image, the client device may send the image to a visual search system for image segmentation. Upon receiving a segmented image from the visual search system, the client device may display the segmented image to the user who may select one or more segments including an object of interest to instantiate a search. The visual search system may formulate a search query based on the one or more selected segments and perform a search using the search query. The visual search system may then return search results to the client device for display to the user. |
| US08553977B2 |
Converting continuous tone images
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for converting an unsupported continuous tone image file with an opacity layer to an application supported image. An opacity mask is created from an extracted alpha channel portion of the unsupported image file, where the alpha channel comprises transparency (opacity) information for the image. The unsupported image file can comprise an eight-bit alpha channel that indicates transparency for one or more portions of the image. The remaining channels of the unsupported image, after the alpha channel is extracted, can be used to create an image, which is combined with the opacity mask, to generate a supported image with a transparency layer. |
| US08553975B2 |
Method and apparatus for wide-band imaging based on narrow-band image data
In one embodiment, an imaging method may include receiving an intensity value of a first spectral channel associated with a pixel location. The intensity value of the first spectral channel may be based on electromagnetic radiation reflected from an object after being emitted from a narrow-band electromagnetic radiation source. The method may further include defining an intensity value of a second spectral channel based on the intensity value of the first spectral channel. The second spectral channel may be associated with a spectral region of electromagnetic radiation different from a spectral region of electromagnetic radiation associated with the first spectral channel. The method may also include associating the intensity value of the second spectral channel with the pixel location. |
| US08553974B2 |
Method and circuit for correcting signals and image correcting method and circuit using the same
A signal correcting method and a circuit thereof are provided. In the method, first, the values of a plurality of input signals are clamped to generate a plurality of corresponding clamping signals according to a plurality of adjustable predetermined values. Then, a combined multiplication operation is performed to the clamping signals according to the coefficients in a matrix obtained by multiplying the coefficients in at least two predetermined correcting matrixes, so as to output a plurality of results. Next, the results are respectively clamped according to a plurality of corresponding predetermined thresholds so as to output the corrected input signals. |
| US08553973B2 |
Modeling methods and systems
Methods and/or systems for modeling 3-dimensional objects (for example, human faces). In certain example embodiments, methods and/or systems usable for computer animation or static manipulation or modification of modeled images (e.g., faces), image processing, or for facial (or other object) recognition methods and/or systems. |
| US08553965B2 |
Cloud-based medical image processing system with anonymous data upload and download
According to one embodiment, a local device receives 3D medical image data captured by a medical imaging device. The 3D medical image is anonymized by removing certain metadata associated with the 3D medical image data based on an anonymization template. The local device automatically uploads the anonymized 3D medical image data to a cloud server over a network based on a set of one or more rules, using a network connection established via an internet port of the local device. The cloud server is configured to provide medical image processing services to a plurality of users using a plurality of image processing tools provided by the cloud server. |
| US08553962B2 |
Temporal resolution in cardio CT
A method is disclosed for the reconstruction of picture data of a moving object under examination from measurement, with the measurement data having been recorded beforehand for a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object under examination. In at least one embodiment, first picture data is computed from a complete measurement dataset of the measurement data for a picture reconstruction, and second picture data is computed from an incomplete measurement dataset for a computed tomography picture reconstruction. The first picture data and the second picture data are combined into third picture data, with the combination being computed using location-dependent movement information of the object under examination. |
| US08553959B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting multi-modality imaging data
A method for correcting Positron Emission Tomography (PET) data includes adjusting a tube current generated by the CT imaging system to a second tube current value that is less than a first tube current value used to generate diagnostic quality CT images, and imaging the patient with the CT imaging system set at the second tube current value. The method also includes generating a plurality of computed tomography (CT) projection data from the CT imaging system and preprocessing the CT projection data to generate preprocessed CT projection data. The method further includes filtering the preprocessed CT projection data to reduce electronic noise to generate filtered CT projection data, and performing a minus logarithmic operation on the filtered CT projection data to generate the corrected PET data. |
| US08553957B2 |
Method of processing image and image processing apparatus using the method
A method of processing an image so as to correctly and better extract an image of a lung region, the method including operations of extracting a trachea region_image by using pixel values in a predetermined region of a radiographic image, adjusting pixel values corresponding to the trachea region in the radiographic image, extracting the lung region image from the radiographic image in which the pixel values of the trachea region image have been adjusted, and smoothing outer boundaries of the lung region image. |
| US08553956B2 |
3D current reconstruction from 2D dense MCG images
A current dipole is determined by solving the inverse problem multiple times in consecutive stages. At each stage, a new high resolution image is generated from a magnetic field map from the immediately previous stage, and at each stage more constraints are extracted from the current high resolution image than were available in the immediately previous stage. After the constraints are extracted from a current high resolution image, the current high resolution is updated to incorporate constraints from the immediately previous stage. The updated high resolution image, and the currently extracted constraints are used to resolve the inverse problem, and the Biot-Savart law is used to calculated the current dipole. |
| US08553954B2 |
Automated system for anatomical vessel characteristic determination
A system enables a user to mark a ROI of a vessel portion having detected boundaries and extend the detection of vessel boundaries into a region identified by the user. An anatomical blood vessel detection and display system includes a user interface enabling a user, via a display of an image presenting anatomical vessels, to, mark a region of interest in a vessel identified by detected boundaries in the image and extend the marked region of interest of the vessel. A detector automatically detects a boundary of the vessel in the extended marked region of interest by detecting an edge representing a change in luminance in data representing the image. An image data processor identifies a minimum vessel diameter in the extended marked region of interest between the detected boundaries and initiates identification of the location of the minimum vessel diameter in the image. |
| US08553946B2 |
Displaying elevation information from a digital map
A method and apparatus are described for rendering a display image generated from digital map information. The method includes the steps of: determining elevation information (20a) from the digital map information; determining display scale information (28) for the display image; and determining (22) a shading value to apply to a pixel in the display image, and applying the shading value to the respective pixel in the display image, to generate a display (24) that represents elevation information by pixel shading. The shading value varies as a function of the elevation information and the display scale information, whereby the display is generated to represent elevation information by pixel shading that varies with display scale. |
| US08553939B2 |
Pose tracking pipeline
A method of tracking a target includes receiving from a source a depth image of a scene including the human subject. The depth image includes a depth for each of a plurality of pixels. The method further includes identifying pixels of the depth image that belong to the human subject and deriving from the identified pixels of the depth image one or more machine readable data structures representing the human subject as a body model including a plurality of shapes. |
| US08553936B2 |
Gaze tracking measurement and training system and method
Many athletic endeavors require focus on a moving object and subsequent coordination of bodily movement either in response to movement of the object or in an attempt to manipulate the object. Coordinated movement of the head and eyes can be improved through training when errors in gaze/head movement-coordination are identified. There exists a need for systems and methods capable of tracking and coordinating change in position of, for example, the head relative to a participant's gaze, and then to provide feedback on a participant's error in tracking moving objects. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the technology of gaze tracking and more particularly to the application of gaze tracking technology to aid in the development of head-and-eye-movement coordination. |
| US08553934B2 |
Orienting the position of a sensor
Techniques are provided for re-orienting a field of view of a depth camera having one or more sensors. The depth camera may have one or more sensors for generating a depth image and may also have an RGB camera. In some embodiments, the field of view is re-oriented based on the depth image. The position of the sensor(s) may be altered to change the field of view automatically based on an analysis of objects in the depth image. The re-orientation process may be repeated until a desired orientation of the sensor is determined. Input from the RGB camera might be used to validate a final orientation of the depth camera, but is not required to during the process of determining new possible orientation of the field of view. |
| US08553930B1 |
Crowd source content editing
Crowd source editing of digital images to reduce errors in a digital images includes receiving a proposed modification to a content portion of a digital image. A determination is made as the whether the occurrence of the proposed modification to the content portions meets a modification threshold. Accordingly, the proposed modification to the content portion of the digital image is adopted when the occurrence of the specific modification meets the modification threshold. |
| US08553929B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image data output processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a self-similar image storing section 13 that stores a pattern of a self-similar image; a superimposed image data generating section 15 that generates superimposed image data from a self-similar image, based on the pattern of the self-similar image; an image combining section 17 that combines original image data with the superimposed image data; and a control section 11 that controls operations of the above-mentioned sections. The superimposed image data generating section 15 adjusts a pattern of a self-similar image so that a size of a superimposed image corresponds to a draw size of an original image which draw size is determined by the control section 11. It is therefore possible to combine the original image data with the superimposed image data so that the superimposed image is suitably drawn regardless of the draw size of the original image. |
| US08553924B2 |
Speaker, speaker device using the same and electronic apparatus and vehicle using the speaker
According to the present invention, there is provided a speaker for use in audio/video apparatuses and a small-sized speaker device capable of realizing preferable reproduction a bass sounds. In order to attain this, in the present invention, a pressure adjusting body is coupled to a portion of a magnetic circuit or a frame, which is a component of a speaker unit, to constitute the speaker unit. The speaker unit is mounted to a small-sized cabinet to constitute a speaker device, which enables realization of preferable reproduction of bass sounds. |
| US08553909B2 |
Low-power class D amplifier using multistate analog feedback loops
An audio amplifier system may include an audio CODEC/output (AOP) path featuring analog class-D amplifiers, and using Natural Sampling Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to convert an analog input into a series of Rail-to-Rail pulses. The audio signal may be encoded in the average value of the PWM pulse train and may be recovered from the PWM signal by analog low pass filtering. The Class-D amplifiers may be designed with a negative feedback loop/network to compare the output signal with the input signal and suppress non-idealities introduced by the Class-D switching stage. Furthermore, operation of the AOP may be designed according to a separate signal transfer function and a separate noise transfer function, and 2nd order noise shaping may be performed at low power, with an optimized filter included in the feedback loop to achieve the best noise reduction at low power. Operation of the amplifier feedback network may be similar to that of a continuous time, low-pass delta-sigma modulator, but with a PWM loop wrapped around the class-D power amplifier. |
| US08553903B2 |
Sound-direction detector having a miniature sensor
A representative embodiment of the invention provides a sound-direction detector having a miniature sensor coupled to a signal-processing block. The sensor has (i) a microphone responsive to a sound wave and (ii) a differential pressure sensor (DPS) responsive to a pressure difference induced by the sound wave between two inlet ports located in proximity to the microphone. The signal-processing block applies phase-sensitive detection to the output signal generated by the DPS, while using the output signal generated by the microphone as a reference for the phase-sensitive detection, to measure the pressure difference. The signal-processing block then determines direction to the sound-wave source based on the amplitude of the sound wave at the microphone and the measured pressure difference. |
| US08553897B2 |
Method and apparatus for directional acoustic fitting of hearing aids
A method of acoustically fitting a hearing aid comprises providing a plurality of audible tones, each having a predetermined frequency through stereo headphones. The tones are provided at specific sound pressure in each ear. The patient changes the relative sound pressure in each ear until a perceived direction of source of the tone is in front of the patient. The amplification or attenuation requirements of a hearing aid are modified based on the difference in the sound pressures required for the left and right ears of the patient for perceived directional sameness for each frequency band-pass channel. |
| US08553896B2 |
Direct vocal and instrument monitor
The present invention relates to direct voice and instrument monitoring systems and methods of use thereof. |
| US08553884B2 |
Quantum communication system
A quantum communication system including an emitter and a receiver, the emitter including an encoder and at least one photon source and being configured to pass a signal pulse and a reference pulse, which are separated in time, through the encoder and output the signal pulse and the reference pulse. The reference pulse has a higher probability of containing more than one photon than the signal pulse. The receiver includes a decoder and at least one detector for measuring the signal pulse and the reference pulse. |
| US08553882B2 |
Methods and apparatus for connecting a cable network to other network and/or devices
Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol. |
| US08553878B2 |
Data transformation system using cyclic groups
An asymmetric (dual key) data obfuscation process, based on the well known ElGamal cryptosystem algorithm, and which uses multiplicative cyclic groups to transform (obfuscate) digital data for security purposes. In the present system the data need not be a member of the cyclic group, unlike in the ElGamal cryptosystem algorithm. Also, any one of several additional mathematical data transformations are further applied to the transformed data, thereby enhancing security of the transformed data. |
| US08553876B1 |
High performance cryptography on chip multithreading processors
Improved performance of a chip multithreading (CMT) processor during processing of a cipher is disclosed. The chip multithreading processor may be located on a chip multithreading processor chip that includes a processor cache. The selection of a cipher is received. The cipher is processed by executing a plurality of cryptographic operations on the chip multithreading processor. Lookup tables used during the execution of the plurality of cryptographic operations are determined. The size of at least one of the lookup tables may be increased, such that the at least one lookup table is able to be stored in a processor cache located on the chip multithreading processor chip. Further adjustments may be made to the size of one or more lookup tables depending on the cipher selected, other operations executing on the chip multithreading processor, or both. |
| US08553872B2 |
Method and system for managing a quality process
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented method of performing a quality evaluation. The method may include selecting from a plurality of interaction recordings at least one interaction recording according to at least one KPI. The method may include associating a selected interaction recording with a predefined evaluation form, presenting interactions selected for evaluation to an evaluator and performing a predefined action based on a result of the evaluation. |
| US08553867B2 |
User-defined system-enforced session termination in a unified telephony environment
Enforcing user-defined real-time communication session terminations can begin with a termination enforcement handler identifying termination conditions applicable to a real-time communication session hosted by a unified telephony system. The termination conditions can define a limit for an operational variable for the unified telephony system or the real-time communication session. The identified termination conditions can be evaluated. If a termination condition is satisfied, it can be determined which participants are to be disconnected from the real-time communication session based upon handling rules for the termination conditions and/or termination preferences associated with the real-time communication session. The termination preferences can be defined by an initiating entity of the real-time communication session. The participants can be notified that their connection to the real-time communication session will be terminated in a predefined time limit. If the predefined time limit is reached, the participants' connection to the real-time communication session can be automatically terminated. |
| US08553865B2 |
Multi-point to multi-point intercom system
A multi-point to multi-point intercom system, formed by at least one intercom server and a plurality of intercom terminals, the intercom terminals registered as talking or listening intercom terminals in an intercom session table. The intercom server sends to listening intercom terminals some or all of the unmixed audio packets received by talking intercom terminals according to the intensity signal value found in the header of the unmixed audio packets. |
| US08553864B2 |
Method for presenting interactive information about a telecommunication user
A method and system for presenting interactive information about a party in a telecommunication call are provided. The party may be a calling party or a called party. Providing interactive information may include identifying a party in a telecommunication call and receiving interactive information about the party. The received interactive information may be combined with user data to form combined interactive information. The combined interactive information may be displayed to a user. A user-action relating to the displayed combined interactive information may be received and an operation corresponding to the user-action may be performed. Providing interactive information may include determining if the user data is needed by analyzing the interactive information. The interactive information may include events, and the user data may include the user's schedule. The combining may correlate the events with the schedule and creates a set of user-actions based on the correlation. |
| US08553862B2 |
Determining communications charging
A system for determining a communication charge comprising a charging equation determiner, an inflection point determiner, and a charge determiner. The charging equation determiner for determining a charging equation based at least in part on a normalized set of inputs. The inflection point determiner for determining an inflection point based at least in part on a charging structure database. The charge determiner for determining a communication charge based at least in part on the charging equation and the inflection point. |
| US08553859B1 |
Device and method for providing enhanced telephony
Embodiments of the invention provide a communication device comprising a database comprising a plurality of visual Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menus associated with a plurality of destinations. The communication device further comprises means for dialing a phone number of a destination, means for comparing the dialed phone number with phone numbers stored in the database, and means for displaying a form based on the comparison, wherein the form comprises one or more data request fields corresponding to a visual IVR menu associated with the dialed destination. |
| US08553858B2 |
Intelligent electronic communications
Establishing a telephone call includes enabling display of a visual indicator of a call destination entity and detecting selection by a user of the visual indicator. The availability of the user to receive a first telephone call is determined. Voice communications between the call destination entity and the user are established in response to detection of the selection by the user of the visual indicator and conditioned on the user being determined to be available to receive the first telephone call. Establishing voice communications includes enabling placement of the first telephone call to the user to establish a first PSTN link with the user and enabling a voice communications link to be setup with the call destination entity. |
| US08553856B2 |
Voicemail systems and methods
Systems, methods and machine readable media for processing voicemails are described. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting, on a first data processing system, a first user interface which is capable of presenting data representing a plurality of voicemails and receiving from the first user interface a selection for playback of one of the plurality of voicemails. The data representing the plurality of voicemails are received from a second data processing system which includes a voicemail system which records voicemails left for customers of a public telephone carrier, and the first user interface is configured to receive the selection of any one of the plurality of voicemails in any order. Systems, media and other methods are also described. |
| US08553855B2 |
Conference support apparatus and conference support method
A conference support apparatus for supporting a conference held between at least two terminals, includes: a delay unit configured to delay first voice data obtained by one of the terminals, in accordance with a delay caused by an information extraction processing performed on the first voice data; and a delay information video generation unit configured to generate a delay information video obtained by visualizing information about the delay of the first voice data that is delayed by the delay unit. |
| US08553847B2 |
Method and device for determining, and method and system for configuring DSL reference virtual noise
A method for determining reference virtual noise of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), includes: obtaining a receiver-end-actual noise of DSL subcarriers; and determining a reference virtual noise according to the obtained receiver-end-actual noise of the DSL subcarriers. Furthermore, the invention also discloses a device for determining a reference virtual noise of DSL, and a method and a system for configuring the reference virtual noise of DSL. The invention can improve the accuracy of the reference virtual noise, thereby making the configuration of the reference virtual noise more accurate. |
| US08553846B2 |
Phone test set modem
A phone test set provides modem capability in a hand held device, enabling bi-directional data communications. Demodulation is provided by sampling digitized incoming phone line signals at 4 times carrier frequency, and employing values representing 0 and 90 degree samples to extract the information signal. |
| US08553844B2 |
Hybrid design of an anode disk structure for high prower X-ray tube configurations of the rotary-anode type
This invention relates to high power X-ray sources, in particular to those equipped with a rotating X-ray anode capable of delivering a higher short time peak power than conventional rotating x-ray anodes. This invention can overcome the thermal limitation of peak power by allowing fast rotation of the anode and by introducing a lightweight material with high thermal conductivity in the region adjacent to the focal track material. The fast rotation can be provided by using sections of the rotating anode disk made of anisotropic high specific strength materials with high thermal stability that can be specifically adapted to the high stresses of anode operation. Uses include high speed image acquisition for X-ray imaging, for example, of moving objects in real-time such as in medical radiography. |
| US08553839B2 |
System and method for generating images of a patient's interior and exterior
A system for generating an image including information of both an interior and an exterior of a patient. The system includes an X ray device for providing an X ray image of a patient's interior, and a camera responsive to a wavelength for providing a camera image of a patient's exterior. The camera may be supported by the X ray device for establishing a determined spatial relationship between the camera and the X ray device. The system further includes a spatial reference for spatially correlating the X ray image and the camera image, where the spatial reference is detectable in the X ray image and in the camera image. A data processor configured for rendering the camera image and the X ray image into a composite image on the basis of the spatial reference. |
| US08553836B2 |
Process for producing a microCT image of a stained specimen
Disclosed is a process of producing a microCT image of a stained specimen, wherein said specimen is a non-human organ, said process comprising: incubating a specimen in a first staining composition, said first staining composition comprising a first staining agent, to produce a stained specimen; submerging said stained specimen in a liquid with an electron density lower than that of said stained specimen; and placing said stained specimen in a specimen holder and scanning said stained specimen in an X-ray computed tomography scanner to produce said microCT image of said stained specimen. |
| US08553833B2 |
X-ray imaging method and apparatus to reduce X-ray exposure of subject regions other than the diagnostically relevant subject region
In a method for operating an imaging apparatus, and an imaging apparatus that has an x-ray source with a focus and a measurement volume with a central axis around which measurement volume the focus can be moved, acquisition of x-ray projections of a measurement subject that is arranged eccentrically relative to the central axis in the measurement volume are produced. The segment of the measurement volume in which the measurement subject is arranged is established based on an overview image and the projection angle range Δα in which x-ray projections should only be acquired in order to be able to reconstruct at least one image of the measurement subject is determined based on the establishment of the segment of the measurement volume. |
| US08553832B2 |
Device for obtaining perfusion images
A system and method for obtaining perfusion images is disclosed. The system and method includes hardware and software for determining physiological characteristics of a patient and determining imaging parameter values for an imaging modality based on the patient's physiological characteristics. The system also includes a controller operative to receive the imaging parameter values for controlling an X-ray device. The X-ray device is coupled with the controller and acquires projection images of the patient, and outputs the projection images to a perfusion evaluation computer for evaluating the perfusion of an region of interest represented in the projection images. The perfusion rate of the region of interest is then output to an output device, such as a display or printer. |
| US08553831B2 |
Imaging system and method using primary and scattered radiations
An imaging system and method configured to construct an image of an internal structure of an object. The imaging system including: a radiation source configured to generate both a narrow beam and a wide beam of radiation; a detector configured to detect the radiation; and at least one processing circuit configured to: determine a scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of the wide beam based on the narrow beam; determine a primary component of the wide beam based on the SPR to thereby separate the primary component from a scattered component of the wide beam; and construct the image using the primary component. |
| US08553830B2 |
Shift register
A shift register is disclosed, which can prevent malfunctioning of device by decreasing the load on a discharging voltage source line, and can decrease a size of stage. The shift register comprises a plurality of stages to sequentially output scan pulses through respective output terminals, wherein each of the stages comprises a pull-up switching unit controlled based on a signal state of node, and connected between the output terminal and any one among a plurality of clock transmission lines to transmit the clock pulses provided with sequential phase differences; and a node controller to control the signal state of node, and to discharge the node by using the clock pulse from any one among the plurality of clock transmission line. |
| US08553829B2 |
Reduced order stress model for online maneuvering, diagnostics of fuel failure and design of core loading patterns of light water reactors
The invention is principally directed to a reduced order model, XEDOR, facilitating the prediction of and the diagnostics of pellet-clad interaction stress-corrosion-cracking failure of nuclear fuel rods. The invention more particularly relates to assessment of susceptibility to PCI failure for guidance in the design of fuel loading in nuclear reactors. The invention additionally relates to the protection against PCI failure by providing operational information to operators of a nuclear reactor during power maneuvering, including predictive calculations prior to executing power maneuvers. Additionally, the invention relates to the diagnostics of an event suggesting a possible PCI cladding failure. |
| US08553828B2 |
Clock data restoration device
A clock data restoration device (1A) includes a sampler portion (11), a phase comparison portion (12), a drive portion (13), a charge pump (14), a capacitive element (15), a potential adjustment portion (16) and a voltage control oscillator (17). The phase comparison portion (12) outputs a signal (UP) that becomes a significant value when the phase of a clock (CKX) delays with respect to an input digital signal, and outputs a signal (DN) that becomes a significant value when the phase advances. The drive portion (13) increases or decreases a value δ to or from a variable Δ when the signals (UP) and (DN) become a significant value, and increases or decrease a value N to or from the variable Δ when the value of the variable Δ is equal to or more than +N or when the value of the variable Δ is equal to or less than −N, and signals (UPFRQ) and (DNFRQ) are output to the charge pump (14). The potential adjustment portion (16) increases or decreases a potential at a first end of a capacitive element (15) based on the signals (UP) and (DN). |
| US08553822B2 |
Time filtering for excess delay mitigation in OFDM systems
Pilot transmission and channel estimation techniques for an OFDM system with excess delay spread are described. To mitigate the deleterious effects of excess delay spread, time filtering is utilized. Time filtering is utilized to combat excess delay spread effects in channel estimation. The time filtering is performed in the presence of staggered pilots and helps in improving the channel estimate in the presence of excess delay spread. |
| US08553819B2 |
Method and system for communication in a wireless orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system
Method and system for wireless communication in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system is disclosed. The method involves receiving a plurality of receive-signals over a first set of antennas. Further, one or more of the plurality of receive-signals are cyclically delayed to generate one or more cyclically delayed receive-signal. Subsequently, one or more of the plurality of receive-signals are combined with one or more of the cyclically delayed receive-signals. In other words, the method involves performing receive Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD). |
| US08553818B2 |
Method for determining modulation and coding scheme
There is provided a method of determining a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS). The method includes predicting an error rate of a symbol and determining a MCS of the symbol using the error rate. Since a MCS level is determined using an estimated error rate and user data is scheduled, multi-user diversity gain can be obtained and the transmission rate can be improved. |
| US08553817B1 |
Method and apparatus for shipboard co-site in-band desired signal extraction
Systems and methods are disclosed for removing interference in a time-harmonic received composite signal, comprising, sampling an in-band interfering signal from a stationary transmitter at a stationary receiver; sampling a composite signal having the in-band interfering signal and an in-band desired signal from a stationary transmitter at the receiver, deriving at least one of a phase and time difference from the composite signal and sampled in-band interfering signal, applying the derived at least one of phase and time difference to the sampled in-band interfering signal to estimate a synchronized current in-band interfering signal, and generating the un-interfered, in-band desired signal by subtracting the synchronized current in-band interfering signal from a current composite signal. |
| US08553813B2 |
Method for computing correlation of PN sequence and circuit thereof
The present invention relates to a method for computing correlation of a PN sequence and a circuit thereof. A plurality of input values of an input sequence is summed up to give a first sum. A PN sequence comprising a plurality of first values and a plurality of second values, which correspond to the plurality of input values, are received. Summing up the plurality of input values corresponding to the plurality of first input values in the PN sequence gives a second sum. According to the first sum and the second sum, a correlation value is given. The present invention uses a simple method for computing correlation of a PN sequence. Hence, the operation efficiency is enhanced and the time to give the correlation of the PN sequence is shortened. |
| US08553812B2 |
Synchronization structure and method for a receiving apparatus of a communication system
Discussed herein is a synchronization structure for a receiving apparatus for receiving signals in a communication system, in which the signals are transmitted in frames, each frame comprising a synchronization part with synchronization sequences, wherein at least one of the synchronization sequences has a different phase than the other synchronization sequences. The synchronization structure includes a correlation unit configured to perform a correlation on the synchronization part, a peak detection unit configured to detect candidate correlation peaks and the correlation result, and a correlation peak detection unit configured to detect a correlation peak among said candidate correlation peaks on the basis of a confidence value and phase information. Further, a corresponding synchronization method that enables frame synchronization with a higher performance in low signal to noise ratio environments is also discussed. |
| US08553809B2 |
Reception apparatus, reception method, program, and reception system
A reception apparatus is disclosed which includes: a reception section configured to receive an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal known as an OFDM signal formed by modulating common packet sequences and data packet sequences, the common packet sequences being made up of packets common to a plurality of streams, the data packet sequences being constituted by packets unique to each of the plurality of streams; an acquisition section configured to acquire decoding information for decoding the original streams from the common packet sequences and the data packet sequences obtained by demodulating the received OFDM signal; and a search section configured to search for the common packet sequence needed to decode the original streams from the designated data packet sequence on the basis of the acquired decoding information. |
| US08553805B2 |
Method and apparatus for subband signal demodulation in a transponder satellite communication link containing a component of relayed interference
A method and apparatus at a local terminal are described for demodulating a remote-terminal signal located at a subband offset frequency in a frequency subband of relayed interference from a transponder satellite link. The demodulation of the remote-terminal signal is accomplished by transferring the digital data that produced the local-terminal transmit signal to the local-terminal receiver. The digital data is time-delayed and converted to a narrowband offset-constellation signal that cancels the relayed interference in an adaptive equalizer. Providing cancellation in the subband of the relayed interference produces larger interference cancellation factors than those obtained in conventional broadband cancellation systems. A phase-noise error signal is also generated and used to increase cancellation levels limited by phase noise generated in the satellite link frequency converters. Additionally the receiver converter frequencies are chosen such that errors in estimating the subband offset frequency do not affect cancellation in the adaptive equalizer. |
| US08553802B2 |
Quadrature communications device with I antennas and Q antennas and modulated power supply and related methods
A communications device may include an In-phase (I) power amplifier configured to generate an I amplified signal, a Quadrature (Q) power amplifier configured to generate a Q amplified signal, an I digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to generate an I signal, and a Q DAC configured to generate a Q signal. The communications device may also include an I power supply circuit coupled to the I power amplifier and to the I DAC and configured to cause the I power amplifier to modulate an I carrier signal into the I amplified signal based upon the I signal, a Q power supply circuit coupled to the Q power amplifier and to the Q DAC and configured to cause the Q power amplifier to modulate a Q carrier signal into the Q amplified signal based upon the Q signal, and at least one antenna coupled to the I and Q power amplifiers. |
| US08553800B1 |
LTE-advanced transmit diversity decoders
Various embodiments of a transmit diversity decoding techniques are provided. In one aspect, a method receives a first input that includes signals transmitted by M transmit antennas on C channels and received by N receive antennas, where M, N and C is each a positive integer greater than 1. The method also receives a second input that includes estimates of channel matrix elements. The method further generates an output that includes at least an estimate of a transmit signal transmitted by one of the M transmit antennas on one of the C channels based at least in part on the first and the second inputs. |
| US08553799B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining precoding matrix indicator
A method and an apparatus for obtaining a precoding matrix indicator is disclosed, which relates to the field of communication technologies. The method includes: obtaining a first rotation matrix according to first channel information; obtaining a first differential matrix according to the first rotation matrix and a currently-obtained instantaneous beam forming matrix/precoding matrix; and quantizing, according to a first differential codebook, a pre-acquired first rank indicator, and preset quantization criteria, the first differential matrix to obtain a differential precoding matrix indicator. The apparatus includes: a first rotation matrix obtaining module, a first differential matrix obtaining module, and a differential precoding matrix indicator obtaining module. The differential PMI is obtained according to the channel information, and the differential PMI is used for feedback. |
| US08553797B2 |
Channel information prediction system and channel information prediction method
Provided is a channel information prediction system (10) which calculates a MIMO CSI prediction value as a predicted value of the MIMO CSI in the future by using the MIMO CSI and the transformation matrix indicating a transmission path characteristic between a transmitter (100) and a receiver (200) in an multi-antenna transmission system (1) using an antenna array formed by transmission antennas (#1 to #T) or reception antennas (#1 to #R) in the transmitter (100) and the receiver (200). The channel information prediction system (10) calculates the transformation matrix according to an array response or an array weight of the antenna array correlated with the arrival direction or the departure direction by using a direction estimation technique for estimating the arrival direction or the departure direction of the radio signal. |
| US08553789B2 |
Method for the estimation of OFDM parameters by adaptation of covariance
A method of estimating at least one modulation parameter of an OFDM signal, the signal being sampled during a time window in order to provide a sequence of samples, the method including: (a) grouping together consecutive samples of the sequence according to a tested value of the parameter, in order to form a plurality of vectors; (b) estimating a covariance matrix of the vectors; (c) calculating a theoretical covariance matrix that would be obtained using an OFDM signal of which the modulation parameter would have the tested value; (d) measuring a distance between the covariance matrix and the theoretical covariance matrix; and iterating the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d), wherein the estimated value of the parameter is that achieving a shortest distance in the step (d). |
| US08553787B2 |
Multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system for feedforwarding interference vector indicator
Provided are a base station configured to provide an interference vector indicator to a terminal, and the terminal configured to recognize at least one remaining precoding vector using the interference vector indicator. Each of the base station and the terminal may configure a mapping table between at least one bit for the interference vector indicator indicating the at least one remaining precoding vector, and a plurality of vectors included in a codebook, based on a probability that the plurality of vectors may be included in a precoding matrix. In this instance, the base station may generate the interference vector indicator using the mapping table, and the terminal may recognize the at least one remaining precoding vector using the mapping table. The mapping table may be differently configured according to various modes. |
| US08553786B2 |
System and method for pilot tone assisted selected mapping
A method is provided for communicating a data value and pilot tone within the same communication sub-carrier of a communication channel. A first reference phase corresponding to a first data value is selected. A pilot tone having the first reference phase is generated. The generated pilot tone is transmitted. The transmitted pilot tone is received. A phase of the received pilot tone is determined. A second data value is determined from the phase of the received pilot tone. The second data value is stored in an electronic storage medium. |
| US08553783B2 |
Apparatus and method of motion detection for temporal mosquito noise reduction in video sequences
Apparatus and methods of motion detection for mosquito noise reduction in video sequences are provided. In one aspect, a method of motion detection in a sequence of digital images classifies a pixel of a plurality of pixels of a current image frame represented by a digital video input signal as a motion or non-motion pixel. A motion value for the pixel is calculated based on the classification of the pixel. The motion value is mapped to a coefficient of a temporal filter based on a control curve. A digital video output signal is generated based on the coefficient. |
| US08553779B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding motion vector information
A method and apparatus for encoding/decoding motion vector information are provided, in which a coding unit is divided into a plurality of subunits, PMVs of the subunits are calculated, it is determined whether the PMVs satisfy a predetermined condition, and coded motion vector data are generated, which include information indicating an omission of the motion vectors of the subunits, if the PMVs satisfy the predetermined condition. |
| US08553777B2 |
Method and apparatus for slice adaptive motion vector coding for spatial scalable video encoding and decoding
There are provided spatial scalable video encoder and decoders and corresponding methods for scalable video encoding and decoding. A method for spatial scalable video encoding includes selecting between scalable coding and non-scalable coding of motion vectors on a slice basis. |
| US08553774B2 |
Method for predicting an image
In the method for predicting an image, a reference image block for a current image block of a moving picture is obtained using motion vector information, and a variable weight factor is applied to the reference image block to form a product value of the weight factor and the reference image block. The current image block of the moving picture is predicted using the product value. |
| US08553768B2 |
Image encoding/decoding method and apparatus
An image encoding/decoding method and apparatus, in which at least one of a plurality of color component images except a first color component image is predicted from motion estimation information or a reconstructed color component image of the first color component images using correlation among the plurality of color component images. The image encoding method includes performing predictive-encoding on the first color component image among the plurality of color component images forming a single image using a general encoding method, and performing motion estimation and compensation on the at least one of the other color component images or predicting the at least one of the other color component images using a reconstructed first color component image. |
| US08553763B2 |
Iterative computation of adaptive interpolation filter
The invention is an apparatus and method for estimating an optimized sub-pixel interpolation filter using iterative estimations as needed for sub-pixel motion compensation and motion estimation in a video codec for improving coding efficiency. Multiple iterations of adaptive interpolation filter estimation are performed including more than one iteration based on sub-pixel motion vectors. During testing of the inventive apparatus and method on various video segments, average bit rate reductions were exhibited of approximately 5%. |
| US08553760B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, display control apparatus, display controlling method, and program for display of a plurality of video streams
An information processing apparatus for allowing a provider subjectively to control the manner in which to display pictures using of a plurality of video streams may include a transmission device that generates a plurality of video streams used for picture display of a single program. The multiple video streams are multiplexed into a multiplexed stream to which compose information is added. The multiplexed information together with the added compose information is supplied to a reception device. The compose information includes information designating the video streams for displaying pictures in various positions on a screen. The reception device decodes the video streams included in the multiplexed stream. The pictures from the decoded video streams are displayed on the screen in accordance with information included in the compose information. This information can be applied to apparatuses handling a plurality of video streams. |
| US08553756B2 |
Data transmission system and method, and data sending apparatus and receiving apparatus
A data transmission system including a device that delays a signal having a predetermined base frequency so as to generate a reference-phase signal having a reference phase, a delay signal more delayed than the reference signal by a unit of time, and an advance signal more advanced than the reference signal by the unit of time; a device that selects one of the reference-phase, delay, and advance signals so as to output a data signal in which a phase of one of the rising and falling edges of the data signal varies in accordance with values of transmitted data, and a phase of the other of the edges is constant; a device that generates a reference signal at the timing of one of the rising and falling edges of the data signal, said one having the constant phase; and a device that reproduces the data by measuring a phase difference between the generated reference signal and the data signal at the timing of the other of the rising and falling edges which has the varying phase. |
| US08553755B2 |
Interference suppression processing unit and a method of suppressing interference in wireless data communication
An interference suppression processing unit includes at least one receive path, wherein each of the at least one receive path is configured to transmit one of at least one received data sequence received from at least one antenna port, a signal generation unit configured to generate at least one signal data sequence from the at least one received data sequence, at least one signal path, wherein each of the at least one signal path is configured to transmit one of the at least one signal data sequence, at least one prefilter unit, wherein each of the at least one prefilter unit is coupled to one of the at least one signal path and a combiner including at least one input terminal, wherein each of the at least one input terminal is connected to an output terminal of one of the at least one prefilter unit, wherein the signal generation unit is configured to generate K1 first signal data sequences, wherein each first signal data sequence is identical to one of the at least one received data sequence, respectively, and K2 second signal data sequences, wherein each second signal data sequence is not identical to one of the at least one received data sequence, respectively, and wherein the number of the first signal data sequences and the second signal data sequences (K1+K2) equals the number of the at least one signal data sequence. |
| US08553752B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a calibration signal
Embodiments of a system for determining and optimizing the performance a signaling system are described. During operation, the system captures or measures a single-bit response (SBR) for the signaling system. Next, the system constructs an idealized inter-symbol-interference-free (ISI-free) SBR for the signaling system which is substantially free of inter-symbol-interference (ISI). The system then calculates an ISI-residual from the captured SBR and the idealized ISI-free SBR. Next, the system constructs a calibration bit pattern for the signaling system that is based substantially on the ISI-residual. Finally, the system uses the calibration bit pattern to calibrate, optimize and determine an aspect of the performance of the signaling system. |
| US08553748B2 |
ADC clock selection based on determined maximum conversion rate
The present invention introduces a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for mitigating effects of alias responses in a transceiver, by selecting a clock rate for an analog-to-digital converter based on a determined maximum conversion rate of the ADC. The selected conversion rate places an alias response of the unwanted signal component to a frequency range which is substantially non-overlapping with a wanted signal component of the receiver. Furthermore, a temperature of the transceiver may be measured e.g. by a temperature compensation unit of a reference oscillator. Furthermore, a data table may be used by a processing unit for linking temperatures with maximum conversion rates of the analog-to-digital converter. The method is implemented in the processing unit of the transceiver which is further configured to execute the operations of the corresponding computer program product according to the invention. |
| US08553744B2 |
Pulse arbitration for network communications
An apparatus for communications configured to support first and second spread-spectrum channels, each of the first and second channels being based on a different pseudorandom sequence. The apparatus further configured to select one of the first and second channels for communications to avoid a collision of information that would otherwise occur based on their pseudorandom sequences. |
| US08553735B2 |
Device and method for material processing by means of laser radiation
In a device for material processing by means of laser radiation, said device comprising a source of laser radiation emitting pulsed laser radiation for interaction with the material; optics focusing the pulsed processing laser radiation to a center of interaction in the material; a scanning unit shifting the positions of the center of interaction within the material, wherein each processing laser pulse interacts with the material in a zone surrounding the center of interaction assigned to said laser pulse so that material is separated in the zones of interaction; and a control unit which controls the scanning unit and the source of laser radiation such that a cut surface is produced in the material by sequential arrangement of zones of interaction, it is envisaged that the control unit controls the source of laser radiation and the scanning unit such that adjacent centers of interaction are located at a spatial distance a ≦10 μm from each other. |
| US08553732B2 |
Cytological analysis by raman spectroscopic imaging
A method for generating an image of a sample that is informative of the disease state of a cell in the sample. A sample including the cell is irradiated with monochromatic light. The Raman scattered light is assessed. A digital brightfield image of the Raman scattered light is generated and combined with the Raman scattered light emitted by the cell whereby the Raman scattered light is informative of the disease state of the cell in the sample. The method can also be used to determine the metabolic activity of the cell, the inflammatory status of the cell and/or the infected status of the cell in the sample. |
| US08553730B2 |
Short and long training fields
A method includes receiving a first plurality of symbols comprising complex portions. The method further includes applying conjugate symmetry to the first plurality of symbols, producing a second plurality of symbols comprising no complex portions. The method further includes transforming the second plurality of symbols using an inverse fast Fourier transform, producing a third plurality of symbols. The method further includes interpolating the third plurality of symbols, generating a short training field comprising at least one real portion of the third plurality of symbols, generating a long training field comprising at least one real portion of the third plurality of symbols, and transmitting the short training field and long training field in a WPAN. |
| US08553727B2 |
Method and apparatus for LDPC transmission over a channel bonded link
A particular overall architecture for transmission over a bonded channel system consisting of two interconnected MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) 2.0 SoCs (“Systems on a Chip) and a method and apparatus for the case of a “bonded” channel network. With a bonded channel network, the data is divided into two segments, the first of which is transported over a primary channel and the second of which is transported over a secondary channel. |
| US08553721B2 |
Channel bonding and packet fragment retransmission method and apparatus
According to one embodiment, a physical line receiver is coupled to at least one of a plurality of bonded communication lines over which a sequence of packet fragments are transmitted as data units. The physical line receiver includes at least one physical sublayer that transfers packet fragments recovered from different ones of the data units received by the physical line receiver to a bonding sublayer for packet reassembly until the physical line receiver is instructed to stop transferring packet fragments because of a transmission error on one or more of the bonded communication lines coupled to a different physical line receiver. The at least one physical sublayer also buffers the recovered packet fragments without transferring the buffered packet fragments to the bonding sublayer until the physical line receiver is instructed to resume transferring packet fragments to the bonding sublayer. |
| US08553717B2 |
Information processing device, communication method, and program product
An information processing device includes a transmission portion that transmits repeatedly, at a specified time interval, one combination packet that is created such that it includes, within a packet that is compatible with one format, a packet that is compatible with another format. It is therefore possible for the information processing device to perform non-contact communication in a plurality of formats without repeatedly transmitting in succession a plurality of copies of the same packet, each copy being compatible with a different format. |
| US08553713B2 |
Method and device for determining search space, and method and device for determining candidate control channel resources
A method and a device for determining a search space and for determining candidate control channel resources are provided in present invention. The method for determining the search space includes: determining the number of downlink control information bits of each type of control channel currently required to be monitored by a UE; determining a temporary search space corresponding to the each type of control channel according to a mapping relationship currently used by the UE; and determining that an actual search space corresponding to a selected type of control channel is all or a part of CCEs of a union of temporary search spaces corresponding to all or a part of control channels with the same number of the downlink control information bits, when the DCI bit number of one or more other control channels is the same as the DCI bit number of the selected type of control channel. |
| US08553710B1 |
Fibre channel credit-based link flow control overlay onto fibre channel over ethernet
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an intake buffer module and a flow control module configured to define an available bits indicator, the available bits indicator representing a number of unallocated bits within the intake buffer module. The apparatus further includes a transceiver module configured to transmit, to a peripheral device, a credit update frame based at least in part on the available bits indicator. The transceiver module can be configured to receive a Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) frame from the peripheral device, a size of the FCoE frame being less than or equal to the number of unallocated bits. The apparatus can further include a switch fabric interface module operatively coupled to a plurality of switch fabric devices that define at least a portion of a switch fabric. The switch fabric interface module can be configured to define at least one cell based at least in part on the FCoE frame and further configured to transmit the at least one cell to at least one switch fabric device from the plurality of switch fabric devices. |
| US08553708B2 |
Bandwith allocation method and routing device
A bandwidth allocation method and a routing device are provided. The bandwidth allocation method includes: obtaining traffic of a member port belonging to a binding link (101); and allocating corresponding bandwidth to the member port according to total bandwidth of a centralized scheduler and the traffic of the member port (102). By allocating the bandwidth to the member port belonging to the binding link through the centralized scheduler, the bandwidth may be flexibly allocated to the member port according to the traffic of the member port, so that not only the accuracy of allocating the bandwidth to the member port is ensured, but also bandwidth resources on the binding link are saved. |
| US08553707B2 |
Administrative boundaries in single or multiple domain optical networks
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for administrative boundaries in a single domain optical network such as emulation of an External network-network interface (ENNI) using an Internal-Network to Network Interface (INNI). For example, in a single monolithic domain, a network and associated network elements may discover network elements, build topology, compute paths, establish new calls, etc. A user may identify/mark specific links as emulated “ENNI” links with the specific links actually being INNI links. As a call traverses this emulated link, a new call is initiated (much in the same way a new call segment would be created for a call). Signaling proceeds as normal. When the call set-up is fully complete, instead of a single call segment, many call segments exists. Advantageously, this allows use of INNI control plane features while allowing a network operator to future-proof their network by installing call segments at future boundary points. |
| US08553704B2 |
Wideband upstream protocol
Some embodiments of the present invention may include a method to stream packets into a queue for an upstream transmission, send multiple requests for upstream bandwidth to transmit data from the queue and receiving multiple grants to transmit data, and transmit data from the queue to the upstream as grants are received. Another embodiment may provide a network comprising a cable modem termination system (CMTS), and a cable modem wherein the cable modem may transmit data to the CMTS with a streaming protocol that sends multiple requests for upstream bandwidth to transmit data and receives multiple grants to transmit data, and transmits data to the CMTS as grants are received. |
| US08553703B2 |
IEEE 802.11e MAC signaling to support schedule QoS
The Station Management Entity (SME) 202 and/or Media Access Control (MAC) SubLayer Management Entity (MLME) 201 within a Hybrid Controller (HC) or wireless station (WSTA) 106, 109 for an IEEE 802.11 wireless data communications system 100 employ primitives in connection with a Schedule Quality of Service (QoS) Action frame. The primitives include: a request primitive formulated by the HC's SME 202 using the WSTA 106, 109 address and the Schedule Element from the Schedule QoS Action frame for transmission to the HC's MLME 201; a confirm primitive formulated by the HC's MLME 201 using a result code for transmission to the HC's SME 202; and an indication primitive formulated by the WSTA's MLME 201 using the Schedule Element for transmission to the WSTA's SME 202. |
| US08553701B2 |
Cost reduction of NAT connection state keep-alive
Keep-alive processing for NAT devices and reducing power consumption in wireless clients. A server driven keep-alive mechanism facilitates keep-alive messages to a NAT device currently providing a connection to a mobile client to refresh the NAT state, thereby reducing or eliminating power consumption in a wireless device to respond to the connection with keep-alive packets. In one instance, keep-alive packets are sent to the NAT device to reset the NAT timeout timer, and then to the mobile client. The client responds only when expected keep-alive packets are not received at the client. In another instance, keep-alive packets reset the NAT timer to maintain the connection but are dropped or self-destruct before reaching the mobile client thereby providing the optimum power conservation in the mobile device. Thus, the client is not forced into extra client activity to send or receive wireless data, thereby draining the battery. |
| US08553694B2 |
Pseudo wire label reflector, an edge equipment, and a two-layer virtual network
A pseudo wire label reflector, based on a existing label distribution router, further includes: a mode management unit, for determining the mode for switching and transferring a pseudo wire label message; a first session management unit, for saving the support information that LDP signaling session connection supports the pseudo wire label reflecting capacity; a first pseudo wire label receiving unit, for receiving a pseudo wire label message; a first pseudo wire management unit, for saving the switched pseudo wire state and deciding whether to modify the pseudo wire label message according to the switch and transfer mode determined by the mode management unit; a first pseudo wire label sending unit, for sending the pseudo wire label message. The invention also provides an edge apparatus and a L2 VPN. The present invention makes PE equipments participating pseudo wire service to set up PSN tunnel and LDP signaling session connection with the pseudo wire label reflector by introducing the pseudo wire label reflector and extending the capacity that the current edge apparatus supports the pseudo wire label reflector. |
| US08553685B2 |
Session border control migration
One or more devices in a provider network receive provisioning information to migrate customer devices within a customer network from an original session border controller (SBC) device of the provider network to a new SBC device, where the provisioning information includes one or more fully-qualified domain names (FQDNs) associated with the original SBC device. The one or more devices update DNS server entries for the one or more FQDNs with an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the new SBC device and provide, to the customer devices within the customer network, DNS entry updates for the one or more FQDNs. The new SBC device then receives SIP session signal from the customer devices, and the configuration information associated with the customer may be deleted from the original SBC. |
| US08553675B2 |
Radio communication system and mobile station device
A mobile station device transmits a random access preamble to a base station device and performs uplink timing alignment based on the synchronization timing deviation information included in a random access response which the base station device transmits in response to the transmitted random access preamble, wherein in an uplink synchronous status, the mobile station device does not perform uplink timing alignment based on synchronization timing deviation information included in a random access response, which is a response to a random access preamble whose preamble ID is randomly selected by the mobile station device. |
| US08553673B2 |
Method of formatting dynamic scheduling information and related communication device
A method of formatting dynamic scheduling information (DSI) for a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes the step of including a plurality of first tags in the DSI, each of the plurality of first tags corresponding to one of a plurality of multicast traffic channels (MTCHs) having a plurality of logical channel identifiers (LCIDs); and arranging the plurality of first tags in an order according to the LCIDs or a plurality of multicast control channels (MCCHs). |
| US08553670B2 |
Radio communication device for performing communication using the OFDMA system
A radio communication device performing radio communication using OFDMA system includes: a SMI weight deriving unit (14) calculating a correlation matrix and a correlation vector using a plurality of received signal vectors as sample values, and deriving a SMI weight based on the calculated correlation matrix and correlation vector; and a weight multiplying unit (15) for multiplying the received signal vector by the SMI weight derived by the SMI weight deriving unit (14). The SMI weight deriving unit (14) uses a received signal vector of each of a plurality of subcarriers included in a user allocated region in the OFDMA system as a sample value, and thereby derives the SMI weight for the user allocated region. |
| US08553669B2 |
Systems and methods for assigning customers to groups for the transmission of broadband data signals
Systems and methods are provided for assigning customers to groups for the transmission of broadband data signals. Respective linear impairment information for a plurality of customers of a service provider may be determined. Based at least in part upon an analysis of the determined linear impairment information, each of the plurality of customers may be assigned to one of a plurality of groups. The customers assigned to each of the plurality of groups are associated with similar linear impairments. Additionally, for each of the plurality of groups, one or more frequencies at which communications will be output by the service provider for receipt by the customers assigned to the respective group may be determined. |
| US08553668B2 |
Signal transmission method using CDM against the effect of channel estimation error in transmit diversity system
A method of transmitting a signal using code division multiplexing (CDM) in order to reduce the influence of channel estimation error in a multi-input multi-output antenna (MIMO) system using transmit diversity is disclosed. That is, the method of transmitting a signal by a transmitter using a plurality of antennas includes code division multiplexing input symbols using codes according to a predetermined spreading matrix, and transmitting the code division multiplexed symbols via the plurality of antennas according to an Alamouti scheme. At this time, the predetermined spreading matrix is set such that a first component and a second component configuring interference due to channel estimation error have orthogonal phases. |
| US08553667B2 |
Setting maximum power at a mobile communication system base station having multiple antennas
A MIMO-capable base station allocates a maximum transmission power budget to each of its antennas. For serving each of one or more MIMO and non-MIMO users, one or more carriers are allocated. For each carrier, information about an amount of allocated MIMO and non-MIMO user resources associated with the carrier is used to derive coefficients. Each coefficient corresponds to a unique one of the antennas, and represents a proportion of a maximum power budget for the carrier. For each carrier, the coefficients and the maximum transmission power budget for the carrier are used to derive a maximum transmission power budget for each of the antennas. For each antenna, a total maximum transmission power budget for the antenna is derived by combining the derived maximum transmission power budgets of the carriers transmitted on the antenna. The total maximum power budget of the antenna should not exceed a limit for the antenna. |
| US08553666B2 |
Low power protocol for wireless terminal peer-to-peer communications
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system based upon peer-to-peer communications. A wireless terminal for peer-to-peer communications acts either as a WLAN master or as a WLAN slave. When the wireless terminal acts a master, the wireless terminal undertakes mastering duties that include transmitting a beacon interval in the frame cycle. When the wireless terminal is not tethered to a power source, mastering duties alternate according to a round-robin WLAN mastering cycle, wherein the wireless terminal acts the WLAN master during at least one frame cycle and acts the WLAN slave during other frame cycles to conserve an untethered power source of the wireless terminal. |
| US08553665B2 |
Method for accessing hybrid network, and gateway apparatus, wireless terminal and communication system thereof
A method for accessing a hybrid network and a gateway communication system are disclosed. The method comprises: sensing by a gateway apparatus a relay request slot on a downlink common control channel of the wide area network; transmitting by a wireless terminal a relay request signal requesting to relay a data packet to be transmitted, in the relay request slot on the downlink common control channel; and if the relay request signal from the wireless terminal is sensed in the relay request slot, establishing by the gateway apparatus a connection with the wireless terminal in a distributed network environment. As such, the gateway apparatus accesses the wireless distributed network only when the surrounding wireless terminals require data relay, without sensing signals on both networks simultaneously. |
| US08553657B2 |
System and method to enable WUSB application in a distributed UWB MAC
A system and method is provided for incorporating host-device communication in wireless IJSB (WUSB). A host (101) either uses a multicast Distributed Reservation Protocol (DRP) frame on behalf of connected devices (102) to reserve wireless channel resources, a unicast DRP frame or Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) with a Poll Frame. In the case of a unicast DRP frame the number of unicast frames sent for reservation depends on the number of connected devices (102). |
| US08553655B1 |
Timing in a multicarrier wireless device
A base station configures a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group in a wireless device. The wireless device transmits first uplink signals in the secondary cell group employing a reference secondary cell in the secondary cell group as a timing reference. The wireless device autonomously selects a new activated secondary cell in the secondary cell group as the timing reference. The new activated secondary cell is different from the reference secondary cell. The wireless device transmits second uplink signals in the secondary cell group employing the new activated secondary cell as the timing reference. |
| US08553650B2 |
Methods and devices for controlling handover
Methods and devices in a cellular radio system for handling repeated handovers of a user equipment between a pair of cells is provided. It is determined if the user equipment is in one of two states, moving state or stationary state. Based on the determination different actions can be taken. For example threshold optimizations for reducing repeated handover may only be applied to a user equipment determined to be in a stationary state or a user equipment determined to be in a stationary state to can be nailed to the best cell of said pair of cells by not allowing the user equipment to handover to the other cell of said pair of cells. |
| US08553649B2 |
System and method for managing wireless base station handoff information
The present invention is directed to a system and method which base stations send informational messages to neighbor base stations when conditions change, so that the neighbor base stations can update its database to keep itself current on the parameters (including availability, traffic load, modulation scheme, etc.) to use in effecting efficient base station to base station handoffs. In one embodiment, the receiving base station marks the time of the received message from a neighbor base station and if a new updated message is not received within a time window then the receiving base station assumes that there is a problem with that neighbor. |
| US08553646B2 |
Employing physical location geo-spatial co-ordinate of communication device as part of internet protocol
System(s), method(s), and device(s) that incorporate a current physical location value associated with a communication device as part of internet protocol (IP) are presented. An IP management component obtains current physical location information of a wireless communication device and modifies the IP address to incorporate the current physical location value corresponding to the current physical location of the communication device as part of the IP address of the communication device to prevent undesired intrusions by hackers, as communications associated with the communication device are routed to/from the communication device that is at the current physical location. If the communication device moves to a new location, the IP management component can perform a new IP address modification to modify the IP address to incorporate a new physical location value associated with the communication device. |
| US08553643B2 |
Inter-system handover using legacy interface
Techniques for performing inter-system handover are described. An Access Gateway (AGW) sends a message requesting handover of a user equipment (UE) from a first radio access network (RAN) to a second RAN. The message is sent to an Inter Access System (inter-AS) Anchor for the first RAN communicating with an SGSN for the second RAN via a Gn interface. The Inter-AS Anchor and SGSN exchange messages via the Gn interface, and the Inter-AS Anchor forwards the messages to the AGW to handover the UE from the first RAN to the second RAN. The SGSN sees the Inter-AS Anchor as another SGSN for the handover and as a GGSN after the handover. This allows the inter-system handover to be achieved with an inter-SGSN SRNS relocation procedure used for handover between two SGSNs, which reduces impact on the SGSN to support the inter-system handover. |
| US08553639B2 |
Allocation of subframes for uplink and downlink transmission in TDD-LTE
Systems and methods are directed to deciding the number of subframes in a frame to use for uplink transmission, with the remaining frames used for downlink transmission for a Base Station (BS) in a Time Division Duplexing Long Term Evolution (TDD-LTE). Systems and methods are based on the number of User Equipment (UEs) that the BS has to serve in the uplink and in the downlink, as well as the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) traffic loads per user. Systems and methods are directed to allowing a TDD LTE BS to partition the subframes in a frame for its UL and DL traffic. |
| US08553634B2 |
Method for performing bandwidth request process in wireless communication system
A bandwidth request procedure is performed in a wireless communication system by transmitting a bandwidth request indicator and a bandwidth request message through a bandwidth request channel; receiving an uplink grant message indicating uplink radio resource in response to the bandwidth request indicator and the bandwidth request message; and transmitting uplink data after receiving the uplink grant message, wherein the uplink grant message includes information regarding the type of the uplink grant message. |
| US08553632B2 |
Base station apparatus, user apparatus, and method used in mobile communication system
A base station apparatus is used in a region in which a first system and a second system co-exist. In the first system, mobile communication is conducted using a variable system bandwidth not more than a basic bandwidth. In the second system, mobile communication is conducted using a variable system bandwidth which is not more than a bandwidth of an advanced system band which is at least as wide as multiple of the basic bandwidths. The base station apparatus generates a control signal for the first system and a control signal for the second system, orthogonally multiplexes them, and includes the same in a downlink signal to transmit the downlink signal. The advanced system band is divided such that it includes multiple of areas (P, Q, R, S) of the basic bandwidth. The control signal for the first system is included in one of the areas (Q). The control signal for the second system is included in at least one of the areas (P, Q, R, S). |
| US08553631B2 |
Methods for reducing set up time for communications among multiple user equipment in a long term evolution system
Methods for reducing set-up time for communications among multiple user equipment (UE) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication system are described. In accordance with one method, an LTE subsystem that includes a eNodeB and a Mobility Management Entity (MME): receives a request for an LTE connection from a first UE associated with a virtual channel, and responsive to contents in the request for the LTE connection, generates on behalf of the first UE, a request to transmit media on the virtual channel, which the LTE system sends to an application server to trigger an establishment of a call to deliver a media transmission from the first UE to at least one other UE associated with the virtual channel. |
| US08553625B2 |
Method and system for performing tasks on collaborating wireless devices
A method and system for performing functions on multiple physical devices, is provided. One implementation involves connecting the physical devices via wireless links, discovering function capabilities of each physical device, wherein a function capability of a physical device comprises a local resource and a virtual resource, and collaborating among the physical devices by wireless communication to provide a set of functions including discovered function capabilities of the collaborating physical devices, wherein each function of the function base can be mapped to one or more of said resources for execution. |
| US08553623B2 |
Method and system for utilizing standardized interface in a wireless device to discover and use local and remote resources
A wireless mobile communication (WMC) device may discover available networks, and available local and/or remote resources. The WMC device may configure routes utilizing one or more of discovered resources and one or more available networks. The routes may be utilized to performed operations requested via the WMC device. A standardized language and/or protocol may be utilized in discovering and/or communicating with available resources and/or networks. The standardized language and/or protocol may enable commonality among the discovered networks and/or resources, and encryption of data communicated through the established routes. The standardized language and/or protocol may be updated and/or modified to incorporate new resources either by direct interactions between the new resources and the WMC device, or via existing available resources and/or networks. The discovery of resources and/or establishment of routes may be user-triggered, or it may be based on user preference information. |
| US08553622B2 |
Apparatus and method for suppressing interference caused by coexistence of WiMAX and WiFi
The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for suppressing interference caused by coexistence of World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi). When a user receives the RF signal from a wireless network by using the apparatus, a WiMAX filtering module filters out the WiFi RF signal received through a WiMAX antenna; the WiMAX RF signal is converted into the WiFi RF signal, and the out-of-band interference signal from the WiFi RF signal is filtered out by a WiFi filtering module, then the filtered WiFi RF signal is transmitted to the user through a WiFi antenna. When the user transmits the RF signal to a wireless network by using the apparatus, a WiFi filtering module filters out the WiMAX RF signal received through the WiFi antenna, the WiFi RF signal is converted into the WiMAX RF signal, and the out-of-band interference signal from the WiMAX RF signal is filtered out by the WiMAX filtering module, the filtered WiMAX RF signal is transmitted to the wireless network through the WiMAX antenna. The disclosure reduces the interference between WiMAX and WiFi, increases the data transmission rate, and avoids the waste of frequency spectrum resources. |
| US08553617B1 |
Channel scanning
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for channel scanning. In one aspect, a method includes, while maintaining an association with a first access point on a first channel during first, second, and third consecutive time slices: (i) monitoring, by a client device, a single second channel during the first time slice and the third time slice, and (ii) monitoring, by the client device, the first channel during the second time slice; receiving a beacon from a second access point during the first time slice or the third time slice; and determining a property of the client device or the second access point using the beacon, without using the beacon to determine whether to establish an association with the second access point. |
| US08553616B2 |
Method for reducing closed subscriber group identity comparison
A method for reducing CSG identity comparison for a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of including RAT information in an Allowed CSG list and an Operator CSG List, wherein the Allowed CSG list and the Operator CSG List are stored in an elementary file of the mobile device and the RAT information indicates a plurality of RATs associated with a plurality of CSG identities listed in the allowed CSG list; maintaining a plurality of sub-allowed CSG lists in an access stratum (AS) layer of the mobile device according to the plurality of RATs, wherein the number of the sub-allowed CSG lists corresponds to the number of the RATs; and comparing a CSG identity associated with a first RAT with the CSG identities listed in a first sub allowed CSG list corresponding to the first RAT. |
| US08553615B2 |
Method and system for processing bearer under ISR mechanism
A method and a system for processing a bearer under an idle mode signaling reduction (ISR) mechanism are provided. The method for processing a bearer under an ISR mechanism includes the following steps. A mobility management network element acquires an access mode of a current network. The mobility management network element notifies a serving gateway (SGW) of the access mode of the current network, so that the SGW processes bearer according to the access mode of the current network. It can be ensured that the access mode of the current network is consistent with the access mode for a policy and charging control (PCC) strategy adopted during a bearing procedure under the ISR mechanism. |
| US08553612B2 |
Coexistence of wireless personal area network and wireless local area network
Wireless transceiver apparatus for operating in a part of the RF spectrum which is shared with a co-located second wireless transceiver apparatus. The first wireless transceiver apparatus includes, a wireless transceiver unit; an arbitration interface for interfacing with an arbitration entity which arbitrates access to the shared part of the RF spectrum between the first wireless transceiver apparatus and the second wireless transceiver apparatus; wherein the arbitration interface is adapted to signal time periods when the wireless transceiver unit is operational, or requests to be operational; and wherein the arbitration interface is adapted to signal data about and commands to the arbitration entity during other time periods. An enhanced arbitration entity is adapted to automatically detect and switch between two modes of interference reduction, e.g. a first interference reduction means such as AFR, a second interference reduction means such as PTA. The arbitration entity gets the information of the first wireless transceiver via the arbitration interface. |
| US08553610B2 |
Interference cancellation repeater incorporating a non-linear element
A wireless repeater employing echo cancellation uses a non-linear element in digital baseband to compress the digital transmit signal waveform, thereby allowing distortions in the transmitter circuit as well as interference to be cancelled. In one embodiment, the repeater applies non-linear baseband compression to the digital transmit signal in the digital domain to reduce the peak-to-average amplitude of the digital transmit signal prior to digital-to-analog conversion and prior to over-the-air transmission and prior to sampling of the digital transmit signal for use as the reference signal for echo cancellation. The intentionally introduced non-linear distortion in the transmit signal improves echo cancellation and stability of the repeater. In one embodiment, the non-linear compression is applied only when the digital transmit signal is at or exceed a given power level or a given gain level. |
| US08553608B2 |
Bandwidth request method and relay station
The present invention provides a bandwidth method and a relay station (RS). After receiving the bandwidth request message sent by subordinate network entity, RS judges whether it has available bandwidth; if it has available bandwidth, sending a bandwidth request message to superordinate network entity based on the available bandwidth; otherwise, requesting bandwidth from superordinate network entity using CDMA ranging codes. |
| US08553604B2 |
Method and arrangement in a telecommunication system
The present invention provides, inter alia, a method of operation of a radio base station in a wireless telecommunications system, in which system information is transmitted on a broadcast control channel. The method comprises the steps of transmitting the broadcast control channel continuously on a first carrier; and also transmitting the broadcast control channel non-continuously and periodically at regular intervals. This prevents or at least minimizes, for example, MBMS data loss when a UE with a single receiver listens to a dedicated MBMS carrier. |
| US08553602B2 |
System, method and computer readable medium for re-connecting to a Zigbee network
An end device on a Zigbee network exits a power saving mode and transmits a wake notification message to the network. The network retrieves a cached status flag indicating whether the end device is defined on the Zigbee network and transmits the status flag to the end device. If the end device is undefined on the Zigbee network, the end device attempts to re-join the network. During the power saving mode, the network can cache messages intended for the end device and transmit the messages to the end device when the device exits the power saving mode. |
| US08553601B2 |
Communications system providing adaptive polling based upon positive and negative polling events and related methods
A communications system may include at least one data storage device for storing messages for respective users, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices each associated with a respective user for accessing the messages stored on the at least one data storage device. Moreover, the communications system may further include an adaptive polling engine for polling the at least one data storage device for stored messages and providing the polled messages to mobile wireless communications devices of respective users. The adaptive polling engine may advantageously learn respective user usage patterns for each mobile wireless communications device, and change a respective rate of polling for each mobile wireless communications device based thereon. |
| US08553595B2 |
Controlled superposition coding in multi-user communication systems
Methods of using superposition coding in a communications systems, e.g., a multi-user communications system. Superposition coding in accordance with the invention occurs in the case of an uplink by transmissions of different wireless terminals transmitting using the same communications resource, e.g., simultaneously transmitting using the same frequencies. The signals combine in the communications channel resulting in one transmission being superimposed on the other transmission. The device, e.g., base station, receiving the superimposed signals uses superposition decoding techniques to recover both signals. To obtain the benefit of the superposition, assignments of channel segments to multiple wireless terminals is controlled by the base station and/or transmission power levels are controlled by on or more wireless terminals sharing the same uplink communications resource, e.g., time slot, to make sure that the received signals from the different devices will have different received power levels making superposition decoding possible. |
| US08553594B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource allocation within a multi-carrier communication system
A method and apparatus for performing resource allocation with lower required overhead is provided herein. Resource allocations for data transmissions are chosen in such a way as to provide channel quality information for various parts of the channel bandwidth (frequency selective channel quality information), such as allocating two different resource blocks (on different sets of subcarriers) to a mobile unit for two different transmissions. These data transmissions are used to estimate frequency selective channel quality information, thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the need for channel sounding with a broadband pilot. As a result, the overhead on the uplink of the communication system may be significantly reduced. |
| US08553590B2 |
Methods and devices for communicating on a radio channel based on jointly encoding a preamble format with random access configuration
The invention relates to devices and methods for transmitting data on a radio channel comprising to jointly encode (S4) a preamble format with a first random access configuration, forming an extended random access configuration. The extended random access configuration is then transmitted (S6) on the radio channel. |
| US08553587B2 |
System and method for finding important nodes in a network
Techniques for optimizing steady state flow of a network are provided. The techniques include determining a first set of two or more nodes in a network, computing a steady-state flow probability of the first set of two or more nodes, and iteratively interchanging nodes from a second set of two or more nodes into the first set of two or more nodes to determine an optimum total steady state flow of the network, wherein determining an optimum total steady-state flow of the network comprises iteratively interchanging nodes until no additional improvements in steady-state flow over the computed steady-state flow probability can be obtained. |
| US08553585B2 |
Method for measuring and reporting channel quality in a broadband wireless access communication system
A Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS) and an active Base Station (BS) for measuring/reporting a channel quality in a broadband wireless access communication system. The MSS includes a receiver for receiving, from an active BS, channel quality measurement information for the MSS to measure channel qualities of the active BS and a plurality of neighbor BSs, and channel quality report information defining a report mode for the MSS to report measured channel qualities of the active BS and the plurality of neighbor BSs, a processor for measuring the channel qualities of the active BS and the plurality of neighbor BSs according to the channel quality measurement information, and a transmitter for reporting the measured channel qualities of the active BS and the plurality of neighbor BSs to the active BS according to the channel quality report information. |
| US08553584B2 |
Automated traffic engineering for 802.1AQ based upon the use of link utilization as feedback into the tie breaking mechanism
A method in an Ethernet Bridge for improved load distribution in an Ethernet network that includes the Ethernet Bridge including determining a first set of one or more shortest paths between each Ethernet Bridge pair in the Ethernet network, selecting at least a first shortest path, calculating a link utilization value for each link of the Ethernet network, determining a second set of one or more shortest paths between each Ethernet Bridge pair in the Ethernet network, generating a path utilization value for each shortest path, selecting a second shortest path on the basis of said path utilization value, whereby the selection of the second shortest in light of path utilization minimizes the standard deviation of load distribution across the entire Ethernet network. |
| US08553581B2 |
Method and apparatus for provisioning a network element
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for configuring a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) interface within Virtual Private LAN Service using Multi-Protocol Border Gateway Protocol (MP-BGP). Previously, the only ways to enable PBB interfaces for transmission were by learning, which poses security and scalability concerns due to flooding, or by manual configuration, which is impractical for large networks. Embodiments of the present invention enable custom topologies to be built in a controlled manner, which has not previously been possible for PBB over VPLS. By using MP-BGP messages to exchange PBB interface information between nodes, peering relationships are established, and communities may be built with any desired topology. Previously, PBB has only been used as a connectionless bridge; embodiments of the present invention use PBB as a connection between edge nodes. Network designers are provided increased flexibility, and security and congestion are improved, benefiting end users. |
| US08553574B2 |
Method of handling packet error in a wireless communication system and related communication device
A method of handling packet error for a communication device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a payload from a received protocol data unit (PDU) and verifying the payload according to a predetermined payload format. |
| US08553573B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptive throttling of traffic across multiple network nodes
One embodiment of a method of throttling network traffic comprises obtaining traffic rate data from available peer network nodes; computing a maximum permissible rate for a network node based on the traffic rate data from the peer network nodes, wherein the maximum permissible rate represents a maximum number of transactions permitted to pass into that network node for processing during a current period; and employing the maximum permissible rate to govern a number of transactions admitted for processing by the network node in the current period. |
| US08553570B1 |
Systems and methods of routing IP telephony data packet communications
Systems and methods of establishing a communications channel between a first telephony device and a second telephony device obtain information about the capabilities of various data network elements that can be used to establish the communications channel. The information about the elements is used to select a combination of elements that are used to establish the communications channel. A communications channel may also be monitored while it is in use. If the requirements for the channel change, the communications channel may also be changed accordingly. If any of the elements become incapable of providing the required level of service or functionality for a communications channel, the element may be removed from the communications channel. |
| US08553565B2 |
Switch apparatus and network system
A switch apparatus providing with a loop detection function sets a port identification to a port which activates the loop detection function, only receives the loop detection frame by a high-order port in the switch apparatus connected with a backbone network or a high-order switch apparatus on the basis of the port identification set previously, and controls an inactivation of a sending source low-order port that sent the loop detection frame, when the loop detection frame is received by the high-order port. |
| US08553560B2 |
Predictive ad-hoc network routing
A system for efficient routing in a multiple hop wireless communication network comprising a plurality of network nodes is presented. The system acquires quality information indicating link status between the infrastructure nodes. The link quality information is used in a route determination process in the infrastructure nodes using a predictive procedure. The link quality information includes information about a time varying information of the link status. The predictive procedure uses the time varying information of link status, and a router data packets according to the determined route. |
| US08553556B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method therefor to set communication parameters
In order to prevent a communication-parameter automatic setting process from being performed by unintended communication apparatuses, a communication terminal having detected a plurality of communication-parameter providing apparatuses sends a notification indicating that the plurality of providing apparatuses exist to another terminal. |
| US08553555B2 |
Methods and apparatus for an efficient multicast file distribution system
Methods and apparatus for an efficient multicast file distribution system. A method for transmitting a file over a distribution network includes encoding the file with a selected encoding scheme to form encoded packets, generating file delivery protocol (FDP) packets from the encoded packets, generating a file delivery control protocol (FDCP) packet that comprises control information associated with the FDP packets, and transmitting the FDCP packet and the FDP packets over the distribution network. A method for receiving a file over a distribution network includes receiving a FDCP packet and FDP packets, decoding the FDP packets based on the FDCP packet to generate encoded packets, and generating at least a portion of the file from the encoded packets. |
| US08553554B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing congestion control in radio access networks
The invention includes a method and apparatus adapted for controlling congestion in a Radio Access Network (RAN). In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring packets received at a first network element of the RAN for an indication of congestion, where the packets are associated with a quality-of-service class, and, in response to detecting an indication of congestion in at least one of the received packets, signaling congestion status information from the first network element of the RAN toward a second network element of the RAN that is adapted for applying congestion control for the quality-of-service class. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a first network element of the RAN, from a second network element of the RAN, congestion status signaling indicative of a congestion condition associated with a quality-of-service class, and applying congestion control for the quality-of-service class in response to receiving the congestion status signaling indicative of the congestion condition. |
| US08553553B1 |
Quality-of-service marking network configurations
System, method and program product, the system comprising: return network element along a return path for network flows for network sessions for a client; a controller computer; network elements along a forward path for the network flow for network sessions; with the return network element, configured to: receive packets for a return path network flow; determine whether there is an existing ruleset entry for quality-of-service marking packet data combination; sending the packet to the controller computer when the return network element deter mines no existing ruleset entry for the quality-of-service marking packet data combination. The return network element and/or controller computer configured to determine if the source network node is trusted. The controller computer configured to identify one or more network elements in a forward path, and initiate installation of a ruleset entry for the client along the forward path. |
| US08553545B2 |
Congestion buffer control in wireless networks
A network device may handle packet congestion in a network. In one implementation, the network device may receive a packet associated with a quality of service priority class and with a connection to a user device. The network device may include an output queue associated with the priority class of the packet. The output queue may be congested. The network device may determine whether the connection associated with the packet is a guaranteed bit rate connection. The network device may queue the packet according to a first action policy function when the connection associated with the packet is a guaranteed bit rate connection and may queue the packet according to a second action policy function when the connection associated with the packet is not a guaranteed bit rate connection. |
| US08553542B1 |
Method and system for scaling network traffic managers using connection keys
A method and system is directed to distributing a flow of packets over a network to multiple traffic management devices. An apparatus receives each packet from a network and may act as a layer 2 switch, or router, to distribute the packet to one of a group of traffic management devices. The apparatus also may receive packets from servers for which the traffic management devices are managing communications. When distributing packets, a target traffic management device is selected from the group of traffic management devices. A connection key associated with the received packet and an identifier associated with the selected traffic management device are saved such that subsequent received packets in the flow of packets are delivered to the same traffic management device. |
| US08553531B2 |
Method and system for implementing network element-level redundancy
A method may include communicatively coupling a first network element to a second network element via a first link of a multi-chassis link aggregation group, communicatively coupling the first network element to a third network element via a second link of the multi-chassis link aggregation group, communicatively coupling the second network element to a fourth network element via a first path of a point-to-point network, and communicatively coupling the third network element to the fourth network element via a second path of the point-to-point network. The method may also include configuring the first path and the second path as paths of a linear protected switching connection such that traffic associated with a service and communicated between the first network element and the fourth network element via the first link and the first path may be switched over to the second link and the second path in response to an event. |
| US08553527B2 |
System and method for dynamically assigning values in a network
The embodiments described herein present methods and apparatus for dynamically assigning values in a network. A method includes receiving, at a designated value allocator from a network node, a first broadcast message using a link-state protocol. The method then identifies the first broadcast message as including a request to associate a parameter value to the network node and allocates an assigned parameter value to the network node based on the identification of the request included in the first broadcast message. A message that includes the assigned parameter value is then transmitted to the network node. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08553526B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining quality of service in a communication system
Methods and apparatus for determining the quality of service of a network are disclosed. A disclosed methodology for determining quality of service for a network includes determining at least two metrics reflective of network parameters in at least two different protocol layers of the communication network. The metrics are then compared with respective threshold values, and quality of service for the network is determined based on the comparison of the metrics with the respective threshold values. Corresponding apparatus executing the methodology are also disclosed. |
| US08553525B2 |
Method of transmitting data based on adaptive modulation and coding
A method of transmitting data is provided. The method includes generating a frame, the frame comprising a data burst, a submap and a map wherein the submap indicates a resource allocation state of the data burst, and the map indicates a differential adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) level for the submap, and transmitting data using the frame, wherein the differential AMC level is information on change in an AMC level applied to the submap comparing with other submap in a different frame. High-speed data transmission is realized and limited radio resources can be more efficiently used. |
| US08553522B2 |
OFDMA-based radio communication apparatus and learning signal generation method for compensation of non-linear distortion in the radio communication apparatus
An OFDMA radio communication apparatus of the present invention includes a radio transmitter that amplifies a transmission signal by a amplifier; and a distortion compensation unit that generates distortion compensation coefficient data that serve to compensate for non-linear distortion of the amplifier based on a learning signal and inputs a transmission signal obtained by multiplying an OFDMA signal by the distortion compensation coefficient data to the radio transmitter. The device further includes an MAC unit that generates the learning signal and inserts it as a burst signal in a burst region of OFDMA frames to which a burst signal can he allocated so as to generate OFDMA frame data; and a PHY unit that converts the OFDMA frame data into the OFDMA signal of a frequency domain based on a transmission mode of an OFDMA that has been set for the device and inputs it to the distortion compensation unit. |
| US08553520B2 |
System and method for echo suppression in web browser-based communication
A system and method for performing echo suppression on a server in browser-based online audio conferences without downloading or installing software on a participant's computing device is disclosed. Streams of audio communication data from the participants in an audio conference are received at the server. An echo suppression application determines the first party that speaks by analyzing the streams to locate speech data, and assigns that party as the “owner” of the audio channel. The speech data is sent to the other participants in the conference. The application then determines whether newly received audio from the owner of the channel is new speech; if so, then the party remains the owner of the channel, and the new speech data is also sent to the other parties in the conference. The channel is surrendered if no new speech is received from the owner in a defined period, and the next party that speaks becomes the new owner of the channel. The other audio data from the participants is replaced by silence. |
| US08553519B2 |
System and method for coordination of neighboring networks on wireline communication channels
Embodiments of system and method for coordination among neighboring networks for communications over shared physical medium are provided. In one aspect, a method comprises determining, by a first domain master of a first network domain, a first number of network nodes of the first network domain that interfere with data transmission on the physical medium by at least one network node of at least one other network domain, or a second number of network nodes of the at least one other network domain that interfere with data transmission on the physical medium by at least one network node of the first network domain. The method further comprises causing, by the first domain master, one or more network nodes of the first network domain to transmit data during one of a plurality of non-overlapping time slots of a MAC cycle. |
| US08553514B2 |
Optical recording medium, recording device, and recording method
An optical recording medium includes: N recording layers (where N≧4); a number of kinds of layer intervals between the recording layers adjacent to each other being an integer M equal to or less than a minimum integer equal to or more than log2(N); and one or more AB blocks including four recording layers with a first layer interval A, a second layer interval B, and the first layer interval A formed in order in the one or more AB blocks. When the M as the number of kinds of layer intervals is M≧3, the optical recording medium has a part of a third layer interval C as a layer interval between a recording layer forming an AB block and a recording layer adjacent to the recording layer, the adjacent recording layer being included in other than the AB block including the recording layer. |
| US08553512B2 |
Magnetic head slider inspection device
A magnetic head slider inspection device including a motor unit for revolving a disk medium, a slider unit provided with a reproducing head, which is levitated from a surface of the disk medium under force generated by the revolving disk medium, a magnetic field generator positioned at an opposite side of the disk medium with respect to the slider unit for generating a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the disk medium surface, and a circuit unit for generating the magnetic field from the magnetic field generator, and measuring a resistance value of the reproducing head levitated from the disk medium surface. |
| US08553511B2 |
Disk recording medium, disk production method, disk drive apparatus
A disk recording medium which can implement a recording method having a high degree of reliability for additional information is disclosed. The disk recording medium has a recording and reproduction region into and from which first data can be recorded and reproduced in accordance with a rewritable or write-once-read-many recording method and from which second data recorded in the form of wobbling of a groove can be reproduced. The second data includes address information and additional information. The additional information of the second data is coded in accordance with a first error correction method, and the coded additional information and the address information are recorded in a state coded in accordance with a second error correction method. |
| US08553501B1 |
Tracking system for underwater equipment
A system for tracking underwater equipment is disclosed which includes a buoy and an underwater animal trap connected to the buoy. A position sensing unit is mounted to the buoy, wherein the position sensing unit includes a satellite signal receiver which computes location data in response to receiving signals from multiple satellites, and a transmitter which transmits the location data. A tracking device can be used to display the location data received from the position sensing unit, allowing the position of the buoy and associated underwater animal trap to be tracked. A method of tracking an underwater animal trap is disclosed which includes coupling a position sensing unit to a buoy, and tracking the location of the buoy with a tracking unit. The buoy is coupled to an underwater animal trap, and the position sensing unit computes buoy location data in response to receiving signals from multiple satellites. |
| US08553497B2 |
Removal of surface-wave noise in seismic data
The invention is a method to predict surface-wave waveforms (306) and subtract them (307) from seismic data. Prediction is done by estimating a set of surface-consistent components (transfer functions in the frequency domain or impulse responses in time domain) that best represent changes in the waveforms for propagation along the surface from source to receiver (303). The prediction uses a mathematical expression, or model, of the earth's filtering effects, both amplitude and phase, as a function of frequency. The desired surface-consistent components are model parameters, and model optimization is used to solve for the surface-consistent components. The surface-consistent components may include filter transfer functions for each source location, each receiver location, and for propagation (302) through each region (301) of the surface that exhibits lateral variation. |
| US08553493B2 |
Method for permeable zone detection
A method for estimating formation permeability from measured sonic wave Stoneley attributes and particularly the Stoneley attributes of slowness (DTst) and attenuation (ATTst), taking into consideration the existence of a heavy walled drill collar at the end of the drill string and the relative lack of borehole mud cake during a drilling operation. In the subject LWD application a real-time qualitative indication for fracture and permeable zones is estimated from Stoneley measurements. This information is useful to a driller to make important timely decisions about drilling and completion programs. |
| US08553491B2 |
Seismic exploration process enabling the suppression of ghosts due to reflections at the water surface, and process for processing seismic data in order to suppress these ghosts
The invention relates to a process for marine seismic exploration at least two different depths by means of streamers, each including a set of hydrophones, the acquisition of data at the different depths being performed in a single exploration region, and in which the position of the streamers and the hydrophones when acquiring seismic data at a first depth is independent of the position of the streamers and hydrophones when acquiring seismic data at a second depth. |
| US08553486B2 |
Semiconductor memory device correcting fuse data and method of operating the same
A semiconductor memory device and method of operating same are described. The semiconductor memory device includes a first anti-fuse array having a plurality of first anti-fuse elements that store first fuse data, a second anti-fuse array having a plurality of second anti-fuse elements that store error correction code (ECC) data associated with the first fuse data, and an ECC decoder configured to generate second fuse data by correcting the first fuse data using the ECC data. |
| US08553484B2 |
Semiconductor memory device for data sensing
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell and a first reference memory cell. The memory cell includes a first switching element and a first capacitor for storing data. The first switching element is controlled by a first wordline, and has a first terminal connected to a first terminal of the first capacitor and a second terminal connected to a first bitline. The first capacitor has a second terminal for receiving a first plate voltage. The first reference memory cell includes a first reference switching element and a first capacitor. The first switching element is controlled by a first reference wordline, and has a first terminal connected to a first terminal of the first reference capacitor and a second terminal connected to a second bitline. The first reference capacitor has a second terminal receiving a first reference plate voltage different from the first plate voltage. |
| US08553481B2 |
Sense amplifier latch with integrated test data multiplexer
A sense amplifier latch may be provided to controllably latch the output of a sense amplifier. The latch may open in response to assertion of a latch enable signal to receive data, and close in response to deassertion of the latch enable signal to capture and store the received data. Additionally, a multiplexer may be provided to select from among multiple sources of test data, such as scan data and bypass data. The multiplexer may produce a test data input to the sense amplifier latch that encodes a data value and a control value that causes the data value to be selected. Depending on the state of the test data input, the sense amplifier latch may output either a value received from the sense amplifier or a value encoded in the test data input. |
| US08553479B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a main word line signal generator configured to generate a main word line signal having a first swing width, a sub-word line signal generator configured to generate a first sub-word line signal and a second sub-word line signal having a second swing width and a third swing width, respectively, a first sub-word line driver configured to drive a corresponding sub-word line with the first sub-word line signal or a negative word line voltage in response to the main word line signal, and a second sub-word line driver configured to drive the corresponding sub-word line with the negative word line voltage in response to the second sub-word line signal. |
| US08553475B2 |
Memory systems and methods for dynamically phase adjusting a write strobe and data to account for receive-clock drift
A memory system includes a memory controller that writes data to and reads data from a memory device. A write data strobe accompanying the write data indicates to the memory device when the write data is valid, whereas a read strobe accompanying data from the memory device indicates to the memory controller when the read data is valid. The memory controller adaptively controls the phase of the write data strobe to compensate for timing drift at the memory device. The memory controller uses read signals as a measure of the drift. |
| US08553473B2 |
Clock generator circuits with non-volatile memory for storing and/or feedback-controlling phase and frequency
A clock-signal generator (e.g. a PLL or a DLL) uses non-volatile memory to store an analog control voltage that determines an output phase and/or frequency of the clock-signal generator. Locked loops take time to lock on a given reference frequency. To keep this time to a minimum, NVM 105 stores the control voltage during periods of inactivity, such as when the signal generator is powered down or in a standby mode. Non-volatile memory stores control voltages during operation in other embodiments to relax the area requirements otherwise required for integration capacitors to store phase and frequency information. |
| US08553472B2 |
Memory with a shared I/O including an output data latch having an integrated clamp
A memory includes a shared I/O unit that is shared between multiple storage arrays provides output data from the arrays. The shared I/O includes an output latch with an integrated output clamp. The I/O unit may be configured to provide output data from the storage arrays via data output signal paths. The I/O unit includes an output latch configured to force a valid logic level on the data output signal paths in response to a power down condition. |
| US08553470B2 |
Apparatus and methods for a physical layout of simultaneously sub-accessible memory modules
A layout for simultaneously sub-accessible memory modules is disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory module includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of sectors, each sector being electrically isolated from the other sectors and having a multi-layer structure. At least one memory device is attached to each sector, the memory devices being organized into a plurality of memory ranks. A driver is attached to the printed circuit board and is operatively coupled to the memory ranks. The driver is adapted to be coupled to a memory interface of the computer system. Because the sectors are electrically-isolated from adjacent sectors, the memory ranks are either individually or simultaneously, or both individually and simultaneously accessible by the driver so that one or more memory devices on a particular sector may be accessed at one time. In an alternate embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a driver sector electrically isolated from the other sectors and having a multi-layer structure, the driver being attached to the driver sector. |
| US08553468B2 |
System and method for managing erase operations in a non-volatile memory
Embodiments of the invention are directed to managing a memory component. A method may include performing a first erase operation according to a first set of erase parameters, determining a result of the first erase operation, modifying the first set erase parameters based on the result to produce a second set of erase parameters and performing a second erase operation according to a second set of erase parameters. A condition parameter may be maintained based on the erased parameters and/or based on a result of an erase procedure. |
| US08553467B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A control circuit controls various kinds of operations on the memory cell array. The control circuit executes a pre-erase stress application operation in which, when an erase operation on one of the memory cells is executed, prior to the erase operation, a first voltage belonging in a certain voltage range is applied to the control gate while a second voltage having a value smaller than a value of the first voltage is applied to the channel region, whereby a stress is applied to the memory cell due to a potential difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. |
| US08553465B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of programming the same
A method of programming a semiconductor memory device includes a first program step for performing a program by supplying a first program voltage, having a specific amount, to a selected word line of the semiconductor memory device for a set time and a second program step for performing a program by supplying, to the selected word line, a second program voltage which is a step pulse gradually rising from a start voltage lower than the first program voltage. |
| US08553458B2 |
Methods for segmented programming and memory devices
Methods for segmented programming, program verify, and memory devices are disclosed. One such method for programming includes biasing memory cells with a programming voltage and program verifying the memory cells with a plurality of ramped voltage signal segments, wherein each ramped voltage signal segment has a different start voltage and a different end voltage than the other ramped voltage signal segments. |
| US08553452B2 |
Method for magnetic screening of arrays of magnetic memories
A testing method is described that applies a sequence external magnetic fields of varying strength to MRAM cells (such as those with MTJ memory elements) in chips or wafers to selectively screen out cells with low or high thermal stability factor. The coercivity (Hc) is used as a proxy for thermal stability factor (delta). In the various embodiments the sequence, direction and strength of the external magnetic fields is used to determine the high coercivity cells that are not switched by a normal field and the low coercivity cells that are switched by a selected low field. In some embodiment the MRAM's standard internal electric current can be used to switch the cells. Standard circuit-based resistance read operations can be used to determine the response of each cell to these magnetic fields and identify the abnormal high and low coercivity cells. |
| US08553450B2 |
Magnetic random access memory and write method of the same
A first magnetic layer has a magnetization fixed along one direction. A first nonmagnetic layer on the first magnetic layer functions as a first tunnel barrier. A second magnetic layer on the first nonmagnetic layer has a magnetization whose direction can be reversed by spin transfer current injection. A second nonmagnetic layer on the second magnetic layer functions as a second tunnel barrier. A third magnetic layer on the second nonmagnetic layer has a magnetization whose direction can be reversed by spin transfer through current injection at a current density different from the second magnetic layer. First magnetic, first nonmagnetic layer, and second magnetic layers exhibit a first magnetoresistive effect. Second magnetic, second nonmagnetic, and third magnetic layers exhibit a second magnetoresistive effect. A magnetoresistive effect element records and reads out data of at least three levels based on a synthetic resistance from the first and second magnetoresistive effects. |
| US08553448B2 |
SRAM cells, memory circuits, systems, and fabrication methods thereof
A static random access memory (SRAM) cell includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters having a first node and a second node. A first transistor is coupled between the first node and a first bit line. A second transistor is coupled between the second node and a second bit line. A third transistor is coupled with the first node. The third transistor has a threshold voltage that is higher than that of a fourth transistor of the pair of cross-coupled inverters by about 10% or more. A fifth transistor is coupled between the third transistor and a third bit line. |
| US08553447B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and driving method thereof
In a conventional DRAM, errors in reading data are likely to occur when the capacitance of a capacitor is reduced. A plurality of cells is connected to one main bit line Each cell includes a sub bit line and 2 to 32 memory cells. Further, each cell includes a selection transistor and a reading transistor, and a sub bit line is connected to a gate of the reading transistor. Since the parasitic capacitance of the sub bit line is sufficiently small, data of electric charge of a capacitor of each memory cell can be amplified without an error in the reading transistor and output to the main bit line. |
| US08553446B2 |
Nonvolatile memory element, manufacturing method thereof, and nonvolatile semiconductor device incorporating nonvolatile memory element
A nonvolatile memory element of the present invention comprises a first electrode (103), a second electrode (108); a resistance variable layer (107) which is interposed between the first electrode (103) and the second electrode (107) and is configured to switch a resistance value reversibly in response to an electric signal applied between the electrodes (103) and (108), and the resistance variable layer (107) has at least a multi-layer structure in which a first hafnium-containing layer having a composition expressed as HfOx (0.9≦x≦1.6), and a second hafnium-containing layer having a composition expressed as HfOy (1.8 |
| US08553443B2 |
Memory device and memory access method
Provided is a memory device in which the circuit structure is simplified while the functions of a memory including an OTP memory and a memory including a pseudo-MTP memory are maintained. A memory device includes a plurality of memory sets each including a mark bit storage area for storing a mark bit, which indicates that an object is deleted data, and a data bit storage area for storing data, the memory device being built from an OTP memory including an OTP memory block and a pseudo-MTP memory block, the OTP memory block containing a given number of memory sets to operate as an OTP memory, the pseudo-MTP memory block containing the rest of the memory sets operates as a pseudo-MTP memory. The mark bit is written in advance in the mark bit storage area of the OTP memory block. |
| US08553442B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing yield
Aspects of the disclosure provide an integrated circuit (IC) that is configured to have an increased yield. The IC includes a memory element configured to store a specific value determined based on a characteristic of the IC, and a controller configured to control an input regulator based on the specific value of the IC. The input regulator is operative to provide a regulated input to the IC during operation, such that the IC performance satisfies performance requirement. |