| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08566782B2 |
Generating application data editors
A method, computer program product and system for generating an editor to be executed through a graphical user interface of a computer, for editing the persistent data of an application, the persistent data being described and stored in a data object model using a modeling language defining a hierarchical organization of classes, their attributes and the relations between classes, comprising retrieving the root class and starting from the root class, creating a page per class for creating the instances of the class. Each page of a current class comprises an Edit section for editing the attributes of the class, a Table section which lists all the instances of the class when they will be created and a hyperlink section for listing pointers to other pages corresponding to the target classes in relation with the current class. |
| US08566779B2 |
Visually prioritizing information in an agile system
An apparatus and method for prioritizing tasks in a software development environment includes drag-and-drop functionality to prioritize tasks displayed in the window of a browser application executing on a user system. In one embodiment, a prioritizer screen is built at a server using information stored in a workload database object and sent to the user system over a network using interprocess communications. |
| US08566776B2 |
Method to automatically add power line in channel between macros
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes automatically adding a first power line in a channel between at least two macros when less than two system power supply lines with opposite polarities are detected within the channel. |
| US08566774B2 |
Optimized buffer placement based on timing and capacitance assertions
A method is provided for optimized buffer placement based on timing and capacitance assertions in a functional chip unit including a single source and multiple macros, each having a sink. Placement of the source and macros with the sinks is pre-designed and buffers are placed in branches connecting the source with the multiple sinks. The method includes: calculating an estimated slack for each branch based on cycle reach, calculating a minimum slack for each branch, arranging branches according to the calculated slack to evaluate at least one most critical branch, inserting decoupling buffers in all branches except the most critical branch(es) and placing decoupling buffers close to the source, globally routing the most critical branch(es) and fixing slew conditions within this branch, globally routing at least one subsequent branch as arranged according to the calculated slack and fixing slew conditions within this branch(es), and routing all remaining branches. |
| US08566770B2 |
Layout method for soft-error hard electronics, and radiation hardened logic cell
This invention comprises a layout method to effectively protect logic circuits against soft errors (non-destructive errors) and circuit cells, with layout, which are protected against soft errors. In particular, the method protects against cases where multiple nodes in circuit are affected by a single event. These events lead to multiple errors in the circuit, and while several methods exist to deal with single node errors, multiple node errors are very hard to deal with using any currently existing protection methods. The method is particularly useful for CMOS based logic circuits in modern technologies (.ltoreq.90 nm), where the occurrence of multiple node pulses becomes high (due to the high integration level). It uses a unique layout configuration, which makes the circuits protected against single event generated soft-errors. |
| US08566769B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating memory models and timing database
A method and apparatus are provided for using a memory timing database. A plurality of characterization memories are defined, which can be mapped to a memory resource. Each characterization memory has different memory parameters. A plurality of variants of tiling each characterization memory to the memory resource are also defined. Timing characteristics of each tiling variant of each characterization memory are stored in the memory timing database for the memory resource based on sets of input ramptimes and output loads. |
| US08566759B2 |
Structure for on chip shielding structure for integrated circuits or devices on a substrate
A design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit. The design structure comprises: a conductive structure surrounding and accommodating a circuit or a circuit device arranged on a substrate and at least one feed through capacitor and one transmission line associated with the conductive structure and providing the power supply and signals to the circuit or circuit device respectively. The design structure also comprises a shielding structure surrounding a circuit or a circuit device arranged on a substrate and at least one feed through capacitor or a transmission line arranged on a side of the shielding structure. |
| US08566755B2 |
Method of correcting photomask patterns
A method of predicting photoresist patterns defined by a plurality of photomask patterns is described. The measurement data of photoresist patterns defined by patterns on a photomask that are arranged similar to the photomask patterns are provided. A physical optical kernel and a mathematical load kernel as a part of a Gaussian distribution function or other distribution function or as a combined function including a part of a Gaussian distribution function or other distribution function are provided. The optimal values of the parameters of the mathematical load kernel are determined by fitting the experiment data with a simulation based on the graphic data of the patterns on the photomask and the kernels. Photoresist patterns defined by the photomask patterns are simulated based on the graphic data of the photomask patterns, the physical optical kernel, and the mathematical load kernel with the optimal values of the parameters determined. |
| US08566754B2 |
Dual-purpose perturbation engine for automatically processing pattern-clip-based manufacturing hotspots
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically processes manufacturing hotspot information. During operation, the system receives a pattern clip associated with a manufacturing hotspot in a layout, wherein the pattern clip comprises a set of polygons in proximity to the manufacturing hotspot's location. Next, the system determines if the pattern clip matches a known manufacturing hotspot configuration. If the pattern clip does not match a known manufacturing hotspot configuration, the system then performs a perturbation process on the pattern clip to determine a set of correction recommendations to eliminate the manufacturing hotspot. By performing the perturbation process, the system additionally determines ranges of perturbation to the set of polygons wherein the perturbed pattern clip does not eliminate the manufacturing hotspot. Subsequently, the system stores the set of correction recommendations and the ranges of perturbation into a manufacturing hotspot database. |
| US08566749B2 |
Analysis of complex data objects and multiple parameter systems
A computer facilitates multiple parameters data analysis by special visualization and navigation methods. Data to be analyzed is loaded from an external source the computer displays the data in response to user input using a variety of methods including data tables, slices of data spaces, hierarchically navigated data spaces, dynamic slice tables, filters, sorting, color-mapping, numerical operations, and other methods. Data and inputs are shared among multiple users for collaborative analysis. |
| US08566747B2 |
Method of and system for browsing and displaying items from a collection
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of browsing and displaying items from a collection is provided. Information about each of plurality of items is stored in machine-readable storage media. A group of the items is selected for display. One of a plurality of image sizes is assigned to each of the items of the group. Images that are representative of each of the items of the group are displayed on a display screen using the assigned image sizes. A particular position on the display screen that is occupied by a particular one of the items of the group can be selected randomly. The image size assigned to each item can be representative of the corresponding item's rank according to at least one sorting criterion. |
| US08566746B2 |
Parameterization of a categorizer for adjusting image categorization and retrieval
A system and method for digital object categorization or retrieval are provided. The method includes providing for a selector to be graphically presented to a user. The selector is variably adjustable within a range, by the user, to adjust a level of noise in at least one of digital object categorization and digital object retrieval. The range of the selector is normalized over a set of digital object categories based on scores output by a trained categorizer for each of a set of labeled test objects for each of the set of digital object categories and a label for each of the test objects. Selector position information is received by the system and at least one of digital object categorization and digital object retrieval is performed, based on the selector position information. One or more of the method steps may be performed with a computer processor. |
| US08566745B2 |
Method and system for project and portfolio management
A method and system for project and portfolio management is disclosed. The method may include tagging one or more data records of projects of a plurality of projects with one or more tags, and displaying on a display device the one or more tagged data records with information relating to said one or more tags. A computer program product is also disclosed. |
| US08566743B2 |
Computer method and system for topographical representation of textual data
Computer system, method and apparatus generate and display a graphical representation of a body of text. The graphical representation serves as a text map allowing navigation operations and other user interaction. The text map enables improved navigation of the body of text. Computer-based geographic mapping operations (e.g., zoom, pan, highlight, etc.) are used to navigate the text. The text map may have various graphical feature overlays also navigable by and interactive to the user. |
| US08566740B2 |
Interactive data forecasting features for a graphical user interface
A computer system and related display techniques are presented here. The system generates and provides a graphical user interface (GUI) control element to enable user adjustment of sales forecast data, and provides a hover box associated with the GUI control element, the hover box graphically indicating adjustment status information for the sales forecast data. The system also provides a forecast table panel in the GUI. In response to receiving a request corresponding to selected forecast data included in the forecast table panel, the system generates an opportunities list panel in the GUI. The opportunities list panel includes a listing of individual opportunities and related status corresponding to the selected forecast data. |
| US08566733B2 |
Apparatus and method for content management of a portable device
A content-management apparatus of a portable device. The apparatus includes a display unit to display content by time and function in a content area having a time axis and a function axis, and a content generation unit to combine at least two sets of content. |
| US08566732B2 |
Synchronization of widgets and dashboards
Systems, methods, computer-readable mediums, user interfaces and other implementations are disclosed for synchronizing widgets and dashboards. |
| US08566731B2 |
Requirement statement manipulation system
A requirement statement manipulation system is configured to create and edit requirement statements of various types. The requirement statement manipulation system may generate an interactive visual environment to receive input used in manipulating a requirement statement through creation or editing. The interactive visual environment may include specific requirement-type interfaces allowing requirement statements of a specific type to be manipulated. The interactive visual environment may manipulate requirement statements based on textual input, as well as through text generation. |
| US08566730B2 |
Graphical user interface that identifies the reasons for public disagreements
A single place where all of us can meet on an equal basis 24/7 from anywhere we can reach to, and communicate back from, in the universe is now being built. The present invention is an interface for universal information exchange over a public data network (e.g., Internet). Explicit agreements to Rules of Response are used to cause its users to identify all possible questions and disagreements expressed with symbols through the interface. The result is a universal information exchange that can be used by all as a common meeting point from anywhere to exchange and verify information, answer questions, resolve disagreements, and exchange any combination of goods and services. |
| US08566728B2 |
Calendar entry display method
A method of displaying a calendar entry of an electronic calendar application is disclosed. The method includes determining if a user of the electronic calendar application is within a specified distance of a location of an appointment corresponding to the calendar entry at a specified time prior to the appointment. In response to determining that the user is within the specified distance at the specified time, displaying an indication with the calendar entry that the appointment is face-to-faceable. In response to determining that the user is not within the specified distance at the specified time, displaying an indication with the calendar entry that the appointment is not face-to-faceable. |
| US08566727B2 |
Method and system for automating a user interface
Certain embodiments relate to providing automated, custom displays of images and tools for manipulating the images. Certain embodiments include a method for providing an automated user interface for healthcare workers. Certain embodiments of the method employ a network to execute the steps of retrieving an image from an image archive, processing the image to generate image-specific information, identifying data related to the image, mining the data related to the image, and displaying the image along with a custom selection of user interface tools. |
| US08566722B2 |
Multiple-carousel selective digital service feeds
Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. The video feeds are harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. Those video feeds are referenced by icons or channels that rotate about, or scroll within, a first carousel. Video feeds are arranged in columns and/or rows that rotate about, or scroll within, a second carousel. Movement in one carousel causes movement in the other in a synchronous manner even though the movement may be at different speeds. |
| US08566718B1 |
Live demonstration of computing device applications
A feature of a computing device application may be selected by user or other input and then demonstrated using a demonstration application. The demonstration application may select simulated user inputs from a script or other source that, when input to the computing device application, drive it to demonstrate the selected feature. The demonstration application may then begin to input the one or more simulated user inputs to the computing device application. Before all of the simulated user inputs have been input, the demonstration application may determine that the user has interrupted the demonstration. In response to the determination, the demonstration application may cease inputting the simulated inputs, leaving the computing device application in the state it was in at the time of interruption, thereby enabling the user to explore the application or feature of the application being demonstrated at a time and in a manner of the user's choosing. |
| US08566713B2 |
Data transfer method and system
A method for utilizing an object in cooperation between computer apparatus and a mobile device, comprises the steps of: a) identifying an object shown on a screen associated with computing apparatus; b) determining the coordinates of said object on said screen; and c) transmitting said object and/or its metadata. |
| US08566712B1 |
Image management
A server receives information from a user, where the information designates one or more images that the user is interested in seeing when viewing a web portal. The server stores the received information. The server generates a web page that includes links to one or more of the designated images based on the stored information, where the web page is generated when the user visits the web portal and sends the generated web page to the user. |
| US08566708B1 |
Merging electronic document redraws
The subject matter of this document can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes displaying a visual representation of an electronic document. The method also includes receiving an input to affect a modification of the electronic document, the modification including two or more document change operations, and causing each of the two or more document change operations to be applied to the electronic document. The method also includes determining a redraw approach for redrawing a portion of the visual representation of the electronic document based on the two or more document change operations, such that the redraw approach includes fewer redraws than document change operations. The method further includes performing a redraw of a portion of the visual representation of the electronic document based on the redraw approach. |
| US08566703B2 |
Page description data processing apparatus, page description data processing method, and recording medium
It is confirmed whether or not page description data contain an object for stroking a path. If the page description data contain the object for stroking a path, then it is confirmed whether or not a curved path construction operator is contained in the object. If the curved path construction operator is contained in the object, line segments of a polygonal path which is approximated to a curved path of the curved path construction operator are determined, and the curved path construction operator is replaced with a plurality of straight path construction operators which correspond respectively to the line segments of the polygonal path. |
| US08566701B2 |
Converting metadata for applications having different metadata formats
System, apparatus and method for managing documents and metadata generated by a plurality of software application systems are provided. |
| US08566684B1 |
Decoding and optimized implementation of SECDED codes over GF(q)
A plurality of columns for a check matrix that implements a distance d linear error correcting code are populated by providing a set of vectors from which to populate the columns, and applying to the set of vectors a filter operation that reduces the set by eliminating therefrom all vectors that would, if used to populate the columns, prevent the check matrix from satisfying a column-wise linear independence requirement associated with check matrices of distance d linear codes. One of the vectors from the reduced set may then be selected to populate one of the columns. The filtering and selecting repeats iteratively until either all of the columns are populated or the number of currently unpopulated columns exceeds the number of vectors in the reduced set. Columns for the check matrix may be processed to reduce the amount of logic needed to implement the check matrix in circuit logic. |
| US08566675B2 |
Data handling
Methods and apparatus to facilitate determining or selecting a depth of error detection and/or error correction coverage, and detecting and/or correcting errors in data in accordance with the determined or selected depth of error detection and/or error correction coverage. |
| US08566672B2 |
Selective checkbit modification for error correction
Error correction code (ECC) checkbits are generated for each write access to a memory address based on both the data to be written (the write data) and the memory address. The ECC checkbits are stored with the data and, in response to a read access at the memory address, are employed to check for errors in both the address and the data provided in response to the read access (the read data). The ECC checkbit generation process can result, for particular memory addresses, in checkbits that can incorrectly indicate whether errors are present in the read data. Accordingly, the checkbits can be selectively inverted based on the memory address so that the checkbit pattern will not result in an incorrect error detection or correction. |
| US08566670B2 |
RAM memory device selectively protectable with ECC
An SRAM memory device including a plurality of memory cells arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; each row of memory cells is adapted to store a RAM word; the RAM word includes a corresponding data word, a corresponding ECC word to be used for error detection and correction purposes and a corresponding applicative word to be used during debugging operations. The SRAM memory device further includes a configurable port adapted to receive a RAM word and to program corresponding memory cells of a selected row based on the received RAM word during a writing access of the SRAM memory device. The SRAM memory device further includes a memory controller unit including circuitry for selectively configuring the configurable port in one among a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes includes a first mode, wherein the configurable port is configured in such a way to disable the programming of the data word and of the corresponding ECC word of the received RAM word and at the same time enable the programming of the applicative word of the received RAM word during the writing access. The plurality of modes includes a second mode, wherein the configurable port is configured in such a way to disable the programming of the applicative word of the received RAM word and at the same time enable the programming of the data word and of the corresponding ECC word of the received RAM word during the writing access. |
| US08566667B2 |
Low density parity check code decoding system and method
The subject technology provides a decoding solution that supports multiple choices of code rates. A decoder may be configured to receive a selected code rate from a plurality of code rates. On the selection of the code rate, the decoder may determine a circulant size based on the code rate, and, on receiving the codeword, update, during one or more parity-check operations, a number of confidence values proportional to the circulant size in each of a plurality of memory units, each number of confidence values corresponding to a portion of the codeword. |
| US08566666B2 |
Min-sum based non-binary LDPC decoder
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for min-sum based decoding of non-binary LDPC codes. For example, a non-binary low density parity check data decoding system is discussed that includes a variable node processor and a check node processor. The variable node processor is operable to generate variable node to check node message vectors and to calculate perceived values based on check node to variable node message vectors. The check node processor is operable to generate the check node to variable node message vectors and to calculate checksums based on variable node to check node message vectors. The check node processor includes a minimum and subminimum finder circuit operable to process a plurality of sub-messages in each variable node to check node message vector. The check node processor also includes a select and combine circuit operable to combine an output of the minimum and subminimum finder circuit to generate the check node to variable node message vectors. |
| US08566660B2 |
Built-in-self-test using embedded memory and processor in an application specific integrated circuit
A test method for an ASIC uses an embedded processor in the ASIC to execute test routines from an embedded memory or an external memory. During ASIC production, the test routines can comprehensively test of the blocks of the ASIC without a complicated test pattern from test equipment. The test routines can also perform power-up tests in systems or end products containing the ASIC. Test selection, activation, and result output can be implement using a few terminals of the ASIC. |
| US08566658B2 |
Low-power and area-efficient scan cell for integrated circuit testing
An integrated circuit comprises scan test circuitry and additional circuitry subject to testing utilizing the scan test circuitry. The scan test circuitry comprises at least one scan chain having a plurality of scan cells, with the scan chain being configured to operate as a serial shift register in a scan shift mode of operation and to capture functional data from at least a portion of the additional circuitry in a functional mode of operation. At least a given one of the scan cells of the scan chain comprises output control circuitry which is configured to disable a functional data output of the scan cell in the scan shift mode of operation and to disable a scan output of the scan cell in the functional mode of operation. |
| US08566655B2 |
Method for operating a communication system having a plurality of nodes, and a communication system therefor
In a method for operating a communication system having a plurality of nodes which have access to a shared channel, a transmission process for transmitting a message via the channel is monitored for bit errors, and when a bit error occurs, a signaling message is transmitted via the channel in order to signal the bit error. In order to allow communications processes between the nodes to be controlled as a function of a bit error rate of the channel, a signaling rate of the signaling messages is measured and a bit error rate of the channel is determined as a function of the signaling rate. |
| US08566654B2 |
Debugging site errors by an admin as a guest user in a multi-tenant database environment
An approach for debugging site errors in a multi-tenant database system is disclosed. An example method can include receiving a request from a site administrator to access an enhanced error message and determining if the site administrator is approved for viewing the enhanced error message by evaluating exceptions associated with the enhanced error message, the request, and the site administrator. The example method further includes modifying a detailed error message related to the request for generating the enhanced error message, and providing the enhanced error message to the site administrator based on the approval determination. |
| US08566652B1 |
Command queuing in disk drives
A method and system for command queuing in disk drives may improve performance by queuing multiple commands and sequentially executing them automatically without firmware intervention. The method may use a number of queues, e.g., a staging queue for commands to be executed, an execution queue for commands currently being executed, or a holding queue for commands which may have been executed but have not received a status report from a host. |
| US08566647B2 |
Debugger presentation of parallel application threads
User interface technologies for viewing the state of threads of a target parallel application, such as a massively parallel application intended to run on a GPGPU system, during debugging of the target parallel application are disclosed. The target parallel application includes a kernel, and the kernel includes a set of threads. Coalesced thread information of the threads is presented with the user interface technologies based on user-controllable criteria. |
| US08566643B2 |
Small form factor pluggable (SFP) checking device for reading from and determining type of inserted SFP transceiver module or other optical device
A SFP checking device (SFP Check) connects to a SFP transceiver and a PC or laptop via a USB cable. The SFP Check uses the default web browser of the PC, without an internet connection, to display details of the SFP transceiver such as wavelength, description, range, manufacturer, among other information, in accordance with program code provided to the PC via the SFP Check. All of the information a technician in the field needs to determine which SFP transceiver is the right one for a selected application and optical link is available from the SFP Check. The SFP Check and SFP transceiver both receive power via the USB cable connection to the PC. The SFP Check appears to the PC as a memory stick. A method is provided for determining the drive letter associated with the SFP Check and the program coder or file(s) it provides to the PC. |
| US08566641B2 |
Fault tolerant batch processing
Among other aspects disclosed are a method and system for processing a batch of input data in a fault tolerant manner. The method includes reading a batch of input data including a plurality of records from one or more data sources and passing the batch through a dataflow graph. The dataflow graph includes two or more nodes representing components connected by links representing flows of data between the components. At least one but fewer than all of the components includes a checkpoint process for an action performed for each of multiple units of work associated with one or more of the records. The checkpoint process includes opening a checkpoint buffer stored in non-volatile memory at the start of processing for the batch. |
| US08566635B2 |
Methods and systems for improved storage replication management and service continuance in a computing enterprise
Systems and methods for management of replicated storage. Features and aspects hereof provide management of data replication among a plurality of storage systems in a manner substantially transparent to host systems attached to the storage systems. The storage systems are coupled to one another through a replication link. One storage systems is designated the primary storage system and all others are designated secondary storage systems. A common logical volume is defined with a common logical volume device identifier used by all of the replicating storage systems of a replication group and their respective attached host systems. The primary storage system processes I/O requests directed to the logical volume by accessing its physical storage volume and forwarding the request to be replicated to all secondary storage systems over the replication link. Secondary storage systems process I/O requests by shipping them over the replication link to the primary storage system for processing. |
| US08566634B2 |
Method and system for masking defects within a network
A method and system for masking defects within a network are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for masking defects within a network comprises detecting by a service entity defects within a network. The method further comprises determining a number of detected defects associated with a network component included in the network. The method further comprises generating by the network component a summary alarm if the number of detected defects within the network is greater than a first threshold. |
| US08566631B2 |
Serially shutting down extension units to time extend power to CPU from charging backup supply
A programmable controller includes one or more extension units; a CPU unit for controlling the extension units; and a charging element. The CPU unit includes a voltage detection circuit for detecting an output voltage of the charging element and outputting a voltage reduction signal when the detected output voltage is lowered to a level equal to or lower than a reference value and a signal output circuit for outputting a power supply stop signal in response to the voltage reduction signal. Each extension unit includes a voltage detection circuit for detecting an output voltage of an power circuit and outputting a power supply stop signal when the detected output voltage is lowered to a level equal to or lower than a reference value and a power supply stop circuit for stopping the power circuit in response to the power supply stop signal. |
| US08566629B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of operation of data transfer circuit
An information processing apparatus transferring data between at least a plurality of processors through first and second routes running through first and second data transfer circuits, which retires the first and second routes so as to reduce the power consumption under the control of a system control device. The system provides a unit for measuring the amounts of data transfer on the first and second routes and measures the usage rates of the first and second routes. It monitors the measured usage rates by the system control device and, when the usage rates are below a predetermined value, controls the first or second data transfer circuit to make it retire the first or second route. |
| US08566625B2 |
System and method for determining transmitting frequency to maintain remote application server connectivity
A system and method for maintaining connectivity between a host system running an Always-On-Always-Connected (AOAC) application and an associated remote application server includes determining a timing interval Ti for sending keep-alive messages. The timing interval Ti may be determined by selecting a value for a timeout (Ti) to a value between a maximum timeout (Tmax) and a minimum timeout (Tmin), transmitting a keep-alive message, at an interval based on Ti, across a network connection between a client platform running an Always-On-Always-Connected (AOAC) application and a remote application server associated with the AOAC application, checking a status of the network connection, increasing the value for Tmin if the network connection is still active and decreasing the value for Tmax if the network connection has been dropped. |
| US08566624B2 |
Diagnostic and managing distributed processor system
A network of microcontrollers for monitoring and diagnosing the environmental conditions of a computer is disclosed. The network of microcontrollers provides a management system by which computer users can accurately gauge the health of their computer. The network of microcontrollers provides users the ability to detect system fan speeds, internal temperatures and voltage levels. The invention is designed to not only be resilient to faults, but also allows for the system maintenance, modification, and growth—without downtime. Additionally, the present invention allows users to replace failed components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface cards and storage, without impacting existing users. One of the primary roles of the present invention is to manage the environment without outside involvement. This self-management allows the system to continue to operate even though components have failed. |
| US08566622B2 |
Computer wake up circuit
A computer wake up circuit, for awaking a computer which is in a sleep state via a computer serial port, includes an AT89 series microcontroller, a switching circuit, an input circuit. The switching circuit is coupled to the pins P3.2 (INT0) and P3.7 of the AT89 series microcontroller, for triggering the AT89 series microcontroller to output an control signal. The input circuit comprises a first resistance, a control switch, a second resistance, and a third resistance. One end of the first resistance is coupled to pin P3.1 (TXD) of the AT89 series microcontroller, the other end of the first resistance is coupled to an input end of the control switch. An output end of the control switch is coupled to the second pin of the computer serial port via the second resistance, and is coupled to the third pin of the computer serial port via the third resistance. |
| US08566620B2 |
Data processing having multiple low power modes and method therefor
A method is provided for operating a data processing system having a memory. The memory is coupled between a first power supply voltage terminal for receiving a first variable potential and a second power supply voltage terminal for receiving a second variable potential. An initial difference between the first variable potential and the second variable potential is not less than a first voltage. The method comprises: receiving a command to transition the data processing system from a first power supply voltage to a second power supply voltage; changing the second variable potential so that a difference between the second variable potential and the first variable potential is greater than the first voltage; and after changing the second variable potential, changing the first variable potential, wherein a difference between the first variable potential and the second variable potential is not less than the first voltage. |
| US08566616B1 |
Method and apparatus for protecting designs in SRAM-based programmable logic devices and the like
Use of an electronic design in a configurable device is controlled by a secure device. The configurable device includes an authorization code generator having a sequence generator and an encryption core implementing an encryption algorithm. The secure device uses the same sequence generator and encryption core in its own authorization code generator. The sequence generators in the configurable device and secure device generate identical streams of values that are encrypted using the encryption algorithm. The encrypted values are compared in the configurable device by a comparator. When the streams of encrypted values are not identical, the electronic design is prevented from operating. Where the period of the sequence generated by the sequence generators is long, such as 264, the output of the encryption cores will contain that many different encrypted values, a substantial amount of highly randomized output used as authorization code for the protection of the electronic design. |
| US08566608B2 |
Methods and apparatus for securing keystrokes from being intercepted between the keyboard and a browser
The invention described herein provides a method and system for foiling a keylogger by creating a custom keyboard driver and passing the keystrokes directly to the browser in an encrypted format. The browser (which is used to access the Internet) has a component that decrypts the keystroke before it is sent to the website. Thus the present invention enables the user to go to any website and enter sensitive information (passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) without the keystrokes being intercepted by Keyloggers.In general terms, the invention described herein provides a method and system for (1) modifying the keyboard driver, (2) encrypting the keystrokes between the keyboard driver and the browser, and (3) notifying the user if the invention has been compromised. |
| US08566607B2 |
Cryptography methods and apparatus used with a processor
In a first aspect, a first cryptography method is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) in response to receiving a request to perform a first operation on data in a first memory cacheline, accessing data associated with the first memory cacheline; (2) performing cryptography on data of the first memory cacheline when necessary; and (3) speculatively accessing data associated with a second memory cacheline based on the first memory cacheline before receiving a request to perform an operation on data in the second memory cacheline. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08566603B2 |
Managing security operating modes
A storage device that supports Trusted Computer Group (TCG) security allows management of TCG security features by a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) using non-TCG security commands supported by the BIOS. In one implementation, a BIOS that does not support TCG security but does support ATA security can use ATA drive unlock to invoke TCG drive unlock on the storage device. Further, the storage device can be transitioned among multiple security operating modes (e.g., Undeclared, ATA security or TCG security). |
| US08566600B2 |
Password management outside of a BIOS
In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated herein the managing of a POP not solely in the BIOS but at least partly in a more secure location. In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, this location could be in a NVRAM (non-volatile random access memory) inside a TPM (trusted platform module). Most preferably, this location will contain code that the BIOS preferably will need to access and employ in order to complete the booting of the system. |
| US08566593B2 |
Method and apparatus of deriving security key(s)
A method, apparatus and a wireless communication system to derive security key(s) over an air link in a secure manner by sending by a mobile station over the air a single direction permutation of a mobile station ID, establishing keys with the base station and sending the mobile station real ID in a secure manner. |
| US08566589B1 |
Method and apparatus for identifying a web server
Method and apparatus for identifying a web server is described. In some examples, an initial request by a client to an intended web server is identified. A fingerprint for the intended web server is determined responsive to the initial request. A subsequent request by the client to the intended web server is detected. A response to the subsequent request is received from a responding web server. Verification of the responding web server as the intended web server is performed using the fingerprint. |
| US08566587B2 |
Network system and method for operating network system
A control network system connected with a node having a unique identifier includes a KDC4B for distributing a first key to the node for cryptographic communication, a PS4B for supplying a function name and a second key corresponding to the unique identifier to the node by the cryptographic communication using the first key, and a PS for supplying the node with setting information used for the cryptographic communication using the second key in response to a request using the function name. |
| US08566585B2 |
System and a method for processing system calls in a computerized system that implements a kernel
A computer implementing a kernel, the computer including: (a) a processor that is configured to run processes in kernel mode and to run other processes not in kernel mode, wherein the processor is configured to run in the kernel mode the following processes: (i) selecting a rule out of a group of rules that is stored in a kernel memory of the computer, in response to system call information that pertains to a system call made to a kernel entity of the kernel; (ii) assigning a priority to the system call in response to the rule selected; and (iii) selectively enabling transmission of the system call to a hardware device of the computerized entity, in response to the priority assigned to the system call; (b) a memory that includes the memory kernel; and (c) the hardware device that is configured to execute the system call, wherein execution of the system call by the hardware device results in modifying a state of the hardware device. |
| US08566584B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for processing dynamic host configuration protocol message
A method, apparatus, and system for processing a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) message are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a DHCP message, where the source address of the DHCP message is a Cryptographically Generated Address (CGA) and a signature of a DHCP message sender is carried in the DHCP message; verifying the CGA and the signature; and processing a payload of the DHCP message after the verification of the CGA and the signature succeeds. The CGA and the signature are verified in the embodiment of the present invention, thus improving the security of DHCPv6, and bringing convenience for key management due to publicity of the public key. In addition, because the life of the public key is long, configuration on the DHCP server and/or the network client is convenient. |
| US08566583B2 |
Packet handling in a mobile IP architecture
A method of handling IP packets transmitted from a correspondent node to a mobile node via an intermediate node using the IPsec security protocol. The method comprises, at the correspondent node, identifying specified selector information within the part of the packet to be encrypted, and incorporating the identified information or a digest thereof into a header part of the packet which is to be sent unencrypted, transmitting the packet from the correspondent node to said intermediate node, and, at the intermediate node, receiving the transmitted packet and identifying a policy to be applied to the packet using said information or digest contained in the packet, and applying the policy to the packet. |
| US08566579B2 |
Obfuscated authentication systems, devices, and methods
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward authentication systems, devices, and methods. Obfuscated executable instructions may encode an authentication procedure and protect an authentication key. The obfuscated executable instructions may require communication with a remote certifying authority for operation. In this manner, security may be controlled by the certifying authority without regard to the security of the electronic device running the obfuscated executable instructions. |
| US08566578B1 |
Method and system for ensuring compliance in public clouds using fine-grained data ownership based encryption
A method and system for ensuring compliance in public clouds using fine-grained encryption based on data ownership that includes a process for ensuring compliance in public clouds using fine-grained encryption based on data ownership that is implemented, at least in part, at a gateway computing system through which data passes from the enterprise, and/or one or more end users, prior to being sent to the public cloud. In one embodiment, the data is classified, the ownership of the data is determined, the associated encryption keys are obtained, and the data is encrypted, automatically at the gateway computing system before the data is transferred to the public cloud, and in a manner that is transparent to end-users. |
| US08566576B2 |
Run-ahead approximated computations
Mechanisms are provided for performing approximate run-ahead computations. A first group of compute engines is selected to execute full computations on a full set of input data. A second group of compute engines is selected to execute computations on a sampled subset of the input data. A third group of compute engines is selected to compute a difference in computation results between first computation results generated by the first group of compute engines and second computation results generated by the second group of compute engines. The second group of compute engines is reconfigured based on the difference generated by the third group of compute engines. |
| US08566574B2 |
Secure encrypted boot with simplified firmware update
An approach is provided in which a security module, such as a TPM, identifies a change to a boot configuration used in a secure boot operation. This identification results in a non-release of a secret value that is stored in a memory controlled by the security module. The non-release of the secret value is detected by a boot process when the boot process is initiating a session of the information handling system. In response to the detection by the boot process, the boot process retrieves an update encryption key and then decrypts an update copy of a disk encryption key stored on a nonvolatile storage area of the information handling system using the retrieved update encryption key. The nonvolatile storage area also includes a primary copy of the disk encryption key that has been encrypted with the secret value. |
| US08566573B1 |
Selectable initialization for adapters
The present embodiments provide a mechanism for selecting from among a plurality of initialization sequences to be executed as part of system startup. The present embodiments thus address the problem of certain initialization sequences not executing because they apply to the same function as another initialization sequence that is positioned ahead of the subject initialization sequence in storage of an adapter. |
| US08566572B2 |
Method, device and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for masking the end of life transition of a electronic device
A method of masking the end-of-life transition of a microprocessor electronic device including reprogrammable non-volatile memory containing an end-of-life state variable. On booting, the value of the variable is loaded into RAM. After executing any current command, it is verified whether the value of the variable stored in RAM is FALSE. If the response is negative, the end-of-life transition is executed. Otherwise, initialization or execution of the command is continued. On detecting an intrusive attack, it is instantiated by writing the TRUE value to the end-of-life state variable in RAM only and then deferring writing of the TRUE value to the variable in the non-volatile memory until the next write operation. The invention is applicable to any electronic device, smart card, etc. |
| US08566571B2 |
Pre-boot securing of operating system (OS) for endpoint evaluation
Methods and apparatus involve evaluating endpoint computing assets. The endpoint has both a traditional operating system for applications, and the like, and another operating system during a pre-boot phase of operation. During use, the traditional operating system identifies a last evaluation status of the computing device at a time just prior to shutting down. Upon a next booting, the pre-boot operating system loads and examines [reads] the last evaluation status. If the last evaluation status requires any completion action in order to comply with a predetermined computing policy, either or both the operating systems attend to its effectuation, including communication/handoff by way of one or more security agents. In a variety of ways, effectuation occurs by: determining a present location of the computing device, quarantining the computing device from certain network traffic; VPN enforcement; patching applications; firewall involvement; etc. Computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08566569B2 |
State machine-based filtering of pattern history tables based on distinguishable pattern detection
Machine-based filtering of a pattern history table includes identifying a matching previous occurrence of a current branch instruction in an address history vector (AHV), the AHV storing addresses, or partial addresses, of most recently occurring branch instructions. In response to determining a direction history of the previous occurrence matches a direction history of the current branch, the machine-based filtering includes comparing the outcome of the previous occurrence with the outcome of the current branch instruction, and preventing the pattern history table from being updated with the outcome of the current branch instruction when the outcome of the previous occurrence does not match the outcome of the current branch instruction. |
| US08566568B2 |
Method and apparatus for executing processor instructions based on a dynamically alterable delay
Instruction execution delay is alterable after the system design has been finalized, thus enabling the system to dynamically account for various conditions that impact instruction execution. In some embodiments, the dynamic delay is determined by an application to be executed by the processing system. In other embodiments, the dynamic delay is determined by analyzing the history of previously executed instructions. In yet other embodiments, the dynamic delay is determined by assessing the processing resources available to a given application. Regardless, the delay may be dynamically altered on a per-instruction, multiple instruction, or application basis. Processor instruction execution may be controlled by determining a first delay value for a first set of one or more instructions and a second delay value for a second set of one or more instructions. Execution of the sets of instructions is delayed based on the corresponding delay value. |
| US08566566B2 |
Vector processing of different instructions selected by each unit from multiple instruction group based on instruction predicate and previous result comparison
There is provided a vector processing apparatus and method allowing for the parallel processing of a plurality of different instructions while maintaining vector processing architecture. The vector processing apparatus includes an instruction memory storing a multiple instruction group including one or more instructions; an instruction fetch unit reading the multiple instruction group from the instruction memory; and a plurality of instruction processing units each receiving the multiple instruction group through the instruction fetch unit, selecting a single instruction from the multiple instruction group according to a previous arithmetic result, and performing a arithmetic operation. |
| US08566564B2 |
Method and system for caching attribute data for matching attributes with physical addresses
A method for caching attribute data for matching attributes with physical addresses. The method includes storing a plurality of attribute entries in a memory, wherein the memory is configured to provide at least one attribute entry when accessed with a physical address, and wherein the attribute entry provided describes characteristics of the physical address. |
| US08566563B2 |
Translation table control
Memory address translation circuitry 14 performs a top down page table walk operation to translate a virtual memory address VA to a physical memory address PA using translation data stored in a hierarchy of translation tables 28, 32, 36, 38, 40, 42. A page size variable S is used to control the memory address translation circuitry 14 to operate with different sizes S of pages of physical memory addresses, pages of virtual memory address and translation tables. These different sizes may be all 4 kBs or all 64 kBs. The system may support multiple virtual machine execution environments. These virtual machine execution environments can independently set their own page size variable as can the page size of an associated hypervisor 62. |
| US08566560B2 |
System and method for configuring storage resources for database storage
A system and method for configuring storage resources for database storage are disclosed. A method may include mapping at least one first tablespace having a first block size to at least one first logical unit. The method may also include mapping the at least one first tablespace and the at least one first logical unit to a first cache having a size equal to the first block size. In addition, the method may include mapping at least one second tablespace having a second block size to at least one second logical unit. The method may further include mapping the at least one second tablespace and the at least one second logical unit to a second cache having a size equal to the second block size. |
| US08566557B2 |
Method and system for storage of data
A method and a system are disclosed for storing initial data from an image detecting device in a camera system initial storage medium and making the data accessible. The initial data is stored consecutively in blocks, where file specific pointers representing the starting address for each stored file and file sequence, and dynamic memory pointers that points out the next writable address, are managed and stored during real time writing of the data. The data is made accessible through a virtual representation of the data in a virtual file system with a format known by an external storage medium controller, the virtual representation being related to the file specific pointers. |
| US08566553B1 |
Techniques for automated evaluation and movement of data between storage tiers
Described are techniques for configuring data storage. A plurality of devices is selected. It is determined, for each of the plurality of devices, whether data for said each device should be located in a first storage tier or another storage tier. The first storage tier is higher performance storage tier than the other storage tier. For each of the plurality of devices that the determining step determines should be located in the first storage tier, data of said each device is automatically located on a physical storage device of the first storage tier. |
| US08566551B2 |
Information apparatus and method for controlling the same
An object is to efficiently set configurations of a storage apparatus. Provided is an information apparatus communicably coupled to a storage apparatus 10, which validates a script executed by the storage apparatus 10 for setting a configuration of the storage apparatus 10, the information apparatus generating configurations of the storage apparatus 10 when after each command described in a script is executed sequentially; and performing consistency validation on the script by determining whether or not the command described in the script is normally executable in a case the command is executed on an assumption that the storage apparatus 10 has the configuration immediately before the execution. |
| US08566548B2 |
Volume selection method and information processing system
In a storage management system in which a storage apparatus is connected via a network to a volume allocation management server having a performance requirement analysis unit, a volume allocation unit, and a volume performance determining unit, the performance requirements of a business application using volume-allocating data and the performance characteristics of a volume serving as a data storage destination are determined, and on the basis of the resulting information, a volume which satisfies the performance requirements is selected as the data storage destination. |
| US08566547B2 |
Using a migration cache to cache tracks during migration
Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for using a migration cache to cache tracks during migration. In response to a migration operation, a determination is made of a first set of tracks in the source storage indicated in an extent list and of a second set of tracks in the extent. The tracks in the source storage in the first set are copied to a migration cache. The tracks in the second set are copied directly from the source storage to the destination storage without buffering in the migration cache. The tracks in the first set are copied from the migration cache to the destination storage. The migration operation is completed in response to copying the first set of tracks from the migration cache to the destination storage and copying the second set of tracks from the source storage to the destination storage. |
| US08566545B2 |
Storage apparatus mounting frame, storage extension apparatus, and method of controlling storage apparatus
By having a storage apparatus attachment portion that secures a storage apparatus; a data read prevention processing unit that makes at least a part of data stored in the storage apparatus unreadable; and an input device that inputs a read prevention instruction for the storage apparatus, and configuring such that the data read prevention processing unit makes the data stored in the storage apparatus unreadable in response to a read prevention instruction received from the input device, data on the storage apparatus is reliably and easily set unreadable, as well as preventing data leakage from a typical storage apparatus with lower cost. |
| US08566541B2 |
Storage system storing electronic modules applied to electronic objects common to several computers, and storage control method for the same
This storage system supplies, to a plurality of computers, a plurality of duplicate volumes (CVOLs) (corresponding to duplicates of a master volume (MVOL) upon which is stored an electronic object (EO) that is common to the plurality of computers). Both the MVOL and the CVOLS are virtual logical volumes that follow sync provisioning. In the plurality of CVOLs, a plurality of physical regions that are allocated to the MVOL (i.e. regions in which the electronic object is stored) (PAs) are allocated. A storage, when writing an electronic module (EM) to which the EO is applied to the first CVOL, copies data within a first PA that is allocated to the virtual region (VA) that is the write destination to a second PA, writes the EM to the second PA, and moreover allocates the second PA to a VA of the write destination, instead of the first PA. And the storage allocates the second PA to a VA within the second CVOL corresponding to the VA of the write destination, instead of the PA that is allocated to that VA. |
| US08566533B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for conditionally sending a request for data to a node based on a determination
In operation, a first request for data is sent to a cache of a first node. Additionally, it is determined whether the first request can be satisfied within the first node, where the determining includes at least one of determining a type of the first request and determining a state of the data in the cache. Furthermore, a second request for the data is conditionally sent to a second node, based on the determination. |
| US08566532B2 |
Management of multipurpose command queues in a multilevel cache hierarchy
An apparatus for controlling access to a pipeline includes a plurality of command queues including a first subset of the plurality of command queues being assigned processes the commands of first command type, a second subset of the plurality of command queues being assigned to process commands of the second command type, and a third subset of the plurality of the command queues not being assigned to either the first subset or the second subset. The apparatus also includes an input controller configured to receive requests having the first command type and the second command type and assign requests having the first command type to command queues in the first subset until all command queues in the first subset are filled and then assign requests having the first command type to command queues in the third subset. |
| US08566529B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for generalized LRU in cache and memory performance analysis and modeling
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a generalized LRU algorithm is provided that is associated with a specified cache associativity line set value that is determined by a system user. As configured, the LRU algorithm as presented can comprise n-levels for an LRU tree, each specified tree being individually analyzed within the LRU algorithm. Within each LRU tree level comprises the associativity line value can be further broken down into sub-analysis groups of any desired configuration, however, the total sub-analysis group configuration must equal the specified cache associativity line value. |
| US08566527B2 |
System and method for usage analyzer of subscriber access to communications network
A system and a method are described, whereby a data cache enables the realization of an efficient design of a usage analyzer for monitoring subscriber access to a communications network. By exploiting the speed advantages of cache memory, as well as adopting innovative data loading and retrieval choices, significant performance improvements in the time required to access the necessary data records can be realized. |
| US08566526B2 |
Combined transparent/non-transparent cache
In one embodiment, a memory that is delineated into transparent and non-transparent portions. The transparent portion may be controlled by a control unit coupled to the memory, along with a corresponding tag memory. The non-transparent portion may be software controlled by directly accessing the non-transparent portion via an input address. In an embodiment, the memory may include a decoder configured to decode the address and select a location in either the transparent or non-transparent portion. Each request may include a non-transparent attribute identifying the request as either transparent or non-transparent. In an embodiment, the size of the transparent portion may be programmable. Based on the non-transparent attribute indicating transparent, the decoder may selectively mask bits of the address based on the size to ensure that the decoder only selects a location in the transparent portion. |
| US08566524B2 |
Transactional memory system with efficient cache support
A computer program product for use by a transaction program for managing memory access to a shared memory location for transaction data of a first thread, the shared memory location being accessible by the first thread and a second thread. A string of instructions to complete a transaction of the first thread are executed, beginning with one instruction of the string of instructions. It is determined whether the one instruction is part of an active atomic instruction group (AIG) of instructions associated with the transaction of the first thread. A cache structure and a transaction table which together provide for entries in an active mode for the AIG are located if the one instruction is part of an active AIG. The next instruction is executed under a normal execution mode in response to determining that the one instruction is not part of an active AIG. |
| US08566523B2 |
Multi-processor and apparatus and method for managing cache coherence of the same
A cache consistency management device according to example embodiments comprises a ping-pong monitoring unit monitoring a ping-pong migration sequence generated between a plurality of processors; a counting unit counting the number of successive generations of the ping-pong migration sequence in response to the monitoring result; and a request modifying unit modifying a migration request to a request of a non-migratory sharing method on the basis of the counting result. |
| US08566520B1 |
Storage space allocation for logical disk creation
The present disclosure includes apparatus, systems, computer readable storage media and techniques relating to virtualization of data storage space. In one aspect, a method performed by a data processing device includes identifying a subset of physical disks within a node. The identified subset includes at least one of the physical disks having at least one subdisk with free storage space. The node includes processing units and the physical disks arranged to form at least one group. A priority value is assigned to the identified subset of the physical disks. The identified subset of the physical disks is sorted based on the assigned priority value, and subdisks are selected from the sorted subset of the physical disks to form a logical disk. |
| US08566519B2 |
Providing preferred seed data for seeding a data deduplicating storage system
There is disclosed a computer system operable to process a plurality of logical storage unit manifests the manifests comprising respective pluralities of chunk identifiers identifying data chunks in a deduplicated data chunk store The computer system can determine at least one preferred manifest or preferred combination of manifests according to levels of duplication of the chunk identifiers within respective said manifests, and/or within respective combinations of said manifests. The computer system can provide preferred seed data corresponding to data chunks identified by the at least one preferred manifest or preferred combination of manifests. A method and computer readable medium are also disclosed. At least some embodiments facilitate timely and convenient transfer and storage of relevant data chunks to a receiving deduplicated data chunk store of a data storage system. |
| US08566515B2 |
Memory subsystem
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to memory subsystems implemented within, or connected to and accessed by, parallel, pipelined, integrated-circuit implementations of computational engines designed to solve complex computational problems. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to memory subsystems implemented within, or connected to and accessed by, a variety of different types of electronic devices. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a memory controller implemented in a first integrated circuit or other electronic system and one or more separate memory devices. Alternative embodiments of the present invention incorporate the memory controller within one or more memory devices that are connected to, and accessed by, an integrated-circuit-implemented computational engine or another electronic device. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the memory controller and memory are together integrated within a computational engine or another electronic device. Alternative embodiments of the present invention include a multi-access memory that interfaces to a simpler memory controller for connection to, or integration within, a computational engine or other electronic device. |
| US08566514B2 |
Techniques to truncate data files in nonvolatile memory
Various embodiments for performing truncate operations in nonvolatile memory are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a nonvolatile memory to perform one or more truncate operations on a data file written to the nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory to track a truncate operation performed in the nonvolatile memory. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08566504B2 |
Dynamic metablocks
A nonvolatile block erasable memory array links erase blocks together for programming with high parallelism as a metablock. Erase blocks are operated in banks, with each bank having a dedicated bus and controller. Sub-metablocks of different metablocks, in different banks, are accessed in parallel allowing different metablocks to be updated at the same time. |
| US08566502B2 |
Offloading storage operations to storage hardware using a switch
In a computer system with a disk array that has physical storage devices arranged as logical storage units and is capable of carrying out hardware storage operations on a per logical storage unit basis, a switch is provided to offload storage operations from a file system to storage hardware. The switch translates primitives used for performing storage operations into commands executable by the physical storage devices so that the data moving portion of the storage operations can be offloaded from the file system to the storage devices. |
| US08566498B2 |
Docking station with network based personality profile
A network system and method are disclosed. The network system includes at least one docking station to which a portable electronic device is individually couplable. Each of the at least one docking station is configured to allow the portable electronic device to access a network to receive information corresponding to a personality profile associated with the respective one of the at least one docking station upon the portable electronic device being coupled to the respective one of the at least one docking station. |
| US08566497B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing universal serial bus application
A system for enhancing universal serial bus (USB) applications comprises an upstream processor, a downstream processor and a main controller. The upstream processor accepts standard USB signals from a USB host and independently provides responses required by USB specification within the required time frame. The upstream processor also contains storage for descriptors for a device associated with this upstream processor. The main controller obtains the descriptors by commanding the downstream processor, and passes them to the upstream processor. The downstream processor connectable to USB-compliant devices accepts the USB signals from the USB-compliant devices and provides responses required by USB specification within the required time frame. The main controller interconnects the upstream and downstream processors, and provides timing independence between upstream and downstream timing. The main controller also commands the downstream processor to obtain device descriptors independent of the USB host. |
| US08566496B2 |
Data prefetch in SAS expanders
A SAS expander collects data access information associated with a nexus and determines whether a data prefetch is appropriate. The SAS expander identifies potential data blocks utilizing previous data requests of the nexus. The SAS expander issues a data request to the target for the potential data blocks. The SAS expander stores the potential data blocks within a prefetch cache for future utilization within a data read. |
| US08566494B2 |
Traffic class based adaptive interrupt moderation
An apparatus which comprises two or more moderation timers associated with an interrupt vector is presented. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two or more interrupt vectors and moderation timers are set with different interrupt rates. An interrupt vector logic unit sends an interrupt vector if there is an interrupt event from the queue associated with a moderation timer and the moderation timer expires. |
| US08566491B2 |
System and method for improving throughput of data transfers using a shared non-deterministic bus
System and method for facilitating data transfer between logic systems and a memory according to various conditions. Embodiments include systems and methods for facilitating and improving throughput of data transfers using a shared non-deterministic bus, a system and method for managing a memory as a circular buffer, and a system and method for facilitating data transfer between a first clock domain and a second clock domain. Embodiments may be implemented individually or in combination. |
| US08566485B2 |
Data transformation during direct memory access
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first interface circuit, a direct memory access (DMA) controller coupled to the first interface circuit, and a host coupled to the DMA controller. The first interface circuit is configured to communicate on an interface according to a protocol. The host comprises at least one address space mapped, at least in part, to a plurality of memory locations in a memory system of the host. The DMA controller is configured to perform DMA transfers between the first interface circuit and the address space, and the DMA controller is further configured to perform DMA transfers between a first plurality of the plurality of memory locations and a second plurality of the plurality of memory locations. |
| US08566482B2 |
Method and system for communicating DisplayPort and single-link DVI/HDMI information for dual-mode devices
A system and method for communicating DVI (digital visual interface) and HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) information is provided. The system includes a local unit operable to produce a downstream request packet in reaction to received DVI or HDMI information from a video source device and to transmit the request packet to a remote unit via a first simplex channel of a communications link. The remote unit operates to produce an upstream reply packet in reaction to received DVI or HDMI information by the remote unit from a video sink device and to transmit the reply packet to the local unit via a communications link. The system allows greater distances and allows various communications mediums to be used between the source and sink, and can communicate DVI and HDMI information and other information via a variety of different communications links. |
| US08566479B2 |
Method and system to allow logical partitions to access resources
Disclosed are a method of and a system for enabling a program running on a logical partition, of a logically partitioned data processing system, to access directly resources of the data processing system. The method comprising the steps of, said program transforming a first address for a resource of a specific type on the data processing system, to a second address, within an address space allocated to said logical partition; and said program using said second address space to access a resource of said specific type allocated to said logical partition. In this way, the present invention may be used to enable a program running within a partition's address space to access IO devices directly, thus avoiding the overhead of making a hypervisor call. |
| US08566478B2 |
Information collecting system, communication terminal and information collecting method
Information transmission requests are delivered to communication terminals existing in a specific area, to collect information held in the communication terminals, without inducing congestion. In an information collecting device included in an information collecting system, terminal information and capacity information are acquired based on base station identifying information, and information of an information amount of collected information is further acquired based on a collected information type that identifies a type of the collected information. In an information collection controlling unit, transmission timing information, designating the timing at which a capacity of performing communication via a base station is not exceeded, is generated based on the terminal information, the information-amount information and the capacity information, and an information transmission request including the transmission timing information is delivered to a communication terminal. |
| US08566477B2 |
Real-time multi-block lossless recompression
Exemplary methods, computer systems, and computer program products for processing a previously compressed data stream in a computer environment are provided. In one embodiment, the computer environment is configured for separating a previously compressed data stream into an input data block including a header input block having a previously compressed header. Sequences of bits are included with the input data block. Compression scheme information is derived from the previously compressed header. The input data block is accessed and recompressed following the header input block in the previously compressed data stream one at a time using block-image synchronization information. Access to the block-image synchronization information is initialized by the compression scheme information to generate an output data block. The block-image synchronization information is used to provide decompression information to facilitate decompression of the results of the output data block. |
| US08566473B2 |
General input/output architecture, protocol and related methods to implement flow control
An enhanced general input/output communication architecture, protocol and related methods are presented. In one embodiment, a method for an enhanced general input/output communication architecture includes initializing a flow control mechanism within an general input/output (GIO) interface associated with a virtual channel upon initialization of the virtual channel, and tracking receive buffer availability in a remote GIO interface coupled with the GIO interface by the virtual channel by monitoring an indication associated with an amount of content transmitted from the GIO interface to the remote GIO interface. |
| US08566471B1 |
Method of providing network link bonding and management
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing network link bonding and management is presented. At least one physical link is established between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. A logical link is established at an application server level between the first endpoint and the second endpoint, the logical link including said at least one physical link. At least one physical link is used to provide communications between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. Messages are distributed among the physical links and the received messages are ordered into a single stream for the higher layer application. |
| US08566467B2 |
Data processing system and method
Embodiments of the present invention relate a data processing method comprising executing a first application on a first processor of a multiprocessor system and implementing, on the first processor, a first protocol stack supporting a first communication channel, bearing first communication data, associated with the first application; and executing a second application on a second processor of the multiprocessor system and implementing, on the second processor, a second protocol stack supporting a second communication channel, bearing second communication data, associated with the second application. |
| US08566464B2 |
Network based storage and accounts
Managing information related to an entity. The method includes storing a cache of data particular to an entity. The cache of data is related to the entity and controlled by the entity. The data in the cache of data is organized into a number of distinct subject matters. Access is provided to a portion of the data to a third party. Access is provided based on the third party being a service provider providing services related to the one of the distinct subject matters. Access is provided while restricting access to other portions of the data to the third party. Additional data is received from the third party. The additional data is added from the third party to the cache of data and the additional data is organized into the one of the distinct subject matters such that the additional data is also related to and controlled by the entity. |
| US08566463B2 |
Concurrent web based multi-task support for control management system
To improve efficiency of accessing and managing the central controlled distributed scalable virtual machine (“CCDSVM”) of the present invention, the hundreds and thousands of systems in the CCDSVM can be organized into multiple groups (service pools) with a multi-layered hierarchy. The CCDSVM includes at least a control system to control and organize a management pool that comprises a plurality of middle level control systems, and each middle control system can control a service pool that comprises a plurality of servers (computing devices). In addition, different privileged users are permitted to log into each control system at different levels for further accessing the permitted servers in each pool. Specially, the present invention including a method of web based multi-tasking support to enhance the web based manageability and operations of the multi-layered CCDSVM. |
| US08566462B2 |
Methods of controlling access to network content referenced within structured documents
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to methods of controlling access to one or more items of network content referenced within a structured document such as an RSS feed. Embodiments of the invention are particularly suited to podcasting, where the access control is based on monetary payment, presentation of coupons or other promotional devices, or other forms of web commerce; or may limit the duration of accessibility of the content, the number of times it can be downloaded, or other characteristics of access. |
| US08566460B1 |
Method and apparatus for initiating temporary configuration allowing remote accessing via a network device
A method and apparatus for establishing a network connection using a temporary Internet Protocol (“IP”) address are disclosed. The process, in one embodiment, is operable to detect link status from a link which is connected to a port of an access device. After identifying a link configuration from a set of predefined link configurations in accordance with the link status, an interface corresponding to the link configuration is enabled. Once a temporary IP address associated with the interface is assigned, the process sends a message indicating that the access device is reachable via the link in accordance with the temporary IP address. |
| US08566456B2 |
System and method for communicating with an electronic exchange in an electronic trading environment
System and methods for a connection proxy server are described. According to an example method described herein, a connection proxy server stores subscription, product tables as well as other downloads that are provided to a client terminal during initialization stage as well as later during a trading session. Upon detecting that a connection between the client terminal and a gateway is lost, the connection proxy maintains a communication session created for the client terminal at the gateway and receives data intended for the client terminal. If the connection is re-established between the client terminal and the gateway during a predetermined period of time, the connection proxy provides the stored data to the client terminal thus avoiding a surge in processing resources at the gateway due to the necessary downloads. |
| US08566452B1 |
Intelligent HTTP based load-balancing, persistence, and application traffic management of SSL VPN tunnels
A system, apparatus, and method are directed to converting from a use of a HTTPS connection to a tunnel connection while maintaining an underlying connection between a client and a server. An HTTPS connection is employed to establish a network connection between a client device and a network device. A gateway is selected to receive a request from the client device. In one embodiment, selecting may comprise using load-balancing, cookie-persistence, or the like. Subsequently, the HTTPS connection is transitioned to another application layer communication protocol connection. Transitioning may comprise converting from a use of a first protocol stack configured to process a HTTP connection to a second protocol stack configured to process a non-HTTP based application protocol connection, and establishing a tunnel between the client device and a server through the selected gateway. |
| US08566450B2 |
Systems and methods for GSLB site persistence
The present invention provides maintains site persistence in a hierarchical Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB) deployment. Via configuration of GSLB services locally and remotely on each of the GSLB appliances and LB appliances at a site, a site appliance identifies and associates requests from the GSLB with the site. Furthermore, the site appliance may receive a GSLB cookie with the client request and confirms the request is from the expected GSLB in the site hierarchy. When the load balancers receives a response from a server, the appliance may include the GSLB cookie with the response back to the client. The appliance may also include an LB cookie to identify the server selected by the LB. When the client sends another request, the request may include the GSLB and LB cookie. |
| US08566449B2 |
Method and system for validating configuration data in a multi-tenant environment
Validation systems and methods are described to validate domain name services (DNS) or other configuration data for multiple network services provided by a common multi-tenant application server. A validation system suitably receives configuration data from the multi-tenant application server for each of the services provided. The validation system also performs a validation query to a domain name services or other public service on the network to obtain public data about each service. The publicly-available information is compared to the data received from the multi-tenant application server, and any anomalies are reported and/or repaired as appropriate. |
| US08566448B2 |
System and method for providing device file using device identifier
A system and method for providing a device profile using a device identifier are disclosed. The system for providing a device profile using a device identifier includes: a mobile terminal that provides a device identifier having information regarding a hierarchical structure of a server and a model name; a plurality of servers that analyze the device identifier to recognize the lowermost server when the device identifier is queried, acquire a device profile corresponding to the device identifier through the lowermost server, and provide the acquired device profile; and an application server that connects to one of the plurality of servers, queries the device identifier, and is provided with a device profile corresponding to the device identifier. Device description of various mobile terminals can be more effectively managed and used in a mobile environment. |
| US08566446B2 |
Write operation control in storage networks
An exemplary storage network and methods of operation are disclosed. The exemplary storage network comprises a plurality of storage cells. At least one storage cell comprises physical storage media and a storage media controller that controls data transfer operations with the storage media. The exemplary storage network further comprises a plurality of host computers configurable to execute write operations to at least one storage cell, at least one write control server that regulates the write operations of one or more host computers, and a communication network that provides communication connections between the storage cells, the host computers, and the write control server. In exemplary methods of operation the write control server regulates write access by the host computers. In another exemplary method of operation the write control server broadcasts a write failure signal to one or more host computers in the network. |
| US08566444B1 |
Methods and system for simultaneous multiple rules checking
A method and system for checking data against a plurality of rules simultaneously. A data string having keywords in the data string is received. All of the keywords in the data string are simultaneously examined against rule keywords using for example, a finite state machine constructed by the Aho-Corasick algorithm. The rule keyword represents at least one rule of the plurality of rules. It is determined which of the plurality of rules are satisfied by the data string based on whether each keyword matches the rule keywords. Such rules may be used for application such as negative security policies. |
| US08566441B2 |
Network latency estimation for mobile devices
Embodiments calculate an estimated latency between computing devices. A latency service aggregates latency records defining latency measurements and corresponding latency factors from a plurality of computing devices. From the aggregated latency records, the latency service defines relationships between the latency measurements and the corresponding latency factors. Responsive to a request for an estimated latency from a mobile computing device, the latency service applies the defined relationships to estimate the latency based on the latency factors associated with the received request. In some embodiments, the estimated latency includes three portions: a first latency value representing the latency from the mobile computing device to a cell site, a second latency value representing the latency from the cell site to an access point, and a third latency value representing the latency from the access point to a destination computing device. |
| US08566438B2 |
Communication tagging
A communication system including a database adapted to store communication tag information; and a database agent. The database agent is adapted to determine if a communication has a task tag. The database agent is adapted to transfer predetermined communication tag information of the task tag of the communication to the database. The database agent is adapted to automatically send a communication based upon information stored in the predetermined communication tag information. |
| US08566436B1 |
Data client
Facilitating the distribution of content is disclosed. A request for content is received from a requesting peer. A peer type compatibility criteria is applied to an allocation process that allocates at least one sending peer to deliver the content to the requesting peer. The peer type compatibility criteria ensures that a lightweight peer is paired with a regular peer. |
| US08566435B1 |
Computer implemented configuration of a management module
A system and computer-implemented method for configuring a baseboard management controller (BMC) for use in monitoring operation of various computer system components is disclosed. The BMC is communicatively connected to a plurality of components by way of a plurality of slave addresses. Each of the plurality of components sense information related to operating and performance-related parameters associated with various operating conditions inherent in the operation of the computer system. The components provide this sensed information to the BMC, which analyzes the information to determine whether any events are occurring in the computer system. Such an event would be the temperature within the computer system chassis being too hot. Those components communicatively connected to the management module are detected and then identified. Based on these identifications, a configuration file is created and incorporated into the BMC firmware to effectuate the aforementioned configuration process. |
| US08566431B2 |
Identification device and method for device identification
A device having a unique identification or an identifier for uniquely identifying the device. The unique identification can be a series of alphanumeric characters, a series of numeric characters or letters of the alphabet. The device further comprises a storage module for storing the unique identification. The device also comprises a controller for establishing communication with a computing system over a network when the device is coupled to the network. The device has an address on the network, also known as a network address, when coupled thereto. The network address and the unique identification are transmittable by the controller to the computing system upon communication being established with computing system. The controller comprises a processor and a network access module for facilitating coupling of the device to the network. The device is able to receive data from the computing system, the data storable in the storage module. |
| US08566429B2 |
Firmware updating system and method for update the same
A firmware updating system and a method for updating the same are provided. The firmware updating system comprises an image updating device and an embedded device. The image updating device comprises a first storage device and a merging module. The first storage device is for storing a first header and a first file system. The merging system is for merging the first header and the first file system to output a first image file. The embedded device comprises a second storage device and a self-updating module. The second storage device is for storing a second image file. The second image file includes a second header, a second file system, and a third file system. The self-updating module is for updating the second file system of the second image file as the first file system according to the first image file. |
| US08566421B2 |
Method for creating and providing layered syndicated data for multimedia content to users
A layered syndicated feed or content is provided having layers defined according to a media type (e.g., text, graphic, audio, or video) wherein each layer has a plurality of levels such that each level provides either inclusive or exclusive content of the layer's media type in varying degrees of detail or depth. Furthermore, a system is provided for requesting and storing user and mobile device profiles indicative of the syndicated content layers and levels that the user is interested in receiving and that the user's mobile device is capable of receiving. |
| US08566415B2 |
Safe torque off over network wiring
Systems and methods for providing Safe Torque Off signals using communication wires used for control signaling. Single channel Safe Torque Off signals can be provided as a DC voltage or AC voltage across two sets of twisted pair wires. Alternatively, two Safe Torque Off signals can be provided using both a DC voltage and an AC voltage across the two sets of twisted pair wires. |
| US08566408B2 |
Method and system for providing a stateful experience while accessing content using a global textsite platform
A method for providing access to content using a global textsite platform (GTP), including receiving, from a user device associated with a device identifier, a first user message including a first navigation state identifier of a sequential plurality of navigation state identifiers, identifying a first text page of the textsite associated with the first navigation state identifier, and identifying a second text page associated with a first navigating keyword, where the second text page is navigable from the first text page. The method also includes determining a second navigation state identifier sequentially after the first navigation state identifier, associating the second text page with the second navigation state identifier, and storing the association. The method also includes generating a GTP message of the first text page, including the first navigating keyword modified by the second navigation state identifier, and sending the GTP message for display on the user device. |
| US08566404B2 |
Instant messaging system and method
Methods and apparatuses for processing an instant message from a source wireless communication device to a destination device are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes receiving the instant message from the source wireless communication device, the instant message having a source wireless communication identifier, a destination instant messenger identifier, and data contents; extracting the source wireless communication identifier, the destination instant messenger identifier and the data contents from the instant message; retrieving a source instant messenger identifier corresponding to the source wireless communication identifier; binding the source instant messenger identifier with the source wireless communication identifier; and transmitting the data contents with the source instant messenger identifier to the destination device over a communication network, based on the destination instant messenger identifier. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08566402B2 |
Dynamic subscription and message routing on a topic between publishing nodes and subscribing nodes
A system for dynamic message routing on a topic between publishing nodes and subscribing nodes includes a plurality of message queues, at least one topic/node table, a subscribing module, a publishing module, and other modules to send messages between one or more publisher and one or more subscribers. These modules are coupled together by a bus in a plurality of nodes and provide for the dynamic message routing on a topic between publishing nodes and subscribing nodes. The message queues store messages at each node for delivery to subscribers local to that node. The topic/node table lists which clients subscribe to which topics, and is used by the other modules to ensure proper distribution of messages. The subscribing module is use to establish a subscription to a topic for that node. The publishing module is used to identify subscribers to a topic and transmit messages to subscribers dynamically. The other modules include various devices to optimize message communication in a publish/subscribe architecture operating on a distributed computing system. The present invention also includes a number of novel methods including: a method for publishing a message on a topic, a method for forwarding a message on a topic, a method for subscribing to messages on a topic, a method for automatically removing subscribers, a method for direct publishing of messages, and methods for optimizing message transmission between nodes. |
| US08566398B2 |
Web based extranet architecture providing applications to non-related subscribers
An extranet includes a network which couples a plurality of non-related participants and a server coupled to the network. The server stores a plurality of applications including workgroup applicants, transaction applications, security applications and transport circuits and equipment. The server is programmed to load particular ones of the plurality of applications onto the network for use by the plurality of participants in response to a request by one of the participants for a particular application. |
| US08566397B2 |
Operations management using communications and collaboration platform
A collaboration service operation method provides an efficient and flexible method for operating services implemented across multiple systems. In particular, the method includes determining a change in a master record, and determining the nature of the change. Based on the nature of the change, the method further determines services to be implemented according to business rules and also determines to which systems the services will be implemented. |
| US08566396B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending authentication request message in a social network
The present disclosure describes a method and an apparatus for sending an authentication request message in a social network. In order to resolve the problem that there are few parameters to be relied on when a user authenticates a request seeking to establish a social network relationship with the user, the method disclosed by the present disclosure includes: a social network server that, after obtaining an authentication request message sent by a first client to a second client to request to establish a social network relationship, modifies the first client's identification information in the first authentication request message to a third client's identification information to obtain a second authentication request message. The third client has a social network relationship with the first client and also has a direct social network relationship with the second client. The second authentication request message is sent to the second client. As the third client's identification information is used as identification information of a sending party in the second authentication request message that is sent to the second client, there will be more parameters for use when the second client verifies the request to establish the social network relationship. |
| US08566394B2 |
Mobile social interaction
A question associated with a first user may be obtained. A search link may be determined based on content of the first question A response may be obtained. Updates to a content graph may be initiated, including an addition of a question node and a first link indicating asking of the question by the first user, and an addition of a response node and a second link indicating an answer relationship between the question and the response, and a third link indicating answering of the question from a second user, the second user associated with the first user via a friend link indicating a friend connection relationship between nodes associated with the first user and the second user. |
| US08566393B2 |
Methods and systems for scalable video chunking
Methods and systems for creating and retrieving scalable media files using a chunking model. A plurality of network abstraction layer (NAL) units representing a scalable media presentation are grouped into a plurality of video chunks wherein each chunk represents only the NAL units of one layer and a specific time period. The plurality of video chunks are then stored in one or more scalable media files along with indexing information which provides information for retrieving the NAL units from each video chunk. In this manner, a client can request only the video chunks (and thus NAL units) that it needs or wants to achieve a specific bandwidth. |
| US08566389B2 |
Thin network protocol
A method for a server to process a transaction on remote client hardware is disclosed. A local request is generated for the transaction. A driver level message to the remote client hardware is generated. The driver level message is sent directly to the remote client hardware to process the transaction. |
| US08566388B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing numerous messages
A method and apparatus for managing numerous messages are provided. The method includes: A. pulling, by a client terminal, a message index list from a server; B. pulling, by the client terminal, message bodies corresponding to message indexes in the message index list in batches; C. managing, by the client terminal, the pulled message bodies and message indexes by using a message pool mode; D. after receiving a finish indication triggered by a user, storing, by the client terminal, the message indexes and the message bodies in the message pool to a local disk. By using the present invention, numerous messages are managed. |
| US08566387B2 |
Universal architecture for client management extensions on monitoring, control, and configuration
Provided are techniques for, under control of an agent: receiving a request from a first database client to access a service from a set of services, wherein the agent is associated with the service; receiving a request from a second database client to access the service, wherein the agent is shared by the first database client and the second database client; combining information from the first database client and the second database client; and sending the combined information to the service using a single physical connection in a client-side Client Management Extension (CMX) connection, wherein the first database client and the second database client share the single physical connection. |
| US08566386B2 |
Logging of rich entertainment platform service history for use as a community building tool
Systems, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed for aggregating event records obtained from a plurality of videogame consoles, and generating event objects for each event record of the plurality. Additionally, the event objects can be stored in a database that is exposed to a third party via a connection to a network such as the Internet. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08566382B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved calculation of multiple dimension fast fourier transforms
Apparatus and methods for storing data in a block to provide improved accessibility of the stored data in two or more dimensions. The data is loaded into memory macros constituting a row of the block such that sequential values in the data are loaded into sequential memory macros. The data loaded in the row is circularly shifted a predetermined number of columns relative to the preceding row. The circularly shifted row of data is stored, and the process is repeated until a predetermined number of rows of data are stored. A two dimensional (2D) data block is thereby formed. Each memory macro is a predetermined number of bits wide and each column is one memory macro wide. |
| US08566381B2 |
Systems and methods for sequence detection in data processing
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for sequence detection. As an example, a method for data detection is disclosed that includes: receiving a series of data samples at a detector circuit; multiplying a portion of the series of data samples by a first correlator value corresponding to a first binary transition to yield a first value; multiplying the portion of the series of data samples by a second correlator value corresponding to a second binary transition to yield a second value; adding the first value to a prior state value to yield a first interim value; adding the second value to the prior state value to yield a second interim value; and selecting the larger of the first interim value and the second interim value to yield a surviving interim value. |
| US08566380B2 |
Device for DFT calculation
A device to perform DFT calculations, for example in a GNSS receiver, including two banks of multipliers by constant integer value, the values representing real and imaginary part of twiddle factors in the DFT. A control unit selectively routes the data through the appropriate multipliers to obtain the desired DFT terms. Unused multipliers are tied to constant input values, in order to minimize dynamic power. |
| US08566378B2 |
Systems and methods for retry sync mark detection
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for sync mark detection. As an example, a sync mark detection circuit is discussed that includes a storage circuit, a plurality of noise predictive filter circuits, and a controller circuit. The storage circuit is operable to store a data input as a stored input. The plurality of noise predictive filters are operable to receive a processing input. At least one of the noise predictive filters is selectably modifiable to either increase the probability of finding a sync mark in the processing input or to maintain a baseline probability of finding the sync mark in the processing input. The controller circuit is operable to determine an operational mode that may be a standard operational mode, a bit flipping mode, or a filter modification mode. |
| US08566377B2 |
Secure random number generator
A random number generator circuit includes a first memory having multiple storage elements. Each of the storage elements has an initial state corresponding thereto when powered up by a voltage supply source applied to the first memory. The first memory is operative to generate a first signal including multiple bits indicative of the respective initial states of the storage elements. The random number generator circuit further includes an error correction circuit coupled to the first memory. The error correction circuit is operative to receive the first signal and to correct at least one bit in the first signal that is not repeatable upon successive applications of power to the first memory to thereby generate a second signal. The second signal is a random number that is repeatable upon successive applications of power to the first memory. |
| US08566371B1 |
Reclaiming storage from a file system in a file server
A file server provides access to a file system built on a logical volume of data storage. The file system includes multiple cylinder groups of file system blocks, and the logical volume includes slices of the cylinder groups. The file server has a storage reorganizer for identifying allocated file system blocks in a selected slice, and evacuating the identified allocated file system blocks from the selected slice. The selected slice is evacuated by reverse mapping each identified allocated block to identify a file to which the identified allocated block is allocated, allocating a new block in another slice, copying data from the identified allocated block to the new block, and substituting the new block for the identified allocated block in the file. |
| US08566365B1 |
Digital asset hosting and distribution
A first collection of content that includes digital assets is maintained on a host computer. Based on a determination that a portable media device becomes connected to a client computer that is separate from the host computer and that interacts with the host computer, initiation of a synchronization of the first collection of content resident on the host computer with a second collection of content on the portable media device is automatically triggered. The synchronization of the first collection with the second collection includes a transfer of at least one of the digital assets from the host computer to the client computer to the portable media device and is triggered and conditioned upon the determination that the portable media device has become connected to the client computer. |
| US08566364B2 |
Web service discovery via data abstraction model augmented by field relationship identification
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a selection of a particular logical field via a database query interface. The method includes querying a discovery registry associated with a data abstraction model of a database to discover one or more web services. A web service input and a web service output of a particular discovered web service are associated with logical fields of the data abstraction model via the discovery registry. The method further includes initiating execution of a discovered web service that returns a list of values. The list of values obtained by the discovered web service may be augmented with information determined based on field relationship metadata of the data abstraction model. |
| US08566363B2 |
Ontology expansion
Techniques for ontology expansion are provided. In one disclosed method, an ontology is first identified. Terms in the ontology are disambiguated to identify term senses. Additional senses are identified using a lexical database. The additional senses are then added to the ontology to generate an augmented or expanded ontology. |
| US08566359B1 |
Unfolding sparse data sets
Empty elements or positions in an arrangement of data are hidden or revealed to present an overview of the relationships between empty and non-empty elements. Empty elements may be revealed at fractional increments of the interval between the two items. Additional empty elements may be revealed at smaller fractional increments of the intervals. Empty elements may be revealed at fixed increments within the interval between two items, with additional empty elements revealed at further multiples of this increment. Hierarchical arrangements of data may be unfolded or expanded to reveal additional empty or non-empty elements at further hierarchy levels. Similarly, nodes of arbitrary graphs that are empty, associated with a specified hierarchy level, and/or satisfy any other criteria may be automatically hidden and grouped with visible items. Hidden data may be revealed based on hierarchy level or a relative position with respect to one, two, or more visible items. |
| US08566356B2 |
High efficiency binary encoding
A method and a system are provided for encoding and processing digital information. The digital information is encoded according to binary encoding formats corresponding to primitive data types. The primitive data types comprise scalar data types including Boolean, integer, float, decimal, time stamp, string, symbol, binary large object, and character large object data types. The primitive data types also comprise composite data types including structure, list, and S-expression data types. The binary-encoded digital information is stored in a message with a predetermined format for transmission. No metadata is included in the message. |
| US08566353B2 |
Web-based system for collaborative generation of interactive videos
Systems and methods are provided for adding and displaying interactive annotations for existing online hosted videos. A graphical annotation interface allows the creation of annotations and association of the annotations with a video. Annotations may be of different types and have different functionality, such as altering the appearance and/or behavior of an existing video, e.g. by supplementing it with text, allowing linking to other videos or web pages, or pausing playback of the video. Authentication of a user desiring to perform annotation of a video may be performed in various manners, such as by checking a uniform resource locator (URL) against an existing list, checking a user identifier against an access list, and the like. As a result of authentication, a user is accorded the appropriate annotation abilities, such as full annotation, no annotation, or annotation restricted to a particular temporal or spatial portion of the video. |
| US08566349B2 |
Handwritten document categorizer and method of training
A method and an apparatus for training a handwritten document categorizer are disclosed. For each category in a set into which handwritten documents are to be categorized, discriminative words are identified from the OCR output of a training set of typed documents labeled by category. A group of keywords is established including some of the discriminative words identified for each category. Samples of each of the keywords in the group are synthesized using a plurality of different type fonts. A keyword model is then generated for each keyword, parameters of the model being estimated, at least initially, based on features extracted from the synthesized samples. Keyword statistics for each of a set of scanned handwritten documents labeled by category are generated by applying the generated keyword models to word images extracted from the scanned handwritten documents. The categorizer is trained with the keyword statistics and respective handwritten document labels. |
| US08566344B2 |
Determining whether an input string matches at least one regular expression using lookahead finite automata based regular expression detection
Previously configured state machines may accept an input string, and for each of the regular expression(s), check for a match between the input string accepted and the given regular expression using the configured nodes of the state machine corresponding to the given regular expression. Checking for a match between the input string accepted and the given regular expression using configured nodes of a state machine corresponding to the given regular expression by using the configured nodes of the state machine may include (1) checking detection events from a simple string detector, (2) submitting queries to identified modules of a variable string detector, and (3) receiving detection events from the identified modules of the variable string detector. |
| US08566343B2 |
Searching backward to speed up query
A method, computing device, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are provided for performing a context-aware search by finding a set of nodes that are mapped to a given text or other value and, for each node in the set of nodes, performing a reverse path lookup to determine whether the node satisfies a given context. The query processor performs the reverse path lookup for a node by traversing up a node tree away from the node, using a stored mapping from the node to a parent of the node. Using mappings from nodes to parent nodes, the node tree is traversed backwards from the node up to distant ancestor nodes through parent nodes. An optimizer instructs the query processor to perform a value-based portion of the search before a path-based portion of the search based on value distribution statistics and path distribution statistics. |
| US08566342B2 |
In-memory data optimization system
The present invention is directed to database applications in which the identification of entries is structured in a custom way using templates. The means for identification is used as a vehicle for submitted queries to and obtaining responses from the database such that the query and response process is significantly faster than applications presently in use. |
| US08566341B2 |
Continuous aggregation on a data grid
A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, one or more events are received, a new intermediate state of a data partition is created based on the event, and the new intermediate state is stored. The new intermediate state is reduced into a form suitable for aggregation, and an aggregate value is created by aggregating the new intermediate state with other intermediate states of other data partitions. |
| US08566335B1 |
Enterprise space management and restacking
Methods and systems for performing enterprise space management and for performing building restack operations are provided herein. A space management database system prepares and exports space management data for manual restacking by a user. The database system groups records by zone or by a commonality such as being located within a common divisible location, and exports the data in an editable format, e.g., as a spreadsheet. After a user edits the restack data to indicate a move within an organization's space under management, the data is imported back into the space management database, and then applied against one or more future planning periods to indicate a move of a cost center to or from a location. |
| US08566331B1 |
Ordering image search results
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking images are disclosed. An image search subsystem generates an adjustment factor representative of a quality measure of an image relative to a search query. The quality represents a relevance of the image to the query. The adjustment factor can be computed based on relevance data for the image to the query and image similarity data representing a relative similarity between the image and other images relevant to the query. The relevance data can be based on user actions in response to the image being included in search results for the query. The adjustment factor can be scaled based on whether the relevance data and the image similarity data both indicate that the image is relevant to the search query. A relevance score is computed based on the adjustment factor (e.g., a product of the adjustment factor and relevance score). |
| US08566330B1 |
Prioritizing feed content
Techniques for providing prioritized content to a mobile device include detecting, for each feed of a number of feeds delivered to the mobile device through a portal, one or more associated tags, each tag comprising a keyword; comparing the one or more tags associated with the feeds to one or more properties associated with a user profile of a user in the portal; ranking, based on the comparison, the feeds to define a ranked list of feeds; and preparing a subset of the ranked list of feeds for display on the mobile device. |
| US08566328B2 |
Prioritization and updating of contact information from multiple sources
Collecting contact information for a plurality of contact entities from various sources and ranking the contact information based at least on the sources. The ranking of the contact information is determined based on the reliability of the sources. The ranked contact information is shared with users subject to privacy settings. The privacy setting allows the users or the contact entity to share certain contact information with others while keeping certain contact information privately or sharing the contact information with a limited number of users. After a change in the contact information from a reliable source is detected, the change may be propagated to other sources or client devices of the users. |
| US08566326B2 |
High-performance log-based processing
Each of a plurality of Worker processes are allowed to perform any and all of the following tasks involving logged work items: (1) reading a subset of the work items from a log; (2) sequentially ordering work items for corresponding data objects; (3) applying a sequentially ordered set of work items to a corresponding data object; and (4) transmitting a subset of work items to a Worker process running on another database server in a cluster, if necessary. These tasks can be performed concurrently, at will, and as available, by the Worker processes. An improved checkpointing technique eliminates the need for the Worker processes to get to a synchronization point and stop. Instead, a Coordinator process examines the current state of progress of the Worker processes and computes a past point in the sequence of work items at which all work items before that point have been completely processed, and records this point as the checkpoint. |
| US08566325B1 |
Building search by contents
Aspects of the invention relate generally to identifying and providing 3D models in response to a search request. More specifically, a server may access a database of 3D models, at least some of which include geolocation information such as an address, intersection, or geolocation coordinates. The server may select a particular model and identify points of interest. For example, the server may use detailed map information to identify points of interest located at or near the geolocation information associated with the particular model. Once a point of interest has been identified, a corresponding system tag may be generated and associated with the 3D model. Tags may be used to index, search, and retrieve 3D models in response to a search request. For example, when a request for a 3D model is received, the server identifies the search terms and searches the tags to identify relevant 3D models. |
| US08566321B2 |
Relativistic concept measuring system for data clustering
A method and apparatus for mapping concepts and attributes to distance fields via rvachev-functions. The steps including generating, for a plurality of objects, equations representing boundaries of attributes for each respective object, converting, for a plurality of objects, the equations into greater than or equal to zero type inequalities, generating, for a plurality of objects, a logical expression combining regions of space defined by the inequalities into a semantic entity, and substituting, for a plurality of objects, the logical expression with a corresponding rvachev-function such that the resulting rvachev-function is equal to 0 on a boundary of the semantic entity, greater then 0 inside a region of the semantic entity, and less then 0 outside the region of the semantic entity. Also included is the step of generating a composite rvachev-function representing logical statements corresponding to the plurality of objects using the respective rvachev-functions of the objects. |
| US08566320B2 |
System and method for selectively providing an aggregated trend
A method of selectively providing an aggregated trend obtained from at least a subset of a plurality of individual trends. The method comprises deciding whether to provide the aggregated trend by determining whether an individual trend in at least the subset of the plurality of individual trends can be at least partially identified from the aggregated trend. |
| US08566319B2 |
Selectively organizing a recipient list based on external group data
An ungrouped list associated with a communication artifact can be identified. The information can be associated with a recipient, which can be a user registered within a computing system. Group data information associated with an external source can be received. The source can be a data source not associated with the artifact. The group data can include a group and/or a contact identifier. Recipient information from the recipient list can be associated with a group identifier if the recipient identifier is equivalent to the contact identifier within the group data. A grouped list can be generated from the associated data. A grouped list can be presented within an interface. The presenting can present recipient information within a logical grouping for at least a portion of the recipients of the ungrouped list. The grouping can be an organization of recipient information associated with the group identifier. |
| US08566317B1 |
Apparatus and methods for scalable object clustering
One embodiment relates to an apparatus configured to efficiently group a set of strings into clusters of related strings. Data storage is configured to store computer-readable code and data, and a processor is configured to access the data storage and to execute said computer-readable code. Computer-readable code is configured to receive the set of strings, determine an evaluation function between pairs of strings in said set, and group the strings into clusters, wherein determining the evaluation function between pairs of strings utilizes hash tables. Another embodiment relates to a computer-implemented method of efficiently grouping a set of strings into clusters of related strings based on rules of inference. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed. |
| US08566316B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program, and information processing system
An information processing apparatus includes a creating block configured to create relating information for relating each of one or more news gathering materials that are data obtained as a result of news gathering in accordance with predetermined news gathering contents with an On Air material, which is abbreviated to OA material, obtained as a result of editing the one or more news gathering materials. |
| US08566301B2 |
Document revisions in a collaborative computing environment
In a collaborative computing environment, a method and system for displaying revisions associated with a hosted electronic document are disclosed. In accordance with the disclosed method and system, select revisions of an electronic document may be displayed to a user as media (e.g. Flash™ animation, QuickTime™, MPEG, Windows™ Media Video, RealMedia™, DivX™, DHTML, etc.) in which the revisions are animated, recreating a visual history play-back of the evolution of the document. The animation may include an image of each selected revision, morphing into another image of another revision. The animation may be displayed in various orders (e.g. chronologically, by user, etc.) The user may use an application on a client device (e.g. a web-browser, a web-browser with a media plug-in, a media players, etc.) to view the media file and control various properties of the animation playback (e.g. speed, direction, pausing, skipping forward or back, etc.). |
| US08566300B2 |
Mechanism for efficient maintenance of XML index structures in a database system
A method and apparatus for efficiently maintaining XML index structures in a database system is provided. Instead of immediately synchronizing the XML index structures for every change submitted to the database, the changes are stored in a PENDING table. The XML index structures are periodically synchronized, based on certain criteria or at a user's discretion. Between synchronizations, the XML index structures may be in stale mode or current mode. If in stale mode, a request to access indexed information will use the XML index structures to find the desired indexed information without checking the PENDING table. If in current mode, a request to access indexed information will search the XML index structures and also check the PENDING table to determine 1) whether the indexed information has been updated or deleted, and 2) whether information relevant to the request has been inserted or updated. |
| US08566299B2 |
Method for managing lock resources in a distributed storage system
A method and a distributed locking system for the management of lock resources in a distributed files system having several lock managers, each managing lock resources in its respective domain. Each lock manager maintains a registry lock file that comprises of a list of all locked files and a list of lock requests. The registry lock files of all lock managers in the distributed locking system are saved in a central database. Furthermore, the system enables concurrent locking operations of different file sharing protocols on the same file system resources. |
| US08566298B1 |
Method and apparatus for sharing resource locks amongst applications
A method and apparatus for sharing an exclusive lock for a resource amongst a defined plurality of applications. A first application to lock a resource is given a key. The first application may provide the key to other applications to allow those applications to simultaneously access the locked resource. Generally, the first application will only provide keys to applications that are compatible with the first application such that the applications having keys to a resource will be able to simultaneously access the resource without conflict. |
| US08566295B2 |
System and method for electronically storing essential data
A method for storing electronic data blocks at a storage facility uses a public database and a select database. Hash for each data block is evaluated at the facility to determine whether the data block is already stored at the facility. New data blocks are assigned a new address in the select database when encrypted with a customer key. Otherwise, they are assigned a new address in the public database by default. Duplicate data blocks are assigned a previously established address for the data block in either the public or select database. All addresses are then sent to the customer location for file integrity and only the content of new data blocks need to be sent to the storage facility (i.e. no need for duplicates). |
| US08566293B2 |
Apparatus and method for creating and managing personalized services in communication system
An apparatus for creating and managing personalized services includes: a pre-processing unit for converting vendor- and device-specific sensor data into a normalized form; an analysis unit for determining a current state of entities being managed based on the normalized sensor data to thereby determine whether current services and/or resources that have been allocated to a user are being satisfied or not; and a personalization unit for examining state-related context data to determine what action to take. The personalization of the services and/or resources provided to a user or set of users is managed by context-sensitive policy rules. In addition, a set of abstractions, in the form of preferences, profiles, and subscriptions, are collectively used to determine the set of services and/or resources, as a function of context, that a user or set of users are entitled to receive. |
| US08566292B2 |
Method and system for journaling and accessing sensor and configuration data
The disclosure is directed to a system including a processor, a sensor interface responsive to the processor and memory responsive to the processor. The memory includes program instructions operable to direct the processor to implement a kernel-mode device driver for manipulating a journal based data system associated with data received via the sensor interface. |
| US08566288B1 |
Organized data removal or redirection from a cloning process to enable cloning a larger system to a smaller system
The present invention is a system to automatically remove sets of pre specified files or divert sets of pre specified files from the files that would normally be sent to a storage device during a backup or cloning operation. The invention is used to allow a backup of a storage device onto a smaller capacity storage device or for creating sets of backups each of which may contain different sets of files from the source storage device. The invention consists of sets of lists which drive the backup engine and provide the intelligence for determining which files are backed up, diverted to another storage device, or not transferred. |
| US08566285B2 |
Method and system for scheduling and controlling backups in a computer system
A method, system, and article to manage a backup procedure of one or more backup tasks in a computing system. A backup window within which the backup tasks are to be executed is defined, and the backup tasks within the backup window are scheduled. The process of the backup procedure is controlled during execution. The process of controlling the backup procedure includes calculating the prospective duration of all actually running and all future backup tasks, and cancelling low priority backup tasks in case a higher priority backup task is projected to continue beyond an end time (Tend) of the backup window. |
| US08566283B2 |
Changing records associated with a software application
A system and method for changing records associated with a software application. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a change command to change a record type for a record that is associated with code that is submitted for integration into a software application; receiving a selection of a new record type; populating a new record format with information that is associated with the code; and receiving a save command to save the record. |
| US08566274B2 |
Methods and systems for implementing a compositional recommender framework
A compositional recommender framework using modular recommendation functions is described. Each modular recommendation function can use a discrete technology, such as using clustering, a database lookup, or other means. A first recommendation function can recommend to a user items, such as books to check out, automobiles to purchase, people to date, etc. Another modular recommendation function can be daisy chained with the first to recommend items that are similar or related to the first recommended items, such as users who have also checked out the same recommended book, trailers that can be towed by the recommended automobiles, or vacations booked by people that were recommended as people to date. The modular recommendation functions can be used to build customized recommendation engines for different industries. |
| US08566269B2 |
Interactive analysis of attack graphs using relational queries
An attack graph analysis tool that includes a network configuration information input module, a domain knowledge input module, a network configuration information storage module, a domain knowledge storage module, and a result generation module. The network configuration information input module inputs network configuration information. The domain knowledge input module inputs domain knowledge for the network. The network configuration information storage module stores network configuration information in a network database table. The domain knowledge storage module stores the domain knowledge in an exploit database table. The result generation module generates a result using the network database table and exploit database table. The result may be generated in response to a query to a database management system that has access to the network database table and exploit database table. The network may be reconfigured to decrease the likelihood of future attacks using the attack information learned from the result. |
| US08566268B2 |
System and method for composite distance metric leveraging multiple expert judgments
A system and method for a composite distance metric leveraging multiple expert judgments includes inputting a data distribution of multiple expert judgments stored on a computer readable storage medium. Base distance metrics are converted into neighborhoods for comparison, wherein each base distance metric represents an expert. The neighborhoods are combined to leverage the local discriminalities of all base distance metrics by applying at least one iterative process to output a composite distance metric. |
| US08566264B2 |
Method for the computer-assisted control and/or regulation of a technical system
A method for the computer-assisted control and/or regulation of a technical system is provided. The method is used to efficiently reduce a high-dimensional state space describing the technical system to a smaller dimension. The reduction of the state space is performed using an artificial recurrent neuronal network. In addition, the reduction of the state space enables conventional learning methods, which are only designed for small dimensions of state spaces, to be applied to complex technical systems with an initially large state space, wherein the conventional learning methods are performed in the reduced state space. The method can be used with any technical system, especially gas turbines. |
| US08566263B2 |
Adaptive computer-based personalities
A method and system for adapting computer-based personalities, as manifested by textual or audio communications, is disclosed. The communications comprise one or more phrases that may be selected non-deterministically. The frequency distribution of the plurality of potential phrases is updated based on the behaviors of the communications recipients. Thus, the frequency of the selection of phrases included in communications, and hence the “personality,” of the computer-based system, is influenced by prior usage behaviors. The computer-based personality may also exhibit “self-awareness” by monitoring changes in phrase frequency distributions over time, as well as being capable of expressing awareness of, and inferences from, changes in the behavior patterns of users over time. |
| US08566262B2 |
Techniques to filter media content based on entity reputation
Techniques to filter media content based on entity reputation are described. An apparatus may comprise a reputation subsystem that manages an entity reputation score for an entity. The reputation subsystem comprising a reputation manager component and a reputation input/output (I/O) component. The reputation manager component may include a data collection module that collects reputation information for an entity from a selected set of multiple reputation sources. The reputation manager component may also comprise a feature manager module, communicatively coupled to the data collection module, that extracts a selected set of reputation features from the reputation information. The reputation manager component may further comprise a reputation scoring module, communicatively coupled to the feature manager module, that generates an entity reputation score based on the reputation features using a supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08566260B2 |
Structured prediction model learning apparatus, method, program, and recording medium
A structured prediction model learning apparatus, method, program, and recording medium maintain prediction performance with a smaller amount of memory. An auxiliary model is introduced by defining the auxiliary model parameter set θ(k) with a log-linear model. A set Θ of auxiliary model parameter sets which minimizes the Bregman divergence between the auxiliary model and a reference function indicating the degree of pseudo accuracy is estimated by using unsupervised data. A base-model parameter set λ which minimizes an empirical risk function defined beforehand is estimated by using supervised data and the set Θ of auxiliary model parameter sets. |
| US08566257B2 |
Address data learning and registration within a distributed virtual bridge
Systems and methods to forward data frames are provided. A particular apparatus may include a plurality of server computers and a distributed virtual bridge. The distributed virtual bridge may include a plurality of bridge elements coupled to the plurality of server computers and configured to forward a data frame between the plurality of server computers. The plurality of bridge elements may further be configured to automatically learn address data associated with the data frame. A controlling bridge may be coupled to the plurality of bridge elements. The controlling bridge may include a global forwarding table that is automatically updated to include the address data and is accessible to the plurality of bridge elements. |
| US08566254B2 |
Social broadcasting user experience
A method of providing user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. A network communication is received from a user of a broadcast that includes a preference data indicating a preference of the user that a promoted content be included in the broadcast. Via a responsive network communication, a feedback data is provided to the user that includes a predicted future time at which the promoted content may be included in the broadcast. |
| US08566248B1 |
Initiation of an information transaction over a network via a wireless device
An initiator service executed by a host server manages communications with wireless client devices concerning information accounts centrally stored in a data repository. In response to authenticating a user of a wireless client device, the initiator service may prompt the user to specify information to be retrieved from his information account and to specify a recipient of the retrieved information. The initiator service may then manage the retrieval and distribution of the specified information. The initiator service may also interact with a wireless client device to establish and distribute temporary authorizations to access information accounts. The initiator service may further receive promotion codes from wireless client devices and may query databases for data associated with each promotion code. Data received from the database may be transferred by the initiator service into an information account owned by the user of the wireless client device. |
| US08566247B1 |
System and method for secure communications involving an intermediary
A system and method for communicating information or a cryptographic key therefore between a first party and a second party, comprising the steps of receiving, by an intermediary, an identifier of desired information and accounting information for a transaction involving the information from the first party, transmitting an identifier of the first party to the second party, and negotiating, by the intermediary, a comprehension function for obscuring at least a portion of the information communicated between the first party and the second party. The data transmission may be made secure with respect to the intermediary by providing an asymmetric key or direct key exchange for encryption of the communication between the first and second party. The data transmission may be made secure with respect to the second party by maintaining the information in encrypted format at the second party, with the decryption key held only by the intermediary, and transmitting a secure composite of the decryption key and a new encryption key to the second party for transcoding of the data record, and providing the new decryption key to the first party, so that the information transmitted to the first party can be comprehended by it. According to the present invention, asymmetric key encryption may be employed to provide the establishment of secure communications channels involving an intermediary, without making the intermediary privy to the decryption key or the message. |
| US08566244B2 |
Parsing an identification document in accordance with a jurisdictional format
An apparatus that authenticates the contents of identification documents provided by different issuers having machine-readable and/or human readable information is disclosed. The contents of the identification documents are verified without encountering any human error. The verified contents of the identification documents may be used for identification purposes such as age restricted purchases, preordained organ donors or possible criminal prosecution. The verified contents of the identification documents may be logged to provide ID checking compliance and/or may be transferred to a remote computer for additional processing or logging. |
| US08566241B2 |
Deposit pending check clearance
Systems and methods for processing checks are described. In particular, an individual can submit a check to a check casher entity, in exchange for a stored-value card (SVC) with an associated pending deposit to be made available on a specified date. The check casher entity can provide the check to a check processor, which can process the check. If the specified date is reached without any problems with processing the check, then the pending deposit on the SVC can be made available to the individual. If the check bounces, then the pending deposit is not made available on the SVC. According to implementations, the SVC processing can be handled by an SVC processor entity. |
| US08566236B2 |
Systems and methods to determine the name of a business location visited by a user of a wireless device and process payments
In general, the invention relates to methods and systems that record the location of a user and facilitate transactions between the user and a physical named location (e.g. business location) visited by the user. A network includes a server programmed with a database of location information, a database of user information, payment account information, and a wireless communication system capable of communicating with the user's mobile device. The location of the mobile device is ascertained and recorded. The system determines the physical named location (e.g. business location) visited by the user and provides a reference number to the user. An operator of the physical named location may use the reference number to obtain payment from the user for goods and services rendered at the physical named location. |
| US08566235B2 |
System and method for providing dispute resolution for electronic payment transactions
Described herein is partner-based method and device for resolving inquiries or disputes concerning a transaction between the customer and a merchant that is affiliated with a partner platform. For example, the method may involve receiving, at the partner platform, an inquiry/dispute event notification. The method may involve obtaining data points about the transaction and locating the transaction based on the data points. The method may involve refunding the transaction or canceling future or recurring charges associated with the transaction. |
| US08566234B2 |
Managed service for detection of anomalous transactions
A managed service for the detection of fraud and/or anomalous transactions is disclosed. In one implementation, the managed service receives data from customers over a wide area network, the data for each customer relating to information that the customer would like monitored for anomalous transactions. The service may analyze data from the customers based on Benford's law to detect potential anomalous transactions in the data from the customers. The managed service may further report occurrences of detected potential anomalous transactions to the customer. |
| US08566232B2 |
Method and apparatus for organising financial data
A method of organizing financial data is described in which financial data is obtained from one or more data source and imported into a computer program. The data may, for example, be bank account data obtained from a bank via a wireless connection. The computer program modifies the data so obtained into a format suitable for presentation to a user. At least some of said electronic data is obtained without being manually entered by an operator. |
| US08566226B2 |
Financial products based on a serialized index
A method for trading financial instruments includes listing, by an electronic financial exchange, financial instruments that specify which version of a serialized index the financial instrument tracks; receiving, by the electronic financial exchange, an electronic indication to buy or sell the financial instrument; executing, by the electronic financial exchange, a trade involving the financial instrument; and settling the financial instrument according to the version of the serialized index specified by the financial instrument. |
| US08566221B2 |
Compound order handling in an anonymous trading system
Joint execution type compound orders can be processed in an anonymous trading system comprising a plurality of broker nodes each of which includes an order matching functionality and a market distribution functionality. Trader agent nodes are connected to a number of dealer terminals grouped in trading floors and also to a broker node. Joint execution orders are entered as hit orders and are all matched by the broker during the hit or the order is cancelled. If matches are made the taker's trading agent does not complete any of the deals marking up the order until it knows that all the deals are executable. The system may be used to allow traders to hit bids and offers in currency pairs synthesised from other currency pairs. In this arrangement the dealer enters a simple order in the synthetic currency and the taker's trading agent converts it into a joint execution order. |
| US08566220B2 |
Block placing tool for building a user-defined algorithm for electronic trading
Certain embodiments provide a block placing tool for building a user-defined algorithm for electronic trading. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a selection of one or more blocks. Certain embodiments provide for receiving by a block placing tool a mapping definition including a mapping between block types and/or attributes. Certain embodiments provide for placing blocks based on a selection of blocks and a mapping definition. |
| US08566205B2 |
System and method of making markets for a finite subset of orders placed across continuous and countably infinite outcome spaces
An improved system and method is provided for making markets for a finite subset of orders across continuous and countably infinite outcome spaces. To do so, a prediction market engine may be provided to support prediction markets by aggregating information about orders specifying a continuous subspace of a continuous outcome space and orders specifying a subset of a countably infinite set of outcomes. The pricing and/or quantities for orders received may be determined, a response may be sent to traders indicating the pricing or quantities of orders for payment, and the amount owed for accepted orders may be collected. Winning accepted orders may be identified and payout may be made for winning accepted orders. Advantageously, the present invention may support aggregation of more information from market participants in a prediction market to forecast the likelihood of the occurrence of a certain event. |
| US08566204B2 |
Method for detecting ineligibility of a beneficiary and system
A method and system are presented for identifying improper benefit payments to an ineligible beneficiary. Record data may be accessed from a financial institution and may be analyzed to indentify patterns within the banking transactions. Deviations may be identified between a near-term pattern and a far-term pattern by applying one or more rules, which may be ranked. The deviations that are identified may be determined to be either in compliance, in noncompliance, or within some acceptable level of compliance. A level of noncompliance outside of a range of acceptable noncompliance may result in generating a request for an action to be taken, such as an audit of the beneficiary. The aforementioned methods may be carried out using a computerized device. |
| US08566200B1 |
Systems and methods for money fund banking with flexible interest allocation
Method, system and program product, the method comprising: accessing databases comprising: aggregated account information FDIC-insured and interest-bearing aggregated deposit accounts held in banks in a program, wherein funds from a first plurality client accounts are associated with broker dealers, and client account information, obtaining fund transfer data for broker-dealer client accounts; allocating amounts to banks in the program; determining funds to be transferred to or from the banks based on the allocating step; updating databases; determining a respective interest rate from among at least three different interest rates based at least in part on criteria so that funds of some client accounts held in a respective one of the aggregated deposit accounts earns interest at a different interest rate from the funds of other client accounts held in the respective one aggregated deposit account; calculating for client accounts respective interest amounts. |
| US08566199B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing and processing installment plans at a terminal
According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal indicative of acceptance of an installment plan offer for a purchase. The central controller determines an installment charge amount to include in at least two bills for a financial account. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid. |
| US08566198B1 |
Database structure for a consumer reporting agency
A database used by a consumer reporting agency for storing application information data in association with transaction and experience information. A consumer applying for credit submits personal and financial information either verbally or by filling out a form. The application information data submitted verbally or by a form is submitted by an institution along with a request for a credit report on the consumer. The consumer reporting agency receives the request and stores the application information separately from the transaction and experience information. Each time an institution submits application information data related to the consumer, the data is accumulated in successive records and maintained. In response to a request for a report on a consumer, the consumer reporting agency forwards a response based on the application records accumulated. |
| US08566197B2 |
System and method for providing socially enabled rewards through a user financial instrument
A system and method for providing socially enabled rewards through a user financial instrument includes gathering transaction data from a user's financial account and analyzing the transaction data for a savings opportunity indication. A savings opportunity from a database of savings opportunities is matched to the user based on the savings opportunity indication, wherein the savings opportunity can be shared with other users or a social network. The savings opportunity is displayed in association with a statement of a user's financial account and the user is allowed to share the savings opportunity, wherein sharing causes a shared savings opportunity to be generated. A second user, one who received the shared savings opportunity, can redeem the shared savings opportunity. The sharing and redemption of the shared savings opportunity is tracked, such as to improve targeting users who are influential based on the number of redemptions of the shared savings opportunity. |
| US08566196B2 |
System and method for incorporating mortality risk in an investment planning model
A method and system for determining possible future value of a portfolio of joint investors including receiving user inputs, determining an age of death of joint investors in accordance based on the current age of the respective first and second joint investors and randomly drawn numbers, and computing a future value of the portfolio using said greater age of death of the joint investors, a predetermined rate of return, and the initial value of the portfolio. |
| US08566194B2 |
Method and system for comparing a purchase order, actual data, and an invoice to determine a discrepancy between the purchase order, actual data, and the invoice
A method and system for enhancing a workflow system by providing supportive information for a project is disclosed. A purchase order relating to at least one request for at least one good, at least one service, and combinations thereof relating to the project is received from a first user. An actual data to complete a portion of the project is received from a second user in response to the purchase order. An invoice is received from the second user upon completion of the portion of the project. The purchase order, actual data, and the invoice are compared to determine a discrepancy between the purchase order, actual data, and the invoice. A proposed reconciliation from the first user or the second user is received in response to an electronic notification of the discrepancy. An approval or disapproval of the proposed reconciliation is received from the first user or the second user. |
| US08566193B2 |
Consistent set of interfaces derived from a business object model
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. |
| US08566189B2 |
Computer-enabled method and system for facilitating veterinary pharmaceutical and other animal-related product transactions
A computer-enabled method and system for generating a script for veterinary pharmaceutical and other animal-related product transactions comprising aggregation of participant data, including animal hospital data, veterinarian data, client data and animal data into the script, adding treatment regimen data to one or more orders associated with the script in accordance with the veterinarian's treatment plan, to enable determination of the initial date to begin filling the product, quantity of product, the number of fills and frequency to enable automatic generation of a series of autoship records including projected dates for shipping the orders to the animal owner upon verification of funds available, to print usage instructions, Rx labels, product information, shipping labels and packing slips, and to send notification emails to the animal owner and confirmation emails to the animal hospital. |
| US08566188B2 |
Systems and methods to route messages to facilitate online transactions
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account and a phone number associated with the account and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. The common format processor is to select a first controller based at least in part on reducing cost, and to instruct the first controller of the controllers, via a first converter of the converters, to transmit a first message to a mobile device at the phone number to facilitate a transaction related to funds associated with the phone number. |
| US08566187B2 |
Interactive account management system and method
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer-implemented interactive account management system operated in cooperation with a financial institution on behalf of multiple account holders. The interactive account management system may include a financial networking engine implemented by a processor for defining a financial network for each account holder and for identifying each member of an account holder financial network based on stored account information and account holder input. The system may additionally include interactive processing components for processing information to provide collaborative interaction between the members of the account holder financial network defined by the financial networking engine and user interface presentation tools for displaying financial guidance and collaborative interaction interfaces and inviting active participation from the financial network members. |
| US08566183B1 |
Auditing of electronic device and packaging
A method of auditing electronic device shipments is provided. The method comprises electronically reading a first serial number on an electronic device, a second serial number on a point-of-sale package containing the electronic device, and a third serial number stored in a memory of the electronic device; storing the first serial number, the second serial number, and a third serial number in a non-transitory memory separate from the electronic device; and automatically comparing the first serial number, the second serial number, and the third serial number. The method further comprises automatically reading from the memory of the electronic device a software version identity associated with software installed on the electronic device and automatically comparing the software version identity with an approved software version identity. The method further comprises, when any miscompare occurs, automatically presenting a notification of an error. |
| US08566182B2 |
Enterprise asset management
Systems, methods, and apparatus, including software tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, involve managing assets of an enterprise. A purchase order requesting a good or a service of an enterprise is received. A particular asset for use in providing the good or the service is identified. An electronic asset record associated with the particular asset is modified to include information relating to the purchase order. Invoice data for requesting payment for the good or the service requested in the purchase order is generated. The invoice data is verified based at least in part on the modified electronic asset record. |
| US08566180B2 |
Method and system for representing user activity in an online store
Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor. |
| US08566179B2 |
Mortgage and real estate data integration and presentation system
A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers. |
| US08566178B1 |
Methods and systems for searching for and identifying data repository deficits
A computing system for searching for and identifying data repository deficits includes an interactive database of items, a data repository that stores a first type of information related to items, a search engine configured to identify items that do not have an amount of the first type of information that meets a first threshold, a candidate selection interface that provides functionality for the user to select an item from recommended candidate items needing the first type of information, a user interface via which the user can provide the first type of information for an item selected by the user, a game system configured to calculate for a game scores and rankings based at least in part on data stored in the data repository. |
| US08566177B2 |
User supplied and refined tags
Managing online content via user supplied and/or refined tagging is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of an item available from an online store is received, and one or more tags to be associated with the item are received from a member of an online community comprising users of the online store. In some embodiments, an indication of a degree of usefulness of a tag is received from a member of an online community, and an attribute of the tag is updated to reflect the indication. |
| US08566176B2 |
Method and system for automatically publishing content
The publishing system and method automates at least some portion of a publishing process. The system publishes content using metadata, rights templates and/or specifications, publishing profiles and business rules. |
| US08566173B2 |
Using application market log data to identify applications of interest
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving a query log, the query log including data relating to information input to an application marketplace and one or more applications available through the application marketplace, generating a map based on the data of the query log, for at least one of the one or more applications, identifying one or more applications of interest based on the map, generating an index, the index associating the at least one of the one or more applications to the one or more applications of interest, storing the index in computer-readable memory, receiving a user selection of a particular application of the one or more applications, retrieving the one or more applications of interest based on the particular application using the generated index, and providing the one or more applications of interest for display. |
| US08566170B1 |
Reducing purchase hesitance
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, methods, and computer programs that facilitate reducing purchase hesitance. At least one product offered by a seller at an initial price is displayed to a buyer. Activity of the buyer throughout an electronic commerce system is tracked. Purchase hesitance in the activity is identified. A concession is offered to the buyer by the seller to provide incentive to the buyer to purchase the product within the electronic commerce system. |
| US08566169B2 |
Virtual gift card
A virtual gift credit system that automatically attaches gift credit to a payment account or vehicle of the gift recipient upon issuance of the gift credit is herein described. By attaching the gift credit amount to the recipient's payment account, subsequent purchases made using the payment account, and of the type associated with the gift credit, are automatically settled by applying the gift credit amount to the purchase amount. Further, the invention does not require gift recipients to share confidential account information with gift providers in order for the gift providers to bestow gift credit upon the gift recipients. Through the use of aliases, which serve to tie an identifier, such as a gift recipient's telephone number, email address or the like to a gift recipient's payment account, the invention does not require that the gift provider know any information about the financial accounts of the intended gift recipient. |
| US08566164B2 |
Targeted online advertisements based on viewing or interacting with television advertisements
In a computer-implemented method, a selected online advertisement is automatically directed to, or online activity is automatically tracked and recorded from, an online user interface device which corresponds, at the time the advertisement is directed or the activity is tracked, to a first online access identifier. The advertisement is directed or the activity is tracked based on information from a user profile that references or includes a first set-top box identifier. That information is derived at least in part from automatically collected data related to user behavior with respect to at least one television advertisement delivered to a set-top box, which set-top box corresponds, at the time of that user behavior, to the first set-top box identifier. The first online access identifier is associated with the first set-top box identifier, by being referenced or included in the user profile, by being associated in a database, or otherwise. |
| US08566163B2 |
Methods and systems for generating a trade calendar
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for generating a trade calendar. A trade calendar module launches a query comprising search criteria for searching information pertaining to trade promotions. The trade calendar module then populates a trade calendar with information responsive to the query, including each trade promotion that meets the search criteria. The trade calendar module also causes the trade calendar to be displayed the trade calendar. The trade calendar simultaneously displays marketing activities corresponding to a portion of the information in the trade calendar. |
| US08566162B2 |
Information distribution device, information distribution method, and program
An information distribution device includes: a distribution information management table in which area information at the time of distribution indicating areas in which mobile terminals are located when advertising information is distributed from an information distributing part to the mobile terminals is recorded for each of the mobile terminals to which the advertising information is distributed from the information distribution part; a distribution area evaluation part that calculates, for each of a plurality of areas forming the distribution area and based on the area information at the time of distribution, an area visit probability indicating, of users of the mobile terminals who have been in any of the plurality of area forming the distribution area when the advertising information is distributed from the information distribution part, a percentage of those who have visited a location indicated by the advertising information; and a distribution area updating part that updates distribution area information recorded in a distribution area management table such that the distribution area only includes, of the plurality of areas, those whose area visit probability is equal to or larger than a threshold value. |
| US08566160B2 |
Determining placement of advertisements on web pages
A system and method is described herein that selects advertisements for two or more regions of a web page based on rankings of the advertisements generated using different models. By ranking advertisements separately for each region of a web page, and choosing highest ranked advertisements for each region, advertisements can be selectively chosen such that a user is more likely to select an advertisement in each region of the web page. As a result, the user experience can be enhanced and the advertising revenue can be correspondingly increased. |
| US08566159B2 |
Location-aware advertising to parking location users
A payment system for parking locations communicates with a plurality of parking meters, each of which is associated with a predetermined geographic location corresponding to a parking location. The system receives user identifying information via a communication related to payment for a parking session at a parking location identified by the communication, and determines a user credit/debit card data for payment of the parking session based on the user identifying information. Data related to the parking session at the geographic location of the parking meter is stored in a database associated with a parking history of the user, and determines one or more advertisements to communicate to the user based on the geographic location of the parking meter and previously stored data related to the parking history of the user. |
| US08566157B1 |
Media orchestration descriptor with an audit policy
Methods and apparatus provide for an event tracker assigns a unique application identifier to represent a relationship between a media publisher and a client application that receives media content from the media publisher. The media publisher organizes the media content according to a media orchestration descriptor. The media orchestration descriptor identifies each segment of the media content and indicating relationships among the segments to define a presentation of the segments of the media content. The event tracker further associates an audit policy with the media orchestration descriptor where the audit policy is defined by the media publisher and received by the client application. The audit policy is applied to the client application in order to locally track events that occur with respect to the presentation of the media publisher's media content via the client application. |
| US08566156B2 |
Combining segments of users into vertically indexed super-segments
Techniques are described herein for combining segments of users into super-segments. The interests of the segments in online ad campaigns in which they participate are compared to determine subsets of the segments whose interests are correlated to an extent that exceeds a designated threshold. The segments in each subset are combined to provide a respective super-segment. Each online ad campaign corresponds to a specified category, such as telecommunications, auto, finance, retail, entertainment, travel, etc. For each super-segment, the cumulative interest of the segments therein for each category are determined. The cumulative interests for each super-segment are used to determine which super-segment(s) are to be targeted for receiving a specified online advertisement. For instance, the cumulative interests of the respective super-segments in the category most closely related to a subject matter with which the specified online advertisement is associated may be compared to determine which super-segment(s) are to be targeted. |
| US08566155B2 |
Method and apparatus for administering a reward program
The method and apparatus for administering a reward program includes a central controller that stores a series of registrations, each of which corresponds to a purchaser of a product. The central controller calculates a measurement of product success, such as the number of products sold or the market share of the product, and determines if the measurement is within a predetermined range. The central controller may determine if the number of products sold exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a set of registrations are selected as “early-adopter” registrations that thereby define a set of early-adopter purchasers. The central controller may select a set of registrations having ordinal positions within a predetermined range of positions, so that early-adopter purchasers are defined. If the measurement of product success is within the predetermined range, a reward, such as a refund or a free product, may be provided to each early-adopter purchaser. |
| US08566152B1 |
Delivering content to users based on advertisement interaction type
Systems and methods for improving the delivery of interactive advertisements are discussed herein. Systems and methods include approaches and solutions for boosting the rank of certain ads and/or ad types based on a combination of their interaction type and an ad interaction history for a given user, vertical, or aggregate indicator. Systems and methods also include suppressing ads unlikely to be interacted with from ranking and format boosting based on such ad interaction history. |
| US08566151B2 |
Co-pay options for frequent traveler award redemption by rule
Techniques, for automatically determining frequent traveler award redemptions by rule are disclosed. The frequent travel award redemption program is encoded in rules using predefined data structures based on fare by rule data structures. The techniques automatically determine a travel itinerary based on a query and the rules. Also included is a graphical user interface that displays a plurality of possible travel options for redemption using a frequent travel award. The rules include fields to determine co-pay options and for calculating mileage purchase options. |
| US08566142B2 |
Computer implemented methods and systems of determining matches between searchers and providers
The inventive subject matter is generally directed to matching a party with another party based on profiling of the parties, and optionally an industry category, for parameters that are relevant to making a match. In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter facilitates matches between searchers and service providers based on assignment of searchers and service providers to predefined Buyer Types or Service Provider Types based on questionnaires, surveys, and other input and feedback mechanisms. In a further aspect, the inventive subject matter is directed to a system for valuing and monetizing a set of leads to offer to a party. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to mobile applications for matching searchers with providers based on awareness of the locations of the parties. |
| US08566140B2 |
Method for providing custom profile analysis in a demographic information system
A method of providing demographic visitor information to a participating web site including registering a user with an information gathering system, wherein the information gathering system solicits personal information from the user and wherein the information gathering system maintains a profile for the registered user; detecting a visit of the registered user to a participating web site, wherein the participating web site is operated independently from the information gathering system; and providing a demographic information report to the participating web site, wherein the demographic information report is related to at least one registered user who has visited the participating web site. |
| US08566138B2 |
Systems and methods for outsourcing software development
A method and computer program are disclosed to assist the user in constructing a decision-tree for outsourcing software development business processes. The tree contains a node for the cost of completing the business processes in-house, nodes containing the expected costs of outsourcing the complete business process to different vendors, and nodes containing the expected costs of outsourcing part of the business process to different vendors. The user calculates the expected cost of outsourcing a business process by multiplying the estimated costs for outsourcing the business process by probabilities that risks will occur in the outsourcing process. |
| US08566134B2 |
Predicting dynamic transportation demand with mobility data
A travel information server estimates travel demand with mobility data. The server identifies activity types of users based, at least in part, on mobility data of the users. The mobility data has been collected over time and indicates at least locations and corresponding times at the locations. Travel information is generated with the mobility data for each of the activity types. The travel information for a first of the activity types is adjusted based, at least in part, on travel-related event data that corresponds to the first activity type to generate an adjusted travel information for the first activity type. The travel-related event data indicates an event that potentially influences travel for a short term. computing an estimated travel demand with a combination of the adjusted travel information for the first activity type and the travel information for at least a second of the activity types. |
| US08566133B2 |
Determining activity outliers from amongst a peer grouping of employees
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for identifying activity outliers from amongst employees/associates within a predetermined peer group of employees. The inventive concepts herein disclosed require establishing consistent peer groupings of employees/associates. In specific embodiments, the peer groupings may be defined by combining one or more and, typically two, line of business hierarchies and job title. Once the peer grouping is established, monitoring of pre-determined activities within designated applications is performed to determine the number of occurrence of the predetermined activities over a designated period of time. Activity outliers are subsequently determined based on the number of occurrence of the predetermined activities over the designated period of time. In specific embodiments, such determination of activity outliers includes determining peer group averages, an employee/associate's variance from the average, the employee/associate's standard deviation and the employee/associate's z-score. |
| US08566131B1 |
Insurance policy hold
Managing insurance policy processing includes: receiving a set of insurance policy hold criteria specifying an insurance policy hold, the insurance policy hold criteria comprising an insurance policy hold period during which the insurance policy hold is in effect; receiving a request to execute an insurance policy processing operation on an insurance policy; determining, based at least in part on the set of policy hold criteria, that the insurance policy processing operation is subject to the insurance policy hold; disallowing the insurance policy processing operation from being executed; determining that the insurance policy hold is to be released; and allowing the insurance policy hold to be released. |
| US08566129B1 |
Methods for subrogation and reimbursement of recovery and premium reduction optimization
A method for subrogation recovery utilizing a computer system, including providing a database having of a plurality of records of health care claims, each record including a claim, personal data of a claimant of the claim, enrollment data of the claimant in one of a plurality of primary payers of the claim, a record of at least one of charges to the payer and payment by the primary payer to the claimant for each claim, and details of the claim. The method continues with identifying search criteria for searching the records that would likely lead to subset of potentially subrogable claims, searching the plurality of records based on the criteria, analyzing the subset of potentially subrogable claims to generate lists of potentially actionable claims for each of the plurality of primary payers, and providing at the lists of potentially actionable claims to each of the plurality of the primary payers. |
| US08566127B1 |
Insurance on demand transaction management system
An intermittent risk exposure liability insurance method comprising the steps of: establishing an Internet business site enabled for communication with insurers and insureds through Internet service providers; enrolling the insureds in intermittent risk exposure liability insurance policies, the policies providing for a variable insurance premium rate depending upon an intermittent use of an insured article; logging start and completion times of each intermittent use of the insured article on the Internet business site by the insured; verifying start and completion times of use of the insured article in accordance with the logged start and completion times; and applying and billing premium insurance rates in accordance with the verified and logged start and completion times of use. |
| US08566126B1 |
Systems and methods for processing vehicle or driver performance data
Apparatus and methods to process vehicle or driver behavior data are described herein. In some examples, the behavior data is used by a premium calculating engine to derive a premium for a vehicle insurance policy using the data. The behavior data may be associated with a single driver, or may be associated with all drivers of a vehicle without regard to the actual drivers, in some examples. Data received from the vehicle may also include vehicle performance data, in further examples. Additionally, a method of underwriting a dynamic vehicle insurance policy is described, in one example. |
| US08566122B2 |
Method and apparatus for navigation to unseen radiology images
Certain embodiments present a system for navigating medical images of a patient file stored in an image database. An image labeler labels medical images based upon whether the images have previously been displayed on an interface. The system also provides an image search engine that searches the images based on the labels. The image search engine generates a subset of images from a larger group of medical images within a database based upon the labels. The interface includes a graphical meter that corresponds to medical images that have not previously been displayed on the interface. The graphical meter may enumerate the quantity of images that have not previously been displayed. The graphical meter may also illustrate the proportion of images that have not previously been displayed. The graphical meter may include a hyperlink that points to an image that has not previously been displayed. The graphical meter may also include a hyperlink that points to a location containing the images that have not been previously displayed. |
| US08566121B2 |
Personalized medical adherence management system
Techniques and systems are described hereafter for reducing medical non-adherence by (1) developing the adherence-profile of a member, (2) using the profile to automatically generate a set of interventions, (3) categorizing, prioritizing and selecting the interventions, (4) incorporating the selected interventions into a personalized member user interface page, (5) serving the selected interventions to the member at the appropriate times via multiple channels, (6) observing and measuring member responses, (7) recording member responses in a database and analyzing the responses, (8) adapting the interventions, based on the analysis, to keep the member actively engaged, (9) escalating the interventions if the member response is inadequate, (10) updating the member's adherence profile based on analysis of the database, (11) providing member reports to authorized parties for purposes of paying member incentives, predicting member's utilization of high-cost healthcare services, etc., and (12) providing aggregate de-identified reports for purposes of predicting future risk reserve set asides, drug production and supply chain replenishment requirements. |
| US08566114B2 |
Computer program product, system and method for providing social services to individuals by employing bi-objective optimization
A computer program product and a system are provided. The product and system provide associations between individuals having health care needs and available social services. The providing is efficient and cost effective. |
| US08566113B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for providing a level of anonymity to patient records/information
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for providing a level of anonymity to patient records/information. A unique user identification (ID) associated with a current user is received at an interface of a computer database environment. A first role code associated with a first role of the current user is received at the interface of the computer database environment. The current user is allowed access to a defined set of patient records/information in the computer database environment. The defined set of patient records/information being defined based on the user ID and the first role code of the current user. |
| US08566108B2 |
Synchronization of multiple real-time transport protocol sessions
A packet generator for generating packets from an input signal configured to: generate at least one first signal, dependent on the input signal, the first signal comprising a first relative time value; generate at least one second signal, dependent on the input signal and associated with the at least one first signal; and generate at least one indicator associated with each of the at least one second signal, each indicator dependent on the first relative time value. |
| US08566107B2 |
Multi-mode method and an apparatus for processing a signal
Disclosed is a method of processing a signal, which includes receiving at least one of a first signal and a second signal, receiving mode information, and decoding the at least one of the first signal and the second signal using at least one of a first coding scheme and a second coding scheme according to the mode information. The mode information is information for indicating that a prescribed mode corresponds to one of at least three modes. The method includes detecting when a restricted mode change occurs and changing at least one mode when detecting a restricted mode change. |
| US08566102B1 |
System and method of automating a spoken dialogue service
A system and method of generating and operating a spoken dialog service for a web-site are disclosed. The system parses web-site data and organizes the web-site data in a task knowledge data bank. The system receives text associated with a user query; processes the received text in a spoken language understanding (SLU) module, the SLU module using the web-site data from the task knowledge data bank; generates a ranked list of relevant responses to the user query; generates a hierarchical tree using the web-site data and the ranked list of relevant responses to the user query, generates a response to the user query using the hierarchical tree; and presents the response to the user. |
| US08566100B2 |
Automated method and system for obtaining user-selected real-time information on a mobile communication device
A customized live tile application module can be configured in association with the mobile communication device in order to automatically vocalize the real-time information preselected by a user in a multitude of languages. A text-to-speech application module can be integrated with the customized live tile application module to automatically vocalize the preselected real-time information. The real-time information can be obtained from a tile and/or a website integrated with a remote server and announced after a text to speech conversion process without opening the tile, if the tiles are selected for announcement of information by the device. Such an approach automatically and instantly pushes a vocal alert with respect to the user-selected real-time information on the mobile communication device thereby permitting the user to continue multitasking. Information from tiles can also be rendered on second screens from a mobile device. |
| US08566097B2 |
Lexical acquisition apparatus, multi dialogue behavior system, and lexical acquisition program
A lexical acquisition apparatus includes: a phoneme recognition section 2 for preparing a phoneme sequence candidate from an inputted speech; a word matching section 3 for preparing a plurality of word sequences based on the phoneme sequence candidate; a discrimination section 4 for selecting, from among a plurality of word sequences, a word sequence having a high likelihood in a recognition result; an acquisition section 5 for acquiring a new word based on the word sequence selected by the discrimination section 4; a teaching word list 4A used to teach a name; and a probability model 4B of the teaching word and an unknown word, wherein the discrimination section 4 calculates, for each word sequence, a first evaluation value showing how much words in the word sequence correspond to teaching words in the list 4A and a second evaluation value showing a probability at which the words in the word sequence are adjacent to one another and selects a word sequence for which a sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is maximum, and wherein the acquisition section 5 acquires, as a new word, a word in the word sequence selected by the discrimination section that is not involved in the calculation of the first evaluation value. |
| US08566096B2 |
System and method of generating responses to text-based messages
A system to generate a response to a text-based natural language message includes a user interface, processing device, and a computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions to generate the response to the text-based natural language message. The instructions and a method for generating the response include identifying a sentence in the text-based natural language message, identifying an input clause in the sentence, and parsing the input clause, thereby defining a relationship between words in the input clause. The instructions and method also include assigning a semantic tag to the parsed input clause, comparing the input clause to a previously received clause, the previously received clause being correlated with a previously generated response clause, and generating an output response message derived from the previously generated response clause. |
| US08566095B2 |
Segmenting words using scaled probabilities
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for segmenting words using scaled probabilities. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a probability of a n-gram identifying a word, determining a number of atomic units in the corresponding n-gram, identifying a scaling weight depending on the number of atomic units in the n-gram, and applying the scaling weight to the probability of the n-gram identifying a word to determine a scaled probability of the n-gram identifying a word. |
| US08566094B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An apparatus, method and program for performing a speech recognition process utilizing contextual information that comprises an estimation of the intention of an utterance of a user. The recognition process includes calculating a pre-score based on observed contextual information according intention models which correspond to a plurality of types of intention information and combining the pre-scoring results with acoustic and linguistic scores to obtain an improved recognition or comprehension of the intent of a user utterance. |
| US08566092B2 |
Method and apparatus for extracting prosodic feature of speech signal
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for extracting a prosodic feature of a speech signal, the method including: dividing the speech signal into speech frames; transforming the speech frames from time domain to frequency domain; and extracting respective prosodic features for different frequency ranges. According to the above technical solution of the present invention, it is possible to effectively extract the prosodic feature which can combine with a traditional acoustics feature without any obstacle. |
| US08566088B2 |
System and method for automatic speech to text conversion
Speech recognition is performed in near-real-time and improved by exploiting events and event sequences, employing machine learning techniques including boosted classifiers, ensembles, detectors and cascades and using perceptual clusters. Speech recognition is also improved using tandem processing. An automatic punctuator injects punctuation into recognized text streams. |
| US08566085B2 |
Preprocessing method, preprocessing apparatus and coding device
The present disclosure relates to coding and decoding technologies, and discloses a preprocessing method, a preprocessing apparatus, and a coding device. The preprocessing method includes: obtaining characteristic information of a current frame signal; identifying whether the current frame signal requires no coding operation of removing LTC according to the characteristic information of the current frame signal and preset information; and if identifying that the current frame signal requires no coding operation of removing LTC, performing the coding operation of removing STC for the current frame signal; and if identifying that the current frame signal requires the coding operation of removing LTC, performing the coding operations of removing both LTC and STC for the current frame signal. Through the technical solution provided herein, the coding operation of removing LTC is performed for only part of the input frame signals. |
| US08566083B2 |
Method for decoding an audio signal that has a base layer and an enhancement layer
An audio signal may have a BL and an EL, wherein the EL represents additional information for enhancing the quality of the BL audio content. Decoding of such dual-layer signals usually comprises partial decoding of the BL data, wherein frequency bins of the BL are restored, mapping the restored frequency bins to the MDCT domain, adding them to the decoded EL and performing inverse Integer MDCT. A low-complexity method for decoding comprises reverse mapping of the decoded EL data, adding the reverse mapped EL data to the partially decoded BL data and filtering the sum, using the inverse BL filter bank. |
| US08566081B2 |
Method and system providing interpreting and other services from a remote location
A method and system for providing interpreting services is disclosed. The system includes interpreting apparatus at several user sites where interpreting services are needed, such as hospitals or other health care facilities, and a central controller. A request is made from one of the user sites to the central controller and, in response, the central controller makes a link between the user site and an interpreting site. A live interpreter at the interpreting site provides interpretation through the link. The link may be used for audio, or audio and video signals. |
| US08566073B2 |
Simulation device and simulation method
A simulation method for a cascade communication system comprising a nodes sequence numbered as 1 to N from a transmitter to a receiver, comprises: acquiring simulation parameters; calculating reverse transfer functions of the nodes; determining a current node in the sequence; adding noise that should be added at the current node to a simulation signal of a previous node; simulating the current node to generate a simulation signal of the current node, by using the simulation signal of the previous node added with the noise that should be added at the current node, based on the reverse transfer function of the current node; judging whether simulations of all the nodes are completed; if yes, repeating the adding and the simulating; if not, determining a cost of the based on the simulation signal of the current node. |
| US08566070B2 |
Apparatus abnormality monitoring method and system
The present invention relates to an apparatus abnormality monitoring method, and it provides a technology that can achieve accurate abnormality detection, cause diagnosis, and others. This system relates to monitoring of a newly-installed apparatus (T) among a plurality of similar apparatuses 1. In a judgment model creation module 2, for each of a plurality of (K) already-installed similar apparatuses (a, b and others), individual judgment models (prediction models) are created, and a meta prediction model for predicting a coefficient and an intercept of these prediction models from feature item values and others of each of the apparatuses 1 is created. From this meta prediction model, a prediction model dedicated to the apparatus (T) (judgment model including the prediction model) is produced. By using this judgment model, a judgment module 3T monitors the state of the apparatus (T) to perform abnormality detection. |
| US08566069B2 |
Method for geologically modeling seismic data by trace correlation
The present invention relates to a method for developing a geological model from previously collected seismic data, including the steps of: sampling seismic data according to at least one set of traces of a predetermined gradient, each of which have sampling points; analyzing similarities between the seismic data around sampling points; determining connections between sampling points that belong to different traces on the basis of analysis; and forming a geological model that attributes, to each sampling point, a relative geological age that is calculated at least on the basis of connections related to the sampling points and the relative geological age of other sampling points in the vicinity of the trace that includes the sampling point. |
| US08566066B2 |
Enforcing parametric constraints in a direct modeling interface in computer-aided design
The present disclosure features methods and systems for enforcing parametric constraints in a direct modeling interface in computer-aided design (CAD). A parametric geometry engine of a CAD application may compare an attempted edit to a feature in a direct modeling user interface of the CAD application to an existing constraint created in a parametric modeling user interface, and, in one embodiment, prevent the user from completing the edit. In other embodiments, the parametric geometry engine may present a dialog box to the user and allow them to reject the edit, override or delete the constraint, modify the constraint, or take other actions as appropriate. In still other embodiments, the parametric geometry engine may allow one user to edit the feature, but not another user. Thus, parametric constraints and permissions-based ownership of entities may be enforced in a direct modeling user interface. |
| US08566063B2 |
Rotation angle detector
A rotation angle detector is provided with a frame-shaped yoke which includes a first wall and a second wall in parallel. A rotation axis of a detection subject extends inside of the frame-shaped yoke. A magnetic flux vector is uniformed in a direction orthogonal to the first wall, whereby even if a position of a Hall element deviates, the detected magnetic flux density is less varied. A robustness of the detector is enhanced. A distance between the Hall element and a second inner surface of the second wall is shorter than that between the Hall element and a first inner surface of the first wall. A length of the second inner surface is longer than a length of the first inner surface. At a vicinity of the second wall, the area in which the magnetic flux vector is uniformed can be enlarged. Thus, the robustness is further enhanced. |
| US08566059B2 |
Insertion of faults in logic model used in simulation
A method of selecting fault candidates based on the physical layout of an Integrated Circuit (IC) layout, that includes, identifying failing observation points in an IC layout, determining the failing observation points proximity geometry in the IC circuit layout, determining if a proximity criteria for the failing observation points is met, and identifying faults associated with the failing observation points that meet the proximity criteria; and including the identified faults in a fault candidate set. |
| US08566054B1 |
Aircraft control surface measurement
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for managing an orientation of a tab of a control surface of an aircraft comprising an elongate structure having a number of members configured to position the elongate structure to a control surface, a bracket located on the elongate structure, a plurality of indicators located along the elongate structure, and a data processor in communication with the plurality of indicators. The bracket may be positioned against an edge of a tab of the control surface. Each of the plurality of indicators may be configured to generate a number of measurements about an orientation of the tab on the control surface. The data processor may be configured to present information about the orientation of the tab on the control surface. |
| US08566051B2 |
Leak detection and location system, method, and software product
A system for detecting and locating a leak through a membrane that includes a detector array and computer. The detector array includes a boundary wire loop, sensors, and leads. The boundary wire loop surrounds the area to be tested and generates electrical tension on the surface of the membrane. The sensors are laid out in a sensor array and are placed on top of a membrane and within the boundary wire loop. The sensors are encased in a plastic covered cable or individual wires which have open ends for their terminations forming a cable so that the sensors made by the open terminations form a chain. Each sensor communicates individually with the computer and the signals from the sensors are used by the computer to perform vector mapping that detects and locates leaks through the membrane. |
| US08566043B2 |
Detector for calculating the distortion of an electromagnetic field produced by a buried current carrying conductor
A detector for calculating the distortion of an electromagnetic field produced by a buried current carrying conductor comprises three antennas B, M, T. Outputs of two pairs of antennas are compared and the depth of the buried conductor is calculated using two different methods. If there is a significant difference in the two calculated depths then it is deemed that the electromagnetic field produced by the buried current carrying conductor is significantly distorted by the material in which the conductor is buried. |
| US08566041B2 |
Method for determining structural parameters of composite building panels
A method of determining face paper properties of all types of wallboard including providing a core strength value of the wallboard, determining a required nail pull value based the wallboard specifications and calculating a face paper stiffness value based on the provided core strength value and the determined nail pull value. The method includes displaying the calculated face paper stiffness value on a display device. |
| US08566040B2 |
Method for searching for homing endonucleases, their genes and their targets
A computer implemented method for generating nucleotide sequences containing candidate homing endonuclease genes (HEGs). A search is performed in a database stored on a storage medium of nucleotide sequences for amino acid sequences having a subsequence having a homology level with the translation of a subsequence of one or more predetermined HEGs. For each amino acid sequence generated by the search, one or more nucleotide sequences are retrieved encoding the amino acid sequence. The results of this search used in a second search of a database stored on a storage medium to generate the HEG containing sequences. |
| US08566038B2 |
Compositions and methods for analyzing immobilized nucleic acids
The present invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid analyte in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for assigning a profile of a feature to a nucleic acid. The present invention further provides a computer program product for use in a subject method. The present invention further provides a system for detecting a nucleic acid in a sample; and a system for assigning a profile of a feature to a nucleic acid. The present invention further provides a method for immobilizing a nucleic acid onto an insoluble support; and further provides insoluble support having nucleic acid(s) immobilized thereon. The present invention further provides a method of diagnosing a disorder or condition in an individual, where the method involves use of a subject method for detecting a nucleic acid analyte. |
| US08566037B2 |
Method and system for passive electroseismic surveying
A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation. |
| US08566035B2 |
Route optimization
In general, the present invention relates to route optimization/prediction. In one embodiment, the present invention provides visibility to future predicted traffic situations, based on all reserved routes in a system at a given point in time. This allows city planners, for example, to know where traffic will be to adjust traffic flow accordingly. Additional value comes into play by being able to calculate and publish aggregated savings from using this system, such as driver time, mileage, and gas. This information may be added to a database and made available to individuals via their GPS. In a typical implementation, a request for a route is received from a requester. Based on the request, an optimized route and a potential position of the requester within the optimized route are determined and then proposed to the requester. The requester can then select an option from the proposal. |
| US08566034B1 |
Inclinometer with calibration
An inclinometer using a forward speed, a yaw angle rate, a forward acceleration and external altitude information in order to calculate an inclination angle. The inclinometer performs an automatic calibration of an accelerometer bias. The inclinometer may also perform an automatic calibration of an accelerometer position offset. The external altitude information is not required to be continuous. |
| US08566027B2 |
Route re-planning using enemy force lethality projection
A method, system and computer readable media for route re-planning including generating enemy force movement predictions to be used during mission planning. During a mission, enemy force movements can be compared to the predictions. By using enemy force movement predictions for an initial comparison, the enemy force movements may only need to be compared to the own force mission plan if the enemy forces deviate from the predictions. When enemy force movement deviates from the predictions, new enemy force movement predictions can be generated. The new enemy force movement predictions can then be compared to the own force mission plan to determine if a route re-plan is needed. The route can be re-planned to determine a route that reduces or eliminates the chance of a lethal encounter with an enemy or threat. |
| US08566025B2 |
Method of selecting route and terminal using the same
A method of selecting a travel route, which includes receiving message information formed in a hierarchical structure and including traffic information, receiving a first position value and a second position value corresponding to first and second positions, searching for travel routes between the first and second positions, dividing the travel routes from the first position to the second position into a plurality of individual road links, calculating a time required to travel each road link along the travel routes from the first position to the second position based on at least one of current traffic congestion status information and prediction traffic congestion status information, and calculating a total time required to travel all of the road links for the travel routes from the first position to the second position. |
| US08566024B2 |
Navigation apparatus
A navigation apparatus includes a map data acquiring means 11a, 11, 12, and 5 for acquiring map data including data about roads for which whether or not a car pool lane is also provided is specified; a current position determining means 13, 14, 15, and 10 for determining a current position; and a route searching unit 130 for searching for a route from the current position determined by the current position determining means to a destination inputted by an input unit on the basis of the map data acquired by the map data acquiring means, and for, when a road where a car pool lane is also provided is included in a route acquired through the route search, presenting, as a recommended route, the route using the car pool lane if the distance over which the road will be traveled is equal to or longer than a predetermined value. |
| US08566023B2 |
Missing child reporting, tracking and recovery method and system
A method and system for marshaling resources needed to search for a missing child, declaring a missing child incident, coordinating a search for the missing child, tracking the progress of the search, locating the missing child, and recovering the missing child. |
| US08566021B2 |
Method and systems for deducing road geometry and connectivity
Methods and systems for generating, deriving, and enhancing drivable road databases are provided. A baseline road in a road network is defined and position and/or trajectory data collected by vehicles traveling the baseline road are compiled and compared to a representation of the baseline road in an existing database. Identity and/or other property information about the road are assigned form the existing database to the new database. |
| US08566019B2 |
Positioning apparatus and positioning method
A positioning apparatus includes: a first positioning unit that measures a position by receiving a signal; a second positioning unit that measures a position by autonomous navigation; and a memory unit that stores a positioning environment when the position is measured by the first positioning unit and the second positioning unit, wherein the first positioning unit and the second positioning unit measure the position based on the positioning environment. |
| US08566014B1 |
Discovery of public points of interest
Disclosed are various embodiments for discovery of public points of interest. Data identifying points of interest is obtained. Each point of interest is associated with a respective user and specifies a respective name and a respective geographic location. A public point of interest is determined based at least in part on a similarity of the respective names of a subset of the points of interest, a proximity of the respective geographic locations of the subset of the points of interest, and a number of different users associated with the subset of the points of interest. |
| US08566013B2 |
Electric vehicle (EV) driving mode optimization for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle
A method of operating a parallel hybrid electric drive train may include manually selecting a first mode by a user. The first mode include an electric mode that provides for propelling a vehicle using only an electric motor. The method may also include propelling the vehicle in the electric mode, limiting an allowed vehicle acceleration below a predetermined acceleration value, detecting a battery state of charge, and preventing an engine start during operation in the electric mode. |
| US08566010B2 |
System and method for providing road condition and congestion monitoring using smart messages
A communication device for providing road conditions and monitoring congestion, contains a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of: extracting key current vehicle and/or traffic insight; determining if the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight represents a departure from expected vehicle and/or traffic insight; if the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight is a departure from expected vehicle and/or traffic insight, using the key current vehicle and/or traffic insight to create a smart message, wherein the smart message contains the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight; and if the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight is a confirmation of expected vehicle and/or traffic insight, creating a confirmation message that does not contain the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight, yet confirms similarity between the extracted key current vehicle and/or traffic insight and the expected vehicle and/or traffic insight. |
| US08566009B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling travel of vehicles
A method for causing vehicles to travel improves work efficiency by minimizing stop time of the vehicles while avoiding deadlock, wherein reservation-requested routes are generated for the respective vehicles. The reservation-requested routes are parts of travel routes and between the current positions and travel stop positions, and are generated in so that a position not interfering with an interference region shown on a map and the terminal position of the reservation-requested routes for other vehicles becomes a terminal. Then, an already reserved route, is generated on conditions that the reservation-requested route for the vehicle does not interfere with the already reserved routes for the other vehicles and that deadlock does not occur. Then, the respective vehicles are controlled to travel from the current positions to the terminal positions of the already reserved routes. |
| US08566007B2 |
Automatic stop/restart device for internal combustion engine
The automatic/stop restart device includes a restart control module for performing restart control for the internal combustion engine by pushing out a pinion gear (17) by a pinion-gear push-out device (18) to bring the pinion gear into meshing engagement with a ring gear (16) when the restart requirement is satisfied before the rotation of the internal combustion engine is stopped after an automatic stop requirement is satisfied. The pinion gear is pushed out when the restart requirement is satisfied when a rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is equal to or lower than a predetermined rotation speed. At the same time, a starter motor (19) is driven by a starter-motor waiting-time adjustment module for adjusting a driving waiting time for the starter motor (19) according to the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine obtained when the restart requirement is satisfied. In this manner, the restart is quickly performed. |
| US08566005B2 |
Fuel injection detecting device
An actual maximum fuel injection rate is computed based on a falling waveform and a rising waveform of the fuel pressure. The falling waveform represents 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 represents the fuel pressure detected by the fuel sensor during a period in which the fuel pressure decreases due to a fuel injection rate increase. The falling waveform and the rising waveform are modeled by modeling functions. A reference pressure is computed based on pressure during a specified time period before the falling waveform is generated. An intersection pressure is computed, at which the straight lines expressed by the modeling functions intersect to each other. The maximum fuel injection rate is computed based on a fuel pressure drop from the reference pressure to the intersection pressure. |
| US08566004B2 |
Fuel injection control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An alcohol concentration sensor detects an alcohol concentration in fuel that is supplied to an internal combustion engine. A fuel injection quantity is controlled in accordance with a detection value of the alcohol concentration that is detected by the alcohol concentration sensor. When a temperature of the fuel, which is detected by a fuel temperature sensor or estimated from intake air temperature etc., is equal to or lower than a predetermined limit temperature, the detection value of the alcohol concentration, which is detected by the alcohol concentration sensor, is memorized as a memorized value of the alcohol concentration. When the temperature of the fuel is higher than the predetermined limit temperature, the fuel injection quantity is controlled by using the memorized value of the alcohol concentration instead of using the detection value, which is currently detected by the alcohol concentration sensor. |
| US08566000B2 |
System and method for controlling a single-spool turboshaft engine
A controller receives a power-level command representative of a level of power to be transmitted by a single-spool turboshaft engine to a controllable load. A torque command determined responsive to a measure of inlet pressure, from a control schedule responsive to the power-level command, is representative of a level of torque to be transmitted by an element to drive the controllable load. Under some operating conditions, a rotational speed command provides for at least nearly minimizing a measure of associated fuel consumption when the transmitted torque is regulated to the level corresponding to the torque command by controlling one of the controllable load and a fuel flow to the engine, and the other of the controllable load and the fuel flow to the engine is controlled so as to regulate an associated rotational speed to a level corresponding to the rotational speed command. |
| US08565991B2 |
Working fluid medium temperature control system and method
A working fluid medium temperature control system comprises an actuator operable on a working fluid medium, a pump for the working fluid medium, a fluid passage structure for the working fluid medium, an electric motor drivingly connected to the pump, and a control unit for the electric motor, the control unit including an inverter and an inverter controller. The inverter and the electric motor are integrated in such a way that the inverter is in heat transfer communication with the electric motor. The fluid passage structure is in heat transfer communication with the inverter. |
| US08565986B2 |
System and method for operating a dual clutch transmission during failure of an engine speed sensor or a bus connection between control modules
A system and method for maintaining the operation of an automated transmission (16), particularly a dual dutch transmission, for a motor vehicle, in case of a failure of an engine speed sensor (50) or a bus connection (44) between a first control module (42) controlling an engine (28) being connectable to the transmission (16) through at least one separation clutch (12, 149), and a second control module (34) controlling regulating units (12, 14) for connecting the engine (28) to the transmission (16) or to one or more driving wheels (34) in a force-transmitting manner, wherein gear-shift relevant data, particularly a number of revolutions (no) of the engine, is exchanged between the control modules (34, 42) over the bus connection (44). |
| US08565983B2 |
Method and system for regulating the linear position of a fifth wheel
A method and a system for regulating, while the vehicle is in motion, the linear position of a fifth wheel (4) of a vehicle combination which comprises a tractor unit (1) and a semi-trailer (2), which linear position of the fifth wheel is regulated automatically on the basis of the vehicle speed. Forward movement of the fifth wheel ordered in response to an increase in the vehicle speed, in order to reduce the distance between the driving cab (3) and the semi-trailer, is effected at a faster rate of movement of the fifth wheel at times when the tractor unit is performing a gear change operation than at times when the tractor unit is not performing a gear change operation. When a rearward movement of the fifth wheel to increase the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer has to be effected in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed, braking of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit is ordered, in order thereby to facilitate the rearward movement of the fifth wheel. |
| US08565979B2 |
System and method for stabilizing a single-track vehicle
A system for stabilizing a single-track vehicle including a front assembly and a rear assembly, said system comprising a robust controller including an inner loop which closes on a roll angular rate {dot over (χ)} of said rear assembly and reduces parametric uncertainty associated with said vehicle, and an outer loop which closes on a roll angle χ of said rear assembly, and wherein the robust controller outputs a steering torque signal for controlling a steering angle in said front assembly; a roll angle sensor for measuring the roll angle in the rear assembly; a roll rate gyro for measuring the roll angular rate in the rear assembly; and a motor for applying the steering angle to said front assembly responsive to the steering torque signal. |
| US08565976B2 |
Vehicle travel control device
An object of the present invention is to cover a drop in turning responsiveness of a vehicle to a driver's steering operation caused by a limit on the operating speed of a steerable wheel turning unit by a turn assist yaw moment independent of turn lateral forces of steerable wheels to thereby prevent the drop in turning responsiveness of the vehicle when the operating speed of the steerable wheel turning unit is limited. A vehicle travel control device comprises a steerable wheel turning unit capable of turning steerable wheels to steer independently of steering of a driver and a braking unit as a turn assist yaw moment generating means capable of generating a turn assist yaw moment independently of turn lateral forces of the steerable wheels. When a predetermined controlled variable limiting condition is established and the controlled variable of the steerable wheel turning unit is limited, the influence of limiting the controlled variable of the steerable wheel turning unit on the turn yaw moment of the vehicle can be reduced by changing braking forces of individual wheels and generating a yaw moment by differences in braking force between left and right wheels. |
| US08565975B2 |
Method and device for the control of a driver assistance system
A method and a device for controlling a driver assistance system using an LKS function of a vehicle, in which the LKS function is activated within predefinable boundary values and is deactivated outside these system boundaries. According to the invention, in response to the deactivation of the LKS function during cornering of the vehicle, the LKS function is transferred from a regulation to a control, in such a way that, during the cornering, the driver continues to be supported by a system torque in the transverse guidance of the vehicle at least over a certain stretch of path. |
| US08565969B2 |
Over the road/traction/cabin comfort retrofit
A vehicle includes a drive train having a manual transmission. An internal combustion engine is coupled to the manual transmission via a clutch. Auxiliary devices operate auxiliary systems of the vehicle. A battery energizes electric drivers for the auxiliary devices. A power exchange unit is coupled to the manual transmission via a power takeoff port. An electric generator is coupled to the power exchange unit, and the internal combustion engine drives the generator via the power exchange unit. The battery is energized by the generator via a battery charger. |
| US08565958B1 |
Removing extraneous objects from maps
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to safe and effective use of autonomous vehicles. More specifically, laser data including locations, intensities, and elevation data may be collected along a roadway in order to generate a 3D map of the roadway. In order to remove extraneous objects such as moving vehicles from the 3D map, a 2D grid of the roadway may be generated. The grid may include a plurality of cells, each representing an area of the roadway. The collected data may be sorted into the grid based on location and then evaluated to identify the lowest elevation of the cell. All data points above some threshold distance above this lowest elevation may be removed. The resulting data points may be used to generate a 3D map of the roadway which excludes the extraneous objects. |
| US08565947B2 |
Method for regulating the charging state of an energy accumulator for a vehicle comprising a hybrid drive
A method for regulating a charging state of an energy accumulator for a vehicle with a hybrid drive includes detecting a driving speed variable value of the vehicle and determining a nominal charging state of the energy accumulator as a function of the driving speed variable value by a control unit, detecting an actual charging state of the energy accumulator, comparing the actual charging state with the nominal charging state by the control unit, switching on an energy consumer by a charging state regulator, for at least partially discharging the energy accumulator when the actual charging state exceeds the nominal charging state, tabulating a first nominal charging state value as a function of the driving speed variable value by a characteristic curve, in order to determine the nominal charging state of the energy accumulator, and adapting the characteristic curve by the control unit when the vehicle is braked. |
| US08565941B2 |
Method for compensation of gyroscopic forces of a rotor in a helicopter
In order to suppress induction of precession when the rotor (24, 26) of a helicopter is tilted relative to a fuselage (31), the tilt trajectory is supplemented by transverse components. The helicopter is of the type with a bendable, actuated joint (34) between the rotor and a fuselage. A controller (2) receives an input signal (4) from a steering device (1) and transforms this input signal in an output signal (7) for an actuating system (3) for movement in the joint. The controller calculates on the basis of the input signal an estimation for further input signals, and adds a transverse component to the input trajectory before sending the output trajectory (11). |
| US08565937B2 |
System, process and computer program product for issue communication and facilitating issue resolution
A system for communicating issues and facilitating resolution of the issues, wherein the issues affect a plurality of similar complex systems, the system being implemented over a computer network and comprising at least one first computer device, a second computer device and a third computer device, all of which are configured to be in communication with the computer network. The first computer devices are adapted to be used by at least one customer, and the second computer device is adapted to be used by an originating entity. The third computer device is configured to maintain a discussion-capable electronic media accessible to the first and second computer devices over the computer network. The electronic media is configured to have a plurality of issues and a plurality of comments posted thereon to facilitate resolving the issue. |
| US08565933B2 |
Heatsink with a plurality of fans
A heatsink includes a plurality of fans mounted to the heatsink. The plurality of fans includes a first fan that provides an airflow for the heatsink and a second fan that selectively modifies the airflow. |
| US08565930B2 |
Charging system, vehicle, and charging system control method
An ECU operates a charging unit such that a power storage device is charged by an electric power from a power supply. When a vehicle moves while charging the unit charges the power storage device, the ECU stops charging the unit to discontinue the charging of the power storage device. The ECU diagnoses a state of the charging unit after the charging of the power storage device is stopped. The ECU determines whether the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed based on the diagnostic result. When determining that the charging of the power storage device is able to be resumed, the ECU resumes the charging of the power storage device by resuming the operation of the charging unit. |
| US08565929B2 |
Enhanced plant level support of grid reconstruction
Methodology is provided for enhancing plant level support for grid reconstruction following a blackout. A plant based grid reconstruction manager develops solutions for reconstruction sequence steps to be carried out automatically or to be communicated to site personnel for manual implementation. The sequence steps are based on high-fidelity modeling of the capabilities all of the power production units present in a power plant and take into consideration grid specified load expectations, ambient conditions including ambient temperature and gas turbine operating levels. The methodology also provides for consideration of possible subsequent steps in the sequence to maximize the ability to pick-up additional load in such subsequent steps. |
| US08565927B1 |
Irrigation interrupter
A irrigation interrupter is disclosed herein. The irrigation interrupter learns the watering patterns established by an irrigation controller and takes action to intelligently limit watering based on knowledge of time, temperature and soil moisture. The interrupter learns the watering pattern of the controller by monitoring behavior over a set period (two weeks), and mapping the start and duration of each zone's irrigation. A default profile is preferably set to enable users to ignore a setting and only adjust it after observing overall plant results. |
| US08565926B2 |
Multiple volatile material dispensing device and operating methodologies therefore
A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency. |
| US08565923B2 |
Robot
A robot includes: a moving mechanism; a position recognition section that recognizes a current position of the robot within a guide zone having at least one guide location; and a movement control section that moves the robot to each of guide locations in the guide zone by using the moving mechanism, while causing the position recognition section to recognize the current position. The robot further includes a transmission section that transmits, every time the robot moves to each of the guide locations, contents information corresponding to the guide location to a mobile receive terminal held by a person to be guided near the robot. |
| US08565922B2 |
Apparatus and method for assisting in achieving desired behavior patterns
A method and system for assisting an individual in achieving a desired pattern of behavior. A robot is provided that includes a moving head and eyes and is programmed to make eye contact with the individual, such robot also having an interface for communicating with the individual. The robot includes a relationship management module that measures state of a relationship with the individual to determine a current state of the relationship. The robot also includes an interaction module that implements a behavior model for the robot's interaction with the individual. The behavior model causes a change in interaction of the robot with the individual based on what the relationship management module determines to be the current state of the relationship, so that the behavior model assists the individual in effecting the pattern of behavior. |
| US08565921B2 |
Biped walking robot
Provided is a method for determining a grounding timing of a biped walking robot. Firstly, a ZMP equation which represents a trajectory of a center of gravity including a first single-leg grounded period in which the robot stands only with a first leg and a second single-leg grounded period in which the robot stands only with a second leg, following the first single-leg grounded period, is solved using a predetermined grounding timing. A second leg ZMP position representing a ZMP position in the second single-leg grounded period is then calculated. When the calculated second leg ZMP position is out of the second leg ZMP permissible area, the grounding timing is modified so that the second leg ZMP position is located in a second leg ZMP permissible area which is defined corresponding to a possible grounding area of the second leg. |
| US08565920B2 |
Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot
A robot obstacle detection system including a robot housing which navigates with respect to a surface and a sensor subsystem aimed at the surface for detecting the surface. The sensor subsystem includes an emitter which emits a signal having a field of emission and a photon detector having a field of view which intersects the field of emission at a region. The subsystem detects the presence of an object proximate the mobile robot and determines a value of a signal corresponding to the object. It compares the value to a predetermined value, moves the mobile robot in response to the comparison, and updates the predetermined value upon the occurrence of an event. |
| US08565916B2 |
Method of printing indicia on vessels to control a beverage dispenser
A method of printing indicia on a container to control a product dispenser. The method may include the steps of printing indicia on the container, the indicia controlling access to dispense from the product dispenser, reading the indicia about the product dispenser, determining if the container is authorized to use the product dispenser, and allowing a user to dispense a selected product type into the container. |
| US08565913B2 |
Apparatus and method for asset tracking
An apparatus and method for tracking the location of one or more assets, comprising an integrated system that identifies an asset, determines the time the asset is acquired by a conveying vehicle, determines the position, elevation and orientation of the asset at the moment it is acquired, determines the time the asset is deposited by the conveying vehicle, and determines the position, elevation and orientation of the asset at the time the asset is deposited, each position, elevation and orientation being relative to a reference plane. Mobile subsystems, each on a conveying vehicle, identify the location and orientation of that conveying vehicle using an optical position sensor unit viewing an array of optical position markers, determine the identity of the asset from a label, confirm acquisition of the asset, determine the elevation of the asset relative to the reference plane and communicate the tracking information to a fixed-base subsystem. |
| US08565910B2 |
Manufacturing execution system (MES) including a wafer sampling engine (WSE) for a semiconductor manufacturing process
A method of sampling semiconductor wafers includes passing a lot of semiconductor wafers into a semiconductor processing tool, processing a first portion of the lot in one process chamber of the semiconductor processing tool and a second portion of the lot in another process chamber of the semiconductor processing tool to produce processed semiconductor wafers, and initiating a wafer sampling engine to select at least one of the processed semiconductor wafers for sampling. The wafer sampling engine computes a long term process capability index for the processing tool and a short term process performance index for at least one of the processing tool and process chamber, identifies at least one desired sampling measurement type, selects the at least one of the processed semiconductor wafers for sampling, and collects the desired measurement types from the at least one of the processed semiconductor wafers selected for sampling. |
| US08565909B2 |
Fabrication of materials with desired characteristics from base materials having determined characteristics
In an object generation system, consumable base materials are characterized in a characterization process wherein an object generation system can use a plurality of so-characterized base materials. User input representing a desired object and set of characteristics for that desired object are processed, using a computer or computing device, to derive a mapping of locations for placement of portions of the plurality of base materials such that when the mapping is provided to an object generator, the generated object approximates the representing a desired object and set of characteristics. The characterization of a base material might include elasticity of the base material, the user input might be a desired shape and elasticity, the object generator might be a 3D multi-material printer and the generated object might at least approximate the desired shape and elasticity as a result of being constructed from the plurality of base materials used by the printer. |
| US08565908B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for equalization preference learning
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for equalization preference learning for digital audio modification. A method for listener calibration of an audio signal includes modifying a reference sound using at least one equalization curve; playing the modified reference sound for a listener; accepting listener feedback regarding the modified reference sound; and generating a weighting function based on listener feedback. A listener audio configuration system includes an output providing a sound for listener review; an interface accepting listener feedback regarding the sound; and a processor programming an audio device based on listener feedback. |
| US08565905B2 |
Method and computer implemented apparatus for lighting experience translation
The invention relates to the translation of lighting experience, particularly to the translation of scripts for describing lighting experiences and provided for controlling of lighting devices in a lighting system. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for lighting experience translation by means of a computer, comprising the acts of—receiving an effect based script, which describes one or more light effects of the lighting experience on one or more locations in a view in an environment (S10),—receiving one or more location-effect control models, wherein a location-effect control model describes light effects being available on a location in the view in the environment (S12), and—translating the effect based script into controls for one or more virtual lighting devices by using the location effect control model (S14). This allows to design lighting infrastructure independent effect based scripts and to translate the light experience, described with such scripts, automated into controls for virtual lighting devices, which may then further processed for a concrete lighting infrastructure. |
| US08565904B2 |
Irrigation controller and system integrating no-watering restrictions and an empirically-derived evapotranspiration local characteristic curve
A convenient, easy-to-use, water-saving, and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, regulation data (mandated and voluntary watering restrictions), and property-specific data (such as type of plant, zone number, emitter type, and plant environment), with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. Compliance is automatic and obligatory, meeting the water saving goals of the local water authority. Optionally presented is a web-based wizard used to determine a customized water budget/schedule that is input into the FROG controller through a data storage unit or wireless input. |
| US08565902B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a building management system
A method and apparatus, often implemented in a building management system, may include receiving data indicative of a threat level identifier, and subsequently receiving a user instruction to associate one or more sets of building system configuration data with the threat level identifier. Each set of building system configuration data may relate to a respective building system. The instruction may be processed to selectively associate the one or more sets of building system configuration data with the threat level identifier. Subsequently, in response to an instruction to implement a threat level corresponding to the threat level identifier, signals may be generated and transmitted thereby to instruct the relevant building systems to apply configuration data corresponding to the one or more data sets associated with the threat level identifier. |
| US08565900B2 |
Low power signal transmission
A low-power implant system. The system includes an implant for implantation into a person, such as a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant. The implant is capable of communicating with a device via transmission of ultra wideband pulses. The device may be adapted to be worn external to the person, or may be a second implant. So as to conserve battery power, the transmitted ultra wideband pulses may have a low duty cycle of approximately 1/1000 or less. Power savings may also be realized by using time-gating amplifiers in the implant and/or device receiver. |
| US08565899B1 |
Implantable prosthesis configuration to control heat dissipation from prosthesis components
Disclosed herein are medical prostheses including a cochlear implant that includes circuitry enclosed within a housing and at least one electrode lead extending from the housing. The electrode lead comprises a conducting pathway and an electrode terminal at one end of the electrode lead. The conducting pathway connects the circuitry with the electrode terminal, and insulation (or an insulating sleeve) encloses at least a portion of the conducting pathway. In some embodiments, the electrode terminal has a lower thermal conductivity relative to the implant housing. In further embodiments, the insulation has thermal conductivity and thermal conduction properties that cause at least some thermal energy in the conducting pathway to flow into the insulation rather than to the electrode terminal. In still further embodiments, at least one of the electrode terminal or the electrode lead includes at least one thermal mass enhancing structure. |
| US08565897B2 |
Autonomous (leadless) intracardiac implantable medical device with releasable base and fastener element
A leadless autonomous intracardiac implantable medical device having a releasable fastener system. This autonomous intracorporeal active medical device has two distinct elements connectable together and reversibly separable from one another, with a sealed capsule body (100) housing electronic circuitry (110), and a base (200) comprising a plate (202) having an outer face and an anchoring system on said outer face to anchor the base to a wall of an organ of a patient, and an inner face forming a support for the capsule body and having a fastening system to couple releasably the capsule body to the base. The capsule body comprises on its face turned towards the base at least one projection support (108) on an electrode surface for coming into contact with the wall of the organ of the patient when the capsule body is mounted on the base. |
| US08565894B2 |
Three-dimensional system of electrode leads
The electrode lead system of a preferred embodiment includes a series of first electrical subsystems; a guiding element that positions the series of first electrical subsystems in a three dimensional arrangement within body tissue; a second electrical subsystem; and at least one connector that couples the first electrical subsystems to the second electrical subsystem. The electrode lead system of another preferred embodiment includes a series of electrode arrays; a guide tube that facilitates implantation of electrode arrays within body tissue and temporarily contains the series of electrode arrays; and a guiding element that provides a bias on the series of electrode arrays such that (a) when contained by the guide tube, the first electrical subsystems maintain a substantially singular path within body tissue, and (b) when not contained by the guide tube, the first electrical subsystems diverge along more than one path into a three dimensional arrangement within body tissue. |
| US08565893B2 |
Implantable medical lead having reduced dimension tubing transition
Lead body designs for forming a fluid tight seal between a multilumen tube and other portions of a lead body are provided. One lead body design has a multilumen tube having a first portion defining a first number of lumens and a second reduced dimension portion defining a second number of lumens, the second number of lumens being smaller than the first number of lumens. The reduced dimension portion is attached to a distal tip portion of the lead body, forming a fluid tight passageway through the multilumen tube to the distal tip portion. Also provided are methods for forming such multilumen tubes and incorporating such multilumen tubes into a lead body. |
| US08565892B2 |
Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers having three-dimensional geometries adapted for improved diagnostics and hyperthermic treatment
Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers (MAEs) that exhibit a controlled response to a magnetic field, including a controlled mechanical response and inductive thermal response. The MAEs have a magnetic material that exhibits the inductive thermal response to the magnetic field and is embedded in a coating, such that the MAE conforms to a particular shape, e.g., a hemisphere, a dome or a shell, that is chosen to produce the desired controlled mechanical response of the entire MAE to the magnetic field. A targeting moiety for specifically binding the MAE to a pathogen target is also provided. The MAEs are preferably bound by a flexible linker to promote the desired mechanical response, which includes interactions between MAEs that are not bound to their pathogen target for the purpose of forming spheres, spherical shells, or generally spherical dimers. Such forms contain the thermal energy produced by the thermal inductive response of the magnetic material and thus reduce collateral healthy tissue damage during hyperthermic treatment. The inventing extends to appropriate apparatus and methods for diagnostics and hyperthermic treatments employing the MAEs. |
| US08565887B2 |
Method for treating pain
Disclosed herein is a method of treating pain of a subject. The method is characterized in having the steps of providing treatments not directly onto a pain point, but onto at least one correlative treatment point, to reduce the pain of the subject. |
| US08565886B2 |
Arousal state modulation with electrical stimulation
In some examples, an arousal network of a brain of a patient can be activated to modify the arousal state of the patient, which may be useful in treating a cognitive disorder of the patient. In some examples, a bioelectrical brain signal indicative of electrical activity in a first portion of the brain is monitored to determine whether the patient is in a first arousal state, and, in response to determining the patient is in the first arousal state, electrical stimulation is delivered to a second portion of the brain to activate an arousal neural network in the first portion of the brain to induce a second arousal state to treat the cognitive disorder, where the second arousal state is different than the first arousal state. |
| US08565883B2 |
Cognitive function within a human brain
Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy. |
| US08565878B2 |
Accurate cardiac event detection in an implantable cardiac stimulus device
Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In some illustrative examples, detected events are analyzed to identify changes in detected event amplitudes. When detected event amplitudes are dissimilar from one another, a first set of detection parameters may be invoked, and, when detected event amplitudes are similar to one another, a second set of detection parameters may be invoked. Additional methods determine whether the calculated heart rate is “high” or “low,” and then may select a third set of detection parameters for use when the calculated heart rate is high. |
| US08565871B2 |
Automated external defibrillator device with integrated wireless modem
An automatic external defibrillator (AED) includes an integral wireless modem configured so that, upon activation, the AED automatically connects to a wireless network and reports the event to an emergency services center or remote server to call for an ambulance. The activation report may be accomplished by calling an emergency services center and playing a prerecorded voice message that includes AED location information. Alternatively, the activation report may be transmitted via a wireless data network to a remote server which routes the information to appropriate authorities. After the activation report is transmitted, the AED may transmit patient and treatment data to the server. The AED may include a speaker phone capability so a caregiver can talk with a dispatcher or medical team. The AED may also automatically report activation data and periodic self-diagnostic testing results to a manufacturer or service provider via a wireless data call to a remote server. |
| US08565869B2 |
Device and system to improve the safety of an electrical stimulating device in an electromagnetic radiation environment
A device to improve the safety of neuronal, heart, muscle and organ electrical stimulation devices during MRI scanning. The device consists of means to open and/or closing the circuit to the electrical stimulation device and to the battery pack, while, concomitantly, closing and/or opening another circuit to a dedicated path that dissipates the stored energy induced by the radiofrequency used in imaging MRI. |
| US08565862B2 |
Optical imaging method for tissue characterization
There is provided a method for detecting and characterizing abnormalities within biological tissues. The method involves the characterization of the optical properties of the tissue to derive relative values of physiological properties between normal and suspicious regions of the tissue. In some aspects of the invention optical imaging and other imaging modalities are combined to detect and identify a disease state of the tissue. |
| US08565860B2 |
Radioactive emission detector equipped with a position tracking system
A radioactive emission probe in communication with a position tracking system and the use thereof in a variety of systems and methods of medical imaging and procedures, are provided. Specifically, wide aperture collimation—deconvolution algorithms are provided, for obtaining a high-efficiency, high resolution image of a radioactivity emitting source, by scanning the radioactivity emitting source with a probe of a wide-aperture collimator, and at the same time, monitoring the position of the radioactive emission probe, at very fine time intervals, to obtain the equivalence of fine-aperture collimation. The blurring effect of the wide aperture is then corrected mathematically. Furthermore, an imaging method by depth calculations is provided, based on the attenuation of photons of different energies, which are emitted from the same source, coupled with position monitoring. |
| US08565859B2 |
Method and system for image based device tracking for co-registration of angiography and intravascular ultrasound images
A method and system for co-registration of angiography data and intra vascular ultrasound (IVUS) data is disclosed. A vessel branch is detected in an angiogram image. A sequence of IVUS images is received from an IVUS transducer while the IVUS transducer is being pulled back through the vessel branch. A fluoroscopic image sequence is received while the IVUS transducer is being pulled back through the vessel branch. The IVUS transducer and a guiding catheter tip are detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. The IVUS transducer detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence is mapped to a respective location in the detected vessel branch of the angiogram image. Each of the IVUS images is registered to a respective location in the detected vessel branch of the angiogram image based on the mapped location of the IVUS transducer detected in a corresponding frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence. |
| US08565855B2 |
MRI method
A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging scanner for imaging the heart of a patient comprising inducing apnoea in the patient; sensing an electrical heart waveform; in response thereto moving the chest wall of the patient to a desired location; and triggering the scanner to image. |
| US08565854B2 |
Method and system for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging
A method, system, computer-readable medium, use, and pulse sequence for magnetic resonance imaging or nuclear magnetic resonance is provided for determining the rate of molecular exchange between components with different diffusion characteristics. The present invention encodes the magnetic resonance signal for exchange utilizing judiciously designed protocols for varying the parameters of a pulse sequence comprising a pair of diffusion weighting blocks separated by a mixing time. |
| US08565850B2 |
Method and kit for sweat activity measurement
The invention relates to sweat activity measurement, e.g. for determining a physiological state of a subject, embodied by a method as well as a kit with an immittance measuring circuit and electrodes with contact electrolyte. Sweat activity is considered a transport phenomenon and can be defined as a flux, e.g. gram water per skin area per second. Prior art methods determining water absorbed per gram dry stratum corneum measures skin moisture and do not truly reflect sweat activity. A periodic signal with frequency of 60 Hz or lower is applied to reduce contribution from complex admittance of the skin, and skin conductance is measured as a degree of sweat activity. The contact electrolyte allows filling of sweat ducts with sweat from sweat glands, this may be characterized in that it does not substantially fill the sweat ducts when being positioned on the skin and/or in that it has a re-absorption time constant from the sweat ducts into the Epidermis of less than 15 min. |
| US08565845B2 |
Superconducting coil and superconducting conductor for use therein
The invention offers a superconducting coil that has the shape of a pancake formed by winding a superconducting conductor. The superconducting conductor is composed of a tape-shaped (Bi, Pb)2223-based superconducting wire and a tape-shaped thin-film RE123-based superconducting wire that are electrically connected in parallel with each other. The coil generates only a low voltage in the steady-operation state, limits the generated voltage to a low level even in a state where an external disturbance enters for some reason, and is therefore less susceptible to quenching. Consequently, the coil can be operated stably in both states. The invention also offers a superconducting conductor to be used to form the coil. |
| US08565841B2 |
Cell phone and program for controlling broadcast receiving function of cell phone
The cell phone has a plurality of batteries for supplying power according to their use. When the power of a battery is nearly depleted while the user is viewing a TV program, the cell phone informs the user of that fact to restrict the viewing of the TV program. |
| US08565838B2 |
Method for controlling mobile communications
A method for controlling mobile communications involves identifying an operator of the mobile vehicle, where the operator is associated with a mobile communications device. Via a telematics unit disposed in the mobile vehicle, the method further involves recognizing, while the vehicle is in motion, that the mobile communications device is not located in a predefined location inside a cabin area of the vehicle, and in response to a command generated by the telematics unit based on the recognizing, automatically adjusting a functionality of an audio system disposed in the vehicle. |
| US08565834B2 |
Portable communication device
A portable communication device comprises a cover part in which the existing front cover part and the battery cover part are integrally formed with each other. The portable communication device includes a battery pack; a window; a keypad; a printed circuit board with an LCD module; an LCD bracket for attaching the window; and a cover part whose front side is open and which forms a mounting space toward its inside, wherein the battery pack, the printed circuit board coupled with the keypad, the LCD bracket and the window are provided within the mounting space. |
| US08565829B2 |
Mobile terminal with detachably coupled sub-device
A mobile terminal includes: a main device having a display unit and performing a mobile communication function, and a sub-device having an input unit, communicating with the main device, and detachably coupled to the main device, wherein the input unit includes a transparent touch panel, and at least a portion of the transparent touch panel overlaps with the display unit in a state that the main device and the sub-device are coupled. The main device and the sub-device communicate with each other when they are coupled or separated to remotely control each other. |
| US08565824B2 |
Method for operating a base station and base station
A method for operating a base station of a mobile wireless system, in particular of a mobile communications network, wherein the base station is configured to operate in different operation states, wherein the operation states at least include an active operational mode, in which the radio interface subsystem of the base station is fully activated, and a low-duty operational mode with reduced radio transmission activity, is characterized in that in the low-duty operational mode the base station implements a window mechanism including availability intervals during which radio transmissions are allowed and unavailability intervals in which no radio transmissions are allowed. Furthermore, a corresponding base station for deployment in a mobile wireless system is disclosed. |
| US08565823B2 |
Basestation for cellular communication system
A basestation in a cellular communication system corrects frequency errors in signals generated within the basestation. The frequency errors may be corrected on the basis of signals transmitted by one or more other basestation within the network. As an alternative, the basestation may request information from one or mobile devices that are also able to detect transmissions from other basestations. |
| US08565819B2 |
Mobile terminal, display device and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a first display unit, an interface unit configured to be connected to an external display device having a second display unit, and a controller configured to receive a connection signal indicating a connection of the mobile terminal to the display device, to play a multimedia content on the first display unit, to provide video information of the multimedia content to the external display device, and to pause the playing of the multimedia content on the first display unit. |
| US08565816B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and control method thereof
A mobile communication terminal in accordance with the present invention includes a first wireless communication unit 102 corresponding to a first wireless communication system and an interface 107 capable of detachably connecting an external apparatus 200. The mobile communication terminal for starting up a communication operating system using a battery as a power supply includes a determination unit 112 for determining whether or not the external apparatus 200 connected to the interface 107 has a second wireless communication unit 202 corresponding to a second wireless communication system and a control unit 112 for controlling the communication operating system to be started up by executing a start-up sequence of the second wireless communication unit 202 without executing a start-up sequence of the first wireless communication unit 102 in a case where the determination unit 112 determines that the second wireless communication unit 202 is included when the communication operating system is started up again after being disabled due to a decline in the battery voltage. Thus, the multi-mode communication based on the battery voltage can be executed efficiently and user convenience can be improved. |
| US08565814B2 |
Radio frequency communication devices and methods
One embodiment relates to a circuit for efficient wireless communication. The circuit includes an antenna interface module adapted to receive multiple frequency components via an antenna. Multiple reception paths stem from the antenna interface module, where different reception paths are associated with different frequency components. The circuit also includes multiple filter elements having inputs respectively coupled to the multiple reception paths. At least two of the filter elements cooperatively form a differential output signal based on their respective frequency components. Other methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08565813B2 |
Apparatus and method for amplifying power in mobile terminal
A transmission apparatus and a method thereof in a mobile terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for securing a space of a mobile terminal and reducing manufacturing costs by integrating power amplifying units into one module in the mobile terminal that supports a multi-mode are provided. The power amplifier of a mobile terminal includes a first amplifying unit and a second amplifying unit. The first amplifying unit defines a frequency of a GSM quad band as a low frequency band and a high frequency band, and then amplifies a signal of the low frequency band of the GSM quad band. The second amplifying unit amplifies a signal of the high frequency band of the GSM quad band and a signal of a TD-SCDMA band. |
| US08565798B2 |
Geo-directed adaptive antenna array
Systems and methods for on-the-fly characterization of an arbitrary array of antenna elements are provided. An array of arbitrary antenna elements and a reference receiver is provided. A location for a target source of signals is provided or assumed. Cross ambiguity functions are computed between the signal received by the reference receiver and the signal received by each antenna element. The cross ambiguity functions are analyzed to determine the phase and amplitude response of the antenna array to signals originating from the location of the target source of signals. |
| US08565797B2 |
Cross-platform messaging
Systems and methods are provided for displaying a short message service (SMS) message on user media equipment, in which the user media equipment includes a set-top box and a display. In some embodiments, the set-top box receives an SMS message, wherein the SMS message includes information identifying a triggering event for displaying the SMS message. The SMS message is stored until the occurrence and detection of the identified triggering event. In response to detecting the occurrence of the identified triggering event, the SMS message is displayed on at least a portion of the display of the user media equipment. |
| US08565795B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating paging areas
A method for allocating paging areas includes: determining a basic paging area currently visited by a User Equipment (UE); and allocating a paging area to this UE according to a history record of motion trace of UEs located in the basic paging area currently visited by this UE. An apparatus for allocating paging areas is disclosed. |
| US08565794B2 |
Method and apparatus for group paging in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method for receiving, by a terminal, a paging message in a wireless communication system. A paging message reception method according to the present invention comprises receiving a paging message which includes task information from a base station, and performing at least one task among the initiation of a machine type communication (MTC) function, interruption of a machine type communication (MTC) function and a measurement report according to the task information included in the received paging message. |
| US08565792B1 |
Dynamic paging concatenation
Methods and systems for managing paging-channel resources, and in particular, dynamically adjusting the page-concatenation level based on PCO in a sector, are disclosed herein. An exemplary method involves (a) at an access network configured to page mobile stations via a paging channel of a sector in the access network, determining a paging channel occupancy (PCO) level for the sector; (b) using the determined PCO level as a basis for selecting a page-concatenation level to be used to page mobile stations in the sector, wherein the page-concatenation level is selected from a plurality of available page-concatenation levels; and (c) applying concatenation to pages to mobile stations in the sector according to the selected page-concatenation level. |
| US08565790B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for determining if access to a region is feasible or infeasible for a user of a mobile device
Techniques are provided which may be implemented using various methods and/or apparatuses in a mobile device to allow the mobile device to obtain map information associated with at least a portion of an indoor environment comprising a plurality of regions. The mobile device may also obtain additional measurement information associated with at least the portion of the indoor environment, wherein the additional measurement information is based, at least in part, on previously obtained estimated position measurement information associated with a plurality of mobile devices within the indoor environment. The mobile device may determine whether access to at least one of the plurality of regions is either feasible or infeasible to a user associated with the mobile device. The determination may be based, at least in part, on the map information and the additional measurement information. |
| US08565789B2 |
Automatic service vehicle hailing and dispatch system and method
A system and method are provided for improving efficiency of operation and convenience of access to a fleet of taxis, or other service vehicles, requiring rapid, on-demand dispatch to customer-determined locations. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) and/or radiolocation technology are used to automate the entry of the customer pickup location, and optionally the dropoff location and other relevant information as well. A customer speaks the pickup location into a cellular telephone which then digitizes and transmits it as a data communication to an ASR system. The ASR system decodes the digitized utterance into a pickup location which is passed to a vehicle matching and dispatch system. The vehicle matching and dispatch system matches a taxi and dispatches it to the pickup location. In one embodiment, the identified pickup location is transmitted to the customer's cellular telephone for confirmation or correction, before dispatch of the requested taxi. |
| US08565788B2 |
Method and system for obtaining location of a mobile device
Method and platform for providing the location of a first mobile device to a second device in which the second device generates a query for the location of the first device which is in the form of an SMS or push e-mail message and which is directed to the first device. Upon receipt of the query, the first device initiates a determination of its location, either by itself or by providing information to a central server, and the determined location of the first device is then directed to the second device, either directly from the central server or via the first device. The central server may direct a transmission of the location of the first device to the second device in an SMS message. |
| US08565784B2 |
Signal level measurement for mobile positioning
Methods and systems are provided to improve the input used in, e.g., an Enhanced Cell Global ID algorithm. Reducing the variation of the input can result in a more accurate position result for a mobile positioning system when determining the position of a mobile system. |
| US08565781B2 |
Content publishing systems and methods
A system for publishing digital content is described which, in one embodiment, includes a beacon device associated with a first user configured to transmit identification information and information indicating its current position. A browsing device includes a display configured and adapted to display to a second user a representation of a local geographical area, and to selectively display to the second user content information associated with the first user, based at least in part on whether the location of the beacon device is within the local geographical area. |
| US08565780B2 |
Caller identification with caller geographical location
Caller identification with caller geographical location is provided. The caller's geographical location represents the actual or approximate geographical location of the caller at the time the call is placed rather than the billing or exchange location. Additional information can be requested based on the caller's geographical location, such as directions, nearby sites of interest, and traffic reports. A call recipient can request that this additional information be sent to the caller. For privacy purposes and security, a caller can limit the amount of information that is transmitted to call recipients. |
| US08565779B2 |
Position-based automatic configuration of portable device
A method for automatically configuring a portable device comprises determining a position of the portable device and automatically configuring the portable device based on the determined position. |
| US08565778B2 |
Apparatus and method for uplink scheduling in a broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for uplink scheduling in a broadband wireless communication system are provided, in which channel conditions are divided into at least two areas, an area corresponding to channel information of a CSM mobile station received from the CSM mobile station is determined, resources of a first pilot pattern are allocated to the CSM mobile station, if the channel information belongs to an area with good channel condition, and resources of a second pilot pattern are allocated to the CSM mobile station, if the cannel information belongs to an area with poor channel condition. |
| US08565766B2 |
Dynamic network connection system and method
A method and system for selecting a network to establish a connection to from a set of available network includes a network database providing historical information about each of the networks and sends the database information to end user terminals. The end user terminals monitor real-time performance information about each of the available networks and can send this information to the network database. The end user terminals also include network connection policy information which can be used to make the selection decision. The end user terminal determines a network quality score for each available network as a function of the historical information from the network database, the real-time performance information about each available network and the network connection policy information. The end user terminal can select the available network as a function of the network quality score, for example, selecting the available network with the highest network quality score. |
| US08565762B2 |
Apparatus and method for scanning a home public land mobile network in a mobile communication terminal
Provided are an apparatus and a method for scanning a Home Public Land Mobile Network (Home PLMN) in a mobile communication terminal that includes the operations of determining an operation mode of the mobile communication terminal, if a Home PLMN scanning timer expires, and setting a flag to indicate that the Home PLMN scanning timer expires, if the mobile communication terminal is determined to be in a non-idle mode. As a result, the Home PLMN can be searched as fast as possible. |
| US08565761B2 |
Mobile communication method and radio base station
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes steps of: performing, at a mobile station (UE) having established a first connection in a first cell, a cell selection process when detecting failure in the first connection; transmitting, from the mobile station (UE) to a second cell selected by the cell selection process, a connection re-establishment request signal; determining, at the radio base station managing the second cell, whether or not to have stored context information of the mobile station (UE) having transmitted the connection re-establishment request signal; acquiring, at the radio base station managing the second cell, the context information of the mobile station from a radio base station managing the first cell, when the radio base station managing the second cell determines that it does not store the context information of the mobile station (UE). |
| US08565760B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for recovering registration information
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for recovering registration information at a home network when the home network determines that it has experienced a loss of the registration information. The home network communicates a triggering message to at least one visited network to initiate registration information recovery, and the visited network responds to the triggering message by communicating registration information for objects that are located at the visited network and that are associated with the home network. These objects may include, for example, subscriber units and/or talk groups that are associated with the home network and have roamed to the visited network. |
| US08565758B2 |
Integrated wireless network and associated method
An integrated wireless network and associated method are provided for facilitating wireless communication onboard an aircraft. The integrated wireless network includes a wireless distribution system including a wired interface and a plurality of wireless radios. The wireless distribution system may also include a combiner and one or more antennas, such as leaky feeder antenna(s), extending through the cabin compartment of the aircraft. The combiner may provide the combined wireless signals to the antenna for transmission. And, the combiner may deconstruct wireless signals received by the antenna and provide the deconstructed wireless signals to a respective wireless radio. The integrated wireless network of this embodiment also includes one or more wireless data concentrators having a plurality of wireless radios in communication with the antenna. The plurality of wireless radios of the wireless distribution system and the wireless data concentrator may support wireless communications in accordance with a plurality of different protocols. |
| US08565757B1 |
Assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device. In particular, physical aspects of the mobile device that are related to call integrity are identified. The physical condition of the mobile device is then monitored based on the identified physical aspects. The data retrieved from monitoring the physical aspects of the mobile device is then provided to a physical condition assessment component that determines an assessed physical condition of the mobile device. Based on the assessed physical condition of the mobile device, call integrity of calls communicated via the mobile device is determined. |
| US08565750B2 |
Cumulative neighboring cell list
A method is provided that reduces the overhead of neighboring cells that must be signaled and thereby reduces the overhead in the system information and reduces the number of cells on which a UE must perform measurements. In order to accomplish this, the number of neighboring cells (inter frequency/inter RAT) that are broadcast in the system information is reduced. |
| US08565749B2 |
Mobile phone terminal, server, and group call system
A mobile station 10 includes: an SMS information acquisition unit 21 configured to acquire an SMS (registration request) through line switching NW 300, the SMS including group call identification information that identifies a group call; a memory 19 configured to store the group call identification information included in the SMS (registration request) as a received call history; and a halfway participation processor 25b configured to accept calling operation for the group call associated with the group call identification information stored as the received call history, to acquire from the storage unit the group call identification information associated with the group call for which the calling operation has been accepted, and to generate an INVITE (halfway participation) including the acquired group call identification information. |
| US08565748B2 |
Demand-based provisioning for a mobile communication device
Systems and methods are provided for providing demand-based provisioning for a mobile communication device. A provisioning server may be used to receive a provisioning update request from the mobile communication device and in response to the provisioning update request transmit a service update data message to the mobile communication device. The service update data message may include service information for the mobile communication device that is received by the provisioning server from at least one of a plurality of service providers. The mobile communication device may be operable to detect a triggering event and transmit the provisioning update request to the provisioning server in response to the triggering event. |
| US08565741B2 |
Mobile terminal and information processing method thereof
A method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes acquiring channel information of a broadcasting program received by at least one other mobile terminal through a client program, arranging and displaying the acquired channel information according to a specific standard, receiving a selection signal corresponding to a selection at least one channel information item from the displayed channel information, and receiving and displaying the broadcasting program corresponding to the selected channel information item. |
| US08565740B2 |
System and method for providing streaming data to a mobile device
Various embodiments for a system and method for providing streaming data to a device are provided herein. In one example, a method comprises receiving a request for streaming data from a mobile device, receiving settings with regards to the delivery of the streaming data to the mobile device, retrieving the streaming data from a source of the streaming data, reformatting the streaming data for the mobile device according to the settings and sending the reformatted streaming data to the mobile device in accordance with the settings. |
| US08565737B1 |
Mobile voice calls to mobile terminated data
A method and system for an end user (caller) to easily opt-in to receive digital communications, such as for a mobile marketing campaign, is disclosed herein. A caller uses a mobile communication device to make a standard voice phone call to a predefined number. A voice call termination point captures the caller ID. The caller then makes a selection, and the call is terminated. If the caller is determined to be using a mobile communication device, a confirmation of the selection is sent to the mobile communication device. |
| US08565735B2 |
System and method for supporting mobile unit connectivity to venue specific servers
The present invention is an applications gateway that offers multiple functions and features for specific geographic venue locations, while providing easy access to advertising, purchasing, and redemption opportunities for that specific geographic venue location. Venue locations can be stadiums, shopping malls, amusement parks, open air spaces where people can congregate, and/or buildings, which most often require the presence of a concentration of people. The venue location may correlate to the location of the hand-held mobile unit or it may be a remote geographic venue location not near the location of the hand-held mobile unit. Access to the gateway application is through a hand-held mobile unit, which can include a mobile phone, smartphone device, or portable computer having a wireless radio transmission connection. (e.g. iPhone, Droid, iPad, Slate, etc.). |
| US08565734B2 |
Advanced wireless vehicle services
A network connected vehicle computer unit is disclosed. Services are provided to a vehicle, having the vehicle computer unit, over a wireless network to control, manage, provide safety to, and maintain the vehicle. |
| US08565732B2 |
Alternate voicemail deposit notification for roaming mobile devices
Systems and methods allow a roaming mobile device to communicate with a visual voicemail (VVM) system to inform the VVM system of its roaming status. The VVM system then suspends VVM service for the voicemail account associated with the roaming mobile device and instructs a notification server to notify the roaming mobile device if a voicemail message is deposited into a voicemail box associated with the voicemail account. |
| US08565731B2 |
Missed communication handling
Systems, methods and devices for missed call handling are provided. In particular there is provided a method for providing missed communication reminders. The method includes receiving an electronic communication and determining, by an electronic device, that the electronic communication was not acknowledged. In response to determining that the electronic communication was not acknowledged, a missed communication reminder is created and scheduled to be actuated automatically at a certain time. The missed communication reminder is stored in an electronic storage medium associated with the electronic device. Upon reaching the certain time, the missed communication reminder is actuated through an output apparatus in communication with the electronic device. |
| US08565729B2 |
Devices and methods for data transfer during charging of a portable device
Described below are methods and devices to automatically effect data transfer, for example for backing up data of a device, between a mobile communication device and another device, upon detection by the mobile communication device of charging current received for example from a charger. When a charger or a charging current is detected, the mobile device detects what connectivity links, such as for example, USB, Bluetooth, and/or WiFi, are available between the mobile device and another device. An automated process selects an appropriate connectivity link and then initiates one or two-way transfer of data over the automatically selected connectivity link according to the data transfer rules set by the user or by a default mechanism or algorithm. In this manner backup and/or update of data may take place automatically upon connection of a user's mobile communication device to a source of charging current. |
| US08565717B2 |
Mobile telephone equipped for activation of an emergency mode
A mobile telephone equipped for activation of an emergency mode comprises a housing, a detection circuit triggered, especially interrupted, from outside the housing and a strap member cooperating with the detection circuit for triggering, especially interrupting, the detection circuit upon pulling the strap member off the housing. An electronic control unit of the telephone monitors triggering of the detection circuit, to activate an emergency mode in case of such triggering and to automatically perform emergency operations in the emergency mode. The strap member comprises a strap, a first connector attached to the strap and a bridging circuit portion. The housing comprises a second connector that cooperates with the first connector for fastening the strap member to the housing. The connectors are configured as mating snap-fit connectors, with the connector or of the strap member comprising at least two bridging circuit terminals. |
| US08565711B2 |
SAW-less receiver including an IF frequency translated BPF
A SAW-less receiver includes an FEM interface module, an RF to IF receiver section, and a receiver IF to baseband section. The RF to IF receiver section includes a mixing module, a mixed buffer section, and a frequency translated BPF (FTBPF) circuit module. The mixing module converts an inbound RF signal into an in-phase (I) mixed signal and a quadrature (Q) mixed signal. The mixed buffer section filters and buffers the I mixed signal and filter and buffer the Q mixed signal. The FTBPF circuit module frequency translates a baseband filter response to an IF filter response such that the FTBPF circuit module filters undesired signal components of the IF I signal and the IF Q signal to produce an inbound IF signal. The receiver IF to baseband section converts the inbound IF signal into one or more inbound symbol streams. |
| US08565709B2 |
Digital signal filter
A passive filter circuit filters an input signal to attenuate an undesired frequency. The passive filter circuit includes a first stage and a second stage. The input to the first stage is the input signal. The first stage includes a first inductor and a first branch coupled to the output of the first inductor. The first branch includes a first capacitor and a second inductor. The first stage is coupled to the second stage. The second stage includes a third inductor and a second branch coupled to the output of the third inductor. The second branch includes a second capacitor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08565708B2 |
Rejection of interferers
A filter for filtering a received signal to attenuate an interferer therein, the interferer having a component at an interferer frequency, and the filter comprising: an intermediate filter providing a passband and a stopband; a first frequency converter configured to form a first intermediate signal by frequency-shifting an input signal derived from the received signal such that a component of the input signal at the interferer frequency is shifted to a frequency in the passband of the intermediate filter, and to input the first intermediate signal to the intermediate filter so as to cause the first intermediate signal to be filtered by the intermediate filter to form a second intermediate signal; a second frequency converter configured to form a cancellation signal by frequency-shifting the second intermediate signal such that a component of the second intermediate signal in the passband of the intermediate filter is shifted to the interferer frequency; and a cancellation unit configured to cancel the cancellation signal from the received signal to attenuate the interferer therein. |
| US08565707B2 |
Cancellation of spectral images in communication devices
Digital-to-analog conversion in a communication device typically results in superimposed spectral images in the frequency spectrum of the analog waveform. These superimposed spectral images can distort the analog waveform and potentially violate the spectral mask and the constraints on out-of-band emissions set by the FCC. The communication device can be configured to implement a spectral image cancellation unit with feed-forward architecture to minimize the spectral images in the frequency spectrum of the analog waveform. The spectral image cancellation unit can generate a spectral image error signal comprising the spectral images at one or more spectral image frequencies. The spectral image cancellation unit can then subtract the spectral image error signal from the analog waveform to reduce spectral image components of the analog waveform and to yield an output signal for transmission. |
| US08565699B1 |
Setting of power amplifier control voltage
A transmitter includes a Power Amplifier (PA), an antenna, at least one passive component and control circuitry. The PA is controlled by a PA control voltage, is operative to amplify a Radio Frequency (RF) signal and has input and output amplifier terminals. The passive component has an input component terminal coupled to the output amplifier terminal of the PA and an output component terminal coupled to the antenna. The control circuitry is configured to determine an interim power level at the output amplifier terminal that causes the signal at the output component terminal to have a target output power level, to determine, based on the interim power level, a given PA control voltage that makes the interim power level producible by the PA, so that the signal at the output component terminal has the target output power level, and to apply the given PA control voltage to the PA. |
| US08565695B2 |
Detection of the value of an impedance of a radiofrequency system
A method and a device for determining the amplitude and the phase of an impedance connected on a transmission line, including a bidirectional coupler having a first line interposed on the transmission line and having a second line providing at its respective ends two measurement signals, and a balun having its respective differential-mode inputs receiving data representative of the measurement signals. |
| US08565694B2 |
Split current current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) for dynamic device switching (DDS) of an RF PA stage
A split current current digital-to-analog converter (IDAC) and a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) stage are disclosed. The split current IDAC operates in a selected one of a group of DDS operating modes and provides a group of array bias signals based on the selected one of the group of DDS operating modes. Each of the group of array bias signals is a current signal. The RF PA stage includes a group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements. The RF PA stage biases at least one of the group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements based on the group of array bias signals. Further, the RF PA stage receives and amplifies an RF stage input signal to provide an RF stage output signal using at least one of the group of arrays of amplifying transistor elements that is biased. |
| US08565685B2 |
Utilization-based threshold for choosing dynamically between eager and lazy scheduling strategies in RF resource allocation
Embodiment are directed to an apparatus and/or method of dynamically selecting scheduling strategies in resource allocation. The method includes measuring a multi-radio radio frequency hardware scheduling workload, comparing the measured multi-radio radio frequency hardware scheduling workload with a threshold, and dynamically selecting a more optimal shared hardware component scheduling strategy based on a result of the comparing. |
| US08565683B2 |
Adaptive collision avoidance apparatus and method in channel-hopping based wireless AD-HOC networks
There are provided an adaptive collision avoidance apparatus and a method in a channel-hopping based wireless AD-HOC networks. The adaptive collision avoidance apparatus is configured to include a channel quality measuring unit that measures the quality of each channel by using receiving frames; an unavailable channel classifying unit that classifies unavailable channels not to perform communications in the future based on information on the quality of each channel; an unavailable channel propagating unit that transfers a list of unavailable channels classified as unavailable channels to adjacent nodes; and a transceiver that transmits and receives frames through channels not classified as the unavailable channels. |
| US08565681B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for reducing interference at the front-end of a communications receiving device
Embodiments of the invention may provide for reducing interference in the front-end of a communications receiver. The cancellation circuitry may be utilized in conjunction with a preliminary rejection filter for improved rejection of out-of-band interference from other radio services or circuitry. The cancellation circuit may be placed in parallel with the preliminary rejection filter and may enhance suppression at the interference frequency by matching the gain and phase of the preliminary rejection filter prior to subtracting the matched signal from the preliminary rejection filter output. The cancellation circuit need not necessary know beforehand the characteristics of the preliminary rejection filter, the interference source, or the coupling mechanism, as it may adapt to unknown or varying interferers by adapting the matching gain and phase values based on the output of the preliminary rejection filter at tap points occurring both before and after application of the cancellation signal. |
| US08565680B2 |
Method and apparatus for provisioning a device
An article (100) has a device (122), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) module (102) coupled to the device. The RFID module is programmed to receive (210) provisioning instructions from a wireless source (142), and transfer (212) to the device the provisioning instructions when said device is enabled. |
| US08565678B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
An information processing apparatus establishes a proximity wireless link with a partner device and utilizes instantaneous interruptions of the wireless link to control processing of data transfer between the information processing apparatus and the partner device. A control unit in the information processing apparatus determines a frequency of the instantaneous interruptions of the wireless link generated within a predetermined time based on a reception state of a plurality of signals transmitted from the partner device, and controls the processing of data transfer between the information processing apparatus and the partner device according to the determined frequency of instantaneous interruptions. |
| US08565674B2 |
Portable terminal comprising near field communication module and method for operating the same
A portable terminal operable in a tag mode a read mode and a method for operating the terminal are provided. The portable terminal includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module including a plurality of amplifiers, a mode selector for controlling the plurality of amplifiers to perform a power supplying operation and a power cutting operation, a controller for outputting a control signal to the mode selector according to the tag mode and the read mode, and a selection signal line for transmitting the control signal to the mode selector. |
| US08565671B2 |
Repeater for radio frequency signals, and for digital television signals in particular
This invention concerns a repeater for radio frequency signals having a channel filter and an active filter connected to the channel filter output. The active filter covers the channels adjacent to the channel filter and includes an amplifier and; two bandpass filters in parallel connected as a negative feedback loop around the amplifier. The first bandpass filter covers the lower adjacent channels and the second bandpass filter covers the higher adjacent channels. The invention notably applies to the development of domestic repeaters for mobile terminals meeting the DVB-H digital television standard. |
| US08565667B2 |
Methods and computer program products for interactive presentation of educational content and related devices
A method of presenting educational content to a plurality of students in a classroom includes displaying the educational content on an instructor terminal in the classroom. A synchronization command is wirelessly transmitted to a plurality of portable student terminals in the classroom according to a localized wireless connection protocol. The synchronization command is configured to display, on the plurality of portable student terminals, the educational content that is displayed on the instructor terminal. The plurality of portable student terminals may be respectively associated with ones of the plurality of students who are registered for an academic course associated with the educational content. An ad hoc wireless data connection may also be selectively established with at least one of the plurality of portable student terminals in the classroom. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed. |
| US08565663B2 |
Conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A conveying apparatus has a conveying apparatus main body; and a feeding device including a placement portion that a conveyed material is placed on and a feeding portion that feeds the conveyed material into the conveying apparatus main body, the feeding device being movable between a feedable position and a stored position; and the placement portion and the feeding portion moving relatively to each other between the feedable position and the stored position. |
| US08565662B2 |
Hinge apparatus for cover of image forming apparatus
A hinge apparatus for a cover of an image forming apparatus has a hinge body with supporting brackets, movably inserted into a coupling hole positioned in a main body of the image forming apparatus, a hinge cam connected to the cover and pivotably connected to the supporting brackets, and a pressure device disposed at the hinge body to press the hinge cam. Accordingly, the hinge apparatus can be implemented with a simple and easy assembly operation, since it is not a complicated structural connection among the component parts of the hinge apparatus. |
| US08565660B2 |
Fixation device and image formation apparatus
A fixation device includes: a rotation member provided to be rotatable; a conveyance member provided in contact with the rotation member and configured to convey media; and a first press member configured to press the conveyance member against the rotation member. The first press member includes, at an area in contact with the conveyance member, a slide part including convex surfaces, each of which is a part of a spherical surface. |
| US08565659B2 |
Fuser member and method of manufacture
There is described a fuser roller including a surface layer of anodized aluminum oxide impregnated with a fluorine containing sealant. There is also described the method for producing the fuser member. |
| US08565656B2 |
Image forming apparatus with guide member
An image forming apparatus includes photosensitive members which each carry a developer image, transfer members which attract the developer images from the photosensitive members; a sheet housing unit which houses recording sheets; a recording sheet feeding mechanism, which feeds out a recording sheet from within the sheet housing unit and a guide member, which guides the sheet fed out by the recording sheet feeding mechanism towards a position between the photosensitive member and the transfer member. The guide member has a conductive member, which is brought into abutment with a leading end portion of a recording sheet while the recording sheet still remains in the sheet housing unit, and which is grounded electrically and insulation members which the recording sheet is brought into abutment when the leading end portion of the sheet reaches the transfer member. |
| US08565654B2 |
Electrophotographic printer transfer station with ski
A transfer station is described for an EP printer that transfers a toner image to a receiver sheet carried on a rotatable transport web. The web is wrapped around a rotatable image-bearing member to define a transfer region. A nip-forming ski adjacent to the transport web on the opposite side thereof from the image-bearing member extends upstream of the transfer region. A ski mount causes the ski to press the transport web towards the image-bearing member. Therefore, as the receiver sheet moves with the transport web, the receiver sheet engages the image-bearing member upstream of the transfer region, causing the transport web to push against the ski to provide a selected nip-spacing between the image-bearing member and the transport web in the transfer region. |
| US08565640B2 |
Dismounting and mounting methods for coupling and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit includes a cylinder having a photosensitive layer at an outer periphery thereof. A drum flange provided at one end of the cylinder. A coupling member is engaged with the drum flange so that an axis of the coupling member is inclinable with respect to an axis of the drum flange. A regulation portion is provided in the drum flange so as to prevent the coupling member from disengaging from the drum flange. At least a portion of the coupling member and the regulating portion is configured to be deformed to permit the coupling member to disengage from the drum flange or to engage with the drum flange. |
| US08565636B2 |
Member moving mechanism and image forming apparatus
A member moving mechanism according to the present invention includes: a first moving member that moves in a first positive direction and a first negative direction opposite to the first positive direction; a second moving member that moves in a second positive direction that is different from each of the first positive direction and the first negative direction, and in a second negative direction opposite to the second positive direction; a belt member that connects the first moving member and the second moving member; and a belt-member guiding member that controls a moving direction of the belt member, and changes the moving direction of the belt member at least once. |
| US08565635B2 |
Printing device and apparatus for switching discharge trays
A printing device is provided with a printing unit configured to print images on sheets, a plurality of discharge trays configured to receive printed sheets, a detection unit configured to detect a switching instruction to switch among the plurality of discharge trays, and a discharge control unit. The discharge control unit stops a currently executed print job, selects one of following print jobs which does not designate a currently used discharge tray, and switches the discharge trays such that a discharge tray other than the currently used discharge tray as a selected discharge tray to be used, starts the selected one of following print job using the selected discharge tray, when the detection unit detects the switching instruction. |
| US08565633B2 |
Image forming system, and image forming method
An image forming system including an image forming device forming on a recording sheet a first chromatic toner image, and a second chromatic toner image having an outermost layer of transparent toner, wherein the transparent toner has lower glass transition temperature than the chromatic toners; a fixing device having a fixing member contacting the recording sheet to heat the toner images to temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the chromatic toners so that the toner images are fixed; and a glossing device having a glossing member contacting the recording sheet to heat the toner images to temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of the transparent toner and lower than the glass transition temperatures of the chromatic toners so that only the transparent toner achieves a rubber state and to cool the heated first and second toner images so that the transparent toner is solidified. |
| US08565632B2 |
Image forming apparatus for controlling a temperature of a fixing device therein
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing a developer image; a developing device including a developer carrying member for forming the developer image on the image bearing member; a fixing device for fixing the developer image on a sheet material, on which the developer image has been transferred, by heating the sheet material; a memory medium for storing an operation hysteresis value, of the developing device, which varies depending on a state of an operation of the developing device from start of the operation; and a controller for controlling a temperature of the fixing device. The controller controls, when the operation hysteresis value stored in the memory medium reaches a preset threshold, the temperature of the fixing device so as to be lower than that before the operation hysteresis value reaches the preset threshold. |
| US08565630B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of compensating for a temperature of a fixing unit and control method thereof
A method of controlling an image forming apparatus and method thereof including a medium feeder configured to load therein and to pick up and feed a printing-target medium; an image forming unit configured to form an image on the printing-target medium that is picked up and fed; and a fixing unit configured to fix the printed medium on which the image has been formed, the method including: heating the fixing unit such that a temperature of the fixing unit reaches a fixing reference temperature determined corresponding to the printing-target medium if an printing operation is started; sensing the temperature of the fixing unit corresponding to the start of the printing operation and compensating a pickup timing temperature corresponding to whether the sensed temperature thereof is higher or lower than a predetermined first reference temperature, the pickup timing temperature being a temperature for picking up the printing-target medium; and picking up the printing-target medium when the temperature of the fixing unit that is being heated reaches the compensated pickup timing temperature. |
| US08565629B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a charger for electrically charging the member, an electrostatic latent image forming device for forming an electrostatic latent image on the member, a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, a transferer for transferring the toner image from the member onto a recording material and including a transfer member to which a transfer voltage is to be applied, a transfer-voltage source variably setting the transfer voltage, and a circuit for detecting a current passing between the image bearing and the transfer members by the transfer voltage applied from the voltage source, and a controller for controlling the voltage source. The controller sets the transfer-voltage value, applied from the voltage source during a non-passing period of the recording material, so that a predetermined current is detected by the circuit. |
| US08565628B2 |
Electrophotographic non-uniformity compensation using intentional periodic variation
Non-uniformity of a rotatable electrophotographic imaging component is compensated. The component has an intentional periodic variation that produces density variations in a test target. The angular position on the component of the intentional variation is correlated with the amount of an unintentional variation at several points to produce a non-uniformity map. An image signal with multiple regions of data is received. For each region, the angular position of the intentional variation in that region is determined, and the non-uniformity map is used to determine the correction required for the unintentional variation. The image data in the region are adjusted to compensate, and corresponding toner is deposited. |
| US08565622B2 |
Image forming device and method for identifying positions of image formation sections in an image forming device
The present invention provides an image forming device including: plural image formation sections, a second exposure section, a transfer body, a reading section and an identification section. Each image formation section includes a control section that controls a first exposure section to form an identification image of a color represented by color information in accordance with an image formation instruction. The second exposure section performs exposure onto a charged image-bearing body and forms an electrostatic latent image. An image is formed at the transfer body. The reading section reads an image. The identification section outputs to the plurality of image formation sections an image formation instruction and, on the basis of a duration from the output until the identification image is read by the reading section, identifies a position of the image formation section forming the image of the color instructed by the image formation instruction. |
| US08565617B2 |
Optical device, optical modulation method, and optical transmitter
An optical modulation device including waveform shapers that waveform-shape input data signals in synchronism with a rising or falling timing based on comparison with a reference level of an input clock signal, a multi-level phase modulator that generates a multi-level-phase-modulated optical signal based on the data signals waveform-shaped by the plurality of waveform shapers, and outputs the generated optical signal, and a level ratio controller that varies a relative level ratio of the reference level to an amplitude level of the clock signal input to the waveform shapers, based on the optical signal output from the multi-level phase modulator. |
| US08565616B2 |
Polarized-wave-multiplexing optical transmitter and control method of polarized-wave-multiplexed optical signal
A polarized-wave-multiplexing optical transmitter including: an optical combiner generating a polarized-wave-multiplexed optical signal by polarized-wave-multiplexing a first optical modulation signal and a second optical modulation signal; an optical power fluctuation portion fluctuating optical power of the first optical modulation signal and the second optical modulation signal periodically; a total-optical-power detection portion detecting fluctuation amount of total optical power of the polarized-wave-multiplexed optical signal; and an optical power controller reducing an optical power difference between the first optical modulation signal and the second optical modulation signal based on detection result of the total-optical-power detection portion. |
| US08565609B2 |
Distribution system for optical reference
A system for distributing a reference oscillator signal includes a clock having a reference oscillator and a femtosecond laser stabilized by the reference oscillator. The system also includes at least one beamsplitter configured to split the femtosecond laser. The system further includes one or more remote nodes that are spaced from the clock. The remote nodes are configured to generate reference signals based on the split femtosecond laser. |
| US08565595B2 |
Method and apparatus optimizing decision threshold level of optical receiver
Method and apparatus for optimizing a decision threshold of an optical receiver is used to solve a problem of affecting system stability and reliability. The method comprises: determining a maximum value and a minimum value of an adjustment range of the decision threshold, and determining an adjustment step of the decision threshold (10); adjusting a decision threshold value within the adjustment range of the decision threshold, and separately detecting pre-FEC BERs corresponding to different decision threshold values (11); and searching for a minimum value in the detected pre-FEC BERs, a decision threshold value corresponding to the minimum value being an optimal decision threshold value (12). The apparatus comprises a decision threshold adjusting unit, a pre-FEC BER detecting unit, a decision threshold control unit and an optimal decision threshold determining unit. |
| US08565593B2 |
Photographing apparatus
Provided is a photographing apparatus for investigating a state of an outcrop. The photographing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a photographing unit photographing moving pictures or pictures; and a plurality of laser pointers outputting laser beams toward the outcrops photographed by the photographing unit to form laser points on the outcrops, wherein each laser point is disposed so that the laser beams output therefrom are output in parallel with laser beams output from other laser pointers. |
| US08565586B2 |
Recorder vacation mode
Embodiments of a recorder vacation mode are described. In various embodiments, a recording scheduler is implemented to schedule recordings of media assets according to a standard profile that includes a priority list of the media assets to be recorded. The recording scheduler initiates a user interface for display from which a vacation mode can be enabled to manage recordings of a subset of the media assets when a digital video recorder is likely to be unattended for a duration that is associated with a vacation. The recording scheduler can enable the vacation mode to activate a vacation profile that includes a vacation priority list of the subset of the media assets. |
| US08565583B2 |
Content transmission/reception system
To provide a device that easily judges that content that has been edited and moved back differs from original content. A content transmission device 60 divides edited content composed of partial original content and partial edited content to generate transfer data pieces, generates a nonce value of each piece, encrypts the piece based on the nonce value, and transmits the encrypted transfer data pieces and nonce values. When switch occurs between the partial contents, the device 60 generates nonce value such that discontinuity exists between the generated nonce value and immediately previously generated nonce value. A content reception device 70 receives the encrypted transfer data pieces and nonce values, decrypts the pieces based on the nonce values, writes the transfer data pieces into recording medium. When discontinuity exists between currently received nonce value and immediately previously received nonce value, the device 70 detects reception of partial edited content. |
| US08565581B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting content segments
A method, apparatus and computer program product select content segments based at least in part on a contextual similarity level between the content segments and at least one of brightness levels, blur levels, and shake levels of the content segments. As such, a resultant video may be produced that comprises selected content segments. Accordingly, brightness levels of the content may be improved and shake and blur levels reduced while maintaining a desired field of view. |
| US08565567B2 |
Multi-mode optical fiber
The present invention relates to a multi-mode optical fiber having a structure which can be produced with good stability with a communication bandwidth broader than that in the conventional structures, and in which both GeO2 and chlorine are added to a core thereof, and chlorine is also added to a cladding thereof. The cladding contains chlorine such that the average chlorine concentration therein becomes higher than the average chlorine concentration in the core. |
| US08565561B2 |
Polarization independent optical isolator
Provided is a polarization independent optical isolator including: wedge-shaped birefringent crystal plates each being made of a YVO4 single crystal; a Faraday rotator 3 made of a magnetic garnet single crystal; and sapphire single crystal plates 2 and 4 bonded to light transmitting surfaces of the Faraday rotator, respectively. A light transmitting surface of each of the sapphire single crystal plates is formed in such a manner as to be offset from the c-plane of the sapphire single crystal plate. An incident angle θa of imaginary light on each of the sapphire single crystal plates, and an offset angles θoff of the light transmitting surface from the c-plane of each sapphire single crystal plates are set within predetermined ranges, the imaginary light being represented by a bisector of an angle formed by optical axes of the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray. |
| US08565557B2 |
Free view generation in ray-space
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can facilitate more efficient free view generation in Ray-Space by way of a Radon transform. The architecture can render virtual views based upon original image data by employing Ray-Space interpolation techniques. In particular, the architecture can apply the Radon transform to a feature epipolar plane image (FEPI) to extract more suitable slope or direction candidates. In addition, the architecture can facilitate improved block-based matching techniques in order to determine an optimal linear interpretation direction. |
| US08565556B2 |
Image interpolation method, image interpolation device, and program
An image interpolation method obtains an image line pixel value between two adjacent image lines. The method acquires a luminance change of pixels of two image lines and decides a region of two image lines where only one portion similar to a part of the luminance change of one of the image lines exists in the luminance change of the other image line in the vicinity of the image to be interpolated. Then, among pixel sets located at the symmetric positions about the object image to be interpolated with respect to the pixel within the region, the set having the highest similarity is selected. By using the pixel value of the selected set, the pixel value of the pixel to be interpolated is decided. |
| US08565554B2 |
Resizing of digital images
Digital images are resized according to a prescribed image scaling factor. An original image is re-sampled according to the scaling factor, resulting in an initial resized image. A probability of text (POT) map is generated for the initial resized image, where the POT map specifies a smoothed POT value for each pixel in the initial resized image. A weighting factor (WF) map is generated which maps each different smoothed POT value to a particular WF value. The WF map is used to calculate an adjusted luminance value for each pixel in the initial resized image, resulting in a final resized image. |
| US08565550B2 |
Separating directional lighting variability in statistical face modelling based on texture space decomposition
A technique for determining a characteristic of a face or certain other object within a scene captured in a digital image including acquiring an image and applying a linear texture model that is constructed based on a training data set and that includes a class of objects including a first subset of model components that exhibit a dependency on directional lighting variations and a second subset of model components which are independent of directional lighting variations. A fit of the model to the face or certain other object is obtained including adjusting one or more individual values of one or more of the model components of the linear texture model. Based on the obtained fit of the model to the face or certain other object in the scene, a characteristic of the face or certain other object is determined. |
| US08565548B2 |
Image processing apparatus which performs anti-aliasing on input image data and image processing method thereof
An image processing apparatus and method is provided which performs anti-aliasing on input image data. The apparatus and method may be utilized to improve resolution of, for example, images formed by a group of dots and lines, such as characters and marks. The apparatus and method disclosed herein can perform anti-aliasing with a lighter processing load than previously disclosed methods. |
| US08565547B2 |
Infrared resolution and contrast enhancement with fusion
The present disclosure relates to combination of images. A method according to an embodiment comprises: receiving a visual image and an infrared (IR) image of a scene; extracting high spatial frequency content from said visual image; and combining said extracted high spatial frequency content from said visual image with said IR image, wherein a resolution for the visual image and the IR image are substantially the same, to generate a combined image. |
| US08565546B2 |
Image denoising device
An image processing device comprises a store (110) for receiving image data (8) with a pixel identifier and at least one piece of associated intensity data and a pilot (100) which is provided to call a reduction unit (120) with pixels to be weighted and, for each pixel, in order to define a first neighborhood and a plurality of second neighborhoods with a neighborhood selection unit (130), in order to obtain a weighting value for the second neighborhood with a weighting unit (140) with the first neighborhood and a neighborhood among the plurality of second neighborhoods, in order to define each time a piece of weighted intensity data of a working pixel as the weighting value of the second neighborhood multiplied by the intensity data of the associated working pixel, and in order to define a piece of weighted intensity data of the pixel to be weighted by adding each of the pieces of weighted intensity data of a working pixel. The weighting unit (140) is provided to calculate the distance between first and second neighborhoods on the basis of a sum, where each square of the difference between the respective intensity data of these neighborhoods is modulated by a quantity which is inversely proportional to the intensity data in the second neighborhood. |
| US08565544B2 |
Apparatus for predicting a motion vector for a current block in a picture to be decoded
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a decoder. The decoder is configured to obtain first and second motion vectors of at least one block other than the current block. The other blocks neighbor the current block at one of a left, top and top right position. The decoder is configured to determine a direction of the first and second motion vectors of the other blocks. The decoder is configured to determine first and second predication motion vectors of the current block based on the determined directions. The decoder is configured to determine the first and second predication motion vectors by applying a median operation to the first motion vectors of the other blocks and applying a median operation to the second motion vectors of the other blocks. |
| US08565538B2 |
Detecting and labeling places using runtime change-point detection
A system and method are disclosed for detecting and labeling places recognized in a video stream using change-points detection. The system includes a segmentation module and a label learning module. The segmentation module is configured to receive a video stream comprising multiple digital representations of images. The video stream is represented by a measurement stream comprising one or more image histograms of the video stream. The segmentation module segments the measurement stream into multiple segments corresponding to place recognized in the videos stream. The segmentation module detects change-points of the measurement stream and computes probability distributions of the segments over multiple pre-learned place models. The label generation module is configured to generate place labels for the places recognized by the place models. |
| US08565536B2 |
Material recognition from an image
A method of operating a computer system to perform material recognition based on multiple features extracted from an image is described. A combination of low-level features extracted directly from the image and multiple novel mid-level features extracted from transformed versions of the image are selected and used to assign a material category to a single image. The novel mid-level features include non-reflectance based features such as the micro-texture features micro jet and micro-SIFT and the shape feature curvature, and reflectance-based features including edge slice and edge ribbon. An augmented Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model is provided as an exemplary Bayesian framework for selecting a subset of features useful for material recognition of objects in an image. |
| US08565529B2 |
Methods for identifying imaging devices and classifying images acquired by unknown imaging devices
A method of classifying an image taken by an image capture device, the method comprising the steps of: extracting an initial Sensor Noise Pattern (SNP) for the image; enhancing the initial SNP to create an enhanced SNP by applying a correcting model, wherein the correcting model scales the initial SNP by a factor inversely proportional to the signal intensity of the initial SNP; determining a similarity measure between the enhanced SNP for said image with one or more previously calculated enhanced SNPs for one or more different images; and classifying the image in a group of one or more images with similar or identical SNPs based on the determined similarity measure. |
| US08565528B2 |
Magnetic deviation determination using mobile devices
An apparatus of a wireless communication system includes: a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information wirelessly; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to access an image captured by an access terminal of the wireless communication system, a position of the access terminal, and multiple keypoints and a geographical location of each respective keypoint, each geographical location being a location near the position of the access terminal; and determine a magnetic deviation corresponding to the position of the access terminal by calculating a compass bearing and a true bearing to a feature within the image using the position of the access terminal and the geographical location of a keypoint, from the multiple keypoints, determined as corresponding to the feature. |
| US08565525B2 |
Edge comparison in segmentation of video sequences
A method of image processing, includes: receiving at least one video frame of a video sequence, the at least one video frame including at least one foreground subject and a background; and processing the at least one video frame so as to separate the at least one foreground subject from the background. The processing includes: obtaining a reference image including the background; comparing the at least one video frame to the reference image; and generating a pixel mask as a result of the comparison, the pixel mask indicating whether a pixel of the at least one video frame belongs to the foreground subject or to the background. The method further comprises at least partially determining edges of the at least one foreground subject in the at least one video frame, and modifying the pixel mask based on the determined foreground subject edges. |
| US08565515B2 |
Three-dimensional recognition result displaying method and three-dimensional visual sensor
In the present invention, whether three-dimensional measurement or checking processing with a model is properly performed by setting information and recognition processing result can easily be confirmed. After setting processing is performed to a three-dimensional visual sensor including a stereo camera, a real workpiece is imaged, the three-dimensional measurement is performed to an edge included in a produced stereo image, and restored three-dimensional information is checked with a three-dimensional model to compute a position of the workpiece and a rotation angle for an attitude indicated by the three-dimensional model. Thereafter, perspective transformation of the three-dimensional information on the edge obtained through measurement processing and the three-dimensional model to which coordinate transformation is already performed based on recognition result is performed into a coordinate system of a camera that performs the imaging, and projection images are displayed while being able to be checked with each other. |
| US08565512B2 |
Method, medium, and system generating depth map of video image
A method, medium, and system generating a depth map of a video image are provided. The depth map generating method extracts the ground of a video image other than an object from the video image, classifies the video image as a long shot image or a non-long shot image based on a distribution value of the extracted ground, calculates a depth value gradually varied along a predetermined direction of the extracted ground when the video image corresponds to the long shot image and calculates a depth value based on the object when the video image corresponds to the non-long shot image. Accordingly, a sense of space and perspective can be effectively given to even a long shot image in which the ground occupies a large part of the image and a stereoscopic image recognizable by a viewer can be generated even if rapid object change is made between scenes in a video image. |
| US08565510B2 |
Methods for reading a feature pattern from a packaged die
Methods for tracking the identity of die after singulation from a wafer. The product chips and die include a pattern of features formed in a metallization level of a back-end-of-line (BEOL) wiring structure. The features in the pattern contain information relating to the die, such as a unique identifier that includes a wafer identification used to fabricate the die and a product chip location for the die on a wafer. The features may be imaged with the assistance of a beam of electromagnetic radiation that penetrates into a packaged die and is altered by the presence of the features in a way that promotes imaging. |
| US08565502B2 |
Method and system for reconstruction of tomographic images
Approaches are described for generating an initial reconstruction of CT data acquired using a wide-cone system. The initial reconstruction may be processed (such as via a non-linear operation) to correct frequency omissions and/or errors in the reconstruction. Corrected frequency information may then be added to the reconstruction to improve the reconstructed image. |
| US08565494B2 |
Biometric authentication device, biometric authentication method, and computer program for biometric authentication
A biometric authentication device includes: a biometric information acquisition unit which generates a first input biometric image representing the biometric information of a user, a storage unit which stores data relating to registered biometric information of at least one registered user, and a processing unit. The processing unit realizes a quality judgment function which judges if the first input biometric image is suitable or not for use for comparison of the biometric information represented in the first input biometric image with the registered biometric information, a selection function which selects registered biometric information which is similar to biometric information represented in the first input biometric image among registered biometric information when the first input biometric image is judged unsuitable, and a matching process function which compares the user's biometric information represented in a second input biometric image with the selected registered biometric information. |
| US08565491B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and imaging apparatus
An apparatus for evaluating the quality of an input image is disclosed. The apparatus may include a composition pattern selection unit configured to select a composition pattern based on an attribute of the input image. The apparatus may also include a composition evaluation unit configured to evaluate the input image based on the composition pattern and the attribute. Additionally, the apparatus may include an evaluation result output unit configured to output to a display the input image and an indication of a result of the evaluation. |
| US08565481B1 |
System and method for tracking objects
Embodiments of a system and method for tracking objects are described herein. Aspects of this disclosure efficiently update object “belief” data by creating a bitmap representation of object locations and velocities. The bitmap provides a three-dimensional representation of the object as viewed by one or more sensors. The bitmap representations are blended with sensor data over time to determine a current object belief state which can accurately account for asynchronous sensor data. Peaks in the belief data, which may be represented by pixels with an intensity value above a threshold value, are identified as likely objects. Additional sensor data is used to detect longitudinal velocities located at one or more of the peaks. |
| US08565480B2 |
Creating and viewing three dimensional virtual slides
Systems and methods for creating and viewing three dimensional digital slides are provided. One or more microscope slides are positioned in an image acquisition device that scans the specimens on the slides and makes two dimensional images at a medium or high resolution. These two dimensional digital slide images are provided to an image viewing workstation where they are viewed by an operator who pans and zooms the two dimensional image and selects an area of interest for scanning at multiple depth levels (Z-planes). The image acquisition device receives a set of parameters for the multiple depth level scan, including a location and a depth. The image acquisition device then scans the specimen at the location in a series of Z-plane images, where each Z-plane image corresponds to a depth level portion of the specimen within the depth parameter. |
| US08565476B2 |
Visual target tracking
A target tracking method includes representing a human target with a machine-readable model configured for adjustment into a plurality of different poses. The machine-readable model includes a plurality of joints, including one or more magnetism joints, and each joint has a three-dimensional world space position. The method further includes receiving an observed depth image of the human target from a source. The observed depth image includes a plurality of observed pixels. A magnetism body part is assigned to one or more of the plurality of observed pixels, and a magnetism joint position is estimated based on world space positions of the one or more observed pixels assigned the magnetism body part. A joint of the machine-readable model is then shifted toward the magnetism joint position. |
| US08565468B2 |
Headphone
There is provided a headphone including a headband having flexibility; a slider having flexibility with the headband attached at one end, and a headphone unit attached at the other end; a slide groove, arranged at an end of the headband or the one end of the slider, for guiding a circling movement of the slider with respect to the headband; and a slider guide, having rigidity higher than the headband and the slider, for holding the one end of the slider at the end of the headband so that one surface of the slider facing one surface of the headband circling moves with respect to the one surface of the headband while being engaged to the slide groove. A headphone that can be thinned while suppressing lowering of the attachment property is provided. |
| US08565465B2 |
Microphone unit and mobile phone provided with the same
Provided is a microphone unit having flat frequency characteristics. A microphone unit includes a casing, a first substrate, a second substrate, a vibrating unit, a diaphragm, an ASIC, and a dummy component. The dummy component is attached to the substrate to be located below an opening. |
| US08565464B2 |
Audio conference apparatus
In an audio signal transmission/reception device that receives and emits sounds so as to perform transmission and reception of audio signals via communications, user operability can be improved and the size of a main unit can be reduced. It is equipped with a speaker array for arranging a plurality of speaker units, which are arranged on the lower surface of the main unit, and a microphone array for arranging a plurality of microphones, which are arranged on the side surface of the main unit in its longitudinal direction. Legs having hollow structures are attached to the main unit so as to support the main unit at a prescribed height above the mount surface (e.g., the surface of a desk) and to secure good sound emission characteristics of the speaker array. |
| US08565463B2 |
Loudspeaker system
A loudspeaker system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a loudspeaker unit attached to an opening formed in the cabinet, a gas adsorber provided in the cabinet and operable to physically adsorb gas in the cabinet to equivalently increase a volume of an inside of the cabinet, and a dehumidifier attached to an opening formed in the cabinet and operable to discharge damp air in the cabinet to the outside when a DC voltage is applied thereto. |
| US08565462B2 |
Method and apparatus for a hearing assistance device with pinna control
One embodiment of the present subject matter provides an apparatus for disposition between a pinna and a head of a user, the apparatus including a behind-the-ear housing, the housing having a first lateral side located adjacent the user's ear and a second lateral side located adjacent the side of the user's head when the apparatus is worn as directed, hearing assistance electronics disposed in the behind-the-ear housing, and a control disposed on at least one lateral side of the behind-the-ear housing, the control coupled to the hearing assistance electronics. |
| US08565461B2 |
Bone conduction device including a balanced electromagnetic actuator having radial and axial air gaps
A bone conduction device configured to couple to an abutment of an anchor system anchored to a recipient's skull. The bone conduction device includes a vibrating electromagnetic actuator configured to vibrate in response to sound signals received by the bone conduction device, and a coupling apparatus configured to attach the bone conduction device to the abutment so as to impart to the recipient's skull vibrations generated by the vibrating electromagnetic actuator. The vibrating electromagnetic actuator includes a bobbin assembly and a counterweight assembly. Two axial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly and two radial air gaps are located between the bobbin assembly and the counterweight assembly. No substantial amount of the dynamic magnetic flux passes through the radial air gaps. |
| US08565459B2 |
Signal processing using spatial filter
A device and method processing microphone signals from at least two microphones is presented. A first beamformer processes the signals from the microphones and provides a first beamformed signal. A power estimator processes the signals from the microphones and the first beamformed signal from the first beamformer in order to generate, in frequency bands, a first statistical estimate of the energy of a first part of an incident sound field. A gain controller processes said first statistical estimate in order to generate in frequency bands a first gain signal, and an audio processor for processing an input to the signal processing device in dependence of said generated first gain signal. The invention provides a new and improved noise reduction device and noise reduction method for use in the signal processing in devices processing acoustic signals, e.g. microphone devices. |
| US08565458B2 |
Media player and adapter for providing audio data to hearing aid
A media player includes a processor configured to receive media content from a content source and to process the media content produce an audio signal. The media player further includes a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the audio signal to a hearing aid through a communication channel. |
| US08565455B2 |
Multiple display systems with enhanced acoustics experience
A method and a system are described providing multiple display systems with an enhanced acoustics experience. A source audio signal having a plurality of source audio channels is generated from an audio signal source. The system includes a plurality of speakers connected to a plurality of display systems. A speaker configuration gatherer determines the spatial configuration of the speakers. An audio signal processor is provided to generate synthesized audio signal based on the contents of the source audio signal and spatial configuration of the speakers. The synthesized audio signal is mapped and delivered to the speakers to produce an enhanced sound field. |
| US08565450B2 |
Musical instrument effects processor
Arrangement and method for controlling the order and selection of audio effect components using of a user-controlled crosspoint switch device. A user interface controls a processor which in turn controls the crosspoint device to set a plurality of switches forming a matrix therein, thereby allowing arbitrary control over the order and selection of audio effect components, such as pedals, connected to the matrix. The user interface enables both the pre-programming of the desired effect orders and selections as well as selection of preset stored in a memory component in real-time. |
| US08565446B1 |
Estimating direction of arrival from plural microphones
A noise suppression system includes plural microphones, a fixed beam former, a blocking matrix, plural adaptive filters, and a direction of arrival circuit coupled to the adaptive filters that prevents the filters from adapting in the presence of a signal in the look direction. The direction of arrival circuit causes the filters to adapt more quickly in the absence of a signal in the look direction. A pair of adjustable gain circuits is coupled to each microphone. A first adjustable gain circuit from each pair is calibrated during the presence of a desired signal and a second adjustable gain circuit from each pair is calibrated during the presence of an interfering signal. A fixed null-forming circuit is coupled to a first pair of variable gain circuits and an adaptive null forming circuit is coupled to a second pair of adjustable gain circuits. The ratio of the gains of the null forming circuits is used as a control signal. Successive ratios are averaged with a variable smoothing constant and a control signal is derived from the averaged ratios. |
| US08565444B2 |
Detecting stereo and mono headset devices
The present invention includes apparatuses and methods comprising a means for detecting the presence of speakers and microphones coupled to a portable multi-function device (such as Apple's iPhone™). In response, a portable multi-function device can adapt its output depending on the nature of the coupled headset device. In particular, a portable multi-function device containing the present invention can, upon detecting only one speaker in a coupled headset accessory device, combine the multiple channels of a stereo audio signal into a single mono audio signal. Likewise, a portable multi-function device containing the present invention can alert users to the absence of a coupled microphone. |
| US08565438B2 |
Method of storing broadcast contents in mobile broadcast service terminal
Disclosed is a method of recording and storing a broadcast content received for mobile broadcast services in a transmitting-end level. A broadcast receiving terminal includes a type of the key profile in the header of the recorded file for the particular broadcast content, the CIEK which is used in encrypting the broadcast content and encrypted with the second layer encryption key, and the acquisition information on the second layer encryption key. The acquisition information on the second layer encryption key is included in a corresponding field of the header according to the type of the used profile. As in the SRTP and IPSec, a recorded file format in the transmitting-end level recording is the PDCF. Information associated with the encryption of the encrypted broadcast content is stored in the OMA DRM common header box (ohdr box) of the PDCF recorded file. |
| US08565436B2 |
Secure self managed data (SSMD)
A system, according to one embodiment, includes a master key for encryption of data; an encryption key site accessible by computer and storing a first piece of the master key; a configuration file resident in a computer file system, the configuration file storing a second piece of the master key; a computer database storing a third piece of the master key; a master-key seal key used to encrypt the master key, wherein a secure self managed data (SSMD) key is obtained by assembling and decrypting the first piece, the second piece and the third piece using the master-key seal key; a unique ID for the data; a classification level for the data; and an expiration time for the data, wherein the data, the unique ID, the classification level, and the expiration time are encrypted together using the SSMD key to form an SSMD encoded data. |
| US08565435B2 |
Efficient implementation of fully homomorphic encryption
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for homomorphic decryption, including: providing a ciphertext with element c, there exists a big set B having N elements zi so B={z1,z2, . . . , zN}, there exists a small set S having n elements sj so S={s1, s2, . . . , sn}, the small set is a subset of the big set, summing up the elements of the small set yields the private key, there exists a bit vector {right arrow over (σ)} having N bits σi so {right arrow over (σ)}=σ1, σ2, . . . , σN, σi=1 if zi ε S else σi=0, there exists an encrypted vector {right arrow over (d)} having N ciphertexts di so d=d1, d2, . . . , dN, di is an encryption of σi; post-processing c by multiplying it by all zi to obtain an intermediate vector {right arrow over (y)}=y1, y2, . . . , yN with yi computed yi=c×zi; homomorphically multiplying yi by di obtaining a ciphertext vector {right arrow over (x)} having N ciphertexts xi so {right arrow over (x)}=x1, x2, . . . , xN, where xi is an encryption of the product yi·σi; and homomorphically summing all xi to obtain a resulting ciphertext that is an encryption of the at least one bit, where the big set is partitioned into n parts with each part having a plurality of different elements from the big set, where the elements of the small set are one element from each part. |
| US08565429B2 |
Method and system for veryfying the authenticity of a first communication participants in a communications network
In the method and the arrangement for checking the authenticity of a first communication subscriber in a communications network, a first information item is formed in the first communication subscriber using a fault detection data item of the first communication subscriber and an information item relating to a random data item. In a second communication subscriber in the communications network, a second fault information item is formed using a fault detection data item of the second communication subscriber and the information relating to the random data item. The authenticity of the first communication subscriber is checked using the first fault information and the second fault information. |
| US08565428B2 |
Network device and network connecting method for building up network connection via high definition multimedia interface
A network device for building up a network connection via a high-definition multimedia interface, includes a scrambler, a descrambler, a comparator and a control unit. The scrambler is utilized for generating a transmission signal according to a first seed. The descrambler is for decoding a receiving signal to generate a second seed. The comparator is for generating a comparing result according to the first seed and the second seed. The control unit is for controlling the network connection according to the comparing result. |
| US08565422B2 |
Method and system for enryption key versioning and key rotation in a multi-tenant environment
Various techniques and procedures related to encryption key versioning and rotation in a multi-tenant environment are presented here. One approach employs a computer-implemented method of managing encrypted data and their associated encryption keys. In accordance with this approach, a key splitting process securely stores a master key used to encrypt tenant-level encryption keys, a key versioning process is used to securely track updated encryption keys, and a key rotation process is used to rotate encrypted data to an updated version of a tenant-level encryption key. |
| US08565420B2 |
Source centric sanction server and methods for use therewith
A sanction server includes a network interface that receives proxy data from a content source that includes cryptographic parameters that are based on a scrambling control word used to scramble the media content, receives a request for the media content from a client device, transmits the proxy data to the client device and transmits notification data to a caching server. The content source generates cryptographic data and sends the cryptographic data and the scrambled media content to the caching server. The caching server forwards the cryptographic data and the scrambled media content to the client device. The client device generates the scrambling control word for descrambling the scrambled media content based on the proxy data and the cryptographic data. |
| US08565417B2 |
Outlet add-on module
A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution. |
| US08565416B2 |
Cache-based echo canceller
A system and methods for pre-configuring echo cancellers are shown and described. The system includes a storage device for storing one or more settings of the echo cancellation parameters developed during one or more previously established data connections, and an echo canceller for cancelling echo associated with one or more data connections according to echo cancellation parameters, the echo canceller initially configuring the echo cancellation parameters according to settings developed during previous data connections. |
| US08565414B2 |
Distributed VAD control system for telephone
A telephone includes a transmit channel and a receive channel, each including a bank of sub-band filters having a VAD coupled one to each sub-band filter. Each VAD measures the spectral energy in a sub-band, compares the spectral energy to a first threshold, and produces an output signal representative of whether or not the first threshold is exceeded. The voice activity detector also includes a threshold circuit for calculating a dynamically adjustable noise threshold based upon averaged measured spectral energy. A wide band or system VAD monitors echo canceling circuitry to detect voice activity and double talk. |
| US08565412B2 |
Servicing calls in call centers based on estimated call value
Methods for enabling call center agents to adapt their servicing of incoming calls based on the estimated value of the calls are disclosed. In accordance with the first illustrative embodiment, when there is a “high-value” call waiting in the queue while one or more agents are currently servicing lower-value calls, an agent who is servicing a lower-value call is informed that there is a higher-value call waiting in the queue, and is prompted to provide an estimate of how much longer he or she will be servicing his or her current call. The call center system selects which agent the high-value call will be routed to based on: (i) the agents' responses to the prompts, and (ii) for each of the responding agents, a measure of how closely prior responses from the agent compared to the actual amount of time taken by the agent to complete servicing the call. |
| US08565402B2 |
System and method for providing call-back options
A system and method for providing call-back options is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a call in a call routing system, providing at least one call-back option for a caller to receive a call-back, re-allocating resources in the call routing system based at least in part on the at least one call-back option, and calling the caller based on the at least one call-back option. The caller may specify a specific time, a relative time, or a time range when a call-back is preferred. The caller may also specify one or more telephone numbers in combination with the time preferences. The call-back may be initiated by a voice response unit (VRU) and additional call-back options may be presented to the customer who responds to the call-back. |
| US08565401B2 |
Hierarchical control of teleconferences
A teleconference between at least two participants is evaluated by monitoring the teleconference and detecting a triggering event if more than one participant desires to speak at the same time. Upon detecting a triggering event, e.g., detecting an attempt of one or more participants to interrupt another participant, or detecting a request initiated by one or more participants to interrupt another participant, a dominant source is selected from among the ones of the participants attempting/requesting to speak based at least in part upon a determined hierarchical order of those participants attempting/requesting to speak. A participant is then selected from among the participants to have the role of the dominant participant based upon the selected dominant source and only the speech of the dominant participant is conveyed to each participant through the teleconference system. |
| US08565397B2 |
Source audio identifiers for digital communications
Audibly informing a recipient of an arrival of a digital communication from a sender includes receiving a digital communication from a sender directed to a recipient and determining whether the digital communication is associated with an audio identifier that identifies the sender of the digital communication and that is designated by the sender of the digital communication. Perception by the recipient of the audio identifier is conditioned on whether the digital communication is determined to be associated with the audio identifier. The audio identifier is perceived prior to or concurrent with perception of the digital communication by the recipient. |
| US08565392B2 |
Apparatus and method for physical interaction over a distance using a telecommunication device
Methods and apparatus that permit two users to physically interact with one another from a distance using their telecommunication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a connection between the telecommunication devices may be established and an indication of inputs at the first and second telecommunication devices received. The inputs may be verified to have been input at the telecommunication devices either substantially simultaneously or overlapping in time. A signal may be sent to the telecommunication devices instructing them to provide a physically perceptible output responsive to verification of substantially simultaneous or overlapping inputs. |
| US08565389B2 |
On demand visual voicemail-to-text system and method
Voicemail messages are transcribed to text in accordance with a subscriber preference. When a new voicemail message is detected or a request to retrieve a voicemail message is detected, a voicemail to text device may alter its behavior based on the voicemail to text subscriber preference and a mobile device status. Subscriber preferences can comprise location (e.g., GPS, AGPS, roaming, international, or national boundaries), date, time, and network resources. Voicemail to text can automatically be re-enabled/disabled based on subscriber preferences set by a subscriber or network provider. A subscriber or network provider can initiate a state change (enable/disable) of voicemail to text. |
| US08565388B2 |
Method and apparatus for data channel augmented auto attended voice response systems
Method of using a computerized smart phone to navigate remote auto attendant telephony systems with a menu structure. The auto attendant's menu structure is put into an online computer database. When the caller uses the smart phone to call and establish a voice channel with remote auto attendant telephony system (using the telephone number of that system), software applications running on the caller's smart phone communication device intercept the telephone number and along with the voice channel, also establish a data channel with the online computer accessible database. The caller's smart phone can then retrieve at least some of the menu structure of the auto attendant telephony system through this data channel. This application software can then display at least some of the menu structure of the remote auto attendant telephony system on the graphical user interface of the user's smart phone synchronized with the audio delivery of the menu structure, facilitating interactions with the auto attendant system. |
| US08565385B2 |
Automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system
The preferred embodiments of the present invention include providing automated passcode recovery in an interactive voice response system by providing to a caller an automated passcode recovery question and processing a caller answer to the automated passcode recovery question to authenticate the caller. |
| US08565384B2 |
Systems, methods, and media for connecting emergency communications
Systems, methods, and media for connecting emergency communications are provided. For example, the methods can include: receiving an emergency communication at a particular public safety answering point from a caller directed to the particular public safety answering point by a location-to-service system; creating a conference on a conference system in response to the particular public safety answering point accepting the emergency communication; selecting a particular call-taker of a plurality of call-takers; sending the particular call-taker an invitation to accept the emergency communication; in response to receiving an indication that the particular call-taker has accepted the emergency communication, connecting the selected call-taker to the conference; connecting the caller to the conference; determining the location of the caller; querying the location-to-service system to identify at least one particular emergency responder of a plurality of emergency responders; and connecting at least one of the at least one particular emergency responder to the conference. |
| US08565382B2 |
Method for obtaining information of key management server, and method, system and device for monitoring
The present invention discloses a method for obtaining key management server information, and an intercepting method, system and device, including: in the process of a user equipment registering an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), storing the KMS information corresponding to the user equipment in a preset IMS core network network element; and when a lawful intercepting device monitors a session initiated by the user equipment, intercepting a session request signaling sent by the user equipment, and obtaining an identification information of the user equipment from the session request signaling, and searching the KMS information corresponding to the user equipment from the preset IMS core network network element according to the identification information of the user equipment. The technical solution of the present invention makes the requirement of lawful intercepting be met without depending on security of the signaling plane when a plurality of KMSs are deployed in the IP multimedia subsystem. |
| US08565380B2 |
Method and apparatus pertaining to use of a switched voltage clamp with an x-ray detector amplifier
An x-ray detector amplifier operably couples to an analog-to-digital converter interface and a switched voltage clamp is operably disposed there between. By one approach, the switched voltage clamp comprises a switched electrical connection to a constant potential (such as, but not limited to, ground). These teachings will accommodate a control circuit configured to control the switched voltage clamp. This can comprise, for example, controlling the switched voltage clamp in synchronicity with the pulsed x-ray source. These teachings will also accommodate an integrator operably connected between the x-ray detector amplifier and the analog-to-digital converter interface. In such a case, the switched voltage clamp and be controlled to remove substantially any voltage offset contribution of the x-ray detector amplifier (due, for example, to significant temperature excursions) to a signal that is integrated by the aforementioned integrator. |
| US08565375B2 |
Protection device for X-ray instrumentation
An accessory, method, and system is provided for protecting the lower chamber of X-ray spectroscopic instrumentation during analysis, the instrumentation including an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a dividing plate, the lower chamber including an X-ray detector and an excitation source, the accessory including: a frame with a centrally-located aperture extending from one side of the frame to an opposite side of the frame; an adhesive layer disposed on each side of the frame; a thin film of polymeric material disposed on one side of the frame; and a removably attached release sheet on the adhesive layer disposed on the opposite side of the frame, where the accessory is disposed on a surface of the dividing plate to protect the lower chamber of the instrumentation from damage. |
| US08565373B2 |
Method and system for automatically positioning a mammography imaging system
A method and system for automatically adjusting the gantry position to the breast height level of a patient. The automated height adjustment system for mammography imaging systems having a movable gantry associated with a fixed vertical support, comprises a tracking unit for tracking a patient's breast height level during patient's initial mammography procedure; and memory for storing the tracked breast height level along with the patient identification information. The system further comprises a processor configured to access the breast height level using the patient identification information during subsequent mammography procedures for the patient; and a drive mechanism capable of automatically adjusting the height of the gantry based on the accessed breast height level. |
| US08565367B2 |
Detachable nuclear reactor fuel assembly component
Example embodiments are directed to fuel assembly components and nuclear fuel bundles including the fuel assembly components. Example embodiments of a fuel assembly component may include a cylindrical device having first and second ends and a mounting assembly on the first end of the cylindrical device configured to attach to and detach from a partial length fuel rod. Example embodiments of a nuclear fuel bundle may include an upper tie plate, a lower tie plate, at least one full-length fuel rod, at least one partial length fuel rod, and a fuel assembly component. |
| US08565365B2 |
Unirradiated nuclear fuel component transport system
An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly and fuel component shipping cask that employs a liner with a universal, removable, reusable axial restraint device that can accommodate various fuel assembly designs. The restraint device has a top shear plate with a groove that encircles its peripheral edge and mates with corresponding rails on each of the walls of the liner. The top shear plate includes an anchoring mechanism for supporting a side of the top shear plate against an abutting side of a stationary wall of the liner. |
| US08565362B2 |
Clock recovery apparatus
A clock recovery apparatus includes a mask generator configured to generate a plurality of time masks using a multi-phase clock signal and a clock recovery unit configured to select one of the time masks to recover a clock from a data stream. |
| US08565355B2 |
Pulse signal waveform asymmetry identification utilizing symbolic dynamics
A method for identifying asymmetry in a pulse signal is disclosed. An asymmetrical condition is when the time interval of a first input pulse signal having a first value is longer than the time of a second input pulse signal having a second value. Identifying asymmetry includes receiving and detecting the instantaneous signal values of first and second input pulse signals, and associating a unique state symbol with each distinct pair of instantaneous signal values thereby producing a sequence of state symbols. A sequence of state symbols of a first type, a second type, and a third type is identified and associated with a distinct enveloping event pattern. A macroscopic behavioral signature pattern indicating an asymmetrical condition is identified when a first symmetry event symbol of a first kind is followed by a first interval having no identified symmetry event symbol, a second symmetry event symbol of a second kind, and a second interval having no identified symmetry event symbol. |
| US08565353B1 |
Unfolded decision-directed loop, architectures, apparatuses and systems including the same, and methods, algorithms and software for reducing latency in decision-directed loops
Unfolded adaptive/decision-directed loops and correction circuits therefor, architectures, apparatuses and systems including the same, and methods, algorithms and software for reducing latency in an adaptive and/or decision-directed loop. Disclosed embodiments advantageously reduce effects of loop latency, improve the accuracy of corrections in an adaptive loop, and minimize overhead and delays associated with such improvements. |
| US08565352B2 |
Digital IQ imbalance compensation for dual-carrier double conversion receiver
Digital IQ imbalance compensation is utilized for a dual-carrier double conversion receiver. First, the effect of IQ imbalance on OFDM-based digital baseband is analyzed, showing that, in the presence of IQ imbalance, the baseband signal of each carrier is obtained from its own branch as well as the other branch. Second, IQ imbalance parameters of interest are estimated using pilot signals and compensated using only digital baseband processing. |
| US08565350B2 |
Methods for detection of failure and recovery in a radio link
A method, telecommunication apparatus, and electronic device detect a status of a radio link. A transceiver 302 may receive a reference signal transmitted from a base station 104. A processor 304 may assume a transmission of a codeword of a first payload type from the base station and may determine a synchronization status based on the received reference signal and based on the assumed transmission of the codeword of the first payload type from the base station. |
| US08565347B2 |
Antenna measurement system and method
The present invention relates to an antenna measurement system and a corresponding method for measuring parameters of the transfer function of an antenna transmission system comprising a transmit antenna, a receive antenna and a transmission channel between said transmit antenna and said receive antenna, and/or for measuring parameters of an antenna of said antenna transmission system. In order to enable such a measurement for a single discrete frequency at high frequencies as used in mm-wave applications, an antenna measurement system is proposed comprising mixers, for frequency conversion on the transmitter side and detection on the receiver side, which are both driven by an electromagnetic radiation signal. Applying a switched DC signal for biasing the mixer on the transmitter side with an ultra-fast rise-time, the envelope of the time domain signal can directly be measured in the time domain on the receiver side. |
| US08565346B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting and receiving data to provide high-speed data communication and method thereof
In the present invention, data generated from a source unit are distributed to at least one bandwidth; the data distributed to the respective bandwidths are encoded in order to perform an error correction; the encoded data are distributed to at least one antenna; a subcarrier is allocated to the data distributed to the respective antennas, and an inverse Fourier transform is performed; a short preamble and a first long preamble corresponding to the subcarrier are generated; a signal symbol is generated according to a data transmit mode; and a frame is generated by adding a second long preamble between the signal symbol and a data field for the purpose of estimating a channel of a subcarrier which is not used. |
| US08565337B2 |
Devices for transmitting digital video and data over the same wires
A method of transmitting a data stream over a communication channel, the method comprising: providing symbol sets having different numbers of symbols; modulating data in the data stream that warrant different degrees of protection against noise onto symbols from symbol sets having different numbers of symbols, wherein which symbol set given data in the stream is modulated onto is independent of symbol sets onto which other data in the data stream is modulated onto; and transmitting the symbols. |
| US08565334B2 |
Radio communication system, terminal apparatus, base station apparatus, and radio communication method for radio communication system
A radio communication system including: a base station apparatus; and a terminal apparatus, wherein the base station apparatus and terminal apparatus perform radio communication, the terminal apparatus includes: a holding unit which holds a pre-coding matrix; a relative value determining unit which determines a relative value with respect to a parameter included in the held pre-coding matrix; and a transmitting unit which transmits the determined relative value, and the base station apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives the relative value. |
| US08565331B2 |
Inserting and decoding replicated data symbols in wireless communications
Examples are generally described that include transmission methods including inserting at least a portion of data from a first data stream into a second data stream to be transmitted over a communications channel. On receipt of the two data streams, examples of receiving methods include receiving the replicated data, decoding the replicated data using an estimated channel matrix, and generating an updated estimate of the channel matrix based, at least in part, on the replicated data. |
| US08565330B2 |
Wireless communication system and wireless communication method
On the transmitting side, a decision is made as to whether to add pilot symbols which are separate from basic pilot symbols, to frames, based on the propagation path state, and when symbols are added, control symbols comprising information relating to the additional pilot symbols are generated, and frames comprising basic pilot symbols, control symbols, additional pilot symbols, and data symbols are assembled and transmitted. On the receiving side, control symbols included in the received frames are demodulated, and a judgment is made as to whether additional pilot symbols are included in the received frames based on the control symbol information, and if additional pilot symbols are included, the additional pilot symbols are used to estimate the propagation path, and the propagation path estimation value is used to demodulate data symbols. |
| US08565322B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception system utilizing mull packet and TRS code to improve receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission and/or reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TRS encoder for to TRS-encode a MPEG-2 transmission stream having null data for inserting a Known data and a TRS parity at predetermined positions, randomizer to input and randomize data stream from the TRS encoder, a null packet exchanger to replace the null data for inserting the Known data to the known data, and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the Known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization and further uses the TRS parity for correcting error of the received signal, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08565320B2 |
Device and method for encoding/decoding video data
Disclosed are a method of encoding/decoding video data and a device thereof. The device includes a toolbox, which stores a plurality of functional units, a reconstruction unit, which reconstructs a decoder description by receiving a compressed decoder description, a decoder description parsing unit, which converts the decoder description to an XML-based decoder description, an ADM generating unit, generates an abstract decoding model (ADM) by using the XML-based decoder description, and a decoding solution, which loads the plurality of functional units stored in the toolbox by using the ADM or the XML-based decoder description to decode input data to video data. With the present invention, it is possible to reconstruct and reassemble a decoder in various forms by using a decoder description. |
| US08565318B2 |
Restamping transport streams to avoid vertical rolls
In one embodiment, a network device analyzes an encoded stream to identify a timing value included in a packet before a splice point. Next, the device determines a difference between identified timing value and a timing value included in a packet of the encoded segment to be spliced. In conjunction with splicing, the network device formats timing values of packets according to the determined difference, which improves play out of the spliced stream. |
| US08565315B2 |
Image decoding device and image decoding method
To decode coded pictures each of which has dependencies within the picture, using conventional decoding circuits and without deteriorating the efficiency in parallel processing.An image decoding device (100) includes: a stream segmentation unit (110) which segments a bit stream such that each of the coded pictures are segmented into two areas; and decoding processing units (120, 130) each of which decodes a corresponding one of the two segmented bit streams. The respective decoding processing units (120, 130) include: decoding units (123, 133) each of which generates decoded data including pixel data and control data; transfer determination units (124, 134) each of which determines whether or not the decoded data is referred to in another one of the processing units; data transfer units (125, 135) each of which transfers decoded data to the other processing unit; and decoding determination units (122, 132) each of which determines whether or not the decoded data to be referred to has been obtained. Each of the decoding units (123, 133) decodes a corresponding one of the segmented bit streams when reference decoded data has been obtained. |
| US08565307B2 |
Picture encoding method and picture encoding device
For encoding of a picture whose macroblock is divided into parts of various sizes, a picture encoding method is provided to appropriately reduce a coding amount of a motion vector, without lowering coding efficiency. In order to reduce a processing amount and an increase of a coding amount, which result from generation of a large number of motion vectors due to bi-directional prediction selected for a small-sized part, a motion estimation unit selects the optimal prediction method from prediction method candidates decided by a prediction-method-candidate determination unit. Thereby, when motion compensation is performed for a large-sized part, forward-directional, backward-directional, and bi-directional prediction can be permitted. On the other hand when motion compensation is performed for a small-sized part, the bi-directional prediction is prohibited but the forward-directional or backward-directional prediction is permitted. |
| US08565303B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal
The present invention provides a method of decoding a video signal. The method includes the steps of obtaining identification information indicating an assignment method of a reference index from the video signal, reordering reference pictures for inter-view prediction according to the identification information, and decoding the video signal using the reordered reference pictures, wherein the reference index includes view information for identifying a view of the reference picture. |
| US08565301B2 |
Quasi-constant-quality rate control with look-ahead
Methods and apparatus efficiently encode multimedia data, such as live video streams. An encoding complexity of a predetermined time interval, such as 1 second, is estimated before the actual encoding that will be used. This permits the actual encoding to be performed with an a priori estimate of complexity, permitting the bits allocated for the predetermined time interval (bit rate) to be efficiently allocated within the predetermined time interval. Moreover, the estimated complexity can be provided to a device, such as a multiplexer, which can then allocate the available bandwidth for a collection of multiplexed video channels according to the encoding complexity anticipated for those video channels, which then permits the quality of a particular channel to remain relatively constant even when the bandwidth for the collection of multiplexed video channels is relatively constant. |
| US08565298B2 |
Encoder rate control
A method and apparatus for performing compression and/or decompression is described. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a system having a buffer, a wavelet transform unit, and a coder. The wavelet transform unit has an input coupled to the buffer to perform a wavelet transform on pixels stored therein and to generate coefficients at an output. The coder is coupled to the wavelet transform unit to code the transformed pixels received from the buffer. |
| US08565296B2 |
Adaptive receiver system and adaptive transceiver system
A phase comparison circuit outputs a first phase comparison signal indicating whether or not an edge of an equalization signal is in a first interval between sampling timing and timing having a first predetermined phase advance, and outputs a second phase comparison signal indicating whether or not the edge of the equalization signal is in a second interval between the sampling timing and timing having a second predetermined phase delay. A determination circuit compares a predetermined comparison target pattern with output patterns of the first and second phase comparison signals corresponding to each bit of a detection data pattern. |
| US08565294B2 |
Classification of interference
An interference classifier is disclosed for determining the type of interference present in a signal. The interference classifier 601 comprises a buffer 602 operable to receive and store data comprising samples of a signal; a scale factor calculator 603 operable to use the signal samples to calculate a scale factor in dependence upon the levels of the signal samples; a normaliser 604 operable to calculate normalised signal samples by using the scale factor to normalise the signal samples; a nonlinear transformer 605 operable to perform a nonlinear transform on the normalised signal samples to calculate transformed signal samples; an averaging circuit 606 operable to calculate an average of the transformed signal samples; and a comparator 607 operable to compare the calculated average of the transformed signal samples to a predetermined threshold level in order to determine the type of interference present in the received signal. The interference classifier 601 disclosed herein performs an advantageous type of nonlinear transform that provides an improvement in detection probability over known kurtosis-based interference classifiers. Applications of the interference classifier 601 include automotive radar systems, radio astronomy, microwave radiometry, weather forecasting and cognitive radio networks. |
| US08565293B2 |
Method for synchronizing a plurality of measuring channel assemblies and/or measuring devices, and appropriate measuring device
A method and a measuring device for synchronizing measuring channel assemblies are provided. A reference signal is produced by a reference signal source. The reference signal is supplied to the individual measuring channel assemblies of the measuring device. A clock signal generator is used to produce a clock signal at a low frequency, the clock signal generator being connected to each measuring channel assembly by a respective connecting line of the same length. The clock signal is supplied through a phase corrector element for the purpose of correcting the phase of the reference signal in each measuring channel assembly to the phase of the clock signal. |
| US08565278B2 |
Semiconductor component and method for producing a semiconductor component
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body with a semiconductor layer sequence having an active region, provided for generating coherent radiation, and an indicator layer. With respect to an interface which delimits the semiconductor body in regions in a vertical direction, on that side of said interface which is remote from the active region, the semiconductor body has a web-like region extending in a vertical direction between the interface and a surface of the semiconductor body. The indicator layer has a material composition that differs from that of the material of the web-like region which adjoins the indicator layer. A distance between the indicator layer and the surface is at most of the same magnitude as a distance between the interface and the surface. |
| US08565276B2 |
High power semiconductor laser diodes
A high power laser source comprises a bar of laser diodes having a first coefficient of thermal expansion CTEbar on a submount having a second coefficient CTEsub and a cooler having a third coefficient CTEcool. The submount/cooler assembly shows an effective fourth coefficient CTEeff differing from CTEbar. This difference leads to a deformation of the crystal lattice of the lasers' active regions by mechanical stress. CTEeff is selected to be either lower than both CTEbar and CTEcool or is selected to be between CTEbar and CTEcool. The submount may either comprise layers of materials having different CTEs, e.g., a Cu layer of 10-40 μm thickness and a Mo layer of 100-400 μm thickness, or a single material with a varying CTEsub. Both result in a CTEsub varying across the submount's thickness. |
| US08565272B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation and amplification of light in a semi-guiding high aspect ratio core fiber
A planar laser gain medium and laser system. The novel laser gain medium includes an active core having a high aspect ratio cross-section with a fast-axis dimension and a slow-axis dimension, signal claddings adapted to form reflective boundaries at fast-axis boundaries of the core, and a material adapted to minimize reflections at slow-axis boundaries of the core. In an illustrative embodiment, the laser gain medium is an optical fiber. The core and claddings form a waveguide adapted to control modes propagating in the fast-axis direction. When the laser gain medium is employed as a laser oscillator, a high reflectivity mirror and an outcoupler are positioned at opposite ends of the core to form a laser resonator adapted to control modes in the slow-axis direction. |
| US08565267B2 |
Web based unified communication system and method, and web communication manager
The present invention provides a Web based unified communication system and method, and Web based communication manger. In the present invention, generating a SMIL document, based on a communication request from a terminal, for starting and controlling a communication session between the terminal and corresponding terminals, and controlling the terminals and communication channels involved in the communication session to work collectively so as to perform the communication session by interpreting and executing the SMIL document. In the invention, instead of being a kind of supplementation, the Web technique should become the core technique of such systems. Further, in the invention, terminal may be a set of user devices, the set of user devices includes one or more devices, each of said devices provides media interaction capabilities for one or more communication channels, and each of said devices is mapped to one or more media objects in said SMIL document. Therefore, various devices may work collectively to perform a communication session. |
| US08565266B1 |
Intelligent node for improving signal quality in a cable modem network
Systems and methods are provided for improving the signal quality and performance in a cable operator's Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) plant by adding DOCSIS intelligence to components within the HFC plant. These intelligent DOCSIS devices, referred to here as DOCSIS Intelligent Nodes (DINs), intercept the upstream signal from cable modems and set top boxes, and perform various types of signal processing on the signals based upon knowledge of the signal characteristics obtained from CMTS control structures such as MAPs and Upstream Channel Descriptors (UCDs). The DIN functionality can be integrated into any type of device found in HFC networks such as RF amplifiers and fiber nodes. |
| US08565264B2 |
Radio apparatus, radio communication system, and radio information notification method
MAC entity produces a single PDU in such a way that two or more SDU's, which are received from RLC entity via logical channels, are integrated, and header H and MAC control information CONT are added. Transmission order information (time stamp TS) is added to the PDU. The PDU including the transmission order information is transferred to a transport channel, and then transmitted on a radio basis to an apparatus of the other party. |
| US08565262B2 |
Frequency reusing method in wireless communication system and radio access station system for the same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a frequency reusing method for efficiently transmitting traffics in a radio access station system. A frequency reusing method in a wireless communication system including a coverage region, which has first, second and third regions comprises (a) transmitting traffics by assigning a total frequency band, which includes different three sub-frequency bands, to the first, second and third regions during a first interval; and (b) transmitting the traffics by respectively assigning the different three sub-frequency bands to the first, second and third regions during a second interval. |
| US08565243B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a gossip protocol to communicate across network partitions
A computing device sends a message to a destination node. Upon failing to receive a message response from the destination node, the computing device sends a query to a plurality of additional nodes, wherein the query causes the additional nodes to attempt to communicate with the destination node and to forward the query to other additional nodes if the attempt to communicate with the destination node fails. Further, the computing device receives a query response from an additional node of the plurality of additional nodes, the query response indicating that the additional node can communicate with the destination node, and uses the additional node as a proxy for communicating with the destination node. |