| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08572568B2 |
Test tool for concurrent web services and user interface testing
A computer-executed test tool combines testing of an application at a user interface layer and a web services layer. The computer-executed test tool comprises a capture tool that records a web services test concurrently with recording of a user interface test. |
| US08572564B2 |
Configuring and constructing applications in a mainframe-based computing environment
In various embodiments, a system is provided for building configurable applications. The system may include a distributed tier with a presentation module accessible by a user which is configured to permit configuration of an interface in a session with the user and an interface module configured to process session state data in an extensible language format. The system may also include a mainframe system having an enterprise architecture integration (EAI) framework configured for receiving the extensible language formatted state data and invoking at least one service in association with evaluating the extensible language formatted state data and a business rules engine based on an extensible language format. The mainframe system may be configured to translate the evaluated state data into a reply message based on the extensible language format. |
| US08572563B2 |
User interfaces and software reuse in model based software systems
User interfaces and software reuse in model based software systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, user interface data is captured from business documents. Further, user interface elements are mapped to the business documents. A data model is formed for the business documents. A set of business rules for each business component in the data model is provided. A sequence of business rules associated with each action in the data model is scanned. In addition, a first pattern signature associated with an action that uniquely identifies each of the sequence of business rules is formed. It is determined if the first pattern signature is present in other actions in the data model. If so, the first pattern signature is included in a set of pattern signatures of the data model, else step of determining for a second pattern signature that is a subset of the first pattern signature is repeated. |
| US08572562B2 |
Method, apparatus and systems thereof for implementing non-function logic extensibly
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program products for implementing non-function logic extensibly and independently of functional logic, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring association relationship between a policy and a required plug-in based on a loaded policy demand configuration; generating a plug-in context definition according to the acquired association relationship, the plug-in context definition being part of a plug-in context associated with the plug-in, wherein the plug-in context defines services provided by the plug-in and reference to other plug-ins related to the plug-in; and generating a plug-in context object based on the plug-in context definition, wherein the plug-in context object is an instantiated plug-in context definition. According to the method of the present invention, it is possible to perform inexplicit invocation of infrastructure service plug-ins according to application configuration without querying plug-in registry, and better performance is acquired in the process of invoking plug-ins. |
| US08572561B1 |
Multiple java ME MIDlet execution in single-instance CLDC JVM
Methods and systems are disclosed for Multiple Java ME MIDlet Execution in Single-Instance CLDC JVM. A subMIDlet manager may be an instance of the MIDlet class and may be capable of managing the lifecycles of component subMIDlets. SubMIDlets may contain the functionality of a MIDlet and may be configured to operate within a subMIDlet manager in a JVM and not to operate in a JVM without a subMIDlet manager. An exemplary method includes executing a single JVM that is capable of executing a single MIDlet at a time and using the JVM to execute a subMIDlet manager. Such a JVM may be present on a MIDP device. The subMIDlet manager may coordinate the activities of multiple subMIDlets executing simultaneously while appearing to the JVM as a single MIDlet. |
| US08572560B2 |
Collaborative software development systems and methods providing automated programming assistance
Collaborative program development systems are provided which implement methods for providing automated programming assistance to code developers in a collaborative program development environment. In particular, systems and methods for automated programming assistance are supported by leveraging a database or library of shared code snippets that are classified according to code patterns and rating scores that are derived from feedback and input from various code developers within a collaborative program development environment. |
| US08572559B2 |
Object-oriented system for creating and managing websites and their content
The invention teaches a method for creating and managing a website as an object oriented system, comprising: providing on a system server a plurality of hierarchical classes of objects, each of the classes representing one aspect of the storage, presentation and logic of a website; providing on a web server an interface operable to present representations of objects instantiating the plurality of hierarchical classes and receive commands meant to one of: instantiate a new object, destroy a presented object, and change a property of a presented object; and storing on a database server objects as a traversable tree in accordance with the plurality of hierarchical classes. |
| US08572558B1 |
Shell architecture software development
A programming interface and infrastructure of the present invention includes a Shell programming interface and infrastructure (Shell construct), at least one Logic construct, and at least one Data construct. A method for programming using at least one Shell construct, at least one Data construct, at least one I/O construct, and at least one Logic construct. In this method, the at least one Logic construct is independent from the at least one I/O construct. |
| US08572552B2 |
System and method for providing expert advice on software development practices
A software development practices expert system and method is described. The expert system utilizes control systems engineering designs, as well as dynamic systems models to inform and guide the selection, assembly, composition, publishing and presentation, enactment, assessment, learning and analysis, refactoring, improvement and simulation of software development practices into approaches or methods to software development. The expert system collects software endeavor result data to correlate efficacy of software development practice usage, and to recalibrate dynamic systems models and control systems engineering design parameters. Such designs and models configure and improve an inference-based rule engine to provide advice to users contained within a rule repository and knowledge base. |
| US08572548B2 |
Integrated design application
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide a process and system for designing composite application systems. One embodiment of the claimed subject matter is a process of designing a composite application system to meet an application requirement. The process includes defining a use case scenario performed by a composite application system to meet the application requirement, integrating the use case scenario with an execution tool, and specifying an underlying infrastructure for the system design, wherein, the entire process is performed within an integrated software application. |
| US08572547B1 |
Systems and methods for a development environment
A developer zone is provided for use by developers. A method for providing a developer zone may include receiving a request, initializing a provisional computing device, initializing a development computing device, copying data to the provisional computing device, then to the development computing device. A method for providing a developer zone may include copying data from a secured computing device to a provisional computing device, initializing a development computing device, loading at least a portion of the copied data from the provisional computing device to the development computing device, and developing a software package on the development computing device. Using a developer zone may include logging into a terminal server, requesting a copy of at least a portion of secured data, wherein the portion of secured data is first copied onto a provisional computing device and then loaded onto the development computing device, and inputting instructions at the terminal server. |
| US08572546B2 |
Methods of modeling a transistor and apparatus used therein
Methods of modeling a transistor are provided. The method includes the steps of (a) extracting reference mobility values of a channel layer of a transistor including a gate electrode, a source region and a drain region using a reference gate voltage, a reference drain current and a reference drain voltage, (b) fitting a mobility function including model parameters on the reference mobility values to extract the model parameters, and (c) putting the extracted model parameters into a drain current modeling function to calculate a drain current flowing through the channel layer between the drain region and the source region under a bias condition defined by an arbitrary gate voltage applied to the gate electrode and an arbitrary drain voltage applied to the drain region. Related apparatuses are also provided. |
| US08572544B2 |
Programmatic auto-convergent method for “physical layout power hot-spot” risk aware ASIP architecture customization for performance optimization
Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically method to manage power in a custom integrated circuit (IC) design with a code profile by receiving an instruction execution sequence based on the code profile and reassigning or delaying the instruction sequence to spread operations or activities over a plurality of processing blocks to reduce hot spots; applying sub-region weight distributions to estimate power hot-spot locations; and synthesizing the generated architecture into a computer readable description of the custom integrated circuit for semiconductor fabrication. |
| US08572542B2 |
Clock-tree structure and method for synthesizing the same
A method for synthesizing a clock-tree structure may be applied to a physical design such as an integrated circuit or a printed circuit board to form a symmetrical clock-tree structure, while achieving the effects including minimizing a clock skew, having a process variation tolerance and increasing the synthesizing rate. To prevent a certain level from having too many branches and ensure that the clock-tree structure satisfies the fan-out constraint, a plurality of pseudo sinks are provided such that the result of factorizing the value of the number of the total sinks may satisfy the fan-out constraint. The levels in the clock-tree structure may have equal branch lengths by employing snaking routing, so as to achieve a symmetrical clock-tree structure design and reduce the clock skew of the clock-tree. |
| US08572540B2 |
Method and system for approximate placement in electronic designs
Disclosed are method, system, and computer program product for a method and system for a fast and stable placement/floorplanning method that gives consistent and good quality results. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for approximate placement of various standard cells, macro-blocks, and I/O pads for the design of integrated circuits by approximating the final shapes of the objects of interest by one or more probability distribution functions over the areas for the objects of interest with improved runtime and very good stability. These probability distributions are gradually localized to final shapes satisfying the placement constraints and optimizing an objective function. |
| US08572537B2 |
Accurate parasitic capacitance extraction for ultra large scale integrated circuits
A system and method for extracting the parasitic contact/via capacitance in an integrated circuit are provided. Parasitic extraction using this system can lead to an improved accuracy on contact/via parasitic capacitance extraction by taking into account of the actual contact/via shape and size variation. The common feature of the various embodiments includes the step of generating a technology file, in which the contact/via capacitance in the capacitance table is derived from an effective contact/via width table. Each element of the effective contact/via width table is calibrated to have a parasitic capacitance matching to that of an actual contact/via configuration occurring in an IC. |
| US08572533B2 |
Waiving density violations
Waiver regions may be identified by waiver identification items. The waiver identification items may be determined based on conducting a density check process. Additionally or alternatively, reference patterns for pattern matching, cell names or markers may serve as the waiver identification items. Waiver geometric items may be created for the waiver regions and added to the layout design. Based on an overlap of a density check window with the waiver geometric items and waiving threshold information, a density violation in that density check window is determined to be reported as a density violation or a waived density violation with some implementations of the invention. With some other implementations of the invention, pattern density of a density check window may not be checked if an overlap of the density check window with the waiver geometric items is above a waiving threshold value. |
| US08572532B1 |
Common path pessimism removal for hierarchical timing analysis
A method of timing analysis of an integrated circuit (IC) design with a partition block including an original clock signal with a pair of clock paths having an external common point outside the block boundary is disclosed, including receiving a netlist of the partition block of a hierarchical IC design, analyzing a pair of clock paths having the external common point to determine first and second clock ports at the boundary of the partition block; and for the first and second clock ports, creating launch and capture clocks, making exclusive clock groups of the launch clock and the capture clock for opposing clock ports to avoid the launch and capture clocks for each port affecting other internal data paths within the partition block, and associating common path pessimism removal information with a source latency of the capture clock to adjust timing at an end point of the internal data path. |
| US08572531B2 |
Timing verification support device generating second circuit data including circuit elements identified from first circuit data and timing verification support method
A timing verification support device includes: a storage device to store first circuit data of a semiconductor integrated circuit; a search unit to identify, in the first circuit data, a plurality of circuit elements including a designated circuit element designated as a timing verification target and at least one circuit element included in a path traced when performing timing verification at a boundary between the designated circuit element and a portion other than the designated circuit element; and a generation unit to generate second circuit data for the timing verification including circuit data of the plurality of circuit elements. |
| US08572526B2 |
Power mesh for multiple frequency operation of semiconductor products
A semiconductor platform for implementing multiple-frequency operations includes multiple physical resources comprising embedded functions and a configurable transistor fabric. The transistor fabric includes at least first and second portions, the first portion being programmable to instantiate a first function having higher frequency operations than the second portion. The platform further includes multiple logical resources corresponding to the physical resources of the semiconductor platform and a configurable power mesh to support multiple frequency operations configurable from the transistor fabric. The power mesh includes at least first and second configurable grids. The first configurable grid is operable at a different frequency than the second configurable grid. The power mesh is modifiable, as a function of a desired performance of a customer's requirements, in a vicinity of the first portion of the configurable transistor fabric to support the first function having higher frequency operations. |
| US08572523B2 |
Lithography aware leakage analysis
A method for performing leakage analysis includes receiving information specifying an integrated circuit. A neighborhood of shapes associated with the integrated circuit is then determined. Leakage information associated with the integrated circuit is generated based on the neighborhood of shapes. The neighborhood of shapes may be determined by determining a first set of spacings to a boundary of a first cell from an internal shape. A second set of spacings may be determined from the boundary of the first cell to a shape of a second cell. A lithography process may be characterized using the first and second set of spacings. |
| US08572516B1 |
System and method for controlling a screen saver
A system and method for coordinating screen saver initiation and functionality. The system comprises at least one client station, each of the at least one client station having a screen saver module associated therewith; and a central control station in communication with each of the at least one client station over a network, the central control station having a screen saver control module for controlling each of the screen saver modules associated with the at least one client station. |
| US08572515B2 |
Turning on and off full screen mode on a touchscreen
Systems and methods for turning on and off full screen mode of an application running on a touchscreen. In some aspects, a method includes receiving an input on the touchscreen; determining whether the input is a first predetermined gesture; and turning off full screen mode when the input is the first predetermined gesture. The method also includes determining whether the first predetermined gesture starts from a predetermined area. |
| US08572509B2 |
Dynamically generating context dependent hybrid context menus by transforming a context specific hierarchical model
Hybrid menus can be generated and displayed, where the hybrid menus comprising primary and sub-menus having different geometries. Depending upon the context in which a user provides selection input for menu display, the context-appropriate model elements are retrieved from a tree model. A layout generation component transforms the tree model into a hybrid menu for display to the user. |
| US08572508B2 |
Application displaying method for touch-controlled device and touch-controlled device thereof
A method for displaying applications of a touch-controlled device includes the steps of: generating an electronic signal according a gesture applied on a touch panel of the touch-controlled device; generating a detection result according to the electronic signal, wherein the detection result includes a first position of the gesture corresponding to the touch panel; when the detection result indicates that the detected gesture is a multi-fingered grab gesture, starting an application container; and outputting a control signal to the touch panel according to the application container, in order to display the application container at the first position. |
| US08572503B2 |
Device for analysing variable magnitudes by simultaneous multiple windowing
The device (D) is dedicated to the analysis of time varying quantities. It comprises a tool for managing display windows (MA) each for displaying the representation of a selected quantity and each associated with a first quantity selection tool (01) and a second time reference(s) selection tool (02) coupled to the management tool (MA). The device (D) further includes a third linking tool (03a-03c) which i) allows a user, who has selected several quantities and related time references, to select at least two of the display windows and the selected quantities, and ii) connects together the first tools (01) and/or second tools (02) of the selected display windows so that the selection of a quantity by the user using one of the first related tools (01), or master tool, of a master window results in the selection of the same quantity by the management tool (MA) at each so-called slave display window, and/or so that the selection of a time reference by one of the second related tools (02) results in the selection of the same time reference by the management tool (MA) at each slave display window. |
| US08572501B2 |
Rendering graphical objects based on context
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products and computer readable media, for rendering graphical objects. A context of a user interface element in a graphical user interface is identified. The identified context is mapped to one or more effects. A graphical object associated with the user interface element is rendered using the effects. |
| US08572498B2 |
System and method for influencing an on-going event
A system and method for enabling spectators to participate in a sporting event in a way that may materially affect the course, and outcome, of the event. The players, or teams, participating in the sporting event agree to have certain decisions made by spectators who are supporters of the player or team. The decisions may range from the choice of the starting line up to actually calling plays during the game. The game influencing decisions are made by pre-registered spectators who vote by making a selection from a menu of possible choices related to a player's participation in the live sporting event. The spectators may be remote to the game and watching it on a television and voting using their remote control to make menu selections. Or the spectators may be in the stands watching the game, getting and responding to menus via their cell phones. |
| US08572497B2 |
Method and system for exchanging contextual keys
A method and device for presenting contextual data to a participant in a collaboration. A first computing device determines that a first participant associated with the first computing device is participating in a communications session with a second participant associated with a second computing device. The first computing device determines a first plurality of contextual keys. The first computing device receives a second plurality of contextual keys from the second computing device. The first computing device identifies a plurality of contextual items based on the first plurality of contextual keys and the second plurality of contextual keys, and presents a user interface depicting a plurality of contextual item references, wherein each contextual item reference corresponds to one of the plurality of contextual items. |
| US08572494B2 |
Framework for development and customization of web services deployment descriptors
An extensible software framework is used for the development and customization of XML based Web service deployment descriptors. The framework may provide for the mapping and synchronization of XML data fragments in the XML files to user interface components, resulting in an interface that can be used for the development and customization of the Web service configuration. This mechanism may allow concurrent read and write accesses to the XML based Web service deployment descriptors. The mechanism may be extensible, providing for the mapping between the user interface and the XML data fragments to be customized. Additional extensibility may come from the ability of the framework to readily accommodate the situation where the complete configuration of the Web service is described in multiple XML files. The resulting editor may present one unified display of all of the information across multiple files. |
| US08572491B2 |
System and method of presenting media content
A method of presenting media content includes receiving a command to present multiple image cells to a first device of a first user after an alert is sent to a second device associated with the first user. The method also includes sending a first view including multiple image cells to the first device of the first user, where at least one cell of the multiple image cells includes an image. The method further includes automatically collecting a second image from a third party website and sending a second view to the first device. The second view includes the multiple image cells having the image and includes the second image. |
| US08572488B2 |
Spot dialog editor
Automated methods are used to augment an original script of a time-based media program that contains speech with timing metadata and an indication of a confidence level with which script portions are matched with the speech in the program audio track. An editor uses a spot dialog editor tool to produce a word-accurate spot dialog master by reviewing and editing script portions displayed next to the corresponding portions of the time-based media. The spot dialog editor tool selects for review and editing the parts of the script having a low confidence match with the speech in the program. |
| US08572487B2 |
Application of ratings to digital music and playback of digital music conforming to a rating level
The present invention is directed to a method and system for applying ratings to digital music and for playing back digital music conforming to a rating level. A method for playing back digital music conforming to a rating level, includes: sending a request for metadata from a music player to a metadata service; receiving metadata sent back from the metadata service in response to the request, the metadata comprising information regarding at least one explicit interval of the track; playing the track on the music player; and selectively applying an edit to each explicit interval of the playing track identified in the metadata, based on a predetermined rating level. |
| US08572482B2 |
Methods and apparatus for summarizing document content for mobile communication devices
A document summary which includes an assemblage of a plurality of summary entries is generated for an electronic document. In the generation of the document summary, a content structure or properties within the electronic document are analyzed. The plurality of summary entries are selected from the contents of the electronic document based on the analysis of the content structure or properties. The content structure within the electronic document may include a table of contents, a plurality of spreadsheet worksheets, a plurality of document pages, etc. The content properties within the electronic document may include text formatting, paragraph formatting, paragraph sizing, etc. Preferably, the best available content structure or properties within the electronic document is identified and utilized in the selection of the plurality of summary entries. The document summary is provided to a mobile communication device in response to a request for the electronic document. |
| US08572478B2 |
Row heights in electronic documents
A computer-implemented method for managing row height in an electronic document includes receiving, at a computing device, a request to display a portion of a document that defines a plurality of rows of content and that is represented by a document model; determining heights of the plurality of rows and saving information about the determined heights in a cache that correlates rows to the height information; and using the document model and the cache to generate a view of the document model having the determined row heights. |
| US08572476B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the operation of the mobile terminal
A mobile terminal and a method may be provided for controlling an operation of the mobile terminal. This may include displaying a first webpage on a display module, and if a second webpage is chosen to be displayed, determining whether the second webpage is provided by the same website that provides the first webpage. If the second webpage is provided by the same website that provides the first webpage, the first and second webpages may be merged into a third webpage and the third webpage may be displayed on the display module. Therefore, a plurality of webpages provided by a same webpage may be displayed at a same time by merging the webpages into a single webpage. |
| US08572475B2 |
Display control of page data by annotation selection
An information processing apparatus includes: an operation input unit; an electronic information display control unit; an electronic information operation control unit; an annotation operation control unit; and an electronic information data holding unit, wherein the annotation operation control unit, in a case where the at least one annotation object is pasted on a page, holds a displaying magnification of a page on which the at least one annotation object is pasted and a displaying position on the page on which the at least one annotation object is pasted, as annotation data, and the electronic information display control unit, in response to a fact that the at least one annotation object has been selected through the annotation operation control unit, displays a page of the electronic information on a screen based on the displaying magnification and the displaying position held in annotation data corresponding to the at least one annotation object selected. |
| US08572470B2 |
Memory-efficient storage method: a fast BJCR based decoder implementation scheme
A memory efficient, accelerated implementation architecture for BCJR based forward error correction algorithms. In this architecture, a memory efficiency storage scheme is adopted for the metrics and channel information to achieve high processing speed with a low memory requirement. Thus, BCJR based algorithms can be accelerated, and the implementation complexity can be 5 reduced. This scheme can be used in the BCJR based turbo decoder and LDPC decoder implementations. |
| US08572469B2 |
Turbo decoder employing ARP (almost regular permutation) interleave and arbitrary number of decoding processors
Turbo decoder employing ARP (almost regular permutation) interleave and arbitrary number of decoding processors. A novel approach is presented herein by which an arbitrarily selected number (M) of decoding processors (e.g., a plurality of parallel implemented turbo decoders) be employed to perform decoding of a turbo coded signal while still using a selected embodiment of an ARP (almost regular permutation) interleave. The desired number of decoding processors is selected, and very slight modification of an information block (thereby generating a virtual information block) is made to accommodate that virtual information block across all of the decoding processors during all decoding cycles except some dummy decoding cycles. In addition, contention-free memory mapping is provided between the decoding processors (e.g., a plurality of turbo decoders) and memory banks (e.g., a plurality of memories). |
| US08572467B2 |
Error-correcting encoding apparatus
An apparatus for encoding source data, that includes a first encoder configured to encode the source data to produce first additional data; and a randomizing unit configured to randomize the source data to produce randomized data; and a second encoder configured to encode the randomized data to produce second additional data; and a selector configured to select a number of bits from the first and second additional data to produce first selected data and second selected data, wherein the number of selected bits is selected based upon a data length of an output sequence determined by a transmission frame format, and wherein the data length of the output sequence is variable. |
| US08572463B2 |
Quasi-cyclic LDPC encoding and decoding for non-integer multiples of circulant size
In processing quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) data, an input signal is received which includes decision and reliability information corresponding to unpadded data. Decision and reliability information corresponding to padded data is introduced into the input signal. Message passing is performed one or more times to obtain decoded data. This includes using (1) the decision and reliability information corresponding to the unpadded data and (2) the decision and reliability information corresponding to the padded data, where a preference is given to the decision and reliability information corresponding to the unpadded data over the decision and reliability information corresponding to the unpadded data during message passing. Zero padding is removed from the decoded data. |
| US08572462B2 |
Decoding apparatus and decoding method
A decoding apparatus for performing decoding processing of encoded data by using non-binary LDPC codes, includes: a logarithmic Fourier transform processing section, a variable node processing section, an edge coefficient processing section, and a check node processing section, wherein the logarithmic Fourier transform processing section performs Fourier transform processing and logarithmization processing on a probability vector of a symbol of an encoded frame data to output an initial value of logarithmic Fourier domain probability vector, and the variable node processing section, the edge coefficient processing section, and the check node processing section perform iteration processing by using a logarithmic Fourier domain probability vector. |
| US08572460B2 |
Communication device employing binary product coding with selective additional cyclic redundancy check (CRC) therein
Communication device employing binary product coding with selective additional cyclic redundancy check (CRC) therein. Product code encoding (e.g., employing row and column encoding of matrix formatted bits, selectively with interleaving and/or permutation of the bits therein) may be combined with additional error correction code (ECC) or forward error correction (FEC) coding thereby generating coded bits for use in generating a signal to be launched into a communication channel. Various ECCs/FECs may be employed including a BCH (Bose and Ray-Chaudhuri, and Hocquenghem) code, a Reed-Solomon (RS) code, an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code, etc. The redundancy of such coded signals as generated using the principles herein is in the range of approximately 7%, and hard decision decoding may be performed on such coded signals generated herein. In accordance with decoding such signals, various bit decisions (within certain iterations) may be selectively ignored and/or reverted back to previous bit decisions. |
| US08572455B2 |
Systems and methods to respond to error detection
Systems and methods to respond to error detection are provided. First data may be received at a first memory controller port in response to a read command issued from the first memory controller port. The read command may be issued as a second read command from a second memory controller port after determining that the first data contains a first uncorrectable error. Second data may be received at the second memory controller port in response to the second read command. A repair write command may be issued from the first memory controller port after determining that the second data does not contain any errors. The repair write command may initiate writing the second data from the first memory controller port. |
| US08572453B2 |
Error correcting decoding apparatus for decoding low-density parity-check codes
A decoder 5 applies decode processing to N input data in parallel to generate K decode data. An S/P converter 6 outputs N input data applied in series to decoder 5 through first lines L1-L64 dividedly over several times. A P/S converter 7 receives through second lines R1-R60 the K decode data from decoder 5 dividedly over several times to output in series the K decoded data to an external source. |
| US08572451B2 |
Method and apparatus for indicating a temporary block flow to which a piggybacked ACK/NACK field is addressed
A method and apparatus for indicating a temporary block flow (TBF) to which a piggybacked acknowledgement/non-acknowledgement (PAN) field is addressed are disclosed. A sequence may be generated from a temporary flow identity (TFI) to which the PAN field is addressed and masked with a PAN check sequence (PCS). A radio block including a PAN field and a masked PCS is transmitted. The PCS may be masked with one of TFIs which is selected in accordance with a rule pre-agreed. A secondary identifier may indicate a TBF to which the PAN field is addressed. A special value may be used to represent all TBFs assigned and a secondary identifier may indicate a TBF to which the PAN field is addressed. A special value on the PAN field may be used for control purposes for indicating an action affecting a group of receiving stations listening to the radio block. |
| US08572450B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting and correcting errors in transmitted data
An information processing device includes: a receiving operation for receiving, from a transmission device, content and first verification data corresponding to divided content obtained by dividing the content; a detecting operation for detecting an error of the divided content based on second verification data to be calculated based on the divided content and the first verification data received in the receiving operation; and an obtaining operation for obtaining other divided content corresponding to the divided content having the error detected in the detecting operation from another information processing device different from the transmission device, when the error of the divided content is detected in the detecting operation. |
| US08572449B1 |
Integrated functional testing mechanism for integrated circuits
An on-chip testing unit can be implemented in an integrated circuit (e.g., a SoC) to validate the operation of cache memories associated with a processor of the integrated circuit. For each testing instruction to be executed by the processor for testing a cache memory, the testing unit can intercept information (e.g., address, data, and/or control signals) generated by the processor in response to executing the instruction. The testing unit can determine whether information generated by the processor matches corresponding expected information associated with the instruction. This can enable the testing unit to determine whether the processor can correctly identify an address from which the next instruction is to be fetched, can ensure consistency between data in the cache memories and persistent storage devices, and whether the processor is operating as expected. An error notification can be generated if the information generated by the processor does not match the expected information. |
| US08572448B1 |
Apparatus and method for testing and debugging an integrated circuit
A system including a frame capture module, a serializer, and a deserializer. The frame capture module is configured to receive, from a device under test, data corresponding to test results, and package the data into first data frames. The serializer is configured serialize the first data frames to form serial messages that include serialized data. The serializer includes i) a first serial link configured to output the serial messages according to a first clock domain, and ii) a second serial link configured to output the serial messages according to a second clock domain. The deserializer is configured to deserialize the serial messages received on the first serial link and the second serial link to form second data frames. |
| US08572445B2 |
Non-volatile memory (NVM) with imminent error prediction
A method and system are provided for determining an imminent failure of a non-volatile memory array. The method includes: performing a first array integrity read of the memory array until an error is detected; determining that the error is not error correction code (ECC) correctable, wherein a first word line voltage associated with the error is characterized as being a first threshold voltage; performing a second array integrity read of the memory array until all bits of the memory array indicate a predetermined state, wherein a second word line voltage associated with all of the bits indicating the predetermined state is a second threshold voltage; and comparing a difference between the first and second threshold voltages to a predetermined value. |
| US08572444B2 |
Memory apparatus and testing method thereof
A memory apparatus and a related testing method are provided in the present invention. The memory apparatus includes a memory and a testing module. The testing module includes an error recording unit for recording corresponding addresses of bit errors occurred in the memory. The testing module determines whether the memory has multi-bit error according to the addresses recorded in the error recording unit. The memory is an ECC memory. |
| US08572441B2 |
Maximizing encodings of version control bits for memory corruption detection
Systems and methods for maximizing a number of available states for a version number used for memory corruption detection. A physical memory may be a DRAM comprising a plurality of regions. Version numbers associated with data structures allocated in the physical memory may be generated so that version numbers of adjacent data structures in a virtual address space are different. A reserved set and an available set of version numbers are associated with each one of the plurality of regions. A version number in a reserved set of a given region may be in an available set of another region. The processor detects no memory corruption error in response to at least determining a version number stored in a memory location in a first region identified by a memory access operation is also in a reserved set associated with the first region. |
| US08572438B2 |
N-way runtime interoperative debugging
Simultaneous debugging of code running in multiple types of runtime environment can be performed by an n-way interoperative debugging environment. Code running within a particular runtime can be debugged simultaneously with a code running within other runtimes within a single process. Out-of-process debugging support is provided for inspection and execution control. A compatible debugger or runtime communication protocol is used. Transitions from one runtime to another runtime can be detected. Exceptions thrown in one runtime can be caught by another runtime. Stepping operations can occur in multiple runtimes. A callstack including frames from multiple runtimes can be walked. |
| US08572435B2 |
System and method for correlating carrier ethernet connectivity fault management events
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for suppressing managed endpoint (MEP) child events in a network. A MEP multicast message is broadcast by an originating MEP. Responses received from peer MEPs within a selected time interval are processed to determine their respective IP address, MAC address, and VLAN. If this information is not currently stored in a table of peer MEP device information associated with the originating MEP, then it is added. The responding MEP is then marked in the peer MEP device table as having responded. Peer MEP devices that have responded to previous multicast messages, but have now failed to respond within the selected time interval, are determined. A MEP network event is generated, comprising the IP address of the device containing the MEP, the MAC address for inward-facing MEPs, the MAC address of the associated bridge, the port addresses for outward-facing MEPs, and associated VLAN information. If another MEP network event occurs, the MAC address of the MEP and its VLAN information is determined. If the VLAN associated with the current MEP network event contains a MAC address associated with a prior MEP network event, then the MEP network event is designated as a child MEP network event and suppressed. Otherwise, the MEP network event is designated as a parent MEP network. |
| US08572434B2 |
System health monitor
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for system health monitoring. Backup set metadata is received, wherein the backup set metadata comprises information about backup data sets that are received by a backup storage system. One or more processes that process the backup set metadata through an emulated processing flow path are executed, wherein the one or more processes are also implemented in the backup storage system. Two or more potential processing states are determined within the emulated processing flow path. A reason code is determined for each backup set metadata entry of the backup set metadata indicative of a reason that the backup set metadata entry is in a processing state of the two or more potential processing states. A problem with the manner in which the backup set metadata is flowing through the emulated processing flow path is identified based on the reason codes. |
| US08572433B2 |
JTAG IC with commandable circuit controlling data register control router
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for improving the operation of a TAP architecture in a device through the use of Command signal inputs to the TAP architecture. In response to a Command signal input, the TAP architecture can perform streamlined and uninterrupted Update, Capture and Shift operation cycles to a target circuit in the device or streamlined and uninterrupted capture and shift operation cycles to a target circuit in the device. The Command signals can be input to the TAP architecture via the devices dedicated TMS or TDI inputs or via a separate CMD input to the device. |
| US08572432B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing an event notification in a concurrent processing system
In one embodiment, a concurrent processing system is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, a concurrent processing system, comprises a first processing element comprising a first monitor module, a second processing element in communication with the first processing element, the second processing element comprising a second monitor module, and a first system monitor for receiving a notification from at least one of: the first processing element, or the second processing element, wherein the notification indicates an event detected by one of the first monitor module, or the second monitor module. |
| US08572431B2 |
Disaster recovery framework
A system and method of orchestrating failover operations of servers providing services to an internal computer network includes a DR server configured to execute a control script that performs a failover operation. Information needed to perform the failover operation is stored on the DR server thereby eliminating the need to store agents on each of the application's primary and backup servers. The DR server may provide a centralized location for the maintenance and update of the failover procedures for the internal network's redundant services. A failover operation may be initiated by an authorized user in communication with the internal computer network. |
| US08572430B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of cooling storage apparatus
Provided is a storage apparatus for providing a logical storage area as a data storage area to an external apparatus, comprising: a physical storage medium for creating the logical storage area; first and second storage control modules each of which is communicatively coupled to the physical storage medium to control data input/output processing between the external apparatus and the logical storage area; and first and second power supply modules each of which supplies power to the physical storage medium and the first and second storage control modules and includes a blower for generating a cooling airflow to cool down the physical storage medium and the first and second storage control modules, wherein the blower of the first power supply module generates a first cooling airflow which flows through the physical storage medium, the first storage control module, and the first power supply module, the blower of the second power supply module generates a second cooling airflow which flows through the physical storage medium, the second storage control module, and the second power supply module, and in a case where the first power supply module is removed from the storage apparatus, the blower of the second power supply module generates a third cooling airflow which flows through the physical storage medium, the first storage control module, and the second power supply module as a replacement for the first cooling airflow. |
| US08572429B2 |
Optimistic data writing in a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a processing module dispersed storage error encoding data to produce a set of encoded data slices and sending a set of write request messages to a set of dispersed storage (DS) units, wherein each of the set of write request messages includes an encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining whether a pillar width number of favorable write response messages has been received within a write acknowledgement (ACK) time period. The method continues with the processing module executing a retry write process to at least one DS unit of the set of DS units from which a favorable write response message was not received during the write ACK time period when the pillar width number of favorable write response messages has not been received within the write ACK time period. |
| US08572427B1 |
Systems and methods for determining operational states of network resources based on network user activities
The present application discloses systems, computer readable media, and methods for determining the operational status of network resources based on failed attempts by communications devices to access the network resources. In some embodiments, error messages are analyzed, and status data is associated with hostnames corresponding to network resources based on the analysis. The status data may include status identifiers that indicate the apparent operational states of network resources and geographic accessibility information associated with network resources. Some embodiments may include sending status messages to users and/or network managers based on the status data. Still other embodiments may include sharing the status data with a search engine configured to generate, display, format, and/or rank search results based on the status data. |
| US08572425B2 |
Data processing device and mobile device
A microcomputer is provided having a memory card interface capable of correctly latching data even when a card such as an MMC card is connected thereto. In the microcomputer having an interface with an external device such as a memory card, the interface unit is provided with an output driver connected to an external terminal for outputting a clock signal to output the clock signal and with an equivalent load circuit capable of imparting, to the clock signal extracted from an arbitrary position in a stage previous to the output driver in a clock signal path, delay equivalent to delay resulting from an external load connected to the external terminal in order to generate a clock signal for latching data inputted from the memory card. |
| US08572423B1 |
Reducing peak current in memory systems
A memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, a token input interface, a token output interface and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to accept a storage command, to condition execution of at least a part of the storage command on a presence of a token pulse on the token input interface, to execute the storage command, including the conditioned part, in the memory cells upon reception of the token pulse on the token input interface, and to reproduce the token pulse on the token output interface upon completion of the execution. |
| US08572422B2 |
Disk array apparatus including insertion/extraction detection function of the connector
An object of the present invention is to improve safety. A disk array apparatus of the present invention includes: CHE and MEM for temporarily storing data which is transmitted/received between a host device and a disk enclosure; CPU, RAIDC, and NVMC for controlling transmission/reception of data; power supply units for supplying power, which is supplied from an external power supply, to disk array control units; batteries for supplying power to the disk array control unit when the power being supplied from the external power supply is shut OFF without executing power supply shut down processing; an insertion/extraction detection unit for detecting insertion/extraction of a connector used for connecting the disk array control unit with the power supply unit; and battery monitors for stopping power supply by the battery when extraction of the connector is detected while the battery is supplying power to each device of the disk array control unit. |
| US08572418B2 |
Moving clock gating cell closer to clock source based on enable signal propagation time to clocked storage element
In a particular embodiment, a method of generating an advanced gating cell clock tree includes determining a timing margin for a path between a clock gating cell and a digital data storage element such as a latch or flip flop. The circuit contains a clock source and when the timing margin for the path meets a predetermined threshold, the clock gating cell is automatically moved closer to the clock source. In a particular embodiment, the timing margin is automatically determined. A clock tree synthesis is performed to insert one or more buffers into the path and create an advanced gating cell clock tree. |
| US08572415B2 |
Storage system
A storage system includes one or more first power supplies which receive power from the first input and supplies power to each of multiple load groups through multiple first paths and multiple second power supplies which receive power from the second input and supplies power to each of the multiple load groups through multiple second paths. Each load group is comprised of at least one load, and each load is a storage device. Power is supplied from different second power supplies respectively to two or more load groups to which power is supplied from the first power supply through two or more first paths. |
| US08572410B1 |
Virtualized protected storage
Embodiments of an electronic circuit include a cryptographic engine which includes a key derivation function and encryption logic. The key derivation function combines a master secret key with a plurality of key modifiers including at least an operating system tag specific to an operating system, and derives an encryption key from the combined master secret key and plurality of key modifiers. The encryption logic is coupled to the key derivation function and encrypts data using the derived encryption key to generate a cryptographic binary large object (blob) for virtualized protected storage that is accessible only to the operating system specified by the operating system tag. |
| US08572409B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-redundant encrypted storage
For secure non-redundant storage of data, to store a data blocklet (sub-block), one takes a hash of each blocklet. The hash value is used as a key to encrypt the blocklet data. The key is then hashed to encrypt it and the hashed key used in the blocklet index to identify the blocklet. The blocklet index entry also conventionally includes the address of that encrypted blocklet. Unless one has a file representation which is a vector of the hash values, one cannot obtain direct information about the original blocklet from the blocklet index or the blocklet storage. To retrieve data, each original blocklet hash is hashed again to generate the index entry. |
| US08572408B2 |
Digital rights management of a digital device
According to one embodiment, an apparatus involves the descrambling of scrambled digital content using a one-time programmable key and digital rights management. The apparatus comprises a processor and a descrambler. The processor is adapted to execute a Digital Rights Management (DRM) function in order to determine whether each entitlement needed to access the digital content is pre-stored. The descrambler is adapted to decrypt encrypted information using a Unique Key stored within the one-time programmable memory. After determining that each entitlement needed to access the digital content is pre-stored, the decrypted information is used to generate a key, which is used to decrypt at least one service key for descrambling the scrambled digital content. |
| US08572401B1 |
Systems and methods for securing data of volume mirrors
Various computer-implemented methods for securing data of replicated volumes are disclosed. In one example, an exemplary method for performing such a task may include: 1) identifying a set of plexes of a replicated volume, 2) identifying, within the set of plexes, at least one non-trusted plex, 3) intercepting data to be replicated to the non-trusted plex, 4) encrypting the data to be replicated to the non-trusted plex, and then 5) writing the encrypted data to the non-trusted plex. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08572400B2 |
Enhanced digital right management framework
Machine-readable media, methods, apparatus and system for enhanced digital right management framework are described. A server platform may receive a request of downloading content and first attestation information from a client platform. The server platform may examine if the client platform attests to a client platform characteristic that affects integrity of the client platform by using the attestation information, and then encrypt and download the content to the client platform if the client platform attests to the client platform characteristic. The server platform may further receive a request of viewing the content and second attestation information from the client platform. The server platform may then examine if the client platform attests to its integrity by using the second attestation information; and then send a content key to the client platform if the client platform attests to its integrity, so that the client platform can decrypt and view the content. |
| US08572399B2 |
Method and system for two-stage security code reprogramming
A stored predefined unmodifiable bootable code set may be verified during code reprogramming of a device, and executed as a first stage of code reprogramming of the device. The predefined unmodifiable bootable code set may be stored in a locked memory such as a locked flash memory and may comprise code that enables minimal communication functionality of the device. The predefined unmodifiable bootable code set may be verified using a security algorithm, for example, a SHA-based algorithm. Information necessary for the security algorithm may be stored in a memory, for example, a one-time programmable read-only memory (OTP ROM). The stored information necessary for the security algorithm may comprise a SHA digest, a signature, and/or a key. A second stage code set may be verified and executed during the code reprogramming of the device subsequent to the verification of the stored predefined unmodifiable bootable code set. |
| US08572398B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying biometric information as trusted and authenticating persons using trusted biometric information
Systems and methods of identifying biometric information as trusted and authenticating persons using trusted biometric information are provided. Biometric information can be identified as trusted by comparing it to other biometric information and/or based on the age of the biometric information and/or receiving correct answers to questions based on personal information. Once biometric information has been identified as trusted it can be used as part of an authentication process by receiving biometric information from a person to be authenticated and comparing the received biometric information with the trusted biometric information. |
| US08572397B2 |
Biometric authentication and identification
Authentication of a user to an electronic device in a communication network is described. The method comprises obtaining a biometric characteristic of the user, transmitting, to a social networking service, information that specifies at least one primary user of the device, receiving, from the social networking service, information that specifies a group of persons who have a social relationship with the at least one primary user, obtaining information that specifies a result from a biometric matching operation with the biometric characteristic of the user and biometric characteristics of persons in the specified group of persons, the result indicating whether or not the user is authenticated to the electronic device. By narrowing down the size of the searching space-needed during a matching operation by utilizing information regarding a group of persons in a social network, the false acceptance rate is reduced and biometric authentication of a user to an electronic device is thereby facilitated, e.g. to access desired functionality of the device or access a desired service. |
| US08572396B2 |
Biometric authentication device and computer product
When first biometric information is read with an ID number, a first authentication unit acquires second biometric information corresponding to the ID number from a first database, and authenticates when the first biometric information matches with the second biometric information. A transferring unit transfers the second biometric information from the first database to a second database when the authentication is successful. When the first biometric information is read without the ID number, a second authentication unit authenticates if at least one of the second biometric information in the second database matches with the first biometric information among. |
| US08572393B2 |
Mobile communication terminal having password notify function and method for notifying password in mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication terminal having a password notification function and a method for notifying a user of a password in the mobile communication terminal that allow the transmission of a stored password or a newly generated random password to a previously selected medium by entering a secondary password when an input password is not identical to the stored password. The method includes checking whether a password notification function is set; requesting input of a stored password, receiving an input password, and checking whether the input password is identical to the stored password. If the input password is not identical to the stored password, the method further includes requesting input of a stored secondary password, checking whether an input secondary password is identical to the stored secondary password, and sending a password if the input secondary password is identical to the stored secondary password. |
| US08572391B2 |
System and method for risk based authentication
A system and method may allow for flexible transaction processing based on for example the risk assessment of a transaction and/or a user or party to a transaction. Based on a risk level, for example, a level of authentication for the transaction may be set or altered. |
| US08572390B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving data, in particular for secure exchanges between an aircraft and a ground base, related devices and aircraft equipped with such devices
A method for transmitting data, a receiving method, related devices, and an aircraft equipped with the devices. The method includes determining an authentication word of the data; processing the data to obtain processed data; and transmitting the processed data on a transmission channel. |
| US08572389B2 |
System and method for protecting master encryption keys
A system and method for protecting master transport encryption keys stored on a computing device. Master transport encryption keys are used to secure data communications between computing devices. In one example embodiment, there is provided a method in which a copy of a master transport encryption key is generated and stored in a volatile store of a first computing device (e.g. a mobile device). This copy of the master transport encryption key can be used to facilitate the decryption of data received at the first computing device from a second computing device (e.g. a data server), even while the first computing device is locked. The method also comprises encrypting the master transport encryption key, with a content protection key for example, and storing the encrypted master transport encryption key in a non-volatile store of the first computing device. |
| US08572384B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating an authorization key in a communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for updating an Authorization Key (AK) of a mobile station in an idle mode in a wireless communication system. The method includes transmitting a first location update request to a base station, receiving a response to the request from the base station, the response to the first location update request including a NONCE_BS, wherein the NONCE_BS is a random number associated with the base station and used for updating the AK, generating a NONCE_MS, wherein the NONCE_MS is a random number used for updating the AK, generating the AK using the NONCE_BS and the NONCE_MS, transmitting a second location update request to the base station, receiving a response to the second location update request from the base station, the response to the second location update request including the NONCE_BS and the NONCE_MS, and confirming the AK based on the NONCE_BS and the NONCE_MS. |
| US08572381B1 |
Challenge protected user queries
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing challenge protected user queries on a local system is presented. A query is presented to a user. A response to the query is received and a determination is made whether the response is administratively less desirable than a threshold. When the response is administratively less desirable than said threshold, then a challenge is provided to the user. The response is accepted when the user responds correctly to the challenge and the response is not accepted when the user fails to correctly respond to the challenge. |
| US08572375B2 |
Device pairing based on graphically encoded data
In a computing device, both an address of a first device and a secret are graphically encoded to generate one or more images that can be captured by a second device. The second device captures and decodes the one or more images, and sends a communication initiation request to the address of the first device. The communication initiation request includes the address of the second device and identifies the secret. Communication between the first and second device continues only if the first device verifies, based on the communication initiation request, that the second device knows the secret. |
| US08572374B2 |
Continuous isochronous read access and measurement of data stored in non-volatile memory
A measurement and authentication engine in a nonvolatile memory computes an original hash value on data read from the nonvolatile memory. A measurement and authentication engine in a host processor recomputes the hash value on the data received from nonvolatile memory and checks that the computed hash value matches the hash value generated and transferred from the nonvolatile memory. |
| US08572373B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for secure electronic mail
An embodiment relates generally to a method of selecting certificates. The method includes invoking a send option for an email client and displaying a send mail user interface for the email client. The method also includes displaying a default certificate in a graphical user element in the send mail user interface. |
| US08572371B2 |
Discovery of kernel rootkits with memory scan
A system and method are provided for detecting kernel level rootkits including scanning a kernel memory using a kernel level detector. The kernel level detector includes kernel level code executing in kernel space. The kernel memory is compared to at least one rootkit signature file to determine if a rootkit signature corresponding to the rootkit signature file is present in the kernel memory. |
| US08572369B2 |
Security for collaboration services
Various embodiments, in the form of at least one of systems, methods, and software, are provided that include security solutions for use of collaboration services. Some embodiments include encrypting data to be sent to and stored by a collaboration service. These and other embodiments include capturing, within a computer application used to post data to a collaboration service, data to be sent to the collaboration service, encrypting the captured data, and returning the data in an encrypted form to the computer application for posting to the collaboration service. |
| US08572367B2 |
System and method for reducing computations in an implicit certificate scheme
There are disclosed systems and methods for reducing the number of computations performed by a computing device constructing a public key from an implicit certificate associated with a certificate authority in an implicit certificate scheme. In one embodiment, the device first operates on the implicit certificate to derive an integer e. The device then derives a pair of integers (e1, e2) from the integer e, such that each of the pair of integers (e1, e2) has a bit length less than the bit length of the integer e, and such that the ratio of the pair of integers (e1, e2) corresponds to the integer e. The device then computes the public key by combining the integers e1 and e2 with public key contribution data derived from the implicit certificate and a public key of the certificate authority. |
| US08572348B2 |
Method of establishing hard disk physical partition
The present invention provides a method of establishing a hard disk physical partition. First of all, it selects a sector in which the head of the hard disk physical partition is located, and establishes a user available partition of the hard disk within the range of the hard disk physical volume from the sector, the other portion of the hard disk becomes a protected partition of the hard disk, finally constitutes one hard disk physical partition. After entering into the hard disk physical partition, only the user available partition can be accessed, the protected partition is invisible to the user. It can establish the different hard disk physical partition in the different position of the hard disk through selecting the sector where the head of the hard disk is located. The present method can realize that protecting the various users' data from each other in physical on the premise of sharing the same hard disk, thus establishes fully separate data storage space from physical level, causes the user to have a proprietary run environment. |
| US08572347B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of controlling storage apparatus
A storage apparatus provides a server apparatus with virtual volumes in thin provisioning; allocates a physical page to each pool page from a storage pool that is able to provide a plurality of types of physical pages classified into tiers, the pool page being an allocation unit of a storage area to the virtual volumes; stores an I/O count of each of the pool pages, stores an I/O count policy set for each of the applications; when receiving an I/O request, counts the I/O count of each of the pool pages in accordance with the I/O count policy set for the application having sent the I/O request; determines the tier of the physical page to be allocated to each pool page according to the I/O count of each pool page; and allocating the physical page in the tier determined for each of the pool pages. |
| US08572339B2 |
Variable data preservation prewrite
In one aspect of the present description, a data preservation function is provided for preserving a set of data on a source storage device at a point in time, and includes identifying as a function of prior update usage, such as input/output usage, of the data to be preserved, a portion of the data which is more likely to be the subject of updates during at least a portion of the data preservation operation as compared to the remaining portion of the data to be preserved, and copies the identified portion of the data to be preserved to a target storage device. In another aspect, the size of the portion of data to be identified is variable. In one embodiment, the size of the portion of data to be identified is a function of a parameter of the command, such that a user can specify the command parameter which affects the size of the portion of data which is prewritten to the target storage device. The parameter may be, for example, a percentage of the data to be preserved, such that a user can specify the percentage of the point-in-time data which is prewritten to the target storage device. Alternatively, the parameter may be, for example, a probability of a collision occurring, such that a user can specify a probability of a collision occurring. Other features and aspects may be realized, depending upon the particular application. |
| US08572338B1 |
Systems and methods for creating space-saving snapshots
A computer-implemented method for creating space-saving snapshots may include: 1) identifying a parent volume on which to perform a snapshot, 2) allocating at least one thin-provisioned volume for the snapshot, 3) identifying an attempt to write to a region of the parent volume, and then 4) copying the region to the thin-provisioned volume. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08572336B2 |
Storage control apparatus and storage control apparatus memory control method
A storage control apparatus of the present invention is able to duplicatively manage data in a cache memory even during maintenance work. When a memory package CMPK3 specified by a user is removed from the apparatus 1 (S2), a microprocessor 2 changes a pair that has been configured using CMPK2 and CMPK3 to a pair of CMPK2 and a free area of a CMPK1. As a result, received data (S5) is respectively written to multiple cache memories (S6, S7), and duplicatively managed. |
| US08572333B2 |
Non-volatile memory with extended operating temperature range
A method and apparatus are described for measuring a temperature within a non-volatile memory and refreshing at least a portion of the non-volatile memory when the temperature exceeds a threshold temperature for an amount of time. |
| US08572331B2 |
Method for reliably updating a data group in a read-before-write data replication environment using a comparison file
A method is disclosed for reliably updating a data group in a read-before-write data replication environment. The method reliably updates the data group by receiving an updated data group sent from a first storage medium to a second storage medium, comparing the updated data group with a previous data group previously existing on the second storage medium and writing the updated data group to the second storage medium. The read-before-write and differencing method disclosed maintain reliability by storing multiple copies of changes made to the second storage medium during and after the write process. |
| US08572330B2 |
Systems and methods for granular resource management in a storage network
In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for dynamically and/or automatically selecting and/or modifying data path definitions that are used in performing storage operations on data. Alternate data paths may be specified or selected that use some or all resources that communicate with a particular destination to improve system reliability and performance. The system may also dynamically monitor and choose data path definitions to optimize system performance, conserve storage media and promote balanced load distribution. |
| US08572329B2 |
Multi-region default memory map
A data processing system is provided with a programmable memory protection unit 10 defining a plurality of programmable memory regions 2, 4, 6, 8 each with associated programmable memory attributes. A default memory protection unit 22 is provided and defines a plurality of default memory regions a, b, c, d, e each with associated default memory attributes. If a miss occurs in the programmable memory protection unit 10, and the memory access is a privileged level memory access, then the default memory protection unit 22 will return default memory attributes for that memory request. |
| US08572328B2 |
Method and system for memory management
A device, comprising a single-ported first memory slice accessible only to a plurality of clients and including a plurality of blocks configured for storing information on behalf of the plurality of clients. The device further comprises a dual-ported second memory slice having a plurality of blocks for storing links and accessible to the plurality of clients and to a list manager that maintains a data structure for allocating memory blocks from the first memory slice and the second memory slice to the plurality of clients. In response to a client request, the list manager allocates a block of the first memory slice and a block of the second memory slice to the client, and stores a link for a next available memory block at the second memory slice. |
| US08572324B2 |
Network on chip with caching restrictions for pages of computer memory
A network on chip (‘NOC’) that includes integrated processor (‘IP’) blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controllers, each IP block adapted to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller, a multiplicity of computer processors, each computer processor implementing a plurality of hardware threads of execution; and computer memory, the computer memory organized in pages and operatively coupled to one or more of the computer processors, the computer memory including a set associative cache, the cache comprising cache ways organized in sets, the cache being shared among the hardware threads of execution, each page of computer memory restricted for caching by one replacement vector of a class of replacement vectors to particular ways of the cache, each page of memory further restricted for caching by one or more bits of a replacement vector classification to particular sets of ways of the cache. |
| US08572323B2 |
Cache result register for quick cache information lookup
Each level of cache within a memory hierarchy of a device is configured with a cache results register (CRR). The caches are coupled to a debugger interface via a peripheral bus. The device is placed in debug mode, and a debugger forwards a transaction address (TA) of a dummy transaction to the device. On receipt of the TA, the device processor forwards the TA via the system bus to the memory hierarchy to initiate an address lookup operation within each level of cache. For each cache in which the TA hits, the cache controller (debug) logic updates the cache's CRR with Hit, Way, and Index values, identifying the physical storage location within the particular cache at which the corresponding instruction/data is stored. The debugger retrieves information about the hit/miss status, the physical storage location and/or a copy of the data via direct requests over the peripheral bus. |
| US08572321B2 |
Apparatus and method for segmented cache utilization
In some embodiments, a non-volatile cache memory may include a segmented non-volatile cache memory configured to be located between a system memory and a mass storage device of an electronic system and a controller coupled to the segmented non-volatile cache memory, wherein the controller is configured to control utilization of the segmented non-volatile cache memory. The segmented non-volatile cache memory may include a file cache segment, the file cache segment to store complete files in accordance with a file cache policy, and a block cache segment, the block cache segment to store one or more blocks of one or more files in accordance with a block cache policy, wherein the block cache policy is different from the file cache policy. |
| US08572320B1 |
Memory devices and systems including cache devices for memory modules
A memory apparatus may include one or more cache memory integrated circuit (ICs), each of which may have compare circuitry that compares a received address with stored compare values, a cache memory that provides cached data in response to the compare circuitry, a controller interface having at least address and control signal input terminals, and a module output connection having at least address and control signal output terminals corresponding to the address and control signal input terminals. |
| US08572314B2 |
Determining an identification of a DVD based on a format of the DVD
A system, method and computer-readable storage media for digital versatile disc (DVD) identification. Media content from a DVD can be accessed and a format of the media content can be identified. An identification for the media content can be determined based upon the format. A first DVD format may be identified by matching a sequence of symbols on a DVD to format data. Content stored on the DVD in a first location that is used to generate IDs for the first DVD format may be referenced, and the content hashed to generate an ID for the DVD. The first location can be identified by referencing ID processing data that also identified other locations used to generate IDs for different DVD formats. Portions of the media content that are accessed can include directory names, folder names, or file names. |
| US08572303B2 |
Portable universal communication device
Embodiments of the invention provide a portable device comprising at least one processor. The portable device also comprises a memory coupled to the processor comprising data. Further, the portable device comprises a detector configured to detect at least one external device. The at least one external device is configured to connect to the portable device. Further, the portable device comprises an interface to connect to the at least one external device. The interface is configured to transmit or receive one or more control signals excluding the data. Furthermore, the portable device comprises a controller configured to enable controlling of the portable device from the at least one external device; and controlling of the at least one external device from the portable device through the interface. |
| US08572299B2 |
Hardware accelerator module and method for setting up same
A hardware accelerator module is driven by a system processor via a system bus to sequentially process data blocks of a data stream as a function of a parameter set defined by the processor. The module includes a register block adapted to receive parameter sets from the system processor, an accelerator core adapted to receive streaming data, to process data blocks of said streaming data in a manner defined by a parameter set, and to output processed streaming data, and a parameter buffering block adapted to consecutively store a plurality of parameter sets and to sequentially provide the parameter sets to the hardware accelerator core as a function of a busy state of the hardware accelerator core. The parameter buffering block enables to reduce downtimes of hardware accelerators, to increase data throughput, and to reduce the risk of a processor overload in a processor which drives several hardware accelerators. |
| US08572298B2 |
Architecture to connect circuitry between customizable and predefined logic areas
An integrated circuit comprises a predefined logic area including a microprocessor coupled to a plurality of peripheral devices including an external bus interface over a system bus. A customizable logic area is accessible by the microprocessor over the system bus. A first I/O bus sends data to an external device. A second I/O bus receives data from an external device. A first set of multiplexers in the predefined logic area have first inputs coupled to an output of the external bus interface, second inputs coupled to the customizable logic area, and an output coupled to a first I/O bus. A second set of multiplexers in the predefined logic area have first inputs coupled to the customizable logic area, second inputs coupled to the second I/O bus, and an output coupled to an input of the external bus interface. |
| US08572297B2 |
Programmable system-on-chip hub
A Programmable System on a Chip Hub (PHUB) is configured to enable master processing elements within the PHUB to simultaneously access peripherals on different busses. The master processing elements include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) interface configured to decode addresses received from a CPU and configure the PHUB to connect signaling from the CPU to one of the multiple busses associated with the address. A second one of the master processing elements is a Direct Memory Access Controller (DMAC) source engine configured to conduct Direct Memory Access (DMA) reads. A third one of the master processing elements is a DMAC destination engine configured to conduct DMA writes independently of the CPU interface. |
| US08572294B2 |
Device start up system and method
Software executes on a processor of a device, such as an automate teller machine, at start-up to perform validation of expected peripheral devices for a predetermined number of start-ups. Once the predetermined number of start-ups has been reached with the same peripheral devices being present and operational the validation operation is curtailed and start-up of the device is sped up. |
| US08572292B2 |
Command interface systems and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate within a memory to execute internal commands, to suspend the execution of commands during a transfer period, and to execute external commands following the transfer period. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08572291B2 |
Electronic board and system comprising a plurality of such boards
The invention relates to an electronic board (C) comprising: a microcontroller; a first interface means (11) with a communication bus (BUS); and a second interface means (12) with a supervisory computer (SUP); said microcontroller being programmed for: receiving first commands across said second interface means; extracting, from said commands, a piece of addressing information and, on the basis of said information, executing said first commands or moreover transmitting them over said communication bus; and receiving second commands from said communication bus and executing them. The invention relates to a system comprising: a communication bus; a plurality of electronic boards such as described above, connected to said communication bus, at least one of said boards also being connected to a respective supervisory computer. The invention also relates to a robotic system comprising such a built-in control system. |
| US08572285B2 |
Network equipment and method for selecting communication path
A network equipment is in communication with customer premises equipment (CPE) through a primary electrical path and a secondary electrical path, and includes a timer, a processor and a switching device. The timer provides heartbeat packets for the CPE via the primary electrical path and the secondary electrical path to obtain a first response time and a second response time corresponding to the primary and secondary electrical paths. The switching device is switched to the primary electrical path or the secondary path under the control of the processor. When the timer reaches a preset retransmission timeout, the processor controls the switching device to be switched to the secondary electrical path from the primary electrical path. When the second response time exceeds the first response time at least twice in succession, the processor enables the switching device to be selectively switched to the primary electrical path. |
| US08572284B2 |
Method and apparatus for registering a mobile object on a foreign network
A method and apparatus for registering a mobile object on a foreign network are disclosed. A first virtual machine at a first router on a foreign network executes a mobile object and generates a care-of-name for the mobile object. The foreign object agent communicates the care-of-name to a home object agent located on a home network. The home object agent creates a mobility binding for the mobile object by using the care-of-name. |
| US08572280B2 |
Method and system for serialization of hierarchically defined objects
A method and system are directed to serialization of hierarchically defined objects for communication over a network. A change associated with an object, a field within the object, and the like, may be flagged. Such flagged changes between one game frame and another frame may be included into a frame delta of changes. The frame delta data may include an object identifier, field identifier, and a value associated with the change. The frame delta data may be serialized and sent across a network, employing any of a variety of network protocols. |
| US08572278B2 |
Generating multiple data streams from a single data source
A switch having a first communications interface to receive a stream of data units, a buffer to store the payload portion of the data unit, a replicator to duplicate at least the payload portion of the data unit, and a second communications interface to enable access to the stream of data units by two or more terminals. |
| US08572272B2 |
Personalized time-shifted programming
A method and apparatus for personalized time-shifted programming. Digital content is retrieved, for example, from a digital library. Once retrieved, the content is stored locally, for example, on a personal computer. The locally stored content is transferred, in whole or in part, to a playback device that allows a user to listen to the content of the playback device. In one embodiment, the user may designate portions of a playback time provided by the playback device to various selections. For example, with a playback device that provides two hours of content, a user may wish to listen to one half hour of news, one half hour of a series and one hour of an book. Thus, the user may partition one quarter of playback time to each of news and the series and one half of the playback time to the book. In one embodiment, the present invention provides different automatic update techniques for the playback device that may be selected by the user based on how the content is to be used For example, the news portion may be one half hour of the most recent news available from a particular source. The series may be the most recent episode in the series, whether or not the user has listened to other stored episodes. The book portion may provide one hour of the book from the most recent stopping place each time the playback device is coupled to the library retrieval device. |
| US08572267B2 |
Managed services platform
A managed services platform. An applications management server is provided for managing relationships with application service providers and others over a wide area network such as the Internet. The applications management server interfaces with a master database server and the servers of one or more application service providers, or other entities, to facilitate selection and deselection of applications, services, and capabilities that may be available for use by the information technology network of a company. |
| US08572253B2 |
System and method for providing dynamic roll-back
A systems, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing a dynamic roll-back reservation mask in a compute environment. The method of managing compute resources within a compute environment includes, based on an agreement between a compute resource provider and a customer, creating a roll-back reservation mask for compute resources which slides ahead of current time by a period of time. Within the roll-back reservation mask, the method specifies a subset of consumers and compute resource requests which can access compute resources associated with the roll-back reservation mask and, based on received data, the method dynamically modifies at least one of (1) the period of time the roll-back reservation mask slides ahead of current time and (2) the compute resources associated with the roll-back reservation mask. |
| US08572248B2 |
Efficient service discovery for peer-to-peer networking devices
Techniques for discovering and/or advertising services are described herein. A first bitmask is received from a remote device over a wireless network, the first bitmask having one or more bits that have a predetermined logical value. Each bit represents a particular service provided by the remote device. A logical operation is performed between the first bitmask and a second bitmask locally generated within a local device, where the second bitmask represents a service being searched by the local device. It is determined whether the remote device is potentially capable of providing the service being searched by the local device based on a result of the logical operation. |
| US08572245B1 |
Using the TCP window size for identifying packets and debugging
A device may distribute client packets to multiple servers, transmit health check packets with a specific window size to the multiple servers, capture the client packets and the health check packets, and extract the health check packets from the captured packets. In addition, the device may capture packets, detect a connection problem, transmit a reset packet with a specific window size, and extract the reset packet from the captured packets. |
| US08572239B2 |
Node clustering
Large sets of unorganized data may provide little value in identifying useful observations from such data. For example, an online merchant may maintain a database of millions of user IDs (e.g., a cookie ID, a login ID, a device ID, a network ID, etc.) along with content viewed and/or actions taken with the user IDs, where minimal associations are known between user IDs. It may be advantageous to link together user IDs of respective users to capture a comprehensive view of respective users' activities. Accordingly, one or more systems and/or techniques for identifying a cluster of nodes based upon transforming a set of node pairings (e.g., pairings of related nodes) one or more times are disclosed herein. Iterative transformations may be performed until respective nodes are paired with merely their smallest neighboring node and are paired with no other node. In this way, node clusters may be identifiable. |
| US08572237B2 |
Failover mechanism for distributed process execution
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for distributed process execution. In one aspect, the computer-implemented method may provide an indication announcing that a structural change to the cluster will occur. The indication may enable at least one node of the cluster to respond with an existing view. The existing view may include a first set of authoritative data representing existing processes handled at the at least one node. The method may also include providing, to at least one of the nodes, an index representing a subsequent view of the cluster after the structural change. The subsequent view may include a second set of authoritative data representing processes handled at the at least one node after the structural change. The method may also activate the subsequent view of the cluster. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US08572235B1 |
Method and system for monitoring a complex IT infrastructure at the service level
A method and system is disclosed for providing service level operational status associated with a complex information technology infrastructure. The method in accordance with the present invention allows a user to quickly determine the functionality of assets associated with the service level of a multi-tiered infrastructure, and to review status history of the assets, to assist in trouble shooting failures at the service or business level. |
| US08572228B2 |
Connection rate limiting for server load balancing and transparent cache switching
Each service in a computer network may have a connection rate limit. The number of new connections per time period may be limited by using a series of rules. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a counter is increased each time a server is selected to handle a connection request. For each service, connections coming in are tracked. Therefore, the source of connection-request packets need not be examined. Only the destination service is important. This saves significant time in the examination of the incoming requests. Each service may have its own set of rules to best handle the new traffic for its particular situation. For server load balancing, a reset may be sent to the source address of the new connection request. For transparent cache switching, the connection request may be forwarded to the Internet. |
| US08572227B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for communicating preservation notices and surveys
In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for managing electronic discovery, and more particularly, for communicating a preservation notice and/or a survey to and/or from a custodian in an enterprise. For example, in some embodiments, a method for electronic discovery management is provided, where the method includes: (1) creating an electronic discovery matter; (2) adding a custodian to the electronic discovery matter; (3) creating a preservation notice and/or a survey; and (4) communicating, via a network, information associated with the preservation notice and/or the survey to the custodian at a data storage device accessible to the custodian. |
| US08572225B2 |
Technique for graceful shutdown of a routing protocol in a network
In one embodiment, a router generates a notification message that indicates the router is to be gracefully removed from service. The router sends the notification message to peers of the router in a network. The router then continues to forward packets for a grace period after sending the notification message, to permit backup paths to be propagated to peers, and to be put into service, prior to withdrawal from service of paths through the router. Thereafter, the router is removed from service at the expiration of the grace period. |
| US08572223B2 |
System and method for utilizing event templates in an event manager to execute application services
A method and apparatus in a distributed processing system for implementing different business function applications. A plurality of common utility systems which provide for performing different operations can be utilized by different event manager modules which operate to implement the different business function application. The development and implementation of new business function applications can be streamlined by using the common utility systems across a number of different event manager modules which implement different business function applications. Additionally, various event manager modules, and event templates within the event manager modules can operate in a recursive manner to generate responses to events, which then generate subsequent events and subsequent responses between the event manager modules and their event templates. |
| US08572221B2 |
System and method for managing an online social network
An online social network is managed using one server for database management tasks and another server, preferably in a distributed configuration, for CPU-intensive computational tasks, such as finding a shortest path between two members or a degree of separation between two members. The additional server has a memory device containing relationship information between members of the online social network and carries out the CPU-intensive computational tasks using this memory device. With this configuration, the number of database lookups is decreased and processing speed is thereby increased. |
| US08572220B2 |
System and method for managing configurations of NCPI devices
A system and method for configuring network critical physical infrastructure (NCPI) devices is provided. In one example, a method is provided including acts of gathering, by a data center management appliance, at least one device configuration from an NCPI device via a network, modifying the at least one device configuration and providing the modified at least one device configuration to the NCPI device via the network. In another example, a data center management appliance is provided that includes a storage medium, a network interface and a controller coupled to the storage medium and the network interface and configured to gather at least one device configuration from a first NCPI device via the network interface, modify the at least one device configuration and provide the modified at least one device configuration to the first NCPI device via the network interface. |
| US08572218B2 |
Transport data compression based on an encoding dictionary patch
A method and system for transport data compression between a server and a client based on patches to the dictionaries used for encoding the data. The method includes requesting the server for data, returning the data and a dictionary patch to the client where data having been compressed based on a previously used dictionary and the dictionary patch, and decompressing the returned data using the dictionary and the dictionary patch. The dictionary patch includes updates to the previously used dictionary. Each dictionary has a dictionary identifier that the server and client use to identify the dictionary in their requests and responses. The identifier might be a unique identification or a network session number. Upon receiving a response, the client updates the previously used dictionary with information in the patch and decompresses the returned data using the updated dictionary. |
| US08572217B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for dynamically provisioning a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) client as a clientless internet protocol services (CLIPS) subscriber on a last-resort interface
Methods and apparatuses for providing clientless IP services for subscribers on a network interface that does not require either explicit client subnet configurations or explicit routes from the interface to the client subnets. |
| US08572216B2 |
Social network building
A portable electronic device is described that permits a user to easily share one or more network IDs with others, even when the user has an obscure, hard-to-remember network ID and/or a large number of different network IDs. A system, method and device is also described that permits a user to aggregate network IDs into different groups depending on the type of networking that the user is seeking to accomplish and to selectively share such groups of network IDs with other users. A system and method is further described that permits a user to easily obscure or otherwise control access to network IDs that have been designated for sharing with an intended recipient. |
| US08572211B2 |
System and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices
A system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices includes a content server that is configured to access and store various types of content information. A recommendation engine of the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles to identify appropriate content items for device users of the electronic devices. A transmitter receives the targeted content items from the content server, and responsively provides the content items to the electronic devices by broadcasting the content items over a unidirectional telecommunications link. |
| US08572206B2 |
Transaction processing using multiple protocol engines
A multi-processor computer system is described in which transaction processing in each cluster of processors is distributed among multiple protocol engines. Each cluster includes a plurality of local nodes and an interconnection controller interconnected by a local point-to-point architecture. The interconnection controller in each cluster comprises a plurality of protocol engines for processing transactions. Transactions are distributed among the protocol engines using destination information associated with the transactions. |
| US08572205B2 |
Proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information and for increasing the quality of stored media information
A proxy apparatus and method for streaming media information via at least one network and for building-up a good quality version of the media information. When a user device communicates with the proxy apparatus using a particular bandwidth and requests that media information be provided, the proxy apparatus first determines if a version of the media information encoded for the user device's connection bandwidth has been stored in the proxy apparatus. If a version of the media information encoded for the user device's bandwidth is not available from the proxy apparatus, the proxy apparatus sends a request to a media server for the media information. If the version of the media information has missing packets, the proxy device sends retransmission requests to the media server to obtain the missing packets, thereby building-up a good quality version of the media information. |
| US08572204B2 |
Data processing system using geographical locations
A data processing system (1,2) stores coordinate data defining a plurality of unique regions (17), for example defined by a cell of a geodesic grid (13) applied to the surface of the earth (12). Each region can be allocated to an owner and there is stored a unique identifier for that region, a hierarchical descriptor for that region, data identifying the owner, and a network address which identifies an owner domain in respect of that region. An owner of a region may sub-allocate sub-regions (18) or objects of an allocated region and there is stored in respect of any sub-region or object that has been sub-allocated by an owner, an identifier and a hierarchical descriptor for that sub-region or object. The data processing system can resolve a descriptor based DNS query specifying a region, or a sub-region, or object of such a region, so as to return data comprising the network address for the owner domain allocated to that region. |
| US08572201B2 |
System and method for providing a directory service network
A system and method are provided for efficiently evaluating directory service operations in a directory service network. The directory service network may comprise a plurality of directory servers. Each of the directory servers may maintain information about the other servers in the network. The directory servers may share information received in a directory service update using a mutual updating process. Additionally, a new directory server joining a directory service network may be initialized with the directory data stored at one or more of the other network servers. |
| US08572198B2 |
Systems for targeting advertising based on status or location of mobile internet users and methods therefor
A computer-implemented method implemented via the Internet for coordinating a current or future event between a user of a mobile Internet device and other users communicating through the Internet. The method includes receiving the current or future activity information pertaining to the future event from the user via the mobile Internet device. The current activity pertains to an activity occurring at a current time relative to a time the future activity information is received. The future activity pertains to an activity occurring at a future time relative to a time the future activity information is received. The method further includes transmitting the current or future activity information to a backend database coupled to the Internet, the backend database being remote from the mobile Internet device. The method further includes rendering the current or future activity information accessible to at least one recipient via the Internet. The recipient represents a subset of the users coupled to the Internet and having access privilege to information pertaining to the current or future event involving the user. |
| US08572195B2 |
Systems and methods for remote access to a display-based bulletin board in a shared user environment
An electronic bulletin board for use in a shared always-on environment wherein a user may manipulate messages from a remote location. The electronic bulletin board may be implemented via database and programming logic on an application server accessible from any network node, including wireless devices. The always-on environment may be set up on a computer or broadband internet appliance or other communications device. Remote users may perform operations such as updating an existing message, posting a new message, download messages, and the like. The bulletin board also supports shared messages designed for special purposes, for example, an electronic grocery list that is accessible from remote locations. |
| US08572191B2 |
Systems and methods for profile building
Systems and methods build a profile for a contact. In one aspect, missing information from a profile of a contact is identified. A determination is made regarding whether the missing information is necessary for the profile based on satisfaction of a threshold. In response to the satisfaction of the threshold, a user is prompted to request the missing information from the contact. The missing information is obtained. The missing information is added to the profile. |
| US08572190B2 |
Method and system for recognizing desired email
A system and method for recognizing an incoming email as a desired email examines outgoing email messages to arrange the email into fragments for which representations are created and stored. When an incoming message is received, the message is arranged into fragments for which representations are created. The representations of the incoming message are compared to the stored representations and if the matches between stored representations and the representations of the incoming message meet a predefined threshold test, the incoming message is recognized as being desirable. An incoming email message which has been recognized as being desirable can be subjected to a lesser examination to recognize a SPAM message, or to no further examination to recognize a SPAM message. |
| US08572187B2 |
Automated duplicate message content detection
Message content associated with at least one message received by a message processing server is stored in association with the message processing server. The message content within an incoming message is compared with the stored message content. A determination is made as to whether the stored message content is duplicated by the message content associated with the incoming message. A duplicate message content management action is performed based upon the determination as to whether the stored message content is duplicated by the message content associated with the incoming message. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08572180B2 |
Systems, methods and media for distributing peer-to-peer communications
Systems and methods for distributing peer-to-peer communications are provided herein. Exemplary methods may include masking identification of two or more client nodes on a communications channel of a peer-to-peer communications network by directing peer-to-peer communications of the two or more client nodes through a proxy node, the proxy node including a disinterested client node relative to the two or more client nodes, the disinterested client node providing network resources to the peer-to-peer communications network. |
| US08572173B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting and disseminating information over a computer network
The apparatus comprises at least one database for storing digital information associated with at least a first user and a second user, at least one links module for the first user and for the second user, at least one manipulations module and at least one display device for respectively displaying at least said linked digital information wherein said linked digital information associated with said first user is automatically updated on at least said display device of said second user when that information is manipulated, and wherein said linked digital information associated with said second user is automatically updated on at least said display device of said first user when that information is manipulated. |
| US08572172B2 |
NAT traversal for media conferencing
Methods for establishing a direct peer-to-peer (“P2P”) connection between two computers are disclosed. In particular, the methods are designed to work in cases where one or both of the computers are connected to a private network, such private networks being interconnected via a public network, such as the Internet. The connections between the private network and the public network are facilitated by network address translation (“NAT”). |
| US08572170B2 |
System and method for leaving and retrieving electronic message notes
Methods and apparatus for allowing a message to be left for an expected user of a network application are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes determining when a first user has requested access to a first application, and determining if there is a message for the first user when it is determined that the first user has requested access to the first application. The method also includes informing the first user of the message if it is determined that there is the message for the first user, as well as providing the first user with access to the first application after informing the first user of the message and after the first user acknowledges that the first user has been informed of the message. |
| US08572169B2 |
System, apparatus and method for discovery of music within a social network
A system, apparatus, and method to assist in the discovery of music or other content by members of a social network. The present invention permits network members to network together and share information about their music collections and listening habits with a processing platform and with each other. The processing platform processes music library content and playback related data to produce similarity and compatibility measures between artists (that is, an artist-to-artist measure) and between network members (that is, a network member-to-network member measure). By combining the content and playback related data with filtering mechanisms, recommendation techniques (which may be based on the calculated measures), and set membership concepts, the present invention provides network members of the network with tools to discover artists and/or songs that are likely to be of interest to them. |
| US08572168B2 |
Systems and methods for networked, in-context, high-resolution image viewing
Systems and methods are provided for viewing portions of an image in high resolution and in context with a full image, which is displayed at a base resolution that is lower resolution than the resolution of the high-resolution image. A user can select an area of interest from the base-resolution image for viewing at a higher resolution on the client device. The server, or in some implementations the client device, can generate a high-resolution image representing the area of interest and the client device can display a portion of the high-resolution image in a virtual lens overlaid on the base-resolution image. |
| US08572164B2 |
Server system and method for controlling information system
The present invention concerns allocating files in storage apparatuses efficiently while satisfying requirements of the files. An information system 1 includes a first server system 3a coupled to a first storage apparatus 10a, a second server system 3b coupled to a second storage apparatus 10b, and a third server system 3c coupled to a third storage apparatus 10c. When the first server system 3a receives a data I/O not needing access to the entity of a file responds to the data I/O request using metadata of the file and when the first server system 3a receives a data I/O needing access to the entity of a file acquires the entity of the file from the second storage apparatus 10b or the third storage apparatus 10c to process the data I/O request. The first server apparatus determines the allocation target of the entity of the files on the basis of a requirement set for the files and information relating to configurations of the storage apparatuses 10. |
| US08572161B2 |
Simplifying synchronization of copies of same data used by multiple applications
Simplifying synchronization of copies of same data used by multiple applications, in particular, between a source application and multiple target applications. In one embodiment, a synchronization tool (provided external to the source application and the multiple target applications) pulls information of interest from a data store associated with the source application using a web service and then pushes the retrieved information of interest to corresponding data stores associated with the multiple target applications using respective web services. |
| US08572160B2 |
Systems and methods for script injection
Systems and methods for script injection are shown and described. The method can include intercepting, by a network appliance, a request for a web page from a computing device, transmitting, by the network appliance, the request for a web page to a web server, and intercepting, by the network appliance, a response from the web server, the response including at least a portion of the requested web page. The method can also include injecting, by the network appliance, a script having instructions that when executed by the computing device registers to be notified of the occurrence of a web page event thereby creating a modified response and transmitting the modified response to the computing device that requested the web page. |
| US08572152B2 |
CORDIC computation circuit and method
Disclosed is a CORDIC circuit in which scale correction process is divided into two stages: rough correction and fine correction, and a second-process of a pseudo-rotation process is performed in parallel with the fine scale correction. A range of the fine scale correction is set so that it is not necessary to perform a scale correction with regard to a remaining rotation angle of the first half of the pseudo-rotation process. |
| US08572150B1 |
Parameterization of a CORDIC algorithm for providing a CORDIC engine
Parameterization of a CORDIC algorithm for providing a CORDIC engine is described. An aspect of the invention is a method in a digital processing system for generation of the CORDIC engine. Numbers of fractional output bits for a user-defined numerical result format are obtained. The numbers of fractional output bits are for each of a plurality of output variables associated with the CORDIC algorithm. Micro-rotations associated with each of the plurality of output variables are determined responsive to the numbers of fractional output bits. Quantizations associated with each of the plurality of output variables are determined responsive at least in part to the numbers of fractional output bits. |
| US08572149B2 |
Apparatus and methods for dynamic data-based scaling of data such as staged fast fourier transform (FFT) while enhancing performance
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for dynamic data-based scaling of data. The disclosed methods and apparatus involve storing one or more input data samples, which are to be scaled and input to a processing function such as a Fast Fourier Transform. A scaling value operable for scaling the one or more data samples is determined based on the one or more input data samples, and then the stored data samples are scaled based on the computed scaling value when read out of storage prior to the processing function. The scaling of data based on the input data allows the data to be scaled dynamically, not statically, and ensures that the data fits within a desired bit width constraint of the processing function thereby economizing processing resources. |
| US08572147B2 |
Method for implementing a bit-reversed increment in a data processing system
In a data processing system, a first instruction is received at an input of a processor. A specifier indicates both a first portion of a value and a second portion of the value. The first portion of the value is identified to be modified by the processor and the second portion of the value is identified to remain unchanged. The first instruction is decoded, and in response the processor modifies the first portion of the value by performing a bit-reversed increment to form a modified first portion. The modified first portion is combined with the second portion of the value which remained unchanged to form a first address. The first address is stored in first storage circuitry. A second instruction is decoded and in response the processor accesses data located at the first address which is assigned to a second storage circuit. |
| US08572146B2 |
Comparing data samples represented by characteristic functions
According to certain embodiments, a first characteristic function representing a first set of samples and a second characteristic function representing a second set of samples are generated. The first characteristic function and the second characteristic function are transformed to a first arithmetic function and a second arithmetic function, respectively. A first hash code and a second hash code are calculated from the first arithmetic function and the second arithmetic function, respectively. If the first hash code equals the second hash code, the first set of samples and the second set of samples are designated as equivalent; otherwise, the first set of samples and the second set of samples are designated as not equivalent. |
| US08572139B2 |
Desktop, stream-based, information management system
A steam-based document storage and retrieval system accepts documents that are in diverse formats and come from diverse application, automatically creates document model objects describing these documents in a consistent format and associating time stamps with the documents to automatically create a main stream in chronological order. The stream, or sub-streams meeting selected search criteria, are displayed in a variety of forms, including a receding, partly overlapping stack with aids that facilitate user interaction. |
| US08572135B2 |
Managing media files using metadata injection
Apparatus and methods to manage media files using metadata injection provide a mechanism to enhance user interaction with multimedia devices. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08572134B2 |
Transforming and storing messages in a database
A system for storing messages in an on-disk database (ODDB), comprises an interface operable to receive a first message comprising first data from an execution venue, wherein the first message is one of a group of associated messages related to a financial transaction, a processor communicatively coupled to the interface, the processor is operable to load the first message into an in-memory database (IMDB), identify a second message in the group of associated messages, transform the second message with the first data from the first message, and determine whether all messages in the associated group of messages have been loaded into the IMDB, and the interface is further operable to transfer the first message to the ODDB. |
| US08572130B2 |
Replacement policy for resource container
A system includes creation of a first resource queue indicating an order of resources stored in a memory, the order based on respective timestamps associated with the stored resources, association of the first resource queue with a first queue timestamp, reception of a first command to deallocate a first amount of stored resources from the memory, determination that a first stored resource indicated by the first resource queue is associated with a timestamp earlier than the first queue timestamp, deallocation of the first stored resource from the memory, reception of a second command to deallocate a second amount of stored resources from the memory, determination that the first resource queue indicates no stored resources which are associated with a timestamp earlier than the first queue timestamp, and, in response to the determination that the first resource queue indicates no stored resources which are associated with a timestamp earlier than the first queue timestamp, creation of a second resource queue indicating a second order of second resources stored in the memory, the second order based on respective second timestamps associated with the stored second resources. |
| US08572128B2 |
Method of management for map-type tour information
A method of managing map-type tour information, which allows a travel-lover to record each trip. A plurality of scenic spots passed through in the trip is labeled on a map. By linking the plurality of scenic spots, a tour route is formed and shown clearly on the map. Set a link to each of the scenic spots, click the link to each of the scenic spot, and input the introduction, related web addresses, and appraisals to the scenic spots. |
| US08572126B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing very large n-gram collections for speed and memory
A computer memory stores a data structure representing a ternary search tree (TST) representing multiple word n-grams for a corpus of documents. The data structure includes plural records in a first memory, each record representing a node of the TST and comprising plural fields. At least some n-grams have a sequence of units. The plurality of fields includes one for identifying a given unit of the sequence for a given node, one reserved for storing payload information for the given node, and plural child fields reserved for storing information for a first, second and third child nodes of the given node. The child fields store a null value indicating the absence of the child node or an identifier identifying a memory location of the child node. For at least one record, at least one of the child fields stores an identifier identifying a memory location of a memory different than the first memory. |
| US08572122B2 |
Data schema and language
A system includes reception of a logical schema associated with a data store, generation of an input schema based on the logical schema, reception of an expression having a type of the input schema and representing the topology of a data set, the data set being an instance of the input schema, compilation of the expression to a data specification based on the input schema, and generation of a plan to execute on the data store based on the data specification. |
| US08572120B2 |
Method and device for controlling access to a shared document in station-to-station communication network
The access method comprises the following steps: i) receiving a request coming from a user for accessing at least one digital document, said request comprising an identifier (303) designating the digital document and an identifier (304) designating said user; ii) searching locally for at least one collection (C1) containing the identifier (303) of the document and the identifier (304) of the user, each collection (C1, C2) being stored locally in response to a positive verification with regard to at least one condition agreeing to supply the document according to at least one access right linked to the collection; and iii) in the case of a positive search, supplying said corresponding document (303) to said user (304) thus designated. |
| US08572116B2 |
System for recommending an article not present in an image
An object is to conduct a search for an article absent in an input image. A recommendation system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an input unit to achieve input of a still image, an article recognizing unit to analyze the input image to recognize an article section according to an article included in the image, a category specifying unit to specify a category according to the input image on the basis of the recognized article section, an article information extracting unit to extract identification information of an article section except for the recognized article section among article sections associated with the specified category, and an output unit to output the extracted identification information of the article section and/or information corresponding thereto. This configuration allows the recommendation system of the embodiment to provide a function (article search function) to achieve input of a still image including one or more articles and output of identification information of an article section according to an article absent in the image and/or other information. |
| US08572115B2 |
Identifying negative keywords associated with advertisements
REVISE this to be consistent with the new claim 1 . . . The present disclosure includes a system and method for identifying negative keywords associated with advertisements. In some implementations, a method for advertising includes identifying one or more keywords associated with an advertisement. The keywords used to embed the advertisement in web pages such as those including search results. By identifying, from the plurality of search criterion, a subset of search criterion as being off-topic to the advertisement item, one or more negative keywords may be derived from the subset of off-topic search criterion in order to limit the embedding of non-relevant advertisements in web page content. |
| US08572109B1 |
Query translation quality confidence
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating visual media search results are provided. A first search query in a first language and a second search query in a different second language are received. The first search query is a translation of the second search query into the second language. A quality of results statistic for the second search query is obtained. A final search query is created using the first search query, the second search query, and the quality of results statistic. The final search query is sent to a search engine and a final group of visual media search results responsive to the final search query are received from the search engine, where visual media search results in the final group that are responsive to the second visual media search query are assigned a ranking based in part on the quality of result statistic. |
| US08572105B2 |
Method and system for desktop tagging of a web page
A system and method are provided for identifying and extracting a subset of data from a selected web page of a web site for display on a client machine. One or more instructions are applied to the selected web page for identifying and displaying a candidate subset of data on the client machine (i.e. a wireless mobile device). The instructions are applied in accordance with one or more pre-defined criteria defining one or more types of the subset of data, and one or more pre-defined confidence intervals defining a pattern for locating the subset of data in accordance with said one or more types on the selected web page. An interface may further be provided to allow the amendment or confirmation of the candidate subset of data. |
| US08572097B1 |
Media content discovery and character organization techniques
Techniques for recommending media are described. A character preference function comprising a plurality of preference coefficients is accessed. A first character model comprises a first set of attribute values for the plurality of attributes of a first character. The first and second characters are associated with a first and second salience value, respectively. A second character model comprises a second set of attribute values for the plurality of attributes of a second character of the plurality of characters. A first character rating is calculated using the plurality of preference coefficients and the first set of attribute values. A second character rating of the second character is calculated using the plurality of preference coefficients with the second set of attribute values. A media rating is calculated based on the first and second salience values and the first and second character ratings. A media is recommended based on the media rating. |
| US08572094B2 |
Ranking social network objects
An online social networking system can be used to rank social network objects of various different object types, each according to its type. The objects may comprise types such as users, communities, blogs, blog entries, events, forums, forum topics, postings, photographs, and/or images. The product comprises code for carrying out a method that begins with receiving ranking data about social network objects that comprises data about events performed on the social network. For each social network object, a ranking function is applied to ranking data about the social network object based on its type. In addition, the recency of an event on the social network related to the social network object is evaluated, in order to calculate the score for the social network object. A relative ranking for each of the plurality of social network objects based on its score is determined, and the score and relative ranking of each of the social network objects stored. |
| US08572092B2 |
Generating sketches sensitive to high-overlap estimation
A versioning system determines an amount by which a first collection and a second collection of data objects overlap. The system divides the first collection of data objects into m possibly overlapping groups of average size s and computes one combined hash result for each group. The system then constructs a first sketch vector with n elements based on the combined hash results. A respective element of the first sketch vector is selected, using a selection function, from the combined hash results that are computed with the hash function corresponding to the element's index. Next, the system receives a second sketch vector for the second collection of data objects, and determines a sketch-vector overlap between the first and second sketch vectors. The system then computes a data-object overlap between the first and second collections of data objects based on the sketch-vector overlap. |
| US08572089B2 |
Entity clustering via data services
A method is provided for forming an entity cluster. In this method, a plurality of entities found in one or more data sources are identified. An entity may represent a word or a phrase found in the one or more data sources. The plurality of entities may then be organized into groups, where each group has a master entity and a set of subordinate entities. The groups are formed using a first comparison criteria. Then, using a second comparison criteria, a first group is associated with a second group. The second comparison criteria may compare the master entities associated with the first and second groups. Based on the association between the first group and the second group, the method can then determine that the first entity is related to the second entity. |
| US08572088B2 |
Automated rich presentation of a semantic topic
Automated rich presentation of a semantic topic is described. In one aspect, respective portions of multimodal information corresponding to a semantic topic are evaluated to locate events associated with the semantic topic. The probability that a document belongs to an event is determined based on document inclusion of one or more of persons, times, locations, and keywords, and document distribution along a timeline associated with the event. For each event, one or more documents objectively determined to be substantially representative of the event are identified. One or more other types of media (e.g., video, images, etc.) related to the event are then extracted from the multimodal information. The representative documents and the other media are for presentation to a user in a storyboard. |
| US08572083B1 |
Financial-service structured content manager
A financial-service system that manages content objects includes a chronicles platform with a chronicle associated with a loan request. A content manager determines a set of content objects to be associated with the chronicle and generates a bucket for each content object of the set of content objects. Each bucket is associated with a name and is configured to receive an associated content object. The chronicle is populated with the generated buckets. An interface that detects a user action and that thereafter receives or generates a content object, which is detected by the content manager and associated with a bucket. The content manager causes the bucket to receive the content object and presents representations of the buckets to a user. Representations of one or more buckets that have received a content object differ from representations of one or more other buckets that have not received a content object. |
| US08572081B1 |
Identifying non-compositional compounds
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for identifying non-compositional compounds. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of receiving a collection of phrases, each phrase including two or more words; for each phrase, determining if the phrase is a non-compositional compound, a non-compositional compound being a phrase of two or more words where the words composing the phrase have different meanings in a compound than their conventional meanings individual, the determining including: identifying a similar term for a term of the phrase, substituting the similar term for the term of the phrase to generate a substitute phrase, calculating a similarity between the phrase and the substitute phrase, and identifying the phrase as a non-compositional compound when the calculated similarity is less than a specified threshold value. |
| US08572080B2 |
Methods and systems for analyzing a network feed in a multi-tenant database system environment
The present disclosure discusses a dashboard application that compiles values across a set of records, each of the records having fields which include data pertaining to user-defined criteria. The user enters a query into the system, and the set of records is returned and analyzed according to the criteria. The results are numerical and are displayed in components of the dashboard. A user can customize the application and define components. Multiple users can view and subscribe to the dashboard and can select specific components to follow. Some components can have user-defined threshold values and can provide graphics displaying breakpoints of those values. When the system refreshes, or the user manually refreshes the dashboard, an alert is generated if the threshold value is traversed. The alert, including the component graphic, is posted in the subscriber's feed and a feed of the dashboard. |
| US08572079B2 |
Collaborative linking system with bi-directed variable granularity search engine
The present invention is a system and method for shortening response time and reducing resource utilization in an electronic advertising and customer enquiry system, operating in an interactive communications and distributed database environment. The system is designed to enable customers (01) to easily find product and service offerings that match their requirements for immediate local accessibility (A1), as well as the customer's (01) specific product desires. Where a perfect match does not exist, slightly less satisfactory solutions are offered. Such product offerings and customer (01) desires have static and dynamic characteristics that effect their electronic publication, enquiry, matching, and subsequent response. |
| US08572073B1 |
Spam detection for user-generated multimedia items based on appearance in popular queries
A system, a method, and various software tools enable a video hosting website to automatically identify posted video items that contain spam in the metadata associated with a respective video item. A spam detection tool for user-generated video items based on appearance in popular queries is provided that facilitates the detection of spam in the metadata associated with a video item. |
| US08572072B1 |
Classifying a financial transaction using a search engine
A method involves classifying a financial transaction of an item. The method steps include receiving a text description of the item, processing the text description to generate a search term, selecting a set of named categories, conducting a first search for the search term and each named category, processing first results of the first search, calculating an affinity score for each named category, identifying a first target affinity score, identifying a target category from the set of named categories, presenting the text description and the target category, receiving feedback that the target category is incorrect, generating a revised set of named categories by removing the target category from the set of named categories, conducting a second search for the search term and each of the revised set of named categories, and presenting a revised target category. |
| US08572071B2 |
Systems and methods for data transformation using higher order learning
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transforming data in vector form. Each vector is composed of a set of attributes that are either boolean or have been mapped to boolean form. The vectors may or may not fall into categories assigned by a subject matter expert (SME). If categories exist, the categorical labels divide the vectors into subsets. The first transformation calculates a prior probability for each attribute based on the links between attributes in each subset of the vectors. The second transformation computes a new numeric value for each attribute based on the links between attributes in each subset of the vectors. The third transformation operates on vectors that have not been categorized. Based on the automatic selection of categories from the attributes, this transformation computes a new numeric value for each attribute based on the links between attributes in each subset of the vectors. |
| US08572070B2 |
Statistical measure and calibration of internally inconsistent search criteria where one or both of the search criteria and database is incomplete
Disclosed is a system for, and method of, searching for and identifying an entity representation. Some embodiments permit search criteria that are internally inconsistent. Such internally inconsistent criteria may include, for example, a maiden last name and a married last name. Certain embodiments account for such criteria in an intelligent manner and identify matching entity representations with a known confidence level of accuracy. |
| US08572067B2 |
Method to estimate the number of distinct value combinations for a set of attributes in a database system
A method to estimate the number of distinct value combinations for a set of attributes in a database system is disclosed. The method comprises utilizing frequency information within the set of attributes to provide a best estimate for the number of distinct value combinations. In a preferred embodiment, the utilizing step comprises estimating the number of distinct value combinations utilizing frequency information of the set of attributes based upon probability theory and further includes providing bounds on the distinct value information combinations utilizing the frequency information of the set of attributes. In so doing, an estimate for the number of distinct value combinations is provided. |
| US08572065B2 |
Link discovery from web scripts
A computer-implemented method, a computer system, and computer media for discovering links in scripts are provided. The computer system includes a crawler, a rules engine, and an index that are utilized to store links generated by scripts located in webpages in the index. The crawler traverses a network to locate webpages having scripts. The rules engine parses the located webpages and extracts the scripts based on rules that are satisfied by segments of the extracted scripts. The rules engine evaluates the segments of the extracted scripts to generate links. After the rules engine validates the links, the rules engine transmits the links to the index for storage. |
| US08572064B2 |
Visualization technique for biological information
Method/system for visualizing biological information. The system receives a user query relating to biological information and determines which database contains related biological information. A database query is sent to the database and the result indicates biological/chemical entities and relations. A network is created based on the result; biological/chemical entities are mapped to network nodes and relations to network connections. A distance matrix indicates a multi-dimensional distance for several pairs of network nodes. A dimensionality reduction function is adjusted based on a research context, to bias the search toward a relevant focus. The number of dimensions in the distance matrix is lowered by the dimensionality reduction function. Neighbors of a selected node are searched (2-18) based on the distance matrix to elucidate a biological role of the selected node. A re-created network is visualized (2-20) based on the adjusted dimensionality reduction function. |
| US08572059B2 |
Surveillance, monitoring and real-time events platform
Systems and methods according to the invention provide a surveillance, monitoring and real-time events platform to (i) enable the integration and communication of information between government agencies and organizations specifically tasked with ensuring the security and safety of our nation and its communities, (ii) to integrate information systems from federal, state and/or local agencies (from disparate data sources if necessary) in order to obtain a single, real-time view of the entire organization, and (iii) to extract more complete, actionable information from their existing systems, thereby dramatically improving decision making speed and accuracy. |
| US08572058B2 |
Presenting linked information in a CRM system
New functions for a contact center system include: testing user's comprehension of informational messages with a quiz; capturing insight of superior users having a KPI score above a threshold by having those users submit information on why they perform so well; dynamically ordering solutions to issues by re-ranking the solutions periodically based on recency and frequency; integrating information for use by a contact center representative while online with a customer and information for use when not online; storing content items in a telecommunications industry taxonomy; directing user feedback on a content item to the proper owner/manager of that content; communicating solution information using a solutions taxonomy; displaying a dual information system having a CRM application as well as reference material that is context-appropriate; enforcing completion of a group of templates when creating a content item to be published; ensuring a group of templates for a content item are complete before publishing them; and searching within a contact center system portal using a continuum of search functions. |
| US08572057B2 |
Method and system for applying a group of instructions to metadata
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for applying a group of instructions to metadata in the context of an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for applying a group of instructions to metadata can enable embodiments that ensure that “all or none” of the operations corresponding to the grouped instructions are performed. The ability of embodiments to provide such feature can prevent a scenario where only a portion of a desired effect is accomplished which, in turn, may complicate any effort to undo the same. |
| US08572055B1 |
Method and system for efficiently handling small files in a single instance storage data store
A method, system and apparatus for efficient storage of small files in a segment-based deduplication scheme by allocating multiple small files to a single data segment is provided. A mechanism for distinguishing between large files (e.g., files that are on the order of the size of a segment or larger) and smaller files, and starting a new segment at the beginning of a large file is also provided. A file attribute-based system for determining an identity of a small file at which to begin a new segment and then allocating subsequent small files to that segment and contiguous segments until a next small file having an appropriate attribute subsequently is encountered to begin a new segment is further provided. In one aspect of the present invention a filename hash is used for file attribute analysis to determine when a new segment should begin. Using such a mechanism, multiple small files can be allocated to a data segment and at the same time continue to provide for efficient storage of large files within separate data segments. The file attribute analysis further provides for an increase in deduplication rate for subsequently provided copies of the small files (e.g., in a backup) since segment boundaries remain constant in spite of file additions or deletions. |
| US08572053B2 |
De-duplication indexing
Example apparatus, methods, and computers support data de-duplication indexing. One example apparatus includes a processor, a memory, and an interface to connect the processor, memory, and a set of logics. The set of logics includes an establishment logic to instantiate one-to-many de-duplication data structures, a manipulation logic to update the de-dupe data structure(s), a key logic to generate a key from a block of data to be de-duplicated, and a similarity logic to make a similarity determination for the block. The similarity determination identifies the block as a unique block, a duplicate block, or a block that meets a similarity threshold with respect to a stored de-duplicated block accessible through the dedupe data structure. The similarity determination involves comparing the block to be de-duplicated to a stored block available to the apparatus using a byte-by-byte approach, a hash approach, a delta hash approach and/or a sampling sequence approach. |
| US08572052B2 |
Automated calibration of negative field weighting without the need for human interaction
Disclosed is a system for, and method of, calculating parameters used to determine whether records and entity representations should be linked. Such parameters may be set as negative to account for fields that do not match. The system and method apply iterative techniques such that parameters from each linking iteration are used in the next linking iteration. The system and method need no human interaction in order to calibrate and utilize record matching formulas used for the linking decisions. |
| US08572050B2 |
Method and system for real time system log integrity protection
A method and system for managing integrity of system log file data. The system comprises a first component which, using a hook in a kernel of an operating system, allows interception of a write operation by a file system on at least one log file; then the first component detects a change in the security context in which the record is written in the log file. At each change detected, the first component adds information in the log file including the context information. The system further comprises a second component which reads the log file and, using the information added by the first component, detects if the change of context is due to a malicious writing operation in the log file for instance done by an unauthorized user or process. |
| US08572047B2 |
Method and system for data update synchronization by two-phase commit
In an integrated management database system having a plurality of element databases holding the configuration information about an information system and an integrated database for integrally managing the element databases, an element database which cannot return a reply while maintaining a secure state in response to an update request is not informed of the update request in the first phase of a two-phase commit, thereby attaining synchronization when data is updated, and maintaining the consistency of the data in the system. |
| US08572046B2 |
System and method for backing up a computer system
A backup computer storage system that protects and/or recovers data on a primary computer storage system is disclosed. The backup computer system may be used to backup databases, files, and/or applications. The backup system may be used to backup an image of the primary computer system. The backup system may also be used to backup one or more databases. The backup system may replicate an image of data that is on a primary computer system. The backup system may also be used to restore data from the backup system to the primary computer system. The backup system may restore data to a database while non-affected portions of the database are available and can be used. The backup system may record all transactions in real time without overwriting any previously stored backup data. The backup system may maintain historical and/or chronological information related to the backed up data. |
| US08572044B2 |
Nested recovery scope management for stateless recovery agents
Nested recovery scope management systems and methods for a multiple process computer system having a dynamic multiple address space server are disclosed. Stateless recovery agents are employed, under the control of a supervisory program called Recovery Director, during initialization or restart of servers to restore recoverable data in response to identified failures or other abnormal termination. The Director controls the recovery of protected resources in a systematic manner. The Director is initialized when a first address space of a first server is started. Then, as each instance of a recoverable component is initialized, the component registers with the Director by providing a reference to a stateless recovery agent that can later perform recovery functions for it if needed. As part of the registration, a token representing the current failure scope of the registration is generated and provided to the recoverable component by the Director. |
| US08572043B2 |
Method and system for storage of unstructured data for electronic discovery in external data stores
A method and system for storage of unstructured data in external data storage uses low-cost, minimally-functional external data stores (EDS) to store immutable, unstructured content. An external storage layer (ESL) interposed between an e-discovery management application (EMA), and the EDS constitutes an intermediary allowing access to external storage from the EMA and adding functionality unavailable on EDSs, offsetting the functional sacrifice incurred by using the EDS and preserving cost advantage. Caching content on the ESL during propagation to the EDS eliminates latency during file propagation. The ESL creates metadata and maintains an index of the data, allowing the data owner to search and retrieve from the EDS. The ESL compresses, decompresses, encrypts and decrypts data. An ESL vendor can service a number of clients on a fee or subscription basis. The ESL can distribute client data across EDSs and mirror data stored on a first ESL on another ESL. |
| US08572039B2 |
Focused backup scanning
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for performing data backup of a file system. A monitoring process is configured to include a file system representation (FSR) representing the file system, the FSR comprising a plurality of nodes, each node corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of elements of the file system. A monitoring process includes a file system representation (FSR) of a file system. The FSR comprises a plurality of nodes corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of elements of the file system. The monitoring process receives a notification of a change to a first element of the file system, caches information associated with a second element of the file system to provide cached information, and processes the FSR in response to the change. |
| US08572037B2 |
Database server, replication server and method for replicating data of a database server by at least one replication server
The present invention concerns a method for replicating data of a database server (10) by at least one replication server (20), the method comprising the following steps performed by the at least one replication server (20): a. sending a database request (40) to the database server (10), wherein the database request (40) comprises metadata (421c, 421d) indicating replication data requested by the at least one replication server (20); and b. receiving a database response (40′) from the database server (10), wherein the database response (40′) comprises the requested replication data indicated by the metadata (421c, 421d). |
| US08572036B2 |
Method and apparatus for fault-tolerant memory management
A device and method for providing a fault-tolerant file system. The fault-tolerant file system attempts to minimize the number of writes used when updating file system data structures. In one embodiment, file system data, including file system metadata, is stored in a fault-tolerant tree including a working state and a transacted state. In one embodiment, a change list is used to track blocks that have been updated, instead of cascading updates to leaf nodes up the tree, and a delta block is used to further minimize block updates when adding or removing nodes from the tree. In one embodiment, a Q-Block is used to prevent cycles when adding and removing free blocks from an allocation tree. Metadata values are stored in the tree in a way that allows certain metadata values to be inferred when not present in the tree, thus conserving space and lowering query time. |
| US08572032B2 |
Method and apparatus for editing a production data store by shadowing content
Improvements in the creation, maintenance and management of web based information are provided. A development environment conducive to separation of tasks and data, works in combination with the means to present views of changed information for approval to users. Data from file systems and database systems can be combined to create a rich source of material for users, while changes to such material can be effectively controlled and released for production. |
| US08572024B2 |
Systems and methods for extracting information from structured documents
Systems and methods for extracting information from structured documents are provided. The systems and methods relate to selecting a centroid document from a group of structured documents, selecting a subset of the group of structured documents in order to form a cluster of the subset of documents about the centroid document. The selecting the subset is preferably based on the relative similarity between each of the selected subset and the centroid document. Then, systems and methods according to the invention include marking a data element on the centroid document. The systems and elements also include identifying a data element on each of the subset of documents, the data element that corresponds to the marked data element on the centroid document. Finally, data may be extracted from the subset of documents based on the identifying step. |
| US08572022B2 |
Automatic synchronization conflict resolution
A determination is made at a first computing device of whether there is a synchronization conflict between a change to a first synchronized item at the first computing device and a change to a second synchronized item at a second computing device. If a synchronization conflict exists, rule-based conflict resolution is performed to automatically resolve the synchronization conflict. The rule-based conflict resolution is based at least in part on a type of the change made to the first synchronized item, a type of the change made to the second synchronized item, and a set of multiple rules. A notification of the resolution is then sent to the second computing device. |
| US08572021B2 |
Classifying information captured in different formats for search and display in an image-based format
In one embodiment, a method receives a plurality of documents. The documents may be received from different medical providers. Also, the documents may be medical record documents generated or captured in a first format and a second format. The first format may be an unstructured data format and the second format may be a structured data format. The first and second documents are then converted to a common format. For example, a common format may emerge as the most restrictive or constrained denominator of the first format and the second format. A schema is determined that provides an organizational structure with categories that can be used to index the content of the first and second documents while they are being converted to the common format. The schema and indexing enable the different formats of documents to be combined and organized simultaneously into a single view for a comprehensive review. |
| US08572008B2 |
Learning apparatus and method, prediction apparatus and method, and program
A learning apparatus includes: a location acquiring section for acquiring time series data on locations of a user; a time acquiring section for acquiring time series data on times; and learning section for learning an activity model indicating an activity state of the user as a probabilistic state transition model, using the respective acquired time series data on the locations and the times as an input. |
| US08572007B1 |
Systems and methods for classifying unknown files/spam based on a user actions, a file's prevalence within a user community, and a predetermined prevalence threshold
A computer-implemented, server-side method for classifying unknown files based on user actions may include (1) identifying at least one file whose trustworthiness is unknown, (2) identifying a report received from at least one client device that identifies at least one action taken by a user within a user community when informed by security software on the client device that the trustworthiness of the file is unknown, (3) determining that the action taken by the user indicates that the user believes the file is trustworthy, (4) classifying the file as trustworthy based at least in part on the action taken by the user, and then (5) providing the file's classification to at least one computing device in order to enable the computing device to evaluate the trustworthiness of the file. Corresponding systems, encoded computer-readable media, and client-side methods are also disclosed. |
| US08572006B2 |
Method for multi-layer classifier
The present invention relates to a method for multi-layer classifier applying on a computer readable medium for classifying multiple image samples. The method at least comprising the following steps: (a) receiving a plurality of samples; (b) providing a plurality of attributes, and evaluating a significance of the attributes by a selection criterion; (c) selecting at least one cut-point to establish a discriminant analysis model; (d) proceeding a step of evaluating a performance of the discriminant analysis model by adding the attributes to the discriminant analysis model; and (e) providing a stop criterion. The present invention also provides a computer readable medium for classifying multiple image samples by using the method for multi-layer classifier. |
| US08571999B2 |
Method of conducting operations for a social network application including activity list generation
In one embodiment, a method of conducting operations for a social network application comprises: operating at least one social network application server for interacting with users of the social network application; maintaining user accounts for users of the social network application, the user accounts including data defining relationships between users of the social network application; logging activities of users, the logged activities including real-world activities other than direct use of the social network application; generating a notification list of recent activities of users of the social network application, wherein the notification list includes (1) at least one real-world activity of a first user of the social network application and (2) at least one hyperlink to offer for an activity that is directly related to the at least one real-world activity of the first user. |
| US08571998B2 |
Compatibility scoring of users
The compatibility score of members of a social network is based on the compatibility of their expressed interests. The compatibility score between any two interests is calculated as the log of the estimated probability that a member of the social network will express both interests divided by the product of: (i) the estimated probability that a member of the social network will express the first of the two interests and (ii) the estimated probability that a member of the social network will express the second of the two interests. The compatibility score between two individuals is calculated as the sum of the compatibility scores between each interest appearing in a set of interests expressed by the first of the two individuals and each interest appearing in a set of interests expressed by the second of the two individuals. |
| US08571997B2 |
System and method for evaluating space efficiency for office users
A system and method for identifying and calculating inefficiencies in a real estate space includes determining the areas of rooms required by a user. A circulation loss is calculated. The total of the room areas and the circulation loss are added to determine a net usable space required by the user. The net usable amount of space is multiplied by the subject building's inefficiency measure to identify the amount of rentable space necessary given an efficient program, space plan and building. The user's updated, proposed space program is compared to the user's current or original space program to identify efficiency losses. The system may be configured on a network computer system or a standalone computer. |
| US08571996B2 |
Apparatus and method for secured commercial transactions
A transaction security code database and a method and apparatus for generating the transaction security code database. The transaction security code database is comprised of multiple transaction security codes, each transaction security code constituting a transaction code generated based upon a transaction initiated by a user, which is appended to or linked to a security code which is based upon a biometric sensor code generated by a biometric sensor from a biometric presentation of a biometric feature of the user. |
| US08571995B2 |
Purchase transaction system with encrypted payment card data
Systems and methods are provided for securing payment card information. A user may present a payment card such as a credit card to point-of-sale equipment. The point-of-sale equipment may encrypt the payment card information. An encryption algorithm may be used that takes as inputs a first part of the payment card information, a tweak formed by a second part of the payment card information, and an encryption key. The encrypted payment card information may be conveyed to a gateway over a communications network. The gateway may identify which encryption algorithm was used in encrypting the payment card information and may re-encrypt the payment card information using a format preserving encryption algorithm. A network-based service may be used to remotely perform functions for the gateway. |
| US08571986B2 |
Dependent payment device
The present invention provides embodiments of a dependent payment device, such as a credit card, for allowing a primary customer to control and monitor the transactions made by a dependent customer who is authorized to use the account of the primary customer. The primary customer can control the maximum limit that the dependent customer can spend on the dependent card up to the maximum amount that the financial institution has approved for the primary customer. The primary customer can also block/approve purchases that the dependent customer can make at store or on products by adding MCCs, store names, store types, UPCs, or other product or store identifiers to a list of blocked/approved transactions. The primary customer can set monetary and time limits on the amount and frequency of the transactions the dependent customer can make at stores or on products that have been blocked/approved. |
| US08571985B1 |
Reconciling a merchant of record in a mobile wallet feature
Systems and methods for reconciling merchant of record in a mobile wallet feature are provided herein. In mobile transactions, the reported merchant of record is often a provider of the mobile wallet feature and not the merchant of interest to the user. The systems and methods identify mobile payments based on the transaction data, the mobile payments comprising a merchant of record, wherein the merchant of record includes a provider of the mobile wallet feature; compare the mobile payments and the identification data of the unrecorded merchant; match the unrecorded merchant with at least one payment of the mobile payments in response to the comparison of the mobile payments and the identification data; and identify the unrecorded merchant based on the identification data. |
| US08571981B1 |
Method and system for establishing electronic financial transactions between entities
One embodiment provides a system that facilitates an electronic transaction between a set of entities. During operation, the system discovers a potential interaction between the entities and verifies a set of shared electronic transfer capabilities between the entities. Next, the system facilitates the electronic transaction between the entities by notifying one or more of the entities of the shared electronic transfer capabilities. |
| US08571973B1 |
Electronic closing
An electronic closing platform facilitates provision of a variety of closing services for lenders, closing agents, borrowers or other parties to closing transactions. Electronic quality control procedures are invoked for closing data and documents whether they are in electronic or paper form. The platform is independently accessible and therefore accommodates data sharing between mortgage industry participants. Electronic signature capabilities, including a batch signing functionality, and tamper evident sealing after signing accommodate improved processing and system integrity. Additional features include registry filing, an electronic vault for storing electronic documents, and electronic recording. |
| US08571967B1 |
System and method for algorithmic trading strategies
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for algorithmic trading strategies and/or systems and methods for use in executing an order directed to a security traded in a market. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method implemented by a programmed computer system for use in executing an order directed to a security traded in a market, comprising: calculating a plurality of expected market impacts associated with execution of the order over a plurality of different time periods; calculating a plurality of expected price risks associated with execution of the order over the plurality of different time periods; calculating a plurality of expected total costs associated with execution of the order over the plurality of different time periods, wherein the plurality of expected total costs are calculated using the plurality of expected market impacts and the plurality of expected price risks; and trading the security via execution of the order over a time period at which the expected total cost is optimal (e.g., minimized). |
| US08571961B1 |
Managing consistent interfaces for financial business objects across heterogeneous systems
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. Specifically, example business objects include FundsManagementFund and Merchandise Category Hierarchy. |
| US08571956B2 |
System architecture and methods for composing and directing participant experiences
The present invention contemplates a variety of improved methods and systems for providing an experience platform, as well as sentio or experience codecs, and experience agents for supporting the experience platform. The experience platform may be provided by a service provider to enable an experience provider to compose and direct a participant experience. The service provider monetizes the experience by charging the experience provider and/or the participants for services. The participant experience can involve one or more experience participants. The experience provider can create an experience with a variety of dimensions and features. As will be appreciated, the following description provides one paradigm for understanding the multi-dimensional experience available to the participants. There are many suitable ways of describing, characterizing and implementing the experience platform contemplated herein. |
| US08571951B2 |
Automated attachment of segmentation data to hot contact leads for facilitating matching of leads to interested lead buyers
In an automated leads-and-bids matching system, bid profiles are defined to describe desires of lead buyers. Received leads are matched to active ones of the bid profiles whose specifications the leads substantially match. Lead segmentation data is captured on-the-fly for example by inducing potential consumers to navigate their way through tree-organized web sites that categorize the consumers according to their geographic location, income/revenue range, class of products desired and/or other attributes. Live voice or other telecommunication connections to the pre-classified consumers are coupled to corresponding, pre-classified telecommunication nodes of a call processing system. The call processing system deduces the segmentation data of the consumers from the identities of the pre-classified nodes through which their connections pass. The deduced segmentation data is passed to an automated matching system or auctioning subsystem that finds the highest bids for each given lead. |
| US08571949B1 |
Apparatus and methods for inventory, sale, and delivery of digitally transferable goods
A system comprises: (a) storage and distribution means; (b) inventory upload means; (c) product information download means; (d) order upload means; and (e) delivery download means. A method comprises: (a) digitally transferring the goods and pertinent product information from a provider of the goods to a storage and distribution means; (b) storing the goods, pertinent product information, order information, sales information, or marketing information on the storage and distribution means; (c) digitally transferring product information to a shopper; (d) digitally transferring order information from a buyer of goods to the storage and distribution means; and (e) digitally transferring the goods to the buyer. The storage and distribution means may be provided with a network connection for access by providers, shoppers, and buyers. |
| US08571948B1 |
Extension of credit for monetary items still in transport
Providing earlier funds availability or a line of credit for a deposit or other monetary package reported to be in a cash supply chain. Later, when the deposit physically arrives at a bank vault, then the actual amount of the deposit is reconciled against the accelerated funds or line of credit previously made available. The amount of accelerated funds or line of credit made available may be based upon the amount scheduled to be deposited, as well as a risk score for the customer making the deposit and/or for the transaction being made. |
| US08571947B2 |
Techniques for creating and updating of affiliate website
The present disclosure is directed to techniques for retrieving a large number of product codes from one or more Vendor Websites. A search of a Vendor Website is conducted based on a keyword list created by a registered affiliate and product codes are acquired including graphic data and descriptive text for products obtained in the search. A unique identification code is inserted into the product codes, which are stored in a products database and displayed along with manually activatable editing buttons which allow the registered affiliate to edit the products database. |
| US08571941B2 |
Systems and methods for managing user information over a network
Systems, methods, and computer-readable mediums, consistent with principles of some embodiments of the present invention provide for applying a user interface to an electronic device including storing information relating to a user of an electronic device, wherein the stored information includes user information data and user history data, storing a template user interface, modifying the user interface based on the stored user information and the user history data, and applying the modified user interface to the electronic device, wherein the user interface enables a user to instruct the electronic device to perform operations within a shopping establishment. |
| US08571938B2 |
Updating dynamic information within an intelligent controller utilizing a smart card
A system for updating a control device includes a user's portable programmable media having a data storage device, and a primary controlling device including a computer having a data storage device for storing data. A primary reader/writer communicates with the primary controlling device, and the primary reader/writer transfers control data and transactional data from the primary data storage device to the user's portable programmable media. A secondary controlling device includes a secondary computer and a secondary data storage device for storing data. A secondary reader/writer communicates with the secondary controlling device and reads the control and transactional data included in the user's portable programmable media, transferring the data to the secondary controlling device for authenticating, completing a transaction, and storing at least part of the data in the secondary data storage device. |
| US08571937B2 |
Dynamic payment optimization apparatuses, methods and systems
The DYNAMIC PAYMENT OPTIMIZATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“DPO”) transform requests for on-demand and flexible monetization and related services via DPO components into currency transfers, purchase receipt notifications, social networking communications and transaction analytics reports. In some embodiments, the DPO obtains a user product purchase request for a user engaged in an online experience at a point of sale device. The DPO parses the user product purchase request, and thereby identifies at least one attribute of at least one of: the user; the online experience; and the point of sale device. The DPO customizes one or more properties of a user interface for initiating a purchase transaction related to the user product purchase request, according to the identified at least one attribute of the user, the online experience or the point of sale device; and providing the customized user interface. |
| US08571931B2 |
System and method for targeted distribution of advertising without disclosure of personally identifiable information
The present invention discloses a system and method for providing targeted advertising in a television distribution system, without the disclosure of personally identifiable information. The system of the present invention comprises an advertisement management system (AMS) operative to monitor the state of one or more clients in the television distribution system and determine when a advertisement is required. The AMS is operative to select one or more features that do not comprise personally identifiable information from a feature repository. The system also comprises an advertisement selection system (ADS) operative to receive the one or more features from the AMS and select an advertisement targeted according to the one or more features. |
| US08571928B2 |
Methods and systems for retail customer referral compensation programs
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to business methods and systems for retail marketing, and specifically to Retail Customer Referral Compensation Programs for using Performance-Driven criteria to award Production Points for determining a Referring Customer's position in a Performance-Driven Floating Matrix compensation and matching bonus plan in a retail marketing organization. |
| US08571922B2 |
Method, technology, and system for displaying, measuring, assessing, and improving the operating and financial performance of metered energy and water consuming systems
Certain examples relate to computer implemented methods and systems including at least three modules whose combined functionality provides for interpretation and optimization of usual and unusual patterns in energy consumption; the identification, quantification, and monetization of hidden operating and financial waste and the accurate measurement of the results of implemented energy management solutions. The first, “Expert Module”, provides information that assists with the accurate interpretation of the information provided in the Operations module. The second, “Costs Module”, allows users to modify consumption and price components and derive the resulting operating costs based on the facility's applied or available rate structures. The third, “Operations Module”, charts and evaluates the current operating performance of a facility down to 15-minute intervals in comparison to the operating performance of a pre-selected “base year”. Comparisons are synchronized over intervals in a manner that allows users to compare and comment on individual graphs interactively. |
| US08571916B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for determining optimal parameter settings for business initiative testing models
A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test. Moreover, the method may include configuring the business initiative testing model using the optimal parameter settings from the set for the first test type to test a business initiative to apply to the business network. |
| US08571912B2 |
Method and system for allocating specific appointment time windows in a service industry
The present invention provides a method for allocating appointment time windows. The steps of this method include creating a statistical estimate of a daily schedule comprising a series of estimated service orders. An actual service order is then received. This actual service order is inserted into the daily schedule by using a set of scheduling instructions for determining the least cost to employ the available service resources. At this point, this actual service order does not have a system imposed time window. The set of scheduling instructions is used to determine a time window surrounding this insertion point. If the customer accepts this time window, then the closest estimated service order is replaced by this actual service order, and the daily schedule is recomputed based upon the revised set of service orders to yield a revised daily schedule. This process may be repeated for any number of days or time periods from which the customer may choose the time window best meeting the customer's availability. |
| US08571905B2 |
Casino operations management system
A system, computer program and computer-based method for managing casino operations. The system provides for employee management and information storage and retrieval for a significant number of casino operations. The system includes an attendance controller that receives, stores and displays attendance information for casino personnel. Casino personnel are issued cards that uniquely identify them and monitor them in the fulfillment of their roles. Players may also receive these types of cards, which can be used to record their casino activity and reward them for playing. The system provides for dealer rotation so that dealer rotation information may be received, stored and displayed. Organic light emitting diode devices, resident at casino tables, may be used to request and manage the table, including food and beverage requests for the table. |
| US08571899B1 |
Apparatus and method for funding and operating a municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company
A computer includes a processor and a memory storing data and executable instructions to operate a municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company. The processor processes the data and executable instructions to track insurance premiums paid by members of the municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company, monitor private investment capital into a holding firm, follow the investment of a first subset of the private investment capital of the holding firm into the municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company in exchange for first promissory notes, track a second subset of the private investment capital of the holding firm into a reinsurance firm, follow the investment of a segment of the second subset of the private investment capital of the reinsurance firm into the municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company in exchange for second promissory notes, and manage reinsurance firm first loss claims from the municipal financial guaranty mutual insurance company. |
| US08571885B2 |
Method and system for information retrieval and transfer
A method for providing medical insurance information corresponding to a consumer of medical services can include receiving consumer medical insurance information from a consumer. This information includes one or more identity fields. A request is sent to network sources of identity information for the consumer, the requests including one or more of the identity fields. The identity information that is received is compared to the consumer medical insurance information using matching rules to store data which satisfies the rules. The identity data which satisfies the matching rules is used to generate requests for insurer medical insurance information. The insurer information is compared to the consumer medical insurance information using matching rules to store only data which satisfies the matching rules. A processor can be used to generate different permutations and combinations of the data for the identity requests and for the insurer requests until a satisfactory response has been received. |
| US08571884B2 |
Healthcare communication and workflow management system and method
A communication and workflow management system and method is provided for integrating a wide range of health care organization workflow management functions, generated by automated systems, manual and automated events associated with patients and staff interactions, through input-output devices such that requests and dispatch requests can be handled locally or over a widely distributed network, and can be tracked and escalated as required. The invention features a rules engine and database that identifies and defines resources, patients, tasks, and task handling. The invention uses extensive logic for the assignment of tasks and communication with resources that can execute tasks, tracking, completion of task, and escalation of tasks. The communication system can be integrated with staff and equipment tracking for automated closure of tasks. |
| US08571883B2 |
Image analysis processes and methods for the evaluation of tampon performance
A method for the study and evaluation of the performance of medical devices in vivo is disclosed. The medical devices are preferably tampons that are observed and evaluated in the vaginal cavities of women during their menstrual cycles in order to obtain data relative to tampon performance for the improvement of tampon technology. The method preferably uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although other types of imaging techniques may be used. The present invention also resides in a method of MRI analysis in which a three-dimensional surface model image of a medical device such as a tampon or similar feminine hygiene product in vivo is created from two or more two-dimensional cross section images and combined with a second surface model image to produce a single image. |
| US08571881B2 |
Radiopharmaceutical dispensing, administration, and imaging
Apparatus is provided for use with at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, the apparatus including a container (22) containing the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, and a portable computer-communicatable data carrier (120, 24) associated with the container (22), the data carrier (120, 24) containing imaging protocol information for use with the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08571879B2 |
Sound reproducing device adding audio data to decoded sound using processor selected based on trade-offs
A sound reproducing device includes a decoder section (1200) configured to decode an audio-signal bit stream input from the outside world, and to generate a decoded PCM signal; a control section (1100) configured to identify reproduction conditions from reproduction-instruction information obtained from the outside world and decoding information obtained from the decoder section (1200), and to provide a reproduction instruction; and an additional-audio addition section (1500) configured to process additional audio data input from the outside world, to add a result with the decoded PCM signal, and to output a result as an output PCM signal. The additional-audio addition section (1500) includes an additional-audio generation section (1510) configured to process the additional audio data so that the additional audio data can be added with the decoded PCM signal, and to output a result as an additional-audio PCM signal, and an adder (1520) configured to mix the additional-audio PCM signal and the decoded PCM signal. The additional-audio generation section (1510) includes a plurality of processing means (1511 and 1512) depending on a trade-off between the amount of load of computation process in the processing and acoustic properties of a processing result. The control section (1100) identifies one of the plurality of processing means (1511 and 1512) based on the reproduction-instruction information and the decoding information. The additional-audio generation section (1510) processes the additional audio data by the processing means identified by the control section (1100). |
| US08571877B2 |
Apparatus for providing an upmix signal representation on the basis of the downmix signal representation, apparatus for providing a bitstream representing a multi-channel audio signal, methods, computer programs and bitstream representing a multi-channel audio signal using a linear combination parameter
An apparatus for providing an upmix signal representation on the basis of a downmix signal representation and an object-related parametric information, which are included in a bitstream representation of an audio content, in independence on a user-specified rendering matrix, the apparatus has a distortion limiter configured to obtain a modified rendering matrix using a linear combination of a user-specified rendering matrix in a target rendering matrix in dependence on a linear combination parameter. The apparatus also has a signal processor configured to obtain the upmix signal representation on the basis of the downmix signal representation and the object-related parametric information using the modified rendering matrix. The apparatus is also configured to evaluate a bitstream element representing the linear combination parameter in order to obtain the linear combination parameter. |
| US08571866B2 |
System and method for improving speech recognition accuracy using textual context
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for improving speech recognition accuracy using textual context. The method includes retrieving a recorded utterance, capturing text from a device display associated with the spoken dialog and viewed by one party to the recorded utterance, and identifying words in the captured text that are relevant to the recorded utterance. The method further includes adding the identified words to a dynamic language model, and recognizing the recorded utterance using the dynamic language model. The recorded utterance can be a spoken dialog. A time stamp can be assigned to each identified word. The method can include adding identified words to and/or removing identified words from the dynamic language model based on their respective time stamps. A screen scraper can capture text from the device display associated with the recorded utterance. The device display can contain customer service data. |
| US08571864B2 |
Automatic identification of repeated material in audio signals
A system and method are described for recognizing repeated audio material within at least one media stream without prior knowledge of the nature of the repeated material. The system and method are able to create a screening database from the media stream or streams. An unknown sample audio fragment is taken from the media stream and compared against the screening database to find if there are matching fragments within the media streams by determining if the unknown sample matches any samples in the screening database. |
| US08571862B2 |
Multimodal interface for input of text
The disclosure describes an overall system/method for text-input using a multimodal interface with a combination of speech recognition and text prediction. Specifically, an “always listening” mode for entering words is combined with a push-to-speak mode for entering symbols and phrases. In addition, these two modes are further combined with keypad based text prediction. Finally, the overall user-interface of the proposed system is designed such that it enhances existing standard text-input methods; thereby minimizing the behavior change for mobile users. |
| US08571858B2 |
Method and discriminator for classifying different segments of a signal
For classifying different segments of a signal which has segments of at least a first type and second type, e.g. audio and speech segments, the signal is short-term classified on the basis of the at least one short-term feature extracted from the signal and a short-term classification result is delivered. The signal is also long-term classified on the basis of the at least one short-term feature and at least one long-term feature extracted from the signal and a long-term classification result is delivered. The short-term classification result and the long-term classification result are combined to provide an output signal indicating whether a segment of the signal is of the first type or of the second type. |
| US08571853B2 |
Method and system for laughter detection
A method and apparatus for laughter detection. Laughter is detected through the presence of a sequence of at least a predetermined number such as three consecutive bursts, each burst comprising a voiced portion and an unvoiced portion. After detecting bursts, n-tuples such as triplets are detected, and a likelihood of each burst N-tuple to represent laughter is provided by comparison to predetermined thresholds. Finally, a total score is assigned to the signal based on the grades associated with the triplets and parameters such as the distance between the N-tuples, the total score representing the probability that the audio signal comprises a laughter episode. The method and apparatus preferably comprise a training step and module for determining the thresholds according to manually marked audio signals. |
| US08571852B2 |
Postfilter for layered codecs
A scalable decoder device (50) for signals representing audio comprises a primary decoder (21) connected to an input (40). The primary decoder (21) is arranged to provide a primary decoded signal (23) based on received parameters (4). A primary postfilter (31) is connected to the primary decoder (23) to provide a primary postfiltered signal (32). A secondary enhancement decoder (45) is connected to the input (40) and arranged to provide a secondary decoded enhancement signal (44). The device further comprises a combiner arrangement (55), arranged for combining the primary postfiltered signal (32) and a signal (53) based on the secondary decoded enhancement signal (44) into an output signal (6) to be provided at an output (6). The combining is made with an adaptable strength relation between contributions from the two signals. A method for decoding coded signals representing audio operates in analogy with the scalable decoder device (50). |
| US08571847B2 |
Efficiency of static core turn-off in a system-on-a-chip with variation
A processor-implemented method for improving efficiency of a static core turn-off in a multi-core processor with variation, the method comprising: conducting via a simulation a turn-off analysis of the multi-core processor at the multi-core processor's design stage, wherein the turn-off analysis of the multi-core processor at the multi-core processor's design stage includes a first output corresponding to a first multi-core processor core to turn off; conducting a turn-off analysis of the multi-core processor at the multi-core processor's testing stage, wherein the turn-off analysis of the multi-core processor at the multi-core processor's testing stage includes a second output corresponding to a second multi-core processor core to turn off; comparing the first output and the second output to determine if the first output is referring to the same core to turn off as the second output; outputting a third output corresponding to the first multi-core processor core if the first output and the second output are both referring to the same core to turn off. |
| US08571836B2 |
Process for designing rugged pattern on golf ball surface
A process for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: assuming a plurality of states; assuming a large number of cells on a spherical surface; assigning any one of the plurality of states to each cell; assigning, as an attribute, any one of INSIDE, OUTSIDE and BOUNDARY to the each cell based on the state of the each cell and states of a plurality of cells located adjacent to the each cell; assuming craters based on the attributes of the large number of cells; and updating the attribute of the each cell so as to enlarge the areas of the craters, based on the attribute of said each cell and the attributes of the plurality of cells located adjacent to the each cell. |
| US08571829B2 |
Detecting objects in shipping containers by vibration spectral analysis
Objects in a cargo shipping container are detected by measuring vibration resonant frequency peaks of the container. The mass of an object on the floor of the container effects the vibration resonance of the container, enabling the object to be detected. A vibration source and a plurality of accelerometers are either attached to the steel structure of the container, or are disposed on a supporting structure, such as a cargo crane or lift, so that they contact the container. The vibration source causes the container to vibrate, and the accelerometers detect the vibration resonance of the container. A mismatch between a cargo manifest and an observed cargo, or detection of an object having relatively high mass, e.g., due to lead shielding, can justify a manual inspection. The process uses synchronous processing to achieve the sensitivity needed, is unobtrusive, and does not slow the flow of cargo through a facility. |
| US08571814B2 |
Load monitor reliability factor using an advanced fatigue reliability assessment model
According to one non-limiting embodiment, a method includes accessing distributions of flight loads associated with one or more flight regimes for a fleet of aircraft. Using the distributions of flight loads, a factor for at least one of the flight regimes is determined that provides a flight load adjustment for a component on each aircraft of a fleet of aircraft known to be affected through at least load damage by the at least one flight regime. |
| US08571811B1 |
Double-sided rapid drift correction
A method and system for gas sensor drift correction is disclosed, appropriate for use in a system placed in an environment that with some regularity reaches a background gas concentration. A background gas concentration range is defined. When the gas sensor readings drop below the background gas concentration range for at least a defined short dwell time, an upwards calibration adjustment is effected. When the gas sensor readings stay above the background gas concentration range for a defined long dwell time (longer than the maximum expected interval between excursions to the background gas concentration), a downwards calibration adjustment is effected. |
| US08571809B2 |
Apparatus for calculating scores for chains of sequence alignments
Each of a plurality of substantially co-linear alignments has a score. Each alignment may comprise a starting alignment that has been diagonally extended to meet a length requirement. Dynamic programming is performed in interalignment regions between the extended alignments to generate a corresponding set of interalignment scores. Alignment scores and interalignment scores are summed to generate a score for the entire chain of alignments. This process is repeated for multiple chains. Chains of alignments are ranked by chain score and are displayed to a user. In one embodiment, additional dynamic programming is performed at the head and tail of each chain to increase the chain score when possible. An integrated circuit that performs the method at high speed in hardware is disclosed. Techniques are disclosed that reduce the amount of interalignment dynamic programming. The method increases sensitivity and gives an order of magnitude speed improvement over NCBI-BLAST. |
| US08571808B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing data processing and control in a medical communication system
Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided. |
| US08571805B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by forming a homeostatic loop employing a half-antibody biosensor
A biosensor for detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hybridization uses an array of parallel capacitors to detect electrochemical binding of circulating VEGF to immobilized anti-VEGF monoclonal half-antibodies (a-VEGF mhAb). Binding of a-VEGF mhAb modulates the threshold voltage of a circuit, changing the impedance of the circuit. An electrode coated with a p-Si substrate enhances the affinity between the VEGF molecules. A fluid cell delivers VEGF samples onto the active surface of the chip. An array of parallel capacitors arranged in an interdigitated pattern detects the VEGF in the fluid. The detector provides an accurately measured and quantifiable rate of change of the VEGF molecules in vivo, providing real time feedback which is used to measure response of the tumor to delivered chemotherapeutic agents and biological response modifiers (BRMs) for the purpose of determining tumor burden and efficacy of the chemotherapy as part of a homeostatic loop for chemotherapy. |
| US08571803B2 |
Systems and methods for modeling and analyzing networks
The systems and methods described herein utilize a probabilistic modeling framework for reverse engineering an ensemble of causal models, from data and then forward simulating the ensemble of models to analyze and predict the behavior of the network. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include data-driven techniques for developing causal models for biological networks. Causal network models include computational representations of the causal relationships between independent variables such as a compound of interest and dependent variables such as measured DNA alterations, changes in mRNA, protein, and metabolites to phenotypic readouts of efficacy and toxicity. |
| US08571801B2 |
Methods and systems for determining and controlling glycemic responses
The present invention provides a method of determining a standard comestible Equivalent Glycemic Load of a dietary comestible comprising: (a) establishing a reliable glycemic response index for a standard comestible, wherein the index correlates glycemic response with glycemic load; (b) determining the glycemic response produced by a dietary comestible, and (c) identifying the standard comestible glycemic load from the index which is correlated with the glycemic response of the dietary comestible. |
| US08571793B2 |
Map data, method for preparing the same, data product containing the same, storage medium containing the same, and navigation apparatus using the same
Map data define a road in units of links, and a multilink as links connected consecutively with an identical attribute while containing: a road management information list storing fixed-length road management information elements, each indicating the number of links in each multilink; a lower level link information list storing fixed-length link information elements, each indicating the number of coordinate points in each link, in an order in which corresponding road management information elements are arrayed in the road management information list; a higher level link information list storing fixed-length link information elements, each indicating a multilink as a higher level link; and a higher level link ID list storing fixed-length information elements, each indicating a storage array position in the higher level link information list with respect to a multilink, in an order in which corresponding lower link information elements are arrayed in the lower level link information list. |
| US08571791B2 |
Remote processing of selected vehicle operating parameters
Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. |
| US08571782B2 |
Computer system for use in vehicles
A computer system for vehicles is provided in which the functions are partitioned among the computers of the computer system. A first computer takes over the driving-related functions, while a second computer having greater computing power takes over entertainment-specific functions. |
| US08571776B2 |
Absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles
A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signals and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal. |
| US08571774B2 |
Propulsion system with a continuously variable transmission
One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions. |
| US08571773B2 |
Gear selection method for an automatic transmission for a traction phase after a coasting phase of a motor vehicle
Disclosed herein is a gear selection method and device for an automatic transmission for a traction phase (Z2) after a coasting phase (S) of a motor vehicle. According to the method, in a traction phase (Z1) before the coasting phase (S), a sliding average value of the rotational speed level (n) and/or of the traction force level (Fx) is formed depending on the particular velocity (v) and particular gradient (ST) and is taken into consideration for defining at least one gear choice of the automatic transmission for the traction phase (Z2) after the particular coasting phase (S). |
| US08571771B2 |
Transmission turbine acceleration control for managing vehicle acceleration
Methods and systems for managing acceleration of a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission by controlling transmission turbine acceleration are provided. A desired transmission turbine acceleration is determined based on vehicle speed, turbine speed, and other information obtained from the vehicle transmission. One or more torque limits are determined as a function of the turbine acceleration. The torque limits are applied to manage acceleration of the vehicle. |
| US08571764B2 |
Dynamic spray buffer calculation
In one embodiment, a method that comprises retrieving by a processing unit an application plan from memory, the application plan comprising coordinates for a buffer area associated with dispensing a product onto a field; receiving information from a weather station, the information corresponding to substantially current climatic conditions detected by the weather station in the field; responsive to receiving the information from the weather station, adjusting the application plan; and causing an agricultural machine to operate according to the adjusted application plan. |
| US08571760B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing air bag control unit of vehicle
A system testing the air bag control unit of a vehicle testing an air bag control unit of a vehicle summing a first signal shaken by a shaker and a second signal provided from the signal control apparatus to generate a sum-sensing signal, and generating a determining signal for evaluation regarding presence of an operation of an air bag based on the sum-sensing signal, is provided. The system testing an air bag control unit of a vehicle, includes: a shaker control unit generating a first signal and start-synchronizing information regarding the first signal; a shaker shaking an air bag control unit according to a frequency of the first signal; a signal control unit time-synchronizing and transferring the second signal with the first signal using the start-synchronizing information to the air bag control unit; and an air bag control unit generating a sum-sensing signal regarding the first signal and the second signal, generating and transferring a determining signal for evaluation regarding presence of an operation of an air bag based on the sum-sensing signal to the signal control unit. |
| US08571752B2 |
Vehicle mirror and telematics system
Vehicle mirrors and telematics systems are provided. A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror housing and an accelerometer. The mirror housing is configured to be mounted within a vehicle. The accelerometer is disposed within the mirror housing, and is configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle. A diagnostics device is configured to provide diagnostics information pertaining to the vehicle. A navigation device is configured to provide navigation information as to a position of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer, the diagnostics device, and the navigation device. The controller is configured to generate vehicle determinations using the acceleration, the diagnostics information, and the navigation information. A transmitter is coupled to the controller, and is configured to transmit determination information pertaining to the vehicle determinations. |
| US08571749B2 |
Grille control mechanism for vehicle
A grille control mechanism for a vehicle includes a movable member being switchable between opened and closed positions, an electric motor actuating the movable member, and a control device controlling a supply of electric current until detecting a lock current value to execute an opening operation or a closing operation, wherein the control device executes a checking operation for returning the movable member to an initial position and executing once again the opening or closing operation in a case where a detecting time of the lock current value since the opening or closing operation is started exceeds a predetermined time, and the control device determines that the movable member is in an abnormal state in a case where a detecting time of the lock current value after the operation is started from the initial position in the checking operation exceeds the predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. |
| US08571748B2 |
Method of estimating a propulsion-related operating parameter
A method is provided for estimating a propulsion-related operating parameter of a vehicle for a road segment, and for determining routes based on the estimate. The method may be employed, for example, in a vehicle navigation system. In one example method, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle is estimated for the road segment based on information corresponding to the road segment. The propulsion-related operating parameter is estimated for the road segment using the at least one estimated operating parameter and at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is determined by acquiring driving data to determine a plurality of vehicle operating parameters while the vehicle is in operation. At least two of the determined vehicle operating parameters are used in a predetermined relationship that includes the at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is then determined from the driving data for the at least two vehicle operating parameters and the relationship. |
| US08571747B2 |
System and method for managing aircraft maintenance
In one embodiment, a method of managing maintenance of an aircraft is provided. In one implementation the method includes generating an electronic report that indicates a fault of the aircraft; electronically integrating the electronic report with resource data and flight schedule data to establish a repair solution for the fault; and generating an electronic work order based on the repair solution. |
| US08571743B1 |
Control of vehicles based on auditory signals
Methods and systems for control of vehicles based on auditory signals are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to control a vehicle or may be in communication with the vehicle. The computing device may be configured to receive audio information relating to an audible crosswalk signal for an intersection. The computing device also may be configured to determine a likelihood associated with a presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk at the intersection based on the audio information. The computing device further may be configured to determine a control strategy associated with a driving behavior of the vehicle from among multiple control strategies, based on the likelihood, and may be configured to provide instructions to control the vehicle based on the determined control strategy. |
| US08571742B2 |
Traveling vehicle system and method of avoiding interference with traveling vehicle
A traveling vehicle is equipped with an obstacle sensor to detect a distance to an obstacle and an orientation relative to the obstacle. A map of a travel route of the traveling vehicle is stored. A detection area where deceleration of the traveling vehicle is required if there is any obstacle in the detection area is repeatedly generated based on the position of the traveling vehicle from the map. Among obstacles detected by the obstacle sensor, an obstacle in the detection area is detected. Deceleration control of the traveling vehicle is implemented to prevent interference with the detected obstacle. |
| US08571741B2 |
Device for measuring the movement of a self-guided vehicle
A device for measuring the movement of a self-guiding vehicle, that has an enhanced measuring reliability, in particular during an adhesion loss and independently from the travel profile of the vehicle in terms of slope, turn and slant. To this end, the device for measuring the movement of a self-guiding vehicle includes on board thereof two accelerometers coupled to a movement calculator, wherein each accelerometer includes two measurement axes on which are measured projections of a vehicle acceleration resultant. The four measurement axes of the accelerometers are adjusted so that the calculator provides, from the four projection measures, at least one very accurate longitudinal acceleration value of the vehicle at each point of a route including both slopes and turns. |
| US08571732B2 |
Vehicle skid control device
Provided is a vehicle skid control device that avoids a skid erroneous judgment in a high revolution range of a motor. The vehicle skid control device detects the number of revolutions of the motor. When the number of revolutions of the motor is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value Nm, the vehicle skid control device prohibits a skid judgment. When the number of revolutions of the motor is smaller than the predetermined threshold value Nm, the vehicle skid control device permits the skid judgment. When the number of revolutions of the motor is equal to or larger than the threshold value Nm, the skid judgment is prohibited. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the skid erroneous judgment in the high revolution range with the number of revolutions equal to or larger than Nm. |
| US08571730B1 |
Attitude control device for in-space propellant depot
An attitude control device for an in-space propellant depot. A propellant height sensor generates a measured propellant height. A sloshing frequency calculation unit calculates a sloshing frequency based on the measured propellant height. An attitude angle sensor generates a measured attitude angle. A frequency analysis unit generates a plurality of frequency spectra of the measured attitude angle. A dominant flexible mode calculation unit calculates a dominant flexible mode based on the plurality of frequency spectra. A modal coordinate calculation unit calculates a modal coordinate of the dominant flexible mode. A control torque parameter generator calculates a control torque parameter minimizing spectral amplitude of the plurality of frequency spectra. A control torque generator calculates a term of a control torque until the spectral amplitude of the plurality of frequency spectra no longer exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08571725B2 |
Apparatus for locating a vehicle electronic key
An apparatus is provided for locating a vehicle electronic key including a fob for receiving a low frequency signal, measuring the low frequency signal strength, and providing a radio frequency response signal, a portion of the response signal including the signal strength determination. A low frequency antenna is located within the vehicle cabin for providing the low signal. A controller receives the response signal and compares the signal strength against a predetermined threshold. A vehicle engine immobilizer is responsive to the controller where the controller controls the immobilizer in response to the comparison. |
| US08571724B2 |
Method and device for providing information about a user of a social network in the social network
A method and device for providing information about a user of a social network in the social network are provided. In order to enable the driver of a vehicle or a passenger to communicate with an IT social network with as little distraction as possible, the information is acquired using at least one status recognition device, which is provided in a vehicle used by the user of the social network. The status recognition device delivers status information that indicates a specific status of the vehicle, a specific driving situation, and/or the status of one or more users of the vehicle. |
| US08571718B2 |
Control of water discharge system by reflected wave detection threshold(s)
A water discharge system capable of preventing a mistaken detection to surely perform the stop of water discharge or continue the start of water discharge is provided. The water discharge system includes: a water discharge unit; a sensor unit configured to obtain information about an object to be detected through a reflected wave of a radiated radio wave; a control unit configured to control the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit based on a detective signal from the sensor unit; and a storage mechanics. The sensor unit is installed so that at least part of a radiated radio wave comes into contact with a discharged water flow discharged from the water discharge unit and receives the reflected wave reflected by the discharged water flow, and the control unit determines a state of the discharged water flow by checking a relationship between a first threshold set larger than amplitude of oscillation around a reference value of the detective signal in a water flow state in which only the start of water discharge from the water discharge unit is performed and amplitude of the detective signal received by the sensor unit. |
| US08571717B2 |
Group management apparatus and group management system
A group management apparatus is configured to manage a plurality of air conditioning facilities installed in a plurality of buildings as a plurality of groups. The group management apparatus includes an obtaining section configured to obtain operational data of the air conditioning facilities through a plurality of control units disposed in the buildings on a one-to-one basis, and an extracting section configured to extract one or more groups satisfying predetermined conditions from the groups based on a plurality of assessment perspectives. The control units are configured to control the air conditioning facilities within the buildings. A group management system includes the group management apparatus and the control units. |
| US08571712B2 |
Robot system
A robot system includes a crane unit, a crane moving mechanism, a manipulator unit, and a controller. The crane unit is configured to suspend a workpiece. The crane moving mechanism allows the crane unit to move in a horizontal direction. The manipulator unit holds and moves the crane unit supporting the workpiece. The controller is configured to control the crane unit to support the workpiece at a first position and control the manipulator unit to move the crane unit supporting the workpiece toward a second position and to place the supported workpiece at the second position. |
| US08571710B2 |
Methods and apparatus for surgical planning
Methods and apparatus for enhancing surgical planning provide enhanced planning of entry port placement and/or robot position for laparoscopic, robotic, and other minimally invasive surgery. Various embodiments may be used in robotic surgery systems to identify advantageous entry ports for multiple robotic surgical tools into a patient to access a surgical site. Generally, data such as imaging data is processed and used to create a model of a surgical site, which can then be used to select advantageous entry port sites for two or more surgical tools based on multiple criteria. Advantageous robot positioning may also be determined, based on the entry port locations and other factors. Validation and simulation may then be provided to ensure feasibility of the selected port placements and/or robot positions. Such methods, apparatus and systems may also be used in non-surgical contexts, such as for robotic port placement in munitions defusion or hazardous waste handling. |
| US08571706B2 |
Method and system for optimizing the layout of a robot work cell
A method for optimizing placement of a plurality of workstations in a workcell including an industrial robot programmed to execute a sequence of tasks on the workstations. Each task contains robot targets to be visited by the robot when executing the task. A preferred region is defined within the reachable range of the robot. Tasks are placed inside or as close as possible to the preferred region using an evaluation criterion and an optimization algorithm. The tasks are assigned to each workstation a position inside or close to the preferred region. A best order of the workstations and a defined order in which the tasks are to be executed are determined. The positions of the workstations are adjusted utilizing an optimization algorithm configured to run the robot program iteratively in order to optimize the placement of the workstations with regard to the robot performance. |
| US08571704B2 |
Substrate transfer apparatus
A substrate transfer apparatus that reduces the quantity of sensors used to detect the position of a substrate so as to simplify the structure and lower costs. The substrate transfer apparatus transfers a substrate (S) between a core chamber (11) and a peripheral chamber (12 or 13). A transfer robot (15) is arranged in the core chamber. The transfer robot includes a hand (17) for carrying the substrate and is capable of extending/drawing and pivoting the hand. A sensor (19) detects an edge surface of the substrate. The sensor is arranged at a position that the edge surface of the substrate passes by when the hand is extended/drawn between the core chamber and the peripheral chamber and that the edge surface of the substrate passes by when the hand is pivoted in the core chamber. |
| US08571703B2 |
System, method and storage medium for controlling a processing system
A processing system includes process modules, load lock modules, an equipment controller, and a machine controller. The equipment controller controls transfer and processing of wafers in the processing system. A transfer destination determining portion determines the transfer destination of each wafer such that each wafer is sequentially transferred to a normally operating process module. When an abnormality occurs in a process module, an evacuation portion temporarily evacuates to a cassette stage the wafer determined to be transferred to the abnormal process module and that has not yet been transferred to the abnormal process module. When an error of the abnormal process module is dealt with, a transfer destination change portion changes the transfer destination of a wafer scheduled to be first transferred from the cassette case, to the transfer inhibition-released process module. When the error of the transfer-inhibited processing chamber is released, the transfer route is optimized. |
| US08571701B2 |
Method of filling a restocking package
A method of filling a restocking package is provided in which a queue of requests of items to be picked from a carousel is evaluated based on a set of user configurable priorities, a carousel is operated based on said evaluating, items are picked from the carousel in response to said operating, and a restocking package is filled with items held in said carousel in response to said operating. The method may additionally comprise filling the restocking package at a configurable time. |
| US08571695B2 |
Daisy-chained game audio exchange
A daisy-chainable game exchange facilitates social networking among at least two game consoles by allowing gamers to share audio information, such as voice communication, without having to play the identical game or connect via a local area network or a wide area network such as the Internet. Control of voice communication and game audio information is facilitated to allow gamers to focus better on social networking through a stream of voice communication or to refocus on game play through the stream of game audio information without losing either stream. |
| US08571689B2 |
Model predictive control of fermentation in biofuel production
System and method for managing batch fermentation in biofuel production. An optimizer executes a nonlinear multivariate predictive model of a batch fermentation process in accordance with an end of batch objective specifying a target end of batch biofuel concentration to determine an optimal batch trajectory over a temporal control horizon specifying a biofuel and/or sugar concentration trajectory over the batch fermentation process. A nonlinear control model for the batch fermentation process that includes the temporal control horizon driven by biofuel concentration during the batch fermentation process is executed per the determined optimal batch trajectory using received process information as input, thereby generating model output including target values for manipulated variables for the batch fermentation process, including batch fermentation temperature. The batch fermentation process is controlled per the target values to produce biofuel in accordance with the determined optimal batch trajectory, to substantially optimize the end of batch biofuel yield. |
| US08571688B2 |
System and method for optimization of gas lift rates on multiple wells
A method includes controlling a lift-gas compression process, controlling a lift-gas extraction process, and controlling a production separation process. The method also includes receiving asset data and optimizing the lift-gas compression process, the lift-gas injection process, and the production separation process according to the asset data. |
| US08571674B2 |
Multimodal auditory fitting
The present invention provides for fitting a multimodal hearing system to a recipient. Such fitting may include determining a desired perception for an input signal, receiving a measurement of a perception evoked by applying to the recipient one or more stimulation signals that correspond to the input signal, wherein the one or more stimulation signals applied using two or more stimulation modes, and each stimulation signal is determined using stimulus mode weighting, and adjusting one or more of the stimulus mode weightings based on the difference between the measured evoked perception and the desired perception. A multimodal hearing system is able to stimulate using an acoustic, electrical, mechanical mode and/or photo effect mode. |
| US08571672B2 |
Package for a neural stimulation device
An implantable device including a first electrically non-conductive substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive vias. The device also includes a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the first substrate using conductive bumps, the circuit being electrically connected to at least a subset of the of the electrically conductive vias. Another flip-chip driver circuit is attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps while a second electrically non-conductive substrate is attached to the flip-chip driver circuit, also using conductive bumps. Discrete passives are attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate and a cover is bonded to the first substrate. The cover, the first substrate, and the electrically conductive vias form a hermetic package. |
| US08571671B2 |
Method of improving electrode tissue interface
A critical element of a retinal prosthesis is the stimulating electrode array, which is placed in close proximity to the retina. It is via this interface that a retinal prosthesis electrically stimulates nerve cells to produce the perception of light. The impedance load seen by the current driver consists of the tissue resistance and the complex electrode impedance. The results show that the tissue resistance of the retina is significantly greater than that of the vitreous humor in the eye. Circuit models of the electrode-retina interface are used to parameterize the different contributors to the overall impedance. |
| US08571669B2 |
Retinal prosthesis with efficient processing circuits
A medical device includes an array of electrodes, configured for implantation in contact with tissue in an eye of a living subject. Driver circuitry is configured to drive the electrodes in an alternating pattern, such that different groups of the electrodes are driven to stimulate the tissue during different, predetermined respective time periods. A power sensor, may be coupled to deactivate a first group of the electrodes when the available electrical power drops below a predetermined threshold, while a second group of the electrodes remains active. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08571668B2 |
Downloadable filters for a visual prosthesis
The present invention is a method of neural stimulation and more specifically an improved method of providing flexible video/image possessing in a visual prosthesis by providing downloadable video filters. In a visual prosthesis, the input video image will, for the foreseeable future, be higher resolution than the output stimulation of the retina, optic nerve or visual cortex. This is due to limits of electrode array technology and the rapid advancement of video camera technology. It is therefore, advantageous to apply video processing algorithms (filters) to help provide the most useful information to the lower resolution electrode array. Different filters are more effective in different environments and for different subjects. Furthermore, filters will continue to improve over time. Examples of situation dependent filters include reverse image, contrast increasing, edge detection, segmentation using chromatic information and motion detection. Filters loaded in the video processing unit may be selected dynamically to suit the situation or the user's preference. It is therefore advantageous to provide flexibility in applying filters. However, it is also important to maintain the security necessary for a medical device. The present invention provides for an external (not implanted) video processing unit with downloadable video filters. |
| US08571665B2 |
Helical radial spacing of contacts on a cylindrical lead
A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes at least four segmented electrodes having exposed surfaces where each exposed surface has a center point. The center points of the at least four segmented electrodes are disposed on a substantially helical path about the longitudinal surface of the lead. |
| US08571664B2 |
Measurement of patient physiological parameters
A method of determining one or more physiological parameter of a patient by providing a plurality of implantable electrodes proximate a blood vessel of the patient, applying a measurement signal through the plurality of electrodes, the measurement signal having a known parameter, obtaining a resultant signal through the plurality of electrodes, the resultant signal having a resultant parameter, calculating vascular impedance based on the measurement signal and the resultant signal, and calculating a physiological parameter based on the vascular impedance. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is utilized to modify a therapy signal controlling therapy delivered to the patient. |
| US08571663B2 |
Portable negative pressure ventilation device and methods and software related thereto
Featured is an apparatus an apparatus including a monitoring and sensing means, an electrode patch and a control device operably coupled to each of the sensing means and the electrodes and outputs signals to the electrodes for purposes of stimulating the phrenic nerve to thereby cause breathing by natural contraction of the diaphragm. The control device is configured and arranged to initially localize the phrenic nerve with respect to a given set of electrodes that is effective, when appropriately energized, for stimulating the phrenic nerve to establish negative pressure induced respiration in the body, based on the output signal(s) from the monitoring and sensing means. After such initially localizing; the control device thereafter repetitively outputs stimulation signals via the given set of electrodes so as to thereby continuously stimulate negative pressure induced respiration. Also featured are methods related thereto. |
| US08571662B2 |
Transvascular nerve stimulation apparatus and methods
Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves. |
| US08571660B2 |
System and method for graphically configuring leads
Systems and methods are provided for graphically configuring leads for a medical device. According to one aspect, the system generally comprises a medical device and a processing device, such as a programmer or computer, adapted to be in communication with the medical device. The medical device has at least one lead with at least one electrode in a configuration that can be changed using the processing device. The processing device provides a graphical display of the configuration, including a representative image of a proposed electrical signal to be applied by the medical device between the at least one electrode of the medical device and at least one other electrode before the medical device applies the electrical signal between the at least one electrode and the at least one other electrode. In one embodiment, the graphical display graphically represents the lead(s), the electrode(s), a pulse polarity, and a vector. |
| US08571659B2 |
Implantable medical device with chemical sensor and related methods
In an embodiment, the invention includes an implantable medical device with a pulse generator and a chemical sensor in communication with the pulse generator, the chemical sensor configured to detect an ion concentration in a bodily fluid. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for providing cardiac arrhythmia therapy to a patient including sensing a physiological concentration of an analyte, communicating data regarding the physiological concentration of the analyte to an implanted pulse generator, and delivering therapy to the patient based in part on the physiological concentration of the ion. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for monitoring diuretic therapy. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for controlling delivery of an active agent into a human body. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. |
| US08571658B2 |
Synchronization control system
A method of controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device (14) in a patient (10). The method consisting of utilizing sounds produced by the heart (12) to control the operation of the heart assist device (14). |
| US08571657B2 |
Heart failure therapy adjustment based on ventricular pressures
Pacing left and right ventricles of the heart for delivery of heart failure therapy involves measuring right ventricular (RV) pressure and a left ventricular (LV) pressure, and computing a parameter developed from one or both of the RV and LV pressure measurements. The parameter is indicative of a degree of left and right ventricular synchronization. At least one parameter of a heart failure pacing therapy is adjusted based on the parameter to improve synchronization of the right and left ventricles. |
| US08571653B2 |
Nerve stimulation techniques
A method is provided for treating heart failure in a subject in need of such treatment, including applying a stimulating current to parasympathetic nervous tissue of the subject, selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve and an epicardial fat pad. The stimulating current is configured to inhibit release of at least one proinflammatory cytokine sufficiently to the treat heart failure of the subject. A level of the at least one proinflammatory cytokine is measured. Optionally, the stimulating current is configured to change a level of Connexin 43 of the subject, and the level of Connexin 43 is also measured. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08571651B2 |
Techniques for reducing pain associated with nerve stimulation
Apparatus is provided including an electrode device and a control unit. The electrode device is configured to be coupled to a site of a subject selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve, an epicardial fat pad, a pulmonary vein, a carotid artery, a carotid sinus, a coronary sinus, a vena cava vein, a right ventricle, a right atrium, and a jugular vein. The control unit is configured to drive the electrode device to apply to the site a current in at least first and second bursts, the first burst including a plurality of pulses, and the second burst including at least one pulse, and set (a) a pulse repetition interval (PRI) of the first burst to be on average at least 20 ms, (b) an interburst interval between initiation of the first burst and initiation of the second burst to be less than 10 seconds, (c) an interburst gap between a conclusion of the first burst and the initiation of the second burst to have a duration greater than the average PRI, and (d) a burst duration of the first burst to be less than a percentage of the interburst interval between, the percentage being less than 67%. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08571650B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating a renal associated condition in a subject
Methods for treating a renal associated condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include paradoxically enhancing renal sympathetic bias in the subject in a manner effective to treat the renal associated condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods. |
| US08571648B2 |
Apparatus and method to apply substances to tissue
Methods and apparatuses to apply substances to a biological tissue are described. The tissue having an target below a surface is stretched to provide openings in a surface. Stretching forces a material from the target onto the surface. A first substance may be applied while stretching to promote cleaning the tissue. A second substance may be applied to the surface. Energy may be applied to the tissue. Then the tissue is relaxed to draw the second substance through the openings into the tissue. The tissue may be stretched by applying a negative pressure, and relaxed by removing the negative pressure. The first substance may be an abrasive material. The second substance is a medicine, a moisturizer, a lotion, or any combination thereof. The second substance may be applied to the biological tissue using a positive pressure. The apparatus to apply substances may be a handheld device. |
| US08571638B2 |
Miniature bone-attached surgical robot and method of use thereof
A miniature surgical robot is attached directly to the bone of a patient at a surgical site, thereby locating the robot precisely on the bone. Intraoperative two-dimensional images of the robot on the bone together with an image referencing element disposed in a predetermined position relative to the robot, are correlated to form a three dimensional image. One or more windows of this three dimensional image are registered with similarly located windows in a preoperative three-dimensional image of the surgical site, the preoperative image including details of the surgeon's plan. This registration of these windows defines the referencing element position in the preoperative image, and hence the robot location in the preoperative image. This enables the robot to be directed to pre-operative determined positions based on the pre-operative plan to perform a surgical procedure. |
| US08571633B2 |
Diagnostic imaging method
A method of identifying injury to soft connective tissues in complicated body joints deploys use of motion x-ray images as the joint moves to identify suspected abnormal pathology followed by Dynamic Upright MRI images of the joint under conditions that express the abnormal pathology. The Dynamic Upright MRI parameters are based on the suspected pathology. The method is particularly useful in detecting disco/ligamentous and other injuries that often times will not be visualized on conventional recumbent MRI, or static x-rays. |
| US08571630B2 |
Transmission line for RF signals without matching networks
An electrically conductive transmission line for transmitting RF signals, in particular for transmitting MR signals between a transmission and/or receiving coil and a transmitting and/or receiving unit, by which separate known matching networks can be avoided or reduced. A transmission line is proposed comprising a plurality of lead segments coupled by transformers having a transformer impedance ZL placed between two neighboring lead segments, wherein for power matching of the two transformers placed at opposite ends of a lead segment, the lead segment has a lead segment impedance Z0 or a dielectric constant ∈r and wherein the lead segment has a short length l. Thus, the lead segments themselves provide the matching of the transformers, and separate matching circuits are no longer needed. |
| US08571624B2 |
Method and apparatus for mounting a data transmission device in a communication system
Method and apparatus for mounting a data transmission device in a communication system including and adhesive pad with pull tab and raised border portions is provided. The adhesive pad may also include a flexible band to fit around the patient's arm to firmly secure the adhesive pad onto the patient's skin. The flexible band is size adjustable. The pull tab and raised borders on the adhesive pad permit easy single handed application and removal process of the adhesive pad by the patient. |
| US08571623B2 |
System and method for detection of venous pulsation
In accordance with an embodiment of the present technique, there is provided methods and systems for detecting the presence of venous pulsation by adjusting the sensitivity of a detection algorithm based on a sensor characteristic and/or notifying a caregiver of the presence of venous pulsation by ceasing display of physiological parameters. An exemplary embodiment includes receiving one or more signals from a sensor, the one or more signals corresponding to absorption of light in a patient's tissue; calculating one or more physiological parameters of the patient based on the one or more signals; displaying the patient's physiological parameters; enabling detection of venous pulsation with variable sensitivity based on a location of the sensor; and suspending or terminating the display of the one or more of the patient's physiological parameters when venous pulsation is detected. |
| US08571622B2 |
Method for reducing power consumption in pulse oximeter systems, pulse oximeter system and pulse oximeter sensor
Method and pulse oximeter system for determining blood characteristics of a subject are disclosed. A pulse oximeter sensor for collecting plethysmographic data is also disclosed. In order to reduce the power consumption, time instants of systolic rises are estimated in at least one plethysmographic waveform of a subject and light emitting elements of a sensor are controlled according to the estimated time instants, thereby to collect signal samples from a plurality of plethysmographic waveforms of the subject during the systolic rises. A desired blood parameter, typically oxygen saturation, is then defined based on the signal samples collected during the systolic rises. |
| US08571621B2 |
Minimax filtering for pulse oximetry
Methods and systems are provided for filtering a pulse oximetry signal without making assumptions on the noise statistics of the signal. A pulse oximeter may receive an energy signal proportional to an amount of light detected at the sensor. The energy signal may be converted and digitally processed to estimate physiological data. The pulse oximeter may include a processor configured to execute H∞ filtering algorithms to estimate physiological data without requiring the variances and/or distributions of measurement and process noise in the signal. In one or more embodiments, the pulse oximeter may also be configured to execute other filtering algorithms which update H∞ filtering algorithms based on the pulse oximetry signal. |
| US08571617B2 |
Flowometry in optical coherence tomography for analyte level estimation
Optical coherence tomography (herein “OCT”) based analyte monitoring systems are disclosed. In one aspect, techniques are disclosed that can identify fluid flow in vivo (e.g., blood flow), which can act as a metric for gauging the extent of blood perfusion in tissue. For instance, if OCT is to be used to estimate the level of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in tissue, a measure of the extent of blood flow can potentially indicate the presence of an analyte correlating region, which would be suitable for analyte level estimation with OCT. Another aspect is related to systems and methods for scanning multiple regions. An optical beam is moved across the surface of the tissue in two distinct manners. The first can be a coarse scan, moving the beam to provide distinct scanning positions on the skin. The second can be a fine scan where the beam is applied for more detailed analysis. |
| US08571613B1 |
Weatherproof radio receiver
A radio receiver having a substantially round housing that does not exceed 7.95 cm in diameter. A front display panel having a somewhat larger perimeter than the housing is mounted to the housing. The housing and the front display panel form a weatherproof unit that meets IP66 standards. A radio receiver and an amplifier are contained within the weatherproof housing, which shields electrical circuits from precipitation and other forms of water intrusion. |
| US08571612B2 |
Mobile voice management of devices
A method and system for remotely managing mobile devices over a communication network including transceiving user input data generated at a mobile management terminal to a management computer over a communication network. The transceived user input data is analyzed to determine whether the user input data corresponds to a stored command function and the stored command function is executed at the management computer in response to determining that the user input data corresponds to a stored command function. Data is transceived from the management computer to one or more mobile host devices over the communication network. |
| US08571605B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of reducing power consumption for a dual display system
A mobile terminal and method of reducing power consumption in the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying an operation screen in the first display module, determining a remaining battery power of the mobile terminal, and disabling the first display module and displaying the operation screen in the second display module in response to determining that the remaining battery power is less than a reference battery power. |
| US08571601B2 |
Switching communication radio path based on power constraints
Aspects relate to determining whether a constraint or other condition on a mobile device may be alleviated or better satisfied by switching from one communication network to another for a call (or setting up a call on one network in preference to another). A mobile device is operable to conduct a communication session over at least two different communication media, which have different power consumption characteristics. Where a remaining battery power level is constrained, a determination can be made whether using one network over another saves more than a threshold amount of power over another network. Estimates of battery life for each network can be made based on predictions of a length of the communication session, and a power factor calculated for the network. |
| US08571596B2 |
Method of power negotiation between two contactless devices
The invention is a method of power negotiation between a first contactless device and a second contactless device which provides an electromagnetic field set to a first power level. The method comprises the steps of: a) sending a request from the first device to the second device. The request targets a second power level and an associated duration. The next step is: b) sending a response to the first device. The response reflects a decision of the second device corresponding to the request. The final step is: c) switching the electromagnetic field to the second power level if the decision is positive. |
| US08571594B2 |
System and method for overload indication
Devices and methods are provided for transmit power control in a wireless communication environment. In one embodiment, the method may involve measuring an interference amount over at least one of a sub-band and a full bandwidth. The method may involve assigning a level to the measured interference amount, the level comprising one of an overloaded level and an underloaded level. The method may involve encoding the level as an overload indicator, the overload indicator being conditioned on the sub-band such that the overload indicator includes enhanced layer symbols regarding the level of the measured interference amount. The method may involve conveying the overload indicator to at least one mobile device. |
| US08571593B2 |
Apparatus and method for uplink power control in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for controlling a transmit power of a sounding signal in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes estimating a downlink Carrier to Interference and Noise Ratio (CINR) using at least one signal received from a Base Station (BS), determining a transmit power level for a sounding signal using a target CINR for the sounding signal, wherein the target CINR is determined based on the downlink CINR and multi-target CINR information, and transmitting the sounding signal according to the transmit power level. |
| US08571591B2 |
Coexistence support for multi-channel wireless communications
Systems and techniques relating to wireless communications are described. A described technique includes monitoring a group of wireless channels that are useable by at least a first wireless communication device for wireless communications, receiving one or more beacon signals from one or more second wireless communication devices, identifying, within the group of wireless channels, one or more primary channels on which the one or more beacon signals are received, estimating a traffic load for the one or more identified primary channels, determining, based on the estimated traffic load, whether to use as a primary channel for the first wireless communication device, a channel of the one or more identified primary channels or a channel of the group of wireless channels that is separate from the one or more identified primary channels; and selecting the primary channel for the first wireless communication device based on a result of the determining. |
| US08571589B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication method, and base station
In a wireless communication system having a plurality of base stations and a control station controlling the plurality of base stations, the control station allocates, to the plurality of base stations, antenna patterns associated with directivity patterns for each of a plurality of frequency bands that can be utilized by the respective base stations and if it transmits, to respective ones of the plurality of base stations, parameters for associating the allocated antenna patterns with directivity patterns for each of the plurality of frequency bands; and the plurality of base stations associate the directivity patterns with the plurality of frequency bands on the basis of the parameters received from the control station and, in accordance with the associated directivity patterns, transmit signals to the antenna and receive signals from the antenna. |
| US08571578B1 |
Identifying mobile access points
Systems and methods for identifying mobile access points are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an indication of an accessible access point and an indication of geographic location. The method also includes determining that a stored geographic location associated with the accessible access point is inconsistent with the indication of the geographic location. The method also includes providing, to a server and to a local memory, an indication that the accessible access point is a candidate mobile access point based on the determination that the stored geographic location is inconsistent with the indication of the geographic location. |
| US08571577B2 |
Estimating the location of a wireless terminal based on signal path impairment
A technique for estimating the location of a wireless terminal at an unknown location in a geographic region is disclosed. The technique is based on the recognition that there are traits of electromagnetic signals that are dependent on topography, the receiver, the location of the transmitter, and other factors. For example, if a particular radio station is known to be received strongly at a first location and weakly at a second location, and a given wireless terminal at an unknown location is receiving the radio station weakly, it is more likely that the wireless terminal is at the second location than at the first location. |
| US08571576B2 |
Method of configuring FM radio transmitters in portable devices
A processor for a user-portable device, the user-portable device comprising FM transmission circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to obtain a first set of valid geo-specific FM transmission parameters for the current geographical location of the user-portable device based on received global positioning satellite (GPS) data for the current geographical location of the user-portable device; and provide signalling to configure the FM transmission circuitry to use the valid first set of geo-specific FM transmission parameters. |
| US08571573B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method in communication system
A radio communication apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a cognitive signal including system information of each of a plurality of systems; a metric unit configured to prepare metric information indicating relationship degree between the radio communication apparatus and a communication system to which the radio communication apparatus does not belong; a condition determination unit configured to determine whether a restriction should be imposed on transmission by the radio communication apparatus based on the system information and the metric information; and a transmission unit configured to transmit a signal using predetermined radio resources when transmission by the radio communication apparatus is not prohibited. |
| US08571571B2 |
Extensible infotainment/telematics system
An infotainment/telematics system includes a fixed base unit and a portable communication device. The fixed base unit may include a plurality of base unit devices cooperating with a base unit processor to execute a set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The portable communication device may include a one or more PCD devices cooperating with a portable communication device processor to execute a one or more stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device may be connected for intelligent communication with one another to share and/or control a base unit device and/or a PCD device. Multiple portable communication devices may be connected to a single base unit to share the infotainment/telematics devices of the portable communication devices with the base unit and/or between the multiple portable communication devices. The fixed base unit may be fixed in a vehicle. |
| US08571570B2 |
Methods and apparatus for delivering regional parameters
System for delivering regional parameters. A method is provided for delivering regional parameters. The method includes receiving a parameter stream that includes one or more sets of regional parameters associated with one or more regions. The method also includes determining a first real-time region indicator, and selecting one or more selected sets of regional parameters from the parameter stream based on the first real-time region indicator. |
| US08571568B2 |
Communication system using multi-band scheduling
A multi-band scheduling method determines frequency bands for each of a plurality of frames existing in a single session queue from among a plurality of frequency bands based on data characteristics of each of the plurality of frames. In particular, the multi-band scheduling method may assign a frame with a high significance to a frequency band having a superior channel state, thereby increasing communication reliability. Also, a broadcasting service system may use the multi-band scheduling method to effectively provide the broadcasting services. |
| US08571567B2 |
Communication terminal device, base station device and radio communication system in which a random access channel is accessed by employing an initial access code randomly selected from a selected group of initial access codes
There is disclosed a communication terminal device capable of eliminating collision of access request signals simultaneously transmitted from communication terminal devices in a local cell, preventing generation of interference signal in another cell adjacent to the local cell, and improving the throughput in the local cell. There is also disclosed a base station device for controlling the transmission power of the access permission signal so as to prevent generation of an interference signal in another cell adjacent to the local cell. In this device, a use sub-channel selection unit (206) has a correspondence table between the reception quality of the pilot signals divided into classes and the sub-channel allocated to the classes. According to the correspondence table, the use sub-channel selection unit (206) selects a sub-channel group of RACH correlated to the measurement result of the reception quality of the pilot signals reported from the reception quality measurement unit (205). One sub-channel to be used for transmission of the access request signal is selected at random from the sub-channel group selected. |
| US08571566B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining and assigning spectrum for wireless communications
Methods and apparatus for determining band availability and/or allocating one or more frequency bands to a communications device for wireless communications are described. In different locations and/or at different times different frequency bands, e.g., band corresponding to unused TV channels, may be available for allocation. Various described methods and apparatus are well suited for supporting local peer to peer networks in an environment in which a plurality of different technologies are supported. A centralized control device determines and allocates a frequency band to a wireless terminal for use at a given location and at a given time, e.g., for peer to peer communications using a particular technology supported by the wireless terminal. The centralized control device uses database information and information received from a plurality of wireless terminals in making frequency band allocation decisions, performing load balancing, and/or performing interference management. |
| US08571565B2 |
UL/DL scheduling for full bandwidth utilization
A method may include receiving, by a user equipment incapable of transmitting and receiving simultaneously, a schedule to transmit data on an uplink, detecting, by the user equipment, whether there is data to be transmitted on the uplink, and receiving, by the user equipment, during a time corresponding to the schedule, data associated with a downlink, when it is determined that there is no data to be transmitted. |
| US08571563B2 |
Method of conditionally routing a call made to a fixed telephone number
The invention relates to a method of routing a call made by a calling party to a fixed telephone number of a called party, wherein the call is routed to one or more mobile terminals (34) via an Internet Protocol network (12) and a wireless access point (10) associated with the fixed telephone number if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located in an area covered by the wireless access point (10), or to an alternative terminating point if the one or more mobile terminals (34) are located outside the area. A specific Service Control Point is arranged to store a list that comprises alternative terminating points for the calls to the fixed number. |
| US08571562B2 |
Method and apparatus for cell change order
A method and apparatus for cell change order including issuing or receiving a cell change order message to find a target cell in a network with no compressed mode measurement, performing a power scan on the network to find a suitable cell if the target cell is not found, and camping on the suitable cell if found. In one aspect, the network is a 2G network. In yet another aspect, the network is a GSM network. |
| US08571559B2 |
User data transmission method, and radio network controller
A user data transmission method for transmitting uplink user data via an E-DPDCH, including: determining, at a radio network controller, that the mobile station transmitting the E-DPDCH to only a first cell transmits the E-DPDCH to the first cell and a second cell; notifying, at the radio network controller, E-HICH decoding information for decoding a E-HICH for the uplink user data to be transmitted by the second cell, to the mobile station based on the determination; transmitting, at the mobile station, the E-DPDCH to the first cell and the second cell, after the E-HICH decoding information is received; and decoding, at the mobile station, the E-HICH for the uplink user data to be transmitted from the second cell based on the E-HICH decoding information, and performing a retransmission control of the uplink user data toward the second cell based on the decoded E-HICH for the uplink user data. |
| US08571556B2 |
Method of communicating signals in a mobile communication system
A method of communicating signals in a mobile communication system having a first base station, a second base station, and a base station controlling node controlling the first base station and the second base station is presented. The method includes during a handover, receiving, at the first base station, a control message from the second base station including a sequence number indicating at least one data unit to be transmitted to a mobile station or to be received from a mobile station, wherein the first base station receives the control message from the second base station without being controlled by the base station controlling node. |
| US08571555B2 |
Method and apparatus for handover by implementing pre-handover indication messages for a preferred target node in wireless telecommunication networks
A method for handover of a mobile terminal from a source node to a target node in a wireless telecommunications network, including the steps of: adding an indication in the preparation phase by which source node indicates to the target node if it is the one preferred or not. If a target node is not the one preferred but is still selected by the UE, it may indicate this to the source node as by a specific new message that comes earlier in the handover process than a message requesting the source node to release resources following successful handover to a new node. The source node can then in this case cancel handover preparations to other target nodes earlier and also start data forwarding where applicable earlier. |
| US08571554B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing connection identification in a communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving a connection identification (CID) in a communication system is provided. Upon detecting a need for its handover, a mobile station (MS) transmits a handover request message to a first base station (BS) in communication with the MS. Upon receiving the handover request message, the first BS transmits at least one CID for connection setup to a second BS to which the MS will perform handover, to the MS along with a handover response message in response to the handover request message. The MS receives the CID through the handover response message. |
| US08571551B1 |
Controlling wireless device registration based on vehicle movement
A wireless communication device integrated with a vehicle operates in a reduced-registration mode while the vehicle ignition is off. In the reduced-registration mode, the wireless communication device periodically determines, based at least on vehicle control system data such as odometer data or wheel-rotation data, whether the vehicle has moved at least a threshold extent, and if so the wireless communication device engages in air interface registration. The arrangement helps to conserve vehicle battery power while the ignition is off, while keeping a serving radio access network apprised when the vehicle has been moved sufficiently, so that the network can more readily route messages such as telematics commands to the vehicle. |
| US08571549B2 |
Access control for roaming radio devices
Methods and systems are provided for supporting roaming wireless devices and roaming wireless groups with access controls. One exemplary method involves obtaining a set of permissions associated with a roaming device from its home radio system, obtaining a set of permissions for the roaming device from the visited radio system, merging the obtained sets of permissions, and responding to a request from the roaming device in accordance with the merged set of permissions for the roaming device within the visited radio system. Another exemplary method involves obtaining permissions associated with a roaming radio group from its home radio system, obtaining permissions for the roaming radio group from the visited radio system, merging the obtained permissions, and responding to a group service request for the roaming radio group in accordance with the merged set of permissions for the roaming radio group within the visited radio system. |
| US08571547B2 |
Prevention of overreach condition in cellular communication
A method of wireless communication between a base station and a mobile station may entail scanning a first entry of a preferred roaming list for a first base station channel, transmitting a downlink signal from the base station to the mobile station; determining that the downlink signal to the mobile station from the base station has not been received, scanning the preferred roaming list for a second base station, identifying that the second base station does not exist on the preferred roaming list, and inquiring whether a vehicle ignition is off upon determining that the second base station does not exist. Moreover, the method may entail determining that the vehicle ignition is on, and return an excluded channel of a base station to the preferred roaming list and determine that the vehicle ignition is off and invoke a sleep mode of the digital control module. |
| US08571546B2 |
Method for implementing dual-homing
The invention discloses a method for implementing dual-homing, including: setting each one of any two core control equipment as a standby for each other, connecting a network entity belonging to one of the core control equipment with the two core control equipment through a primary link and a standby link respectively; setting the primary link connected with the core control equipment as activated, and setting the standby link connected with the core control equipment inactive; determining whether the core control equipment corresponding to the primary link is out of service, if the core control equipment corresponding to the primary link is out of service, activating the standby link; otherwise, continuously determining whether the core control equipment corresponding to the primary link is out of service. The invention also discloses another method for implementing dual-homing, by which the reliability of the network can be improved. |
| US08571543B2 |
Basestation maintenance systems and method
A method and system for maintaining a basestation system is provided. The basestation includes a basestation module. The system includes a translating system for translating at least a portion of the basestation module between a first position and a second position. The system includes a connection module for detachably connecting to the portion of the basestation module when the portion of the basestation circuitry is at the second position. |
| US08571535B1 |
Method and system for a hosted mobile management service architecture
A hosted mobile management service is provided for enabling a user to access a centralized account through a user interface on a terminal in order to manage the user's media information, such as digital music and photos. Any modifications made by user through the user interface are transparently sent to the user's mobile device where a module receives such modification information and interacts with the mobile device to reconcile such modifications. |
| US08571534B1 |
Systems and methods of filtering an audio speech stream
A system for processing an audio speech stream during a wireless dispatch communication session obtains processing criteria from an originating wireless device and defines a filter according to the obtained processing criteria. The system receives an audio speech stream at a dispatch serving node and generates one or more filtered audio streams with the filter, and sends the one or more filtered audio streams to a receiving wireless device. |
| US08571533B2 |
Local mobile number for a foreign resident mobile
A system and method for providing a local number service at a native country mobile operator to a foreign resident mobile of a foreign resident country mobile operator. The service enables the foreign resident mobile to receive calls and SMS messages irrespective of its location. It also allows the foreign mobile to register with the native country mobile operator and perform communication services with a local identity. |
| US08571532B2 |
System and method for providing cellular call gating via a femto cell
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for providing cellular call gating. For example, in one embodiment, a femto cell is disclosed that includes a transceiver configured to send and receive signals associated with a registered cellular device; a processing unit configured to execute instructions to enable call gating function associated with the registered cellular device; a network interface configured to receive an incoming call to the registered cellular device; a caller identification module configured to identifying a caller ID associated with the incoming call; a data storage unit containing a list of allowed caller IDs associated with the registered cellular device; and a call gating module configured to route the incoming call to the registered cellular device if the caller ID associated with the incoming call is on the list of allowed caller IDs. |
| US08571531B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing the CNAP service
The present invention discloses a method for realizing the CNAP service, including: receiving a service request sent by the switching system, where the service request carries the identifier of the calling party and the identifier of the called party; querying the calling information set by the calling party according to the identifier of the calling party, and querying the location information of the called party according to the identifier of the called party; after determining that the called MS already rings, sending a flash message that contains the calling information to the called MS according to the location information of the called party. The present invention also provides a calling information service apparatus accordingly. The invention correlates the judging of the status of the call connection process with the time of implementing the CNAP service. Therefore, the calling information can be sent to the called MS at a proper time, thus helping the called party to identify the calling party correctly. |
| US08571528B1 |
Method and system to automatically create a contact with contact details captured during voice calls
A method for capturing identity information on a voice call, including determining that a phone call is in session on a mobile device, where the voice call is conducted between an identifying user and a target user, receiving an activation input, initiating, in response to the activation input, an audio recording of the target user on the phone call, recording a voice of the target user in the audio recording, receiving a deactivation input, concluding, in response to the deactivation input, the audio recording of the target user on the phone call, storing the audio recording of the target user, converting the audio recording into an audio recording text, parsing the audio recording text to generate the identity information of a third party, creating, for the third party, a contact including the identity information in the mobile device, and storing the contact in the mobile device. |
| US08571526B2 |
System and method for recording a communication
A system and method for recording a session is provided. One session related to first and second parties may be established. Another session related to the first party and a recording server may be established. The sessions may be joined, and the common session may be recorded by the recording server. A recorded session may be stored and played back. |
| US08571524B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivery confirmation of a message
A system and method for delivery confirmation of a short message comprising sending the short message to an recipient communication device, determining that an instant message delivery notification (IMDN) is not received, and indicating delivery failure of the short message to the mobile station. In another aspect, if a 202 Accepted message is received, the IM server is subscribed to. Alternatively when a message indicating that an recipient communication device is reachable is received, the service center sends the short message to the communication device. In another alternative, if a recipient absence notification is received the short message is buffered in a service center until the service center receives notification that the recipient communication device is present. Upon receipt of the notification, the service center retransmits the short message, and a successful delivery report is sent when the short message is received by the recipient communication device. |
| US08571518B2 |
Proximity detection module on thermostat
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing a site in a mobile environment, which includes detecting an availability of a thermostat wherein the thermostat has an operating condition; detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site; providing a proximity control selector within a user interface of the mobile device to manage a proximity detection module disposed on the thermostat, wherein the proximity control selector has an enabled setting of the proximity detection module and a disabled setting of the proximity detection module; enabling the proximity detection module in response to the enabled setting of the proximity control selector to allow for the modification of the operating condition of the thermostat based on the detected location of the mobile device relative to the site; and disabling the proximity detection module in response to the disabled setting of the proximity control selector. |
| US08571517B2 |
System and method of identifying the association relationship between a smart card and a mobile phone
A method and system for identifying an association between a Smart Card and a mobile device by selecting card-swiping record pairs from a set of card-swiping records of the Smart Card, each including a card-swiping location and a corresponding card-swiping time; calculating overlap degree in time and location dimensions of the card-swiping record pair and the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone, which is recorded in a mobile network as a communication log; determining that the card-swiping record pair overlaps with the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone recorded in the communication log if the overlap degree is greater than a predetermined threshold, and determining that the Smart Card is associated with the mobile phone if each card-swiping record pair of the plurality of card-swiping record pairs overlaps with the communication behavior record pair of the mobile phone recorded in the communication log. |
| US08571513B2 |
Integrated circuit passive signal distribution
For one disclosed embodiment, an integrated circuit may comprise an internal transmission line in one or more layers of the integrated circuit. The internal transmission line may be coupled to receive a signal from an external transmission line at a first end of the internal transmission line without use of termination circuitry. The internal transmission line may transmit the signal passively to a second end of the internal transmission line. The integrated circuit may also comprise first circuitry having an input coupled to the internal transmission line at a first location of the internal transmission line to receive the signal and second circuitry having an input coupled to the internal transmission line at a second location of the internal transmission line to receive the signal. The second location may be different from the first location. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08571512B2 |
Implementing a passive rotating harmonic rejection mixer (RHRM) for a TV tuner in an integrated circuit
In one embodiment, a passive rotating harmonic rejection mixer (RHRM) is provided that can directly couple to an antenna to receive an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal. This RHRM can have a master RF device to receive the signal and provide first and second RF currents, a master LO device coupled to an output of the master RF device to receive the RF currents and mix them with a master clock signal of multiple polarities to obtain a mixed signal pair. The RHRM may further include a rotating switch coupled to the master LO device to cyclically switch the mixed signal pair to one of multiple virtual ground nodes at an output of the rotating switch, and operational amplifiers each having a first input terminal coupled to one of the virtual ground nodes and having a feedback filter coupled thereto. |
| US08571507B2 |
Analog signal processing device for phased array antennas
A signal processing device includes a device package, processing circuitry and biasing circuitry. The processing circuitry is packaged in the device package and is operative to receive one or more Radio Frequency (RF) input signals from one or more antenna elements via one or more pre-amplifiers that are separate from the device, and to process the RF input signals so as to produce an RF output signal. The biasing circuitry is packaged in the device package and is operative to produce one or more biasing signals for biasing the pre-amplifiers. |
| US08571503B2 |
Signal receiving methods and devices
A signal receiving method for receiving a signal within a predetermined bandwidth for a broadcasting system using an embedded antenna is provided, comprising: obtaining an antenna bandwidth of the embedded antenna; dividing the predetermined bandwidth into a plurality of subbands according to the antenna bandwidth; receiving a control signal; selecting one of the subbands according to the control signal; and receiving the signal using a match unit corresponding to the selected subband for matching the embedded antenna. |
| US08571499B1 |
Wireless terrestrial communications systems using a line-of-sight frequency for inbound data and a non-line-of-sight frequency for outbound data
A terrestrial communications system which comprises one or more terrestrial transmitting nodes for transmitting a first set of signals, one or more terrestrial receiving nodes for receiving a second set of signals, and a plurality of user units, each of the user units including a transceiver for transmitting the second set of signals to the terrestrial receiving nodes and for concurrently receiving the first set of signals from the respective terrestrial transmitting node, wherein the first set of signals are in a first frequency band between 11.0 GHz-13.0 GHz and wherein said second set of signals are in a second frequency band between 0.7 GHz-3.0 GHz. |
| US08571494B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing communications in low signal to noise ratio environments
An apparatus is disclosed having a receiver configured to communicate, by a first apparatus, with a second apparatus in a first mode; determine side information by the first apparatus based on the communication during the first mode; and store the side information by the first apparatus for communication in a second mode with the second apparatus, wherein the first and second modes of communication have different date rates. A method for wireless communications is also disclosed. |
| US08571492B2 |
DC-DC converter current sensing
A sample-and-hold (SAH) current estimating circuit and a first switching power supply are disclosed. The first switching power supply provides a first switching power supply output signal based on a series switching element and a setpoint. The SAH current estimating circuit samples a voltage across the series switching element of the first switching power supply during an ON state of the series switching element and during a ramping signal peak to provide an SAH output signal based on an estimate of an output current of the first switching power supply output signal. The first switching power supply selects the ON state of the series switching element, such that during the ramping signal peak, the series switching element has a series current having a magnitude, which is about equal to a magnitude of the output current of the first switching power supply output signal. |
| US08571490B2 |
Transmitting/receiving device and method for transmitting data in a radio network
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an instruction for a transceiver of a device to transmit a first data frame; in response to the instruction, generating a first control signal for a switch to couple the transceiver to a first antenna for transmission of the first data frame by the transceiver via the first antenna; determining whether the transceiver has received within a pre-determined time interval after the transmission of the first data frame a second data frame containing an acknowledgement message confirming successful receipt of the first data frame by another device; and, if the transceiver has not received within the pre-determined time interval after the transmission of the first data frame the second data frame, then generating a second control signal for the switch to couple the transceiver to the second antenna for re-transmission of the first data frame by the transceiver via a second antenna. |
| US08571482B2 |
Dynamic autonomous resource allocation and channel access in cellular System Uplink
Methods, apparatuses, and software can be provided for dynamic autonomous resource allocation and channel access in a cellular system uplink. A method can include measuring interference levels on uplink resources of a victim cell and calculating a probability of accessing channels of the uplink resources of the victim cell using the measured interference levels, including defining a suitable transmission power, and a highest value and a lowest value. The method can further include accessing a channel for which the probability of accessing has been calculated, when the probability meets a predetermined condition. |
| US08571481B2 |
System and method for supporting a keep alive mechanism in a wireless communications system
A system and method for supporting a keep alive mechanism in a wireless communications system are provided. A method for communications device operation includes if the communications device is operating within an idle time window and if the communications device is in the idle state, initiating a keep alive procedure, and if the communications device is not operating within the idle time window and if an elapsed time since a last transmission by the communications device is greater than an upper boundary of the idle time window, initiating the keep alive procedure. The method further includes if the communications device is not operating within the idle time window and if the elapsed time since the last transmission by the communications device is less than a lower boundary of the idle time window, not initiating the keep alive procedure. |
| US08571477B2 |
Automatic resource availability using bluetooth
A method, apparatus, and system for automatically sharing data resources between Bluetooth devices. A Bluetooth device is paired with a “trusted” Bluetooth device. When paired devices are found, the Bluetooth device automatically allows the other device to present a virtual representation of data that is shared. The shared data can be selectively downloaded for use by the other device as long as the devices are in proximity. In an alternate embodiment, the devices may share pairing information with a network, so that the same shared resource can be made available at a large number of access points but specifically only for one paired, trusted device. |
| US08571475B2 |
System and method for mitigating the effects of interferers while performing conditional device scan
A method, a personal area network device operating as a slave, and a short range communications device operating as a slave are disclosed. A data storage 208 may store at least one protocol-specific channel criterion for a connection with a master short range communication device 104. A short range transceiver 108 may execute a preliminary device scan of a scanning set of communication channels for radio frequency energy. A processor 204 may decide to execute a full device scan based in part on the protocol-specific channel criterion. |
| US08571470B2 |
System and method for feedback cancellation in repeaters
An apparatus for repeating signals includes a receive antenna for receiving input signals, processing circuitry for processing the input signals to form repeated signals, and a transmit antenna for transmitting the repeated signals. The processing circuitry includes an adaptive digital filter configured to generate cancellation signals that are added to the input signals to cancel unwanted feedback signals from the input signals. A frequency shifting circuit adds a frequency shift to the input signals, after the addition of the cancellation signals, to form repeated signals that are frequency shifted from the input signals. A digital signal processor is coupled to the adaptive digital filter for digitally adapting the filter. The digital signal processor utilizes the frequency shift of the transmission signals to adapt the adaptive digital filter. |
| US08571469B2 |
MEMS based multiband receiver architecture
A system to receive using MEMS elements is provided. The system includes means for receiving a broadband signal; means for selecting a superband of frequencies from the received broadband signal; means for selecting bands within the superband of frequencies, wherein the bands each have a center frequency that is offset from the other center frequencies; means for steering output from the means for selecting bands; and means for receiving the output from the means for steering output. |
| US08571468B2 |
Power controlled communication system between a source, repeater, and base station
The present application relates to a wireless communication system and related methods and apparatuses for transmitting a signal from a source apparatus to a destination apparatus, via at least one intermediate apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to techniques which seek to improve the throughput of data in multi-hop communication systems. |
| US08571467B2 |
Method and apparatus for cognitive radio information sharing
An approach is provided for providing cognitive radio information sharing. A cognitive radio management platform determines one or more cognitive radio parameters associated with one or more locations. The cognitive radio management platform also causes, at least in part, storage of the one or more cognitive radio parameters in at least one distributed information space constituted by one or more namespaces, wherein the one or more namespaces within the at least one distributed information space are accessible to one or more cognitive radio devices. |
| US08571461B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a first and second ejection portions, a first and second conveying paths, a branch portion connecting the first conveying path with the second conveying path, a switching member movable between a first and second positions, a drive unit that moves the switching member from the first position to the second position or vice versa, a reference position setting unit setting the reference position of the switching member in an initial state, and a control unit controlling the drive unit such that the switching member in the initial state is positioned at the reference position set by the unit. |
| US08571456B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A fixing device includes a switch circuit that selectively connects an alternating electric current power supply to a first exciting coil and a second exciting coil. When the switch circuit connects the alternating electric current power supply to both the first exciting coil and the second exciting coil, the first exciting coil and the second exciting coil together generate a first magnetic flux having a first density that reaches only a first heat generation layer of a fixing rotary body. When the switch circuit connects the alternating electric current power supply to the first exciting coil only, the first exciting coil generates a second magnetic flux having a second density greater than the first density that reaches both the first heat generation layer of the fixing rotary body and a second heat generation layer of a heat generator. |
| US08571452B2 |
Transfer and fixing device using radiant heating and image forming apparatus using same
A transfer and fixing device as means for heating a recording medium prior to transfer and fixing, without risk of fire, superior in energy efficiency, and able to stably heat irrespective of the thickness of the recording medium; and an imaging forming apparatus comprising such a transfer and fixing device comprising: a transfer and fixing member by which an image is transferred; a pressurizing member that forms a nip by pressure contact with the transfer and fixing member and pressurizes and fixes the image on the recording medium that passes through the aforementioned nip; a radiant heat source that is arranged on the upstream side of the nip in the direction of transport of the recording medium; and a thermoconductive member that is heated by the radiant heat source and heats the recording medium when in contact, wherein a radiant heat region is provided, between the nip and the thermoconductive member, where the recording medium is heated by radiant heat from the radiant heat source. |
| US08571450B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of N image carriers including first through Nth image carriers, a transfer unit including an endless transfer belt, a plurality of M belt supporting members including a plurality of first through Nth nip opposing members contacting the inner surface of the endless transfer belt at positions corresponding to where the plurality of N image carriers contacts the outer surface of the endless transfer belt to form N transfer nips thereat, the first opposing member defining a first supported area of the endless transfer belt, a contact and separation mechanism including a retaining unit to move the first supported area of the endless transfer belt into and out of contact with the first image carrier, and a mark detector to detect a plurality of adjacent marks formed at a predetermined pitch in a circumferential direction of the endless transfer belt. |
| US08571444B2 |
Neutralization device, developing device and image forming apparatus
A neutralization device includes a light emitter, an optical conductor and multiple diffusion portions. The light emitter emits light for neutralizing an object. The optical conductor, which is opposed to the object and extends in a longitudinal direction, directs and applies the light to the object. The diffusion portions are arranged on the optical conductor in a zig-zag manner from one end of the optical conductor to the other and diffuse the light. |
| US08571442B2 |
Image forming apparatus having removable fixing device
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming apparatus main body; an opening and closing part that is attached to the image forming apparatus main body in an openable and closeable manner; and a fixing device that is removably installed in the image forming apparatus main body to fix a developer image onto a recording medium, the opening and closing part being provided with an engaging portion to engage with an engaged portion defined on the image forming apparatus main body, and the engaging portion including a pressing part that presses the fixing device toward a proper position when a part of the fixing device is positioned in a movement locus of the engaging portion during a closing movement of the opening and closing part. |
| US08571439B2 |
Image forming apparatus
In one embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes an opening/closing cover that is supported so as to be capable of moving relative to an image forming apparatus main body and opens/closes an opening portion of the image forming apparatus main body; and a unit installed so as to be capable of swinging on an image forming apparatus main body side of the opening/closing cover, in which when the opening/closing cover is opened/closed, the unit moves in a track that moves around a guide shaft of the unit, and in a track that moves so as to follow opening/closing of the opening/closing cover. |
| US08571436B2 |
Gas transfer unit
A gas transfer unit includes a transfer path forming member; a gas transferring member; and a gas purifying member as defined herein, and in a case where exhaustion is performed through the first exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a first rotation number, and, in a case where exhaustion is performed through the second exhaust port, the transfer vanes are rotated at a second rotation number which is higher than the first rotation number. |
| US08571432B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with function to calculate charge based on the number of sheets printed, print system including image forming apparatus, method for counting the number of sheets printed executed by image forming apparatus, and program for counting
In order to properly count the number of sheets printed which serves as the basis on which a charge is calculated, an MFP that acts as a designated printer includes a job accepting portion to accept a print job, a job executing portion to carry out printing based on the print job, a requesting portion to, when the job executing portion is not available for executing the print job, transmit an alternative instruction including the print job to an alternative printer, and an adding portion to add the number of alternative sheets printed by the alternative printer based on the print job included in the alternative instruction to the number of sheets printed by the job executing portion. |
| US08571429B2 |
Image forming apparatus with positively-charged single layer type electrophotographic photoreceptors
An image forming apparatus has first and second image carriers that are configured by positively-charged single layer type electrophotographic photoreceptors, and a controller that controls an operation for charging or destaticizing circumferential surfaces of these image carriers. The controller switches between a first mode for causing the first and second image carriers to perform image formation while rotating these image carriers, and a second mode for causing only the first image carrier to perform image formation while rotating the first and second image carriers. In the second mode, the second image carrier is applied with a charging bias and subjected to a destaticizing operation without undergoing a developing operation. The first image carrier is applied with the charging bias and subjected to the developing operation and the destaticizing operation. |
| US08571428B2 |
Image forming apparatus and transfer device thereof
An image forming apparatus having an improvement to increase the reliability of a sensing operation that is carried out to improve image quality, and a transfer device thereof. The image forming apparatus includes at least one photosensitive member, a plurality of developing units to supply developer to the at least one photosensitive member so as to form a visible image, and a transfer belt to transfer the visible image formed on the at least one photosensitive member to a printing medium, an inner surface of the transfer belt being rotatably supported by at least two rollers. The image forming apparatus further includes at least one sensor to sense a mark formed on the transfer belt, and a supporting unit to support the transfer belt at a position corresponding to the at least one sensor so as to apply a tensile force to the transfer belt. The supporting unit includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion arranged to support the transfer belt at different two positions in a rotating direction of the transfer belt. |
| US08571427B2 |
Image output device, image output method, and computer program product
An image output device includes a storage unit, an input unit, a layout deriving unit, and an output unit. The storage unit preliminarily stores therein an optimum interval of a plurality of the same color and tone patches formed on a sheet at which an average density value of the patches is stabilized. The input unit receives an input of a condition for arrangement of the patches from a user. The layout deriving unit determines arrangement of the patches on the sheet on the basis of the input condition for arrangement and the optimum interval. The output unit outputs the patches onto the sheet in the determined arrangement. |
| US08571425B2 |
Detection device and image forming apparatus
A detection device includes: a detection member that includes an emission member emitting a beam toward a transportation direction of a transportation path and a beam receiving member receiving a reflected beam of the beam emitted from the emission member, and that detects an image on a medium; a transmissive member that allows the beam emitted from the emission member and the beam reflected from the medium to be transmitted therethrough; and a support member that has an open portion blocked by the transmissive member, and that supports an upstream end portion of the transmissive member in the transportation direction of the medium at an upstream portion of the open portion toward the medium, an edge portion of a downstream portion of the open portion in the transportation direction being located closer to the emission member than a bottom surface of the transmissive member. |
| US08571420B2 |
Apparatus and method for driving wavelength-independent light source
An apparatus for driving a wavelength-independent light source is provided. The apparatus includes a seed light signal generation unit configured to generate seed light signals with one or more wavelengths based on a wavelength identification signal, a wavelength light detection unit configured to detect the wavelength identification signal from the seed light signals, an extraction unit configured to extract wavelength information corresponding to the detected wavelength identification signal and extract a driving condition of a wavelength-independent light source corresponding to the extracted wavelength information, and a driving unit configured to drive the wavelength-independent light source according to the extracted driving condition. |
| US08571416B2 |
Dual polarization transceiver
The invention provides a dual polarization transceiver (1) being switchable between two operation modes, wherein in a first operation mode an optical QAM—(Quadratur Amplitude Modulation) signal having a predetermined number (M) of constellation points is generated by said dual polarization transceiver (1) and wherein in a second operation mode an optical QPR—(Quadratur Partial Response) Signal having a predetermined number (L) of constellation points is generated by said dual polarization transceiver (1). |
| US08571411B2 |
LED light broad band over power line communication system
An LED light and communication system is in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. |
| US08571409B1 |
Wavelength-multiplexed optical controller using a ring architecture
An optical ring network for fixed length messages from a plurality of nodes for transmission to different nodes uses a plurality of wavelengths for transmission, and messages for transmission are ordered and arranged on a per-wavelength basis to minimize a transmit finish time. Each node may be operated in an ADM (add drop multiplexer) mode where an optical node removes information on a particular wavelength and adds information on the same particular wavelength, or each node may be operated in a CDC (colorless, directionless, contentionless) mode where information is assigned to a wavelength according to a selection algorithm which may place it on any wavelength without regard to an original node wavelength. The selection algorithm optimizes selection of messages and wavelengths for transmit finish time. |
| US08571406B2 |
Early photographic predictor signal synchronization system and method
A system and method for synchronizing a photographic lighting device to image acquisition by a camera such that initiation of light emission of the photographic lighting device occurs after the first shutter blade of the camera begins to expose an image acquisition sensor of the camera to light and before X-sync associated with the first shutter blade stopping movement. |
| US08571399B2 |
Photographic optical device
An imaging optical device may include a movable module having a lens drive device on which a lens and an imaging element are mounted; a support body for supporting the movable module; a rocking drive mechanism for rocking the movable module; and a plate spring for rockably supporting the movable module. The plate spring is provided with a holding section for holding the movable module, a fixed section fixed to the support body, and a spring section for connecting the holding section and the fixed section to each other. The spring section can deform in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in the direction of the optical axis. |
| US08571398B1 |
Enclosure device
In one embodiment of an enclosure device, a camera casing and light source casing are secured to a plate frame, and the enclosure device is configured to be mounted to an arm, such as a robotic welding arm. A shutter mounting arm may also be secured to the plate frame. A flap may be pivotally mounted to the distal end of the shutter mounting arm, such that the flap may be actuated between a first and second position by an actuator cooperatively engaged with the flap. The first position may be defined as to protect a camera lens positioned in the camera casing and a light source lens positioned in the light source casing. The second position may be defined as to not obscure a line-of-sight from either the light source and/or the camera to the work piece on the arm. |
| US08571393B2 |
Portable recording medium, video recording/reproducing apparatus, video recording/reproducing method, video reproducing apparatus, video recording apparatus, video reproducing method, and video recording method
A recording medium (100) for a reservation of video recording of a program holds encoded compressed video information (1531) related to the program, a reservation set command (331) for setting a reservation of the program, and program attribute information (323) including at least a video recording reservation start date and time. When a viewer makes a selection to set a reservation of video recording while watching a preview video (200) based on the encoded compressed video information of the recording medium in a video recording/reproducing apparatus, the video recording/reproducing apparatus acquires the program attribute information (332) in accordance with the reservation set command (331) in the recording medium (100), thereby setting a reservation of video recording. Thus, there in no need of manual operation for inputting information required for setting a reservation of video recording and it is possible to easily set a reservation of video recording of the program while watching and listening to program-related information. |
| US08571392B2 |
Apparatus for video recording and reproducing, and method for trick play of video
In a video recording apparatus which records and reproduces digital TV broadcasting, an I-picture extraction processor that extracts packets containing I-pictures by analyzing a transport stream is arranged. Then, packets containing I-pictures is output, by reading predetermined amount of recorded data from an HDD in which recorded data is stored and by detecting start information and end information of the I-pictures. A stream for special reproduction is output by repeating the above-stated processes. With such arrangement, it is possible, even if data does not contain position information of I-picture, to execute special reproduction such as fast-forwarding reproduction for TV program data that is recorded as an MPEG-formatted transport stream. |
| US08571389B2 |
Information recording medium, information recording/playback method, and information recording/playback apparatus
A digital stream signal complying with MPEG-TS is handled as stream object ESOB. The ESOB is recorded in unit of stream object unit ESOBU which includes one or more pack/packet groups. Each pack/packet group has a pack/packet group header at its head position, and stores one or more TS packets after the pack/packet group header. |
| US08571387B2 |
Personal video recording with storage space requirement checking
Administration of storage space requirements on personal video recorders (“PVRs”), including recording a show having a storage space requirement, and incrementing the show's storage space requirement. Embodiments include tracking a recording period for the show and actual storage space used during the recording period; comparing the storage space used with an amount of storage space projected to be used during the tracked recording period; and incrementing the show's storage space requirement if the storage space used is greater than the storage space projected to be used. Embodiments include incrementing the show's storage space requirement in accordance with a predetermined overallocation rate. Embodiments include incrementing a show's storage space requirement in dependence upon genre. |
| US08571386B2 |
Motion blur correction device and motion blur correction method
A motion blur correction device includes a motion blur correction section which performs motion blur correction processing on an intended video data, and a correction intensity judgment section which instructs the motion blur correction section to cancel the execution of the motion blur correction processing when the frame rate of the video data is equal to or less than a predetermined value. As a result, motion blur correction is prevented from being automatically performed when motion blur correction is not required. |
| US08571383B2 |
Method and system of circumventing content filters
A method, computer program, and system for enabling remanence-based advertisement that is not likely to be blocked by adblockers. A method of converting a master image, such as an advertisement or a logo, into a master video, according to an embodiment, includes: dividing the master image into a plurality of sub-images; generating a plurality of video frames defining a master video, the video frames having dimensions of the master image; and inserting the plurality of sub-images into the plurality of video frames, such that a playing of the master video defined by the video frames visually renders the master image. |
| US08571382B2 |
Recording and reproducing apparatus, recording apparatus, and system including them
A recording and reproducing apparatus comprises a reproducing unit adapted to reproduce data recorded in a first recording medium, a storage unit adapted to store data recorded in the first recording medium, a recording unit adapted to record the data stored in the storage unit on a second recording medium, a discrimination unit adapted to discriminate based on management information required to manage data recorded in a plurality of the first recording media as one group whether or not all data of the group are stored in the storage unit and a control unit adapted to control, when all the data of the group are stored in the storage unit, to read out all the data of the group from the storage unit and to record the readout data on the second recording medium. |
| US08571379B2 |
Video reproduction method, video reproduction device, and video distribution system
In case that a plurality of video reproduction devices obtains video data from one same camera, a distribution rate thereof may be decreased to be lower than that expected by a user. There is provided a video reproduction device or system capable of obtaining a video from a camera at a distribution rate that is expected by the user. In case that a video reproduction device newly requests the camera to distribute a video thereto, if the camera has been distributing the video to a different video reproduction device and a video distribution capacity of the camera is less than a sum of a distribution rate of the different video reproduction device and a distribution rate requested by the video reproduction device, the video reproduction device requests the different video reproduction device to distribute the video thereto and receives it from the different video reproduction device. |
| US08571375B1 |
Release mechanism and transceiver module using the same
A release mechanism for releasing a transceiver module from a cage includes a fixed component, a locking component, and a pull component, where the locking component is used for locking the transceiver module in the cage and pivotally connected to the transceiver module. The user pulls the pull component to make the locking component to rotate to unlock and then draw out the transceiver module. The locking component further includes a spring part against the fixed component to resist the rotation and assist the locking component back to the original position. According to the fewer components and the easy assembly of the release mechanism, the total assembly cost of the transceiver module can be reduced significantly. |
| US08571372B2 |
Optical fiber
The present invention provides an optical fiber in which the transmission loss increase is suppressed even under a high-humidity condition or under a water-immersed condition. A colored optical fiber (22) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a colored optical fiber (22) formed by applying a colored layer to an optical fiber (14) including a glass optical fiber coated with at least a double-layered coating layer of a soft layer and a hard layer, and the ratio of thermal expansion coefficient between the coating layer after the colored layer of the colored optical fiber (22) is applied and the coating layer of the optical fiber (14) before the colored layer is applied is 0.87 or more. Furthermore, an optical fiber ribbon (32) according to another embodiment of the present invention is an optical fiber (32) formed by arranging a plurality of the colored optical fiber (22) in the form of a plane and coating them all together with a ribbon resin and the ratio of thermal expansion coefficient between the coating layer after the colored layer of the colored optical fiber (22) is applied and the coating layer of the optical fiber before the colored layer is applied is 0.90 or more. |
| US08571370B2 |
Single mode propagation in fibers and rods with large leakage channels
Various embodiments include large cores fibers that can propagate few modes or a single mode while introducing loss to higher order modes. Some of these fibers are holey fibers that comprising cladding features such as air-holes. Additional embodiments described herein include holey rods. The rods and fibers may be used in many optical systems including optical amplification systems, lasers, short pulse generators, Q-switched lasers, etc. and may be used for example for micromachining. |
| US08571367B2 |
Fiber optic furcation assembly
The invention relates to a fiber optic furcation assembly (1) which comprises an over-molded body (2) formed from a flexible material, having a first end (15) and an opposed second end (16), the first end (15) being adapted to receive a portion of a fiber optic distribution cable (3) having at least two optical fibers (7), and the second end (16) being adapted to receive a portion of at least one furcation cable jacket (13) sheathing at least one furcated optical fiber (7′) from the fiber optic distribution cable (3), at least one of the fiber optic distribution cable (3) and the furcation cable jacket (13) comprising reinforcement members (9, 12). To reduce the load of the optical fibers (7) within the furcation assembly at least a portion of the reinforcement members (9, 12) is anchored within the over-molded body (2) so as to transmit a load from the over-molded body via the anchored reinforcement members (9, 12) to the respective cable (3, 4). |
| US08571360B2 |
Optocoupler with light guide defining element
An optocoupler with a light guide defining element is presented. The light guide defining element has at least one cavity configured to define the shape of the light guide formed by a transparent encapsulant encapsulating the optical transmitter and receiver dies. The transparent encapsulant in liquid form may be injected into the cavity prior to a curing process to harden the encapsulant into a light guide with a predetermined shape. The cavity of the light guide element may be defined by a reflective surface having micro-optics formed thereon. A multichannel optocoupler with multiple transmitter and/or receiver dies having such light guide defining element is also presented. The light guide defining element may have a single cavity enveloping all the optical transmitter or receiver dies, or a multiple cavities by having a pair of transmitter and receiver dies inside each cavity. |
| US08571357B2 |
Image data management apparatus, method and program
Image data are each related to identification information on an image-capturing location and an image-capturing apparatus, and a CPU, upon issuance of an image data transfer instruction, determines a non-image-capturing location on the basis of the image-capturing location information for image data captured by a specific image-capturing apparatus and stored in a recording medium. Then, from among image data captured by other image-capturing apparatuses and stored in other recording medium, image data captured in the non-image-capturing location is extracted, so that a user of the specific image-capturing apparatus can easily obtain image data captured by the other apparatuses in a location that the specific image-capturing apparatus did not capture images of. |
| US08571353B2 |
Apparatus and method for image processing
An image processing apparatus includes: a reducing section reducing an image for which a feature analysis is to be perform at a predetermined reduction ratio; an ROI mask generating section analyzing a feature of a reduced image as the image reduced at the predetermined reduction ratio, and generating an ROI mask as mask information indicating a region of interest as a region to be interested in the reduced image; an ROI mask enlarging section enlarging a size of the ROI mask to a size of the image before being reduced by the reducing section; and an ROI mask updating section analyzing a feature of a region, set as a blank region as a region not to be interested in the ROI mask, of the image before being reduced by the reducing section, and updating the ROI mask by using an analysis result. |
| US08571350B2 |
Image processing system with image alignment mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of an image processing system includes: identifying a feature point on a first image; determining a matching point on a second image with the matching point corresponding to the feature point; calculating an offset component between the feature point and the matching point with the offset component having a vertical offset; identifying a correction field for updating the first image and the second image, with the correction field having a vertical adjustment, a zoom adjustment, a rotational adjustment, and a keystone adjustment; and updating the first image and the second image using the correction field for minimizing the offset component for displaying an aligned image on a device. |
| US08571349B1 |
Image enhancement through discrete patch optimization
An image processing system enhances the resolution of an original image using higher-resolution image data from other images. The image processing system defines a plurality of overlapping partitions for the original image, each partition defining a set of non-overlapping site patches. During an optimization phase, the system identifies, for site patches of the original images, label patches within related images that are of most relevance. During a rendering phase independent of the optimization phase, an output image with enhanced resolution is synthesized by substituting, for site patches of the original image, the identified relevant label patches from the related images. |
| US08571345B2 |
Method and device for correcting image, and method and device for generating correction table for use in correction of image
An image correction device geometrically corrects an input image, based on the correction table, which is generated by obtaining a light-direction vector in an objective space corresponding to each pixel position on a corrected image, based on a first projection center located on the rear side of a second projection center as the projection center of the input image in the objective space with respect to the direction of an optical axis corresponding to the input image, obtaining from the light-direction vector an origin-based light-direction vector indicating a direction from the second projection center in which a point corresponding to each pixel position exists in the objective space, exacting a position on the input image corresponding to the origin-based light-direction vector, and recording in the correction table the resampling position in correspondence with each pixel position in the corrected image. |
| US08571344B2 |
Method of determining a feature of an image using an average of horizontal and vertical gradients
An image processing method performed by a processor for processing a plurality of pixel values in an image data representing a two-dimensional image, the image processing method including defining a block representing a part of the two-dimensional image corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels in rows and columns, obtaining an average of a gradient of pixel value on the basis of the pixel values of adjacent pixels in the block along each of at least one of rows and at least one of columns, generating a product of the average of the gradient pixel value along each of at least one of the rows and the average of the gradient pixel value along each of at least one of the columns, and generating a double summation of the products of the gradient pixel values of each of the rows and the columns. |
| US08571342B2 |
Image processing and generation of focus information
Embodiments herein include a focus evaluator configured to categorize portions of image content into different groupings depending on a respective focus value derived for each portion of the image content. The focus evaluator compares relative sizes of the different groupings to identify one or more groupings representative of an overall focus quality associated with the image content. Based on the identified one or more groupings, the focus evaluator generates the overall focus value for the image content. |
| US08571333B2 |
Data clustering
A clustering procedure for grouping a set of images is selected from amongst plural clustering procedures. A predetermined categorization of objects such as images is input, and image features are extracted from each image in the set of images. A comparison measure is determined, by which to compare respective features of the set of images. Respective features between the images in the set of images are compared, based on the comparison measure, and a group of measures representing the differences between features of respective images is output. The plural clustering procedures are applied to the set of images to cluster the images based in part on the calculated group of measures. A clustering quality score is generated for each clustering procedure, based on the clusters created by the clustering procedure and the predetermined categorization of images. The clustering procedure with a high clustering quality score is selected. |
| US08571332B2 |
Methods, systems, and media for automatically classifying face images
Methods, systems, and media for automatically classifying face images are provided. In some embodiments, features of the face image to be classified for an attribute are selected, wherein each of the features corresponds to a different region of the face image and specifies one or more of a type of pixel data to be evaluated for the region, a normalization to be applied for the region, and an aggregation to be applied for the region. The face image is classified with respect to the attribute based on the features of the image, and the attribute and a confidence value are assigned to the face image based on the classifying. A query is received from a user, and the attribute is identified as corresponding to the query. The face image is determined as corresponding to the attribute, and the face image is identified to the user as corresponding to the query. |
| US08571326B2 |
Defining a border for an image
Some embodiments provide a method that provides a display area for displaying an image that includes several of edges. The method provides a border drawing tool that in response to cursor movement across the image displays a search window about the cursor. The search window specifies a region to be searched to identify edges for use in defining a border for the image. In some embodiments, the size of the search window varies based on the speed of the cursor. The search window is a square box in some embodiments and a circle in other embodiments. The search window is centered at the cursor in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the display area is also for displaying the defined border over the image. |
| US08571320B2 |
Method and apparatus for pictorial identification of a communication event
The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for pictorial identification of a communication event using speech or text recognition in an electronic device. The communication can be (but is not limited to) a telephone call, an electronic mail message, MMS, SMS, an instant message, etc. Words from the communication event are identified using the speech or text recognition by the electronic device and at least one picture out of a library of reference pictures is identified by comparing the identified words with the key picture words using a predetermined criterion. Color background of the identified standard picture can be also identified using the identified words and a further predetermined criterion. The identified picture can be displayed during the communications event or can be stored so the user can identify the topic of the communication event later on. |
| US08571314B2 |
Three-dimensional display system with depth map mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a three-dimensional display system includes: calculating an edge pixel image from a source image; generating a line histogram from the edge pixel image by applying a transform; calculating a candidate line from the line histogram meeting or exceeding a line category threshold for a horizontal line category, a vertical line category, a diagonal line category, or a combination thereof; calculating a vanishing point on the candidate line; and generating a depth map for the vanishing point for displaying the source image on a first device. |
| US08571312B2 |
Image interpolation method and apparatus using pattern characteristics of color filter array
An image interpolating method and apparatus, in which horizontal and vertical Differences of Absolute Inter-channel Differences (DAIDs) are calculated from a color filter array (CFA) image, and an unknown pixel is interpolated in horizontal and vertical directions estimated in consideration of the DAIDs of R, G, and B pixels. Therefore, the image interpolating method and apparatus provide a large Peak Signal and Noise Ratio (PSNR), a Structural Similarity (SSIM), and high visual quality images. |
| US08571306B2 |
Coding of feature location information
Methods and devices for coding of feature locations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of coding feature location information of an image includes generating a hexagonal grid, where the hexagonal grid includes a plurality of hexagonal cells, quantizing feature locations of an image using the hexagonal grid, generating a histogram to record occurrences of feature locations in each hexagonal cell, and encoding the histogram in accordance with the occurrences of feature locations in each hexagonal cell. The method of encoding the histogram includes applying context information of neighboring hexagonal cells to encode information of a subsequent hexagonal cell to be encoded in the histogram, where the context information includes context information from first order neighbors and context information from second order neighbors of the subsequent hexagonal cell to be encoded. |
| US08571300B2 |
Focus finding and alignment using a split linear mask
A method of determining a focus parameter for aligning a water in an exposure tool within a measurement tolerance required for the exposure tool, the exposure tool using a lens system for alignment. A test chart is provided having a sharp auto-correlation associated with the wafer. An image of the test chart is captured using a lens pupil mask having at least two phase ramps that are non-parallel. The captured image of the test charge is auto-correlated to determine the position of the test chart relative to a focal position of the lens system. The focus parameter for alignment of the wafer is determined using the determined position of the test chart, whereby the focus parameter is determined within the measurement tolerance required by the exposure tool. |
| US08571298B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying and tallying objects
An system and method for tallying objects presented for purchase preferably images the objects with a machine vision system while the objects are still, or substantially still. Images of the objects may be used to recognize the objects and to collect information about each object, such as the price. A pre-tally list may be generated and displayed to a customer showing the customer the cost of the recognized objects. A prompt on a customer display may be given to urge a customer to re-orient unrecognized objects to assist the machine vision system with recognizing such unrecognized objects. A tallying event, such as removing a recognized object from the machine vision system's field of view, preferably automatically tallies recognized objects so it is not necessary for a cashier to scan or otherwise input object information into a point of sale system. |
| US08571294B2 |
Method for imaging and differential analysis of cells
Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis. |
| US08571293B2 |
Motion tracking system for real time adaptive imaging and spectroscopy
This invention relates to a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time in an imaging system. An object orientation marker (30), preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on the head or other body organ of interest of a patient (P) during a scan, such as an MRI scan. The marker (30) makes it possible to measure the six degrees of freedom (x, y, and z-translations, and pitch, yaw, and roll), or “pose”, required to track motion of the organ of interest. A detector, preferably a camera (40), observes the marker (30) and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the camera (40) is sent to the scanner (120) via an RGR processing computer (50) and a scanner control and processing computer (100), allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position (in real-time) for motion of the patient (P). This invention also provides for internal calibration and for co-registration over time of the scanner's and tracking system's reference frames to compensate for drift and other inaccuracies that may arise over time. |
| US08571286B2 |
System and method for quality assurance in pathology
Systems and methods for improving quality assurance in pathology using automated quality assessment and digital image enhancements on digital slides prior to analysis by the pathologist are provided. A digital pathology system (slide scanning instrument and software) creates, assesses and improves the quality of a digital slide. The improved digital slide image has a higher image quality that results in increased efficiency and accuracy in the analysis and diagnosis of such digital slides when they are reviewed on a monitor by a pathologist. These improved digital slides yield a more objective diagnosis than reading the corresponding glass slide under a microscope. |
| US08571285B2 |
Automated rib ordering and pairing
Ribs are automatically ordered and paired. After ordering ribs on each side, magnetic and spring functions are used to solve for rib pairing. The magnetic function is used to constrain possible pairs across sides, and the spring function is used to maintain the order on each side while accounting for missing or fused ribs. |
| US08571283B2 |
Method for simultaneously extracting the input function and pharmacokinetic parameters of an active ingredient
This extraction method in a structure of a living organism from a measurement image of the kinetics of the active ingredient comprising a plurality of regions of interest inside each of which the kinetics of the active ingredient are measured, comprises the following steps: determining (30) a plurality of sets of kinetics, the determined sets of kinetics being different from each other and each determined set of kinetics including several measured kinetics; defining (32) at least one kinetic model, parameters of the defined kinetics model being formed by the parameters of the input function and the pharmacokinetic parameters; estimating (34) the input function and the pharmacokinetic parameters by resolving the kinetic model defined from the determined set of kinetics; and deducing (36) the final input function and the final pharmacokinetic parameters. |
| US08571274B2 |
Person-judging device, method, and program
A person-judging device comprises: an obstruction storage which stores information indicating an area of an obstruction which is extracted from an image based on a video signal from an external camera, the obstruction being extracted from the image; head portion range calculation means which, when a portion of an object which is extracted from the image is hidden by the obstruction, assumes that a potential range of grounding points where the object touches a reference face on the image is the area of the obstruction which is stored in the obstruction storage, and which, based on the assumed range and the correlation between the height of a person and the size and position of the head portion that are previously provided, calculates the potential range of the head portion on the image by assuming that a portion farthest from the grounding points of the object is the head portion of the person; and head portion detection means that judges whether an area including a shape corresponding to the head portion exists in the calculated range of the head portion. |
| US08571273B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing feature extraction using local primitive code
Various methods for feature extraction using local primitive code are provided. One example method includes determining an origin block within an image, an arc, an arc orientation, and a distance between the origin block and the arc. In this regard, the origin block may include one or more pixels of the image. The example method also includes determining at least one arc block. In this regard, the arc block may be located on the arc and the arc may be located with respect to the origin block based on the arc orientation and the distance. Some or all of the at least one arc blocks may include one or more pixels of the image. The example method also includes determining at least one feature value based on attributes of the origin block and the at least one arc block. Similar and related example methods and example apparatuses are also provided. |
| US08571268B2 |
On-paper image quality metric using on-belt sensing
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining printer performance in terms of image quality (IQ) on-paper using on-belt measurements. First, image noise is measured via sensing of single-separation device-dependent colors on an imaging member for a target marking device. Such single-separation device-dependent colors, in one embodiment, comprise cyan, magenta, yellow and black. A predictive correlation model is used to project the image noise of the single-separation device-dependent colors when printed on a substrate. A noise prediction model is used to estimate image noise performance values of multi-separation device-dependent colors on a substrate from the projected single-separation device-dependent colors on a substrate. In one embodiment, the predictive correlation model comprises a separation-dependent polynomial equation. The estimated image noise performance values on a substrate are used to determine image quality metric of the target marking device. |
| US08571267B2 |
Image based structural characterization of fibrous materials
A method for characterizing a fibrous material having a plurality of fibers is provided. The method includes accessing an image of the fibrous material with the plurality of fibers and identifying each of the plurality of fibers based upon a magnitude and a direction of an intensity gradient of the image. The method also includes tracking each of the identified fibers based upon at least one of a diameter of the fiber, a fiber alignment angle and a vector orientation angle of the fiber and estimating a plurality of structural parameters for each of the tracked fibers of the fibrous material. |
| US08571264B2 |
Method of using structural models for optical recognition
A method and system for recognizing all varieties of objects in an image by using structure models are disclosed. Structural elements are sought when comparing a structural model with an image but only within a framework of one or more generated hypotheses. The method for identifying objects includes preliminarily creating a structural model of objects by specifying a plurality of basic geometric structural elements corresponding to one or more portions of the object, recording a spatial characteristic of each identified basic geometric structural element, and recording a relational characteristic for each specified basic geometric structural element. Objects in the image are isolated and a list of hypotheses for each object is provided. Hypotheses are tested by determining if the corresponding group of basic geometric structural elements corresponds to another supposed object described in a classifier. Results of testing of hypotheses may be saved and the results may be used to identify objects. |
| US08571263B2 |
Predicting joint positions
Predicting joint positions is described, for example, to find joint positions of humans or animals (or parts thereof) in an image to control a computer game or for other applications. In an embodiment image elements of a depth image make joint position votes so that for example, an image element depicting part of a torso may vote for a position of a neck joint, a left knee joint and a right knee joint. A random decision forest may be trained to enable image elements to vote for the positions of one or more joints and the training process may use training images of bodies with specified joint positions. In an example a joint position vote is expressed as a vector representing a distance and a direction of a joint position from an image element making the vote. The random decision forest may be trained using a mixture of objectives. |
| US08571261B2 |
System and method for motion detection in a surveillance video
In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium stores code representing instructions to cause a processor to smooth a current image of a scene to produce a smoothed image and subtract pixel values of a background image of the scene from corresponding pixel values of the smoothed image to produce an altitude difference image. Pixel values of the altitude difference image are weighted to produce a weighted difference image. The weighted difference image is convolved to produce a convoluted difference image. A threshold is applied to each pixel of the convoluted difference image to produce a thresholded difference image. Pixels having a value less than the threshold are removed from the thresholded difference image and classified as background pixels. Foreground pixels are determined based on the thresholded difference image. |
| US08571259B2 |
System and method for automatic identification of wildlife
A system and method for automatically identifying wildlife in the field is disclosed that provides for identification of observed wildlife specimens without requiring the exercise of skill or judgment by the observer. The system and method for automatically identifying wildlife according to the invention also provides for automatic and easy to use identification of wildlife specimens in the field without distracting the user from wildlife observation. Wildlife identifications generated by the disclosed system and method may be easily stored in the field along with digital images of wildlife specimens, and corresponding location, time, date and elevation information, which may be easily transmitted and added to a wildlife identification database to allow compilation and archival of accumulated wildlife identification information from field observations of wildlife specimens. |
| US08571257B2 |
Method and system for image registration
Methods and systems for image registration are described. An area of an image may be selected. A length of at least one encoded wavelength for the area may be accessed. One or more candidate wavelengths may be identified in the area in at least one direction that includes at least one large peak. The length of the at least one encoded wavelength may be compared to the length of at least one of the one or more candidate wavelengths to calculate an alteration ratio. The alteration ratio may identify at least one of a scale or a rotation of the image. |
| US08571252B2 |
Driver assembly for loudspeakers
In one embodiment, a loudspeaker system is provided comprising a motor assembly for driving a diaphragm assembly, where the motor assembly includes a pole piece configured to receive an inductance sleeve. The motor assembly also comprises a permanent magnet, a first shorting ring, and a second shorting ring, with the first and second shorting ring being positioned at least partially within an air gap adjacent the pole piece, and with the first ring positioned adjacent a first side of the permanent magnet and the second shorting ring positioned adjacent a second side of the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet preferably is preferably coated with an insulative material, and may also comprise a plurality of arcuate segments. |
| US08571251B2 |
Headset
A headset having a loudspeaker housing and a microphone which are interconnected by a microphone boom arm that includes two opposed spaced apart arm parts, and wherein a name tag display is seatable between the arm parts and retaining tongue and grove pairs are provided at the arms and/or at the name tag display. |
| US08571243B2 |
Method for suppressing feedback and for spectral extension in hearing devices
Feedback whistle in hearing devices is intended to be able to be suppressed without loss of output of the useful signal. To this end, it is provided to establish or predetermine a frequency range which is susceptible to feedback. From an input signal which has a spectral component in the frequency range susceptible to feedback, a predeterminable component is substituted with a synthetic signal. Mixing-in a synthetic signal is also possibly used to widen the spectrum of an input signal, which is limited. |
| US08571242B2 |
Method for adapting sound in a hearing aid device by frequency modification and such a device
In a digital hearing aid device (1) frequency modification is employed above a lower spectral bound and in accordance with a compression factor. The frequency modification is dynamically adjusted in dependence on a sound environment analysis (10) or an end-user input (30), by modifying the frequency modification parameters such as a lower spectral bound and a compression factor. The adjustment can be based on an interpolation between predefined parameters. In certain sound environments, such as loud noise, own-voice and telephone conversations, frequency modification is reduced or switched off. The proposed solutions have the advantage that the occurrence of disturbing noise and of distortions of harmonic relationships at the end-user's ear is reduced and signal processing resources as well as battery resources are saved. |
| US08571238B2 |
Microphone
Thus there is provided a microphone (10) having a first end (12) with a first slip ring (100) which is divided into at least first and second segments (GND, 300). The first slip ring (100) co-operates with a microphone head (12) when the microphone head (12) is fastened to the first end (12) of the microphone by means of a screw connection. The microphone further has a detection unit (16) coupled to the at least first and second segments (GND, 300) of the first slip ring (100) to detect rotation of the microphone head (12). |
| US08571236B2 |
Volume control system, controller, and amplifying apparatus
A volume control system comprises: an amplifying apparatus; and a controller connectable to the amplifying apparatus. The amplifying apparatus includes; a first receiving section for receiving a volume value from the controller, a first input section into which an instruction for changing the volume value is input by a user's operation, a first transmitting section for transmitting the volume value input into the first input section to the controller, and a volume control section for, when the first receiving section receives the volume value or the changed volume value is input into the first input section, controlling a volume value of the amplifying apparatus based on the volume value. The controller includes; a display section for displaying the volume value on a display device, a second receiving section for receiving the volume value from the amplifying apparatus, a changing section for changing the volume value to be displayed on the display device by the display section into the volume value received by the second receiving section; a second input section into which an instruction for changing the volume value to be displayed on the display device by the display section is input by a user's operation; and a second transmitting section for, when the instruction for changing the volume value to be displayed on the display device by the display section is input by the user's operation, transmitting the changed volume value to the amplifying apparatus. |
| US08571235B2 |
Method and device for providing a plurality of audio files with consistent loudness levels but different audio characteristics
The invention provides a method and device for enhancing the listening qualities of an audio file by providing the listener with a plurality of modified equalized audio files. Each modified equalized audio file having a consistent loudness level but different audio characteristics. Hence, for an input audio file the current invention allows the listener to individually select the best audio characteristics for them to listen to the content of the input audio file according to their particular requirements without them needing to adjust the loudness level in playback. The invention further enables the listener to switch between the multiple equalized audio files during playback. The invention further includes a SN detector and reducer to eliminate the adverse effects of the presence of sudden, strong noise in the input audio file in the process of generating the plurality of modified equalized audio files. |
| US08571232B2 |
Apparatus and method for a complete audio signal
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for redeeming otherwise closed and concealed information contained in audio signals. An active circuit balances the ratio between in-phase and out-of-phase signals through the application of sum and difference signals and adjusts the ratio of gain in stereophonic signals as well as in monophonic and multichannel signal applications. This includes both the primary reference signal, and a plurality of redundant duplicate signals, substantially identical in all respects to the primary reference signal except in relation to magnitude and phase, for the purpose of unfolding, or opening the audio signal content. A pair of output signal levels approximates the golden ratio where the golden ratio is one plus the square root of five divided by two which gives an irrational number 1.618. |
| US08571231B2 |
Suppressing noise in an audio signal
An electronic device for suppressing noise in an audio signal is described. The electronic device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The electronic device receives an input audio signal and computes an overall noise estimate based on a stationary noise estimate, a non-stationary noise estimate and an excess noise estimate. The electronic device also computes an adaptive factor based on an input Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and one or more SNR limits. A set of gains is also computed using a spectral expansion gain function. The spectral expansion gain function is based on the overall noise estimate and the adaptive factor. The electronic device also applies the set of gains to the input audio signal to produce a noise-suppressed audio signal and provides the noise-suppressed audio signal. |
| US08571223B2 |
Method for combining authentication and secret keys management mechanism in a sensor network
A method for combining authentication and secret keys management mechanism in a sensor network includes the following steps: 1) pre-distribution of the secret key, which includes 1.1) the pre-distribution of the communication secret key and 1.2) the pre-distribution of the initial broadcast message authentication secret key; 2) authentication, which includes 2.1) the authentication of the node identity and 2.2) the authentication of the broadcast message; and 3) negotiation of the session secret key by the nodes. |
| US08571221B2 |
On-chip storage, creation, and manipulation of an encryption key
A system and method of creating and managing encryption keys in a data processing device generates subsequent encryption keys by combining the existing encryption key with an existing password and seed value. In the preferred embodiment, the initial encryption key is embedded during manufacture and is unknown to the user and manufacturer, thus ensuring that all subsequent encryption keys are derived from an unknown value. When a subsequent encryption key is generated, all data encrypted using the existing encryption key is decrypted using the existing encryption key and re-encrypted using the subsequent encryption key before the existing encryption key is overwritten. In a further aspect, during encryption/decryption the encryption key is combined with the sector address of the data to be encrypted/decrypted in order to generate a unique key for each sector of data to be encrypted/decrypted. |
| US08571205B2 |
Dual-purpose hardware aperture
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system which supports a dual-purpose aperture for an electronic device. This system includes a first component configured to perform an acoustic function through the aperture and a second component configured to perform a non-acoustic function through the aperture. |
| US08571202B2 |
Universal queuing for inbound communications
Exemplary systems and methods for queuing an inbound communication are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the inbound communication is received by a communication server associated with a communication type of the inbound communication. Communication statuses of one or more agents over a plurality of communication types are reviewed to determine available agents. One or more profiles are reviewed to assess applicability of one or more agents to receive the inbound communication, whereby an agent may be applicable to handle more than one inbound communication concurrently as determined by their profile. An appropriate agent is then selected based on the availability and applicability of the one or more agents to which the inbound communication is forwarded. |
| US08571199B2 |
Method and apparatus for proper routing of customers
A call routing system stores includes a processor that retrieves account information from a storage and identifies a previously provided telecommunications service that was provided to the party based on the account information. The processor restricts access to telecommunications services based on the identified previously provided telecommunications service and determines additional telecommunications services, distinct from the previously provided telecommunications service, desired by the party. The processor receives a selection from the party of the additional telecommunications services and processes a service request from the party based upon the selection by the party. A routing element suppresses routing of the call to a service center that provides the previously provided telecommunications service that was provided to the party, and routes the call to a service center that provides the additional telecommunications services selected by the party. |
| US08571196B2 |
Method for retrieving information from a telephone terminal via a communication server, and associated communication server
The invention pertains to a method for retrieving at least one piece of information regarding a telephone communication between at least two telephone terminals (2, 3) belonging to different users (20, 30) via a communication server (1), from at least one of the telephone terminals (2, 3). The invention further pertains to the corresponding communication server (1). The inventive information retrieval method comprises the steps of the communication server detecting the closing of communication by one of the users (20, 30) and the communication server (1) activating, for at least one of the users, an information retrieval service (1). The retrieval service comprises, for each of the users (20, 30) for which it is activated, the steps of selecting a form based on a criterion, submitting the form to the user (20, 30), and transmitting the completed form, along with said at least one piece of information, to a database (4). |
| US08571194B2 |
System and method for initiating a conference call
The present invention is a system and method for initiating conference calls via an instant messaging system to reduce the effort required to initiate and manage the call. The system uses an IM connection between a requesting party and a conference call server to inform the conference call server of the desire to initiate the conference call. The conference call server may initiate the conference call by having involved parties called by a conference bridge, thus reducing the effort required by the parties to join the call. |
| US08571192B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved matching of auditory space to visual space in video teleconferencing applications using window-based displays
A method and apparatus for enabling an improved experience by better matching of the auditory space to the visual space in video viewing applications such as those that may be used in video teleconferencing systems using window-based displays. In particular, in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments of the present invention, one or more desired sound source locations are determined based on a location of a window in a video teleconference display device (which may, for example, comprise the image of a teleconference participant within the given window), and a plurality of audio signals which accurately locate the sound sources at the desired sound source locations (based on the location of the given window in the display) are advantageously generated. |
| US08571189B2 |
Efficient transmission of audio and non-audio portions of a communication session for phones
In one embodiment, a server may obtain source data for a communication session having a combined audio portion and non-audio portion. As such, the server may actively split the audio portion of the communication session from the non-audio portion of the communication session, and then provide the audio portion (to a first set of one or more phones) over a phone channel and the non-audio portion (to a second set of one or more phones) over a separate data channel. The second set of phones may then obtain and merge the audio portion from the phone channel and the non-audio portion from the data channel to reestablish the full communication session. |
| US08571186B2 |
Method and system for recording telephone conversations placed on hold
A system and method for recording telephone conversations which have been placed on hold is provided. After a telephone conversation has been placed on hold, assuming that the conversation was being recorded, the call is designated to be in the background. Once a processor senses that a background call exists, a check is performed to determine if there is a downlink connection for this call. If there is, a new communication channel is opened so that the background call can be recorded and then appended to the original recording. |
| US08571183B2 |
Tool for testing distribution cabinets of a telephone network
An apparatus such as a tool for testing lines at a network distribution cabinet allows the connection to the network of subscriber twisted pairs. The apparatus includes inputs for the connection of probes adapted to contact pairs of connection terminals of the distribution cabinet for the connection of the subscriber twisted pairs; a line test unit adapted to perform tests on the lines under the control of a programmable control unit; at least one memory for storing the results of the tests. The control unit is adapted to automatically perform a test of the lines terminating at the distribution cabinet according to a predetermined sequence, and to store the results of the test in a structured form in which a unique association is established between a physical position of each pair of terminal clamps in the distribution cabinet and the results of the test conducted on the corresponding lines. |
| US08571177B2 |
Goniometer base apparatus and method
A goniometer base for X-ray crystallography comprises a magnetic steel part with a cylindrical hole, a compliant cylindrical part that is inserted into this hole, and a cylindrical tube that is press-fit into the hole and holds the compliant part in place, such that when a crystal mounting tool is inserted through the concentric holes in each part, it is positively gripped and held in place at both T=300 K and T=100 K. |
| US08571176B2 |
Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors
Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors in an imaging system are provided. One an imaging system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors detect received radiation along a path projected from the focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system also includes a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of detectors, wherein the collimators have a tapered configuration. |
| US08571168B2 |
Fuel element for a light water reactor, and method for repairing the fuel element
A fuel assembly for a light water reactor contains a fuel rod cluster and a spacer that has a number of cells, bounded by webs for laterally holding fuel rods. A damaged region including at least one damaged cell is present in an edge region of a spacer. There being fastened above or below the damaged region on the spacer with the aid of at least one connecting part is a replacement assembly that contains at least a number of cells that corresponds to the number of the damaged cells, at least a portion of the cells being traversed by fuel rods. A method for repairing the light water reactor fuel assembly in the case of which fixed above or below the damaged region on the spacer is a replacement assembly that takes over the holding function at least of one defective cell. |
| US08571167B2 |
Particulate metal fuels used in power generation, recycling systems, and small modular reactors
A metal particulate fuel system is described. The metal fuel system may include particulate metal fuel for use in nuclear reactors. The particulate metal fuel may include a plurality of particles of at least one enriched alloy where the particles are compacted into a fuel column. The metal particulate fuel system may also include a cladding and/or a gas-filled plenum. |
| US08571161B2 |
Electronic device for generating a fractional frequency
It is described an electronic device for generating a fractional synthesized frequency. The device comprises a multi-phase controlled oscillator configured to generate, from a control signal, a plurality of signals phase-shifted each other and comprises a phase detector configured to receive a selected signal from the plurality of phase-shifted signals, to receive a reference signal and to measure a difference between a phase of the selected signal and a phase of the reference signal. The electronic device further comprises control means for estimating, from the measured phase difference, a phase error affecting the generation of at least one of the plurality of phase-shifted signals, and for generating a corrected measure of the phase difference taking into account the estimated phase error, the corrected measure being used to provide the control signal. |
| US08571157B2 |
System for and method of validating a VoIP telephone number order
A system for and method of validating a VoIP telephone number order is presented. The described systems and methods may allow for corrupt telephone numbers to be discovered and placed in a corrupt telephone number pool. To this end, data may be mined from class 5 switches and VoIP routers and then compared to the telephone numbers in the order. If a telephone number is found to be corrupt, it may be removed from the order and stored in the corrupt telephone number repository for later review. The ordering process for any other requested telephone numbers may then continue on without interruption to the processing of the entire order. |
| US08571154B1 |
Control interval expansion of variable time delay control structure for channel matching
An adaptive time delay control system is provided for matching the propagation time delay between two samples of a signal traveling through two independent paths so that they can be coherently combined for additional signal processing functions such as cosite interference cancellers, adaptive interference cancellers and adaptive beam formers. The adaptive time delay control system and associated method advantageously provide improved continuous matching of the two channels over a wider adjustment range while preserving both convergence speed over the full range and minimum jitter upon convergence by using composite autocorrelation functions to control (adjusting) a matching time delay in one channel. |
| US08571146B1 |
Method and system for corrupt symbol handling for providing high reliability sequences
For corrupt symbol handling for providing high reliability sequences, an inter-symbol correlated (ISC) signal is received. During sequence estimation when demodulating the received ISC signal, partial response samples in the ISC may be processed utilizing an erasure mechanism. The partial response samples are spread (e.g. interleaved) over time during modulation by a modulator. A determination is made as to whether to utilize self erasure or external erasure to process the spread partial response samples. The determination may be based on whether or not events of low SNR for corresponding ones of the partial response samples are identified. The external erasure may be utilized for processing the corresponding ones of the partial response samples when the events of low SNR are identified and the self erasure is utilized when the events of low SNR are not identifiable. Erasure results maybe fed back to the modulator. |
| US08571143B2 |
Quadrature signal phase controller for controlling phase
A quadrature signal phase controller includes a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter. The first phase shifter generates phase shifted first in-phase differential output signals and phase shifted first quadrature-phase differential output signals. The second phase shifter generates phase shifted second in-phase differential output signals and phase shifted second quadrature-phase differential output signals. Each of the first and second phase shifters increases or decreases the phase difference between the first in-phase differential output signals and the second quadrature-phase differential output signals, and the phase difference between the second in-phase differential output signals and the first quadrature-phase differential output signals, in response to a change in a level of the first control signal and a change in a level of the second control signal. |
| US08571139B2 |
Method for tracking the phase of a signal modulated by continuous phase modulation and synchronization device implementing said method
A method for tracking the phase of a signal modulated by a continuous phase modulation includes: a complex vector representative of the received signal is determined for each symbol period with an offset of a half symbol period relative to the symbol rate of the receiver; a level measurement is performed on two complex samples distributed with an offset roughly of a half symbol period either side of the instant of estimation of the complex vector; the complex vectors are associated with one of the points of the constellation of the modulation making it possible to find the point which is closest; average estimation of the offset of the phase is calculated by calculating the difference between the average estimation of the phase of the signal and the theoretical phase value associated with each point of the constellation; an absolute estimation and a differential estimation of the offset of the phase is calculated. |
| US08571134B2 |
Polar transmitter
The present application relates to at least one digitally controlled oscillator and a data modulation device. More particularly, the digital polar transmitter comprises at least one digitally controlled oscillator configured to generate at least one frequency. The digital polar transmitter comprises a data modulation device, wherein the data modulation device comprises at least one data input terminal, at least one output terminal, and at least one frequency input terminal, wherein the output terminal is connected to the digitally controlled oscillator. The digital polar transmitter comprises a phase measuring device configured to measure phase information from the output signal of the data modulation device for every frequency sample. The digital polar transmitter comprises a phase error detecting device configured to detect a phase error at least depending on the measured phase information, wherein the phase error detecting device is configured to apply the detected phase error to the output signal of the data modulation device. |
| US08571133B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting a signal within a predetermined spectral mask
An apparatus and method are described for transmitting a signal within a predetermined spectral mask defining a range of power density limits across a frequency range. A signal source provides an input signal to a low-pass filter, which filters the input signal to produce a filtered signal. The filter is selectively operable in a first mode in which the input signal is filtered within a narrower bandwidth, and in a second mode in which the input signal is filtered within a broader bandwidth. The filtered signal is output to a modulator, which modulates the filtered signal to produce a modulated signal. The modulated signal is output to a transmitter, which transmits the modulated signal. |
| US08571132B2 |
Constrained hopping in wireless communication systems
Embodiments described provide for channel estimation and resource allocation for a transmission to a wireless device. The frequency band is partitioned into at least two contiguous subbands. A determination is made whether it is desirable to transmit in a single subband or in more than one subband. The transmission is assigned to occur in either the single subband or to operate in more than one subband. If the transmission is restricted to one subband, the hop pattern is also restricted to subcarriers within the particular subband. |
| US08571127B2 |
MIMO transmission with rank adaptation for multi-gigabit 60 GHz wireless
A wireless system includes a transmitter with a baseband processor responsive to groups of transmitter antenna arrays for communicating over directional beams; and a receiver with a baseband processor responsive to groups of receiver antenna rays for communicating with the transmitter over the directional beams, the receiver including both a rank adaptation providing a transmit mode feedback to the transmitter and a blind beamforming providing a transmit beamformer index feedback to the transmitter and receiver groups of antenna arrays. |
| US08571118B2 |
Transmission line directional coupling
Coupling signals to a transmission line over a plurality of taps includes coupling a first signal onto a transmission line at a first tap, coupling a second signal onto a transmission line at a second tap, and controlling a phase for at least a portion of the first signal relative to a phase for a corresponding portion of the second signal. |
| US08571117B2 |
Out of loop frame matching in 3D-based video denoising
In one method embodiment, for a first temporal sequence of first plural frames, frame matching the first plural frames, at least a portion of the first plural frames corrupted with noise, and at a time corresponding to completion of all frame matching for the first temporal sequence, overlap block processing plural sets of matched blocks among the first plural matched frames. |
| US08571116B2 |
Coding device and method, decoding device and method, recording medium, and program
An encoding apparatus and an encoding method, a decoding apparatus and a decoding method, a recording medium, and a program suitable for encoding image signals with a higher compression ratio for transmission or accumulation. In an arithmetic coding section, from among the syntax elements of input image compression information, the frame/field flag is first encoded by a frame/field flag context model. When the macroblock to be processed is subjected to frame-based encoding, a frame-based context model, specified in the current H.26L standard, is applied. On the other hand, when the macroblock to be processed is subjected to field-based encoding, a field-based context model is applied for the syntax elements described below. The present invention is applied to an encoder for encoding image information and a decoder for decoding image information. |
| US08571113B2 |
Method and apparatus for decoding/encoding a video signal
The method includes receiving a multi-view video stream including a random access picture, which includes a random access slice. Type information indicating whether the random access slice is predicted from one or two reference pictures is obtained, and a reference picture list is initialized using view number information and view identification information included in obtained initialization information according to the type information. The initialized reference picture list is modified based on modification information representing how to assign an inter-view reference index in the initialized reference picture list. A prediction value of a macroblock in the random access picture is determined based on the modified reference picture list. |
| US08571111B2 |
Method and apparatus for switching program streams using a fixed speed program stream buffer coupled to a decoder
Various embodiments for switching programs streams using a fixed speed program stream buffer coupled to a decoder are described. Various embodiments for switching programs streams using a fixed speed program stream buffer coupled to a decoder are described. In one or more embodiments, the fixed speed program stream buffer may be arranged to receive multiple program streams, such as video program streams, and to buffer historical frames comprising at least one anchor frame. Upon detecting a channel switch point, the most recent historical anchor frame prior to the channel switch point may be provided to the decoder. After receiving the anchor frame, the decoder may be arranged to start the next frame after the anchor frame instantly. Once the most recent historical anchor frame is played in to the decoder, the decoder may pick off the next frame after the anchor frame at a normal cadence. A program stream may be run in a delayed state by the decoder from an alternate channel buffer activated in response to a channel change. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08571108B2 |
Moving picture encoding method and decoding method
Moving picture decoding including a prediction mode (PM), in which PM motion vector (MV) information of a current block in a current frame is not transmitted from an encoding side, including: in the PM: selecting one reference frame (RF) from among a plurality of candidate RFs including: a RF referenced by one or a plurality of adjacent blocks within a current frame and adjacent to a current block; and a prescribed RF not based on the RF referenced by the adjacent blocks, as the RF to be used; determining a MV to be used in the PM; and performing prediction processing using the selected RF and the determined MV, wherein determining MV information for the current block in the PM, based on availability of MV(s) of predetermined adjacent blocks and the current block belonging to the current picture and the predetermined adjacent blocks are decoded earlier than the current block. |
| US08571105B2 |
Enhanced motion estimation method, video encoding method and apparatus using the same
A motion estimation method for enhancing a video compression speed, and a video encoder using the same are provided. The motion estimation method includes determining a global motion type of a previous frame from motion vectors of the previous frame, setting a search area for a specified motion block included in a current frame based on the global motion type, and searching for a motion vector within the set search area. |
| US08571104B2 |
Adaptive coefficient scanning in video coding
This disclosure describes techniques for scanning coefficients of video blocks, e.g., quantized and transformed coefficients. Rather than use conventional zig-zag scanning, the techniques of this disclosure adapt the scanning order based on statistics associated with previously coded blocks that were coded in the same prediction mode. For each prediction mode, statistics of the coefficients are stored, e.g., indicating probabilities that given coefficients are zero or non-zero. Periodically, adjustments to the scanning order can be made in order to better ensure that non-zero coefficients are grouped together and zero value coefficients are grouped together, which can improve the effectiveness of entropy coding. The techniques of this disclosure provide thresholds and threshold adjustments that can reduce the frequency that the scanning order adjustments occur, yet still achieve desired improvements in compression due to such scanning order adjustments. |
| US08571103B2 |
Scalable video decoder and controlling method for the same
A scalable video decoder and a controlling method thereof are provided. A method of controlling a scalable video decoder includes: determining whether a macro block mode of an upper layer is an interlayer prediction mode when decoding a scalable video; when the macro block mode of the upper layer is determined as the interlayer prediction mode, determining an up-sampling operation is required to thereby either perform texture up-sampling using corresponding macro block information of a lower layer and neighboring pixel information, or perform residual up-sampling using the corresponding macro block information of the lower layer; and decoding the upper layer using the texture up-sampling or the residual up-sampling. |
| US08571102B2 |
Image encoding apparatus, image encoding method, image encoding program, image decoding apparatus, image decoding method, and image decoding program
The image encoding apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a coding mode determination unit, a prediction image generation unit, a storage unit, and an encoding unit. The coding mode determination unit determines a coding mode relating to which of the first image prediction processing or second image prediction processing is used for generating prediction image of a partial area of input images. The prediction image generation unit extracts the prediction assist information by the first image prediction processing and generates a prediction image based on the prediction assist information. The storage unit stores the reproduced image that is based on the prediction image. The encoding unit generates a bit stream comprising data obtained by encoding the coding mode information and prediction assist information. |
| US08571101B2 |
Method and system for encoding a video signal, encoded video signal, method and system for decoding a video signal
Some video compression standards use multiple temporal predictions. One or more of the oldest temporal predict ions are overwritten with another prediction. A prediction used in an enhancement encoder is in embodiment overwritten by a prediction produced in a base stream encoder. |
| US08571098B1 |
Variable bit rate encoding
A system, machine-readable medium and method for processing video comprising a video segmentor configured to receive a source video and to split the source video into segments; a bit rate allocator configured to receive the segments and generate target bit rates corresponding to the segments; a first encoder coupled to receive the plurality of segments and the target bit rates and configured to encode each of the segments using one of the target bit rates to generate encoded segments; and an output generator configured to receive the encoded segments and generate an encoded video. |
| US08571097B2 |
Picture coding method, picture decoding method, picture coding apparatus, picture decoding apparatus, and program thereof
A picture coding method of the present invention codes a picture signal and a ratio of a number of luminance pixels and a number of chrominance pixels for the picture signal, and then one coding method out of at least two coding methods is selected depending on the ratio. Next, data related to a picture size is coded in accordance with the selected coding method. The data related to the picture size indicates a size of the picture corresponding to the picture signal or an output area, which is a pixel area to be outputted in decoding in a whole pixel area coded in the picture signal coding. |
| US08571095B2 |
Equalization filter and distortion compensating method
An equalization filter is provided for solving the problem in which there is a limited range in which compensated for distortion of a transmission signal can be made.Measuring instrument 104 measures a distortion quantity which characterizes distortion of the transmission signal. Comparator 105a generates a differential signal which indicates the difference between the transmission signal and a compensation signal. Delay device 105b delays the differential signal based on the distortion quantity measured by measurement instrument 104 and generates the compensation signal. |
| US08571092B2 |
Interconnect coding method and apparatus
A computer program that is embodied on a storage medium for execution on a processor is provided. With this computer program, A current cost is calculated for each transition on a bus having a predetermined width for a functional circuit so as to form a transition cost matrix. Then, a predetermined number of the lowest cost transitions for from the transition cost matrix is determined so as to generate a probability transition matrix. The product of the probability transition matrix and the transition cost matrix can be iteratively determined, while also updating the probability transition matrix until the probability transition matrix converges. |
| US08571083B2 |
Nitride semiconductor laser chip
A nitride semiconductor laser chip is provided that offers sufficient reliability even at high output. The nitride semiconductor laser chip has a nitride semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a resonator facet formed on the nitride semiconductor layer, and a coating film formed on the resonator facet and containing Ar. The coating film has, in a region contiguous with the resonator facet and in the vicinity thereof, a low-Ar region with a low Ar content and, on the side of this low-Ar region opposite from the resonator facet, a high-Ar region with a higher Ar content than the low-Ar region. |
| US08571076B2 |
Laser light source, image display apparatus, and processing apparatus
A laser light source includes a fundamental laser generator that generates a fundamental laser light, a wavelength conversion element that is made of a ferroelectric crystal with a periodically poled structure and converts the fundamental laser light to a laser light having a different wavelength, a holding member that holds at least a part of an element surface of the wavelength conversion element that crosses a polarization direction of the periodically poled structure, and an insulation layer that is provided between the holding member and the element surface. Electric resistivity of the insulation layer is 1×108 Ω·cm or higher. |
| US08571069B2 |
Method and device for sending uplink burst data in passive optical network system
A method for sending uplink burst data in a passive optical network (PON) system includes: sending a synchronization pattern of the uplink burst data, the synchronization pattern being of a length, which is an integer multiple of 66 bits, and being formed by connection of 66-bit unit gene blocks; sending a burst delimiter (BD) of the uplink burst data; sending a forward error correction (FEC)-protected data in the uplink burst data; and sending an end of burst (EOB) delimiter of the uplink burst data. The technical solutions in the embodiments allow the use of a less complex equalizer at the reception end of a high-speed PON system. |
| US08571066B2 |
Methods and apparatus for RF channel switching in a multi-frequency network
Methods and apparatus for RF channel switching in a multi-frequency network. In an aspect, a method includes identifying a multiplex set that comprises one or more content flows, wherein the multiplex set is one of a vertical multiplex (VM) set and a unified multiplex (UM) set, generating an overhead message that associates one or more RF carrier frequencies with the one or more content flows, and transmitting the overhead message over the multi-frequency network. An apparatus includes input logic configured to receive an overhead message that associates one or more content flows with one or more RF carrier frequencies, and processing logic configured to detect a channel switch event that identifies a selected content flow, determine a selected RF carrier frequency associated with the selected content flow based on the overhead message, and switch to the selected RF carrier frequency to receive the selected content flow. |
| US08571065B2 |
Method and apparatus for assigning a virtual address to and text-messaging to multiple text-capable destination entities
A virtual address is configured. A destination address and a capability information associated with each destination entity of a set of destination entities associated with a destination party are configured. Each destination entity from the set of destination entities is a push-capable, text-message-capable entity. Each destination entity from the set of destination entities is associated with a virtual address. The virtual address defines a destination remote from the destination party and remote from premises associated with the destination party. |
| US08571064B2 |
Method and apparatus for physical layer routing in a wireless device
A method includes, in a physical layer of a communication stack of a wireless communication device, receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal, converting the first RF signal to a first digital data signal, and passing the first digital data signal to a higher communication stack layer. The method also includes, in the physical layer, receiving a second digital data signal from the higher communication stack layer, converting the second digital data signal to a second RF signal, and transmitting the second RF signal. The method further includes, in the physical layer, forwarding a signal, wherein forwarding comprises receiving a third RF signal, converting the third RF signal to a fourth RF signal, and transmitting the fourth RF signal. |
| US08571061B2 |
Inter-network translation
A method for bidirectional gating between low parallelity devices in a network and a remote server with a higher parallelity capability. The method comprises: (a) intercepting a plurality of requests for a same content item stored on a remote server from a plurality of devices, said requests in a low parallelity protocol; (b) storing said requests as stored requests; (c) translating one of said requests to a high parallelity protocol to produce a translated request and relaying said translated request to said remote server; (d) additionally intercepting a response to said translated request from said remote server in, said response in said higher parallelity protocol; (e) additionally translating said response to said low parallelity protocol to produce a translated response and storing said translated response; and (f) filling each of said stored requests with said translated response. |
| US08571057B2 |
Methods and apparatus for multi-carrier communications systems with automatic repeat request (ARQ)
Hybrid ARQ is employed in a multi-carrier communication system for retransmission of erroneous packets by taking advantage of time/frequency/space diversity and by combining ARQ functions at physical layer and MAC layers, making the multi-carrier system more robust in a high packet-error environment. |
| US08571053B2 |
Method and system for architecture of a fast programmable transport demultiplexer using double buffered approach
A method and system are provided for architecture of a very fast programmable transport demultiplexer using a double-buffered approach. The method may involve utilizing a hardware assist block to process incoming packets, retrieve information about the packets, and write the retrieved information to a memory block. A firmware block may then utilize the information in memory to perform further processing on the packet data. The firmware and hardware assist blocks may work simultaneously so as to speed up the processing of the packet, which can comprise record data and/or audio/video data. The system may comprise the hardware assist block, the firmware assist block, and a memory block. |
| US08571051B2 |
System and method for seamless switching through buffering
A method of preparing data streams to facilitate seamless switching between such streams by a switching device to produce an output data stream without any switching artifacts. Bi-directional switching between any plurality of data streams is supported. The data streams are divided into segments, wherein the segments include synchronized starting points and end points. The data rate is increased before an end point of a segment, to create switch gaps between the segments. Increasing the data rate can include increasing a bandwidth of the plurality of data streams, for example by multiplexing, or compressing the data.The present invention can be used, for example, with MPEG or AC-3 encoded audio and MPEG encoded video segments that are multiplexed into MPEG-2 transport streams.Also included are specific methods for preparing MPEG video streams and multiplexing MPEG video with MPEG or AC-3 audio streams to allow a receiver to create seamless transitions between individually encoded segments. |
| US08571050B1 |
Method and apparatus to optimize class of service under multiple VCs with mixed reliable transfer and continuous transfer modes
A method and apparatus to optimize class of service under multiple VCs with mixed reliable transfer (RT) and continuous transfer (CT) modes have been disclosed where outstanding packets to be processed is through a Retransmission Mapper with a VOQ read pointer realignment that can quickly optimize network traffic with multiple VCs and mixed RT/CT modes. |
| US08571047B2 |
Method, media gateway and system for managing a filter rule
A method, a Media Gateway (MG), and a system for managing a filter rule are disclosed. The method includes: The MG receives a processing message from a Media Gateway Controller (MGC); and the MG maintains the packet filter rule context according to the processing message, where the packet filter rule context includes at least one filter rule for filtering a packet received or sent by the MG. The processing message may be a message for creating, modifying or deleting the packet filter rule context. With the present disclosure, the MGC can manage the packet filter rule on the MG effectively. |
| US08571045B2 |
Data stream router
The present invention concerns a router for providing isochronous data transfer and asynchronous data transfer on the basis of a predetermined protocol between devices of different network sections connected to the router, when a connection management application executed by the router translates a user request to transfer data from a transmitting device of a first network section to a receiving device of a second network section into commands of the protocol for establishing a first data connection between the transmitting device and the router and a second data connection between the router and the receiving device when the data is transferred from the transmitting device via the established data connections to the receiving device. |
| US08571042B2 |
Reception apparatus for VPN optimization by defragmentation and deduplication and method
A reception apparatus for optimizing a virtual private network operates by defragmenting and deduplicating transfer of variable sized blocks. A large data object is converted to a plurality of data paragraphs by a fingerprinting method. Each data paragraph is cached and hashed. The hashes are transmitted from a primary apparatus. Only data paragraphs which are not previously cached at satellite are received. The data object is integrated from stored and newly transmitted data paragraphs and transmitted to its destination IP address. |
| US08571041B2 |
Managing transmissions among nodes communicating over a shared communication medium
A method is provided for managing transmissions among nodes communicating over a shared communication medium. The method includes: transmitting a frame from a sender node to a plurality of receiver nodes, the frame including at least a portion of a data packet and control information associated with accessing the communication medium; transmitting over the communication medium information indicating an end of a time window allocated for transmission of acknowledgement signals to the sender node from at least some of the plurality of receiver nodes; assigning each of a plurality of time slots in the time window to different subsets of the plurality of receiver nodes; and for a given receiver node, transmitting an acknowledgement signal from the given receiver node to the sender node during a time slot assigned to the given receiver node, the acknowledgement signal responsive to at least the frame. |
| US08571037B2 |
Optical digital transmission system
An optical digital transmission system of the present invention newly defines one second negative stuff byte in an overhead area for accommodation of the client signals with multiplexing into the OTU frame, newly defines one third positive stuff byte in a corresponding tributary slot in a payload area for accommodation of client signals with multiplexing, newly defines stuff control bits that is used for decision of the use of the second negative stuff byte and the third positive stuff byte in three different places in the overhead area for client signal accommodation with multiplexing, performs control by using the newly defined stuff control bits when accommodation of the client signal with the third positive stuff byte or the second negative stuff byte is required, and performs stuff control without using the newly defined stuff control bits when accommodation of the client signal by the third positive stuff byte and the second negative stuff byte is not required. |
| US08571032B2 |
Testing packet fragmentation
Methods and apparatus for testing a network that converts datagrams into fragments. A traffic generator may generate a datagram containing plural instrumentation blocks and transmit the test traffic over the network. A traffic receiver may determine if a plurality of fragments received via the network constitutes a complete datagram based, at least in part, on data within respective instrumentation blocks extracted from each received fragment. The traffic receiver may report test statistics indicative of a number of complete datagrams received and a number of incomplete datagrams received. |
| US08571028B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing multicast traffic
A device, system and method for controlling the flow of multicast data packets from sources sending data to hosts requesting the data. In one implementation, a router is situated in a data network between sources that send multicast data packets directed to a multicast group and hosts requesting to receive the multicast data packets. The router has one or more network interfaces in the direction of the hosts and stores for each network interface, each multicast group address and each host at least one data record arising from one or more data requests made by the hosts which includes multicast group and source information. The router stores executable instructions to receive messages originating from a host, update the status of the data sources for that host and implement the actions according to one or a combination of Tables 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 disclosed herein. |
| US08571021B2 |
Packet based data transmission with reduced data size
In a method for transmitting data in a packet-based transmission system, a packet is assembled by including control information and payload data, wherein the control information includes a destination address; redundancy information is calculated using the packet; wherein the destination address is stripped from the packet and the redundancy information is added to the packet and a control bit in the packet is set indicating that no destination address is included in the packet. The thus altered packet is transmitted. |
| US08571019B1 |
In-band address tunneling
A packet communication address is delivered through in-band signaling over a circuit-switched network connection for a call, so the packet communication address can be used to establish a packet session outside the circuit-switched network. When the call is initiated from an initiating communication client to a terminating communication client using a directory number associated with the terminating communication client, a portion of the bearer path is established through the circuit-switched network between two network gateways. The packet communication address for the originating communication client may be received in a call establishment request by an originating network gateway. The originating network gateway will use in-band signaling over the bearer path to provide the packet communication address for the originating communication client to a terminating network gateway. Upon receipt of the packet communication address, the terminating network gateway will initiate transferring the call to a packet session established outside the circuit-switched network. |
| US08571015B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for enabling non-IMS queries of a common telephone number mapping system
Methods of routing a non-IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) message from a first user terminal that has telecommunications service provided by a first carrier to a second user terminal that has telecommunications service provided by a second carrier are provided. Pursuant to these methods, a first telephone number mapping (ENUM) database is queried to identify an address of a second ENUM database that is operated by the second carrier. The identified address is used to query the second ENUM database. Routing information for the non-IMS message is received from the second ENUM database in response to the query to the second ENUM database. The non-IMS message may then be routed to the second user terminal based on the routing information received from the second ENUM database. Related systems and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08571014B2 |
Distributed packet-based timestamp engine
A system handles timing information within a packet-switched network. The system classifies packets for processing depending on the packet type. After classification, a new timestamp value may be produced depending on the packet classification. The new timestamp value may use a timestamp value from the received packet, a value from a local clock, and an offset value. The timestamp value may be written into the packet, depending on the packet classification, and checksum-type fields may additionally be updated in the packet. In some embodiments, multiple physical layer circuits are integrated with a local clock circuit. |
| US08571008B2 |
Time synchronization method in wireless sensor network
The present invention relates to a time synchronization method in a wireless sensor network. In the present invention, if an upper node requests a lower reference node to start time synchronization, the lower reference node broadcasts a first sync reference packet. The upper node receives the first sync reference packet and transmits the first sync reference packet reception time to the lower reference node. The lower reference node broadcasts the first sync reference packet reception time, such that the other nodes perform time synchronization on the basis of the first sync reference packet reception time. Meanwhile, the lower reference node estimates the first sync reference packet reception time of the upper node to calculate the reception estimation time, and transmits the reception estimation time to a determination node that is two hops anterior to the lower reference node. Therefore, the determination node compares the reception time received from the upper node and the reception estimation time received from the lower reference node and determines whether a capture attack on the upper node has occurred. |
| US08571005B1 |
Method and apparatus for synchronization of a master timebase with one or more slave timebases using indirect signalling of timing information
In a communication system comprising one master device and one or more slave devices, the slave devices synchronize to a common timebase maintained at the master device without requiring transmission of accurate and real time master timer information from the master device. In one approach, a slave device sends timing information to the master device, the timing information representing the slave device timebase, and the master device sends back correction information to the slave device, the correction information representing a difference between the slave device timebase and the master device timebase, the correction information being usable independent of the timing of sending back the correction information. |
| US08571002B2 |
Combined simulcasting and dedicated services in a wireless communication system
An efficient method for providing both dedicated and simulcast services over a common wireless infrastructure is described. The services can be available to a single terminal as well as to a multiplicity of terminals simultaneously. The method uses time division multiplexing and orthogonal frequency division multiple access for simulcasting information and transmitting dedicated message information from a plurality of base stations forming a cellular pattern over the same wireless frequency channel. The method comprises the steps of constructing frames for transmission by the plurality of base stations comprising control information, simulcast information and dedicated message information within predetermined time slots of the frames and allocating the simulcast information and the dedicated message information to time slots of the same frame predetermined by the control information of the frame. The underlying modulation technology used is OFDM and thereby the channel delay-dispersion is minimized. |