Document Document Title
US08607250B2 Visually indicating a calendar event among different time zones
A calendared event may be visually indicated. A proposed time for the calendared event can be identified and each of a plurality of event participants can be associated with the calendared event. For each of the participants, a local time of the participant that corresponds to the proposed time for the calendared event can be identified and displayed.
US08607248B2 Efficient mechanism for terminating applications
An efficient mechanism for terminating applications of a data processing system is described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a request for exiting from an operating environment of a data processing system, an operating system examines an operating state associated with an application running within the operating environment, where the operating state is stored at a predetermined memory location shared between the operating system and the application. The operating system immediately terminates the application if the operating state associated with the application indicates that the application is safe for a sudden termination. Otherwise, the operating system defers terminating the application if the operating state associated with the application indicates that the application is unsafe for the sudden termination.
US08607244B2 Executing multiple threads in a processor
Provided are a method, system, and program for executing multiple threads in a processor. Credits are set for a plurality of threads executed by the processor. The processor alternates among executing the threads having available credit. The processor decrements the credit for one of the threads in response to executing the thread and initiates an operation to reassign credits to the threads in response to depleting all the thread credits.
US08607238B2 Lock wait time reduction in a distributed processing environment
Aspects of the present invention reduce a lock wait time in a distributed processing environment. A plurality of wait-for dependencies between a first plurality of transactions and a second plurality of transactions in a distributed processing environment is identified. The first plurality of transactions waits for the second plurality of transactions to release a plurality of locks on a plurality of shared resources. An amount of time the first plurality of transactions will wait for the second plurality of transactions in the distributed processing environment is determined based on the plurality of wait-for dependencies between the first plurality of transactions and the second plurality of transactions. Historical transaction data related to the plurality of wait-for dependencies between the first plurality of transactions and the second plurality of transactions is analyzed. The amount of time the first plurality of transactions will wait for the second plurality of transactions is reduced based on the historical transaction data.
US08607237B2 Collection with local lists for a multi-processor system
A method includes providing a collection that includes a plurality of local lists. Each local list is associated with a different processor or thread in a multi-processor system. An interface to the collection is provided for adding elements to and removing elements from the collection. An add operation is performed with a first processor in the multi-processor system using the interface to add a first element to the collection. The interface is configured to cause the first element to be added to the local list associated with the first processor.
US08607229B2 Correcting packet timestamps in virtualized environments
A network capture element is embodied on a virtual machine, and a utility function is embodied on the actual device, preferably within the virtual machine manager. Both the utility function and the traffic capture element are configured to monitor communication events. To minimize the overhead imposed, the utility function is configured to merely store the time that the event occurred on the actual machine, corresponding to an identifier of the event. The network capture element, on the other hand, performs the time consuming tasks of filtering the communications, selectively storing some or all of the data content of the communications, characterizing the data content, and so on. Instead of storing the virtual time that the communication event occurred at the virtual machine, the network capture element uses the identifier of the communication event to retrieve the actual time that the communication event occurred on the actual machine.
US08607227B2 Electronic device and method for burning firmware to embedded device
In a method of burning a firmware to an embedded device, a booting file is firstly created and saved in the firmware. The booting file includes a boot loader, a first kernel, a second kernel, a first initrd, a second initrd of a firmware, a rootfs, and an application program. The method burns the boot loader, the first kernel, the second kernel, the first initrd, and the second initrd in a flash memory of the embedded device. When the rootfs and the application program are recorded in a storage system of the embedded device, the method downloads the rootfs and the application program from a storage system of the embedded device, and burns the rootfs and the application program to a register of the flash memory.
US08607226B2 Solution for locally staged electronic software distribution using secure removable media
A method, information processing system, and computer program storage product, are provided for creating a Removable Installation Kit (“RIK”) for locally staged electronic software distribution on a user system. The method includes selecting at least one software package from a list of software packages on a software distribution server. A set of data elements is created that is associated with an RIK to be created using the at least one software package. The set of data elements is stored at the software distribution server. A temporary copy of the at least one software package that has been selected is stored. The RIK is created by placing at least the software package that has been selected and a unique identifier associated with the RIK on at least one removable storage medium.
US08607220B2 Modifying a multi-module application
A method, apparatus and computer program are disclosed for modifying an application comprising a plurality of modules. A user is presented with a list of modules. The user is able to specify input regarding any permitted version modifications for the modules listed. It is then determined whether the requested modifications are possible with one or more failure messages being output when any of the requested modifications are not possible. At least one of the failure messages is used to enable modification of the initial input provided by the user. In one embodiment, information is provided to the user based on one or more failure messages in order to enable the user to modify their choices. In another embodiment, the initial input is automatically modified. A permitted version modification may be, for example, a version upgrade, a version downgrade, and an indication that there is no preference.
US08607217B2 Incremental upgrade of entity-relationship systems
Embodiments are directed to incrementally upgrading an entity-relationship system. In an embodiment, a computer system receives an indication that one instance including its own specified set of entities is to be upgraded to a second instance including a different specified set of entities. The computer system accesses the two instances to determine the differences between the entities of each instance. The computer system then discovers, based on the determined differences between the two instances, a set of actions that, when executed, change the entities of the first instance to the entities of the second instance. The set of actions is ordered such that processing order constraints are respected. The computer system then incrementally upgrades the entities of the first instance to the entities of the second instance by processing the determined set of actions in the appropriate, constraint-aware order.
US08607216B2 Verifying firmware
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with updating firmware for a chip are described. One example method may include performing an external verification of updated firmware received and stored external to the chip to determine if the updated firmware is authentic. Upon determining that the updated firmware is authentic, the updated firmware is loaded into the chip. An internal verification of the updated firmware within the chip is performed to determine that the updated firmware is authentic. The internal verification is assured to succeed based on the external verification. Because the internal verification will succeed, the chip avoids reverting to a default firmware.
US08607214B2 Data processing system running on a plurality of operating systems (OS) and enabling a channel device to simultaneously perform processing associated with the plurality of operating systems
In a data processing system which runs a plurality of operating systems, a channel device can be shared by the plurality of operating systems. In addition, a channel device which supports port multiplexing can also be shared by a plurality of operating systems. The channel device includes a plurality of IDs each indicating that the channel device is a medium for performing input/output processing, and an input/output processing controller for assigning one operating system to each of the IDs, and controlling a data transfer independently for each ID to control a plurality of data transfers. Further, in a channel device which has a plurality of ports, an input/output processing controller is provided for assigning an operating system to each of the ports, and transferring data independently for each port to control the plurality of ports.
US08607212B2 Method and system for data file processing
A library of jobs is created, with the jobs performing predetermined functions. The jobs include a termination indication, which is success or failure. Input file formats of known file types are determined and a job stream to process the input files is constructed of the jobs linked according to the termination success or failure of the preceding job.
US08607210B2 Code patching for non-volatile memory
Example embodiments described herein may comprise a transfer of firmware execution within a non-volatile memory device to one or more replacement instructions at least in part in response to a match between a code fetch address and an address stored in a trap address register.
US08607205B2 Automatic generation of functional emulators for web service
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer-readable medium for emulating web service operations are presented. In a preferred embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the steps of: collecting Web Services Description Language (WSDL) based descriptors of selected web service operations; receiving range and diversity descriptors for the selected web service operations; and inputting the WSDL based descriptors, range and diversity descriptors into an Automatic Web Service Emulator Generator (AWSEG) to generate a web service emulation of the selected web service operations.
US08607203B1 Test automation framework using dependency injection
A method for testing software may include receiving a user request to run a test, and identifying a test flow document associated with the test. The test flow document may specify a plurality of test steps and define a test flow for the test. Each of the plurality of test steps may correspond to an independently-compiled set of instructions. The method may further include executing the plurality of test steps using dependency injection provided in accordance with the defined test flow.
US08607202B2 Real-time profiling in a multi-core architecture
An apparatus comprising a first core of a multi-core processor, a second core of a multi-core processor and a bus matrix. The first core may be configured to communicate through a first input/output port. The first core may also be configured to initiate a testing application. The second core may be configured to communicate through a second input/output port. The second core may also be configured to respond to the testing application. The bus matrix may be connected to the first input/output port and the second input/output port. The bus matrix may transfer data between the first core and the second core. The testing application may generate real-time statistics related to the execution of instructions by the second core.
US08607200B2 Executing a web application at different stages in the application life cycle
A method for hosting multiple life cycle stages of a web application includes installing a web application in a first environment together with a first version of a support package containing support software components for the web application, the first environment corresponding to a first life cycle stage of the web application, and executing the web application in the first environment together with the first version of the support package. The method further includes installing the web application in a second environment together with a second version of the support package containing support software components for the web application, the second environment corresponding to a second life cycle stage of the web application that succeeds the first life cycle stage of the web application, and executing the web application in the second environment together with the second version of the support package.
US08607194B2 Method and apparatus for executing software applications
Consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. high-definition movie players for removable storage media such as optical discs, may provide possibilities for advanced interactivity for the user, implemented as software applications. A question arising generally with such software applications is what the life cycle of such an application is, and who may control it. The invention provides a method for executing software applications within a playback device for audio-video data, wherein data from a first removable storage medium are read for a software application to be executed within said playback device, and the data comprise an indication defining a termination condition for the application. Based on said termination code and depending on how the medium holding the application is ejected, the application is terminated or may survive.
US08607191B2 Automated discovery of programmatic resources
A method for business process to customized program code mapping in a pre-packaged computing solution can include establishing a connection from a business process to code mapping module executing in memory by a processor of a computer to a source pre-packaged computing solution, extracting both a business process hierarchy (BPH) and customized program code from the source pre-packaged computing solution, storing the BPH and the extracted customized program code in storage coupled to the computer, selecting a business process in the BPH and mapping the selected business process to corresponding portions of the customized program code, and generating and displaying in the computer a dependency graph indicating dependency relationships of the mapped portions of the customized program code for the selected business process of the BPH of the source pre-packaged computing solution.
US08607188B2 Modeling task-site allocation networks
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for modeling a task-site allocation. The method includes generating a task-site allocation network based on at least one site-task pair and at least one site-centric constraint of at least two sites, wherein generating a task-site allocation network comprises generating a task-specific constraints model based on task context information and generating a task-site pair that satisfies at least one constraint based on the task-specific constraints model, and determining a preferred allocation of task to site by comparing estimated task-site allocation cost between a single site allocation and a distributed site allocation among the at least two sites.
US08607187B2 System and method for mini-EHP development and delivery
A more tailored and flexible update schedule is provided for large enterprise software development and delivery through mini-releases. Instead of delivering update packages after a development and delivery period, e.g., 18 months, where the update packages include an update release for the entire software package, the software package may be broken down into component parts. Mini-releases may then be issued several times during the same delivery period (e.g., 18 months). Each mini-release may include a small subset of the component parts to be focused on, allowing greater flexibility, without greatly increasing code release efforts (e.g., as required by releasing the whole software suite in an update).
US08607186B2 Automatic verification of merged mode constraints for electronic circuits
Individual mode timing constraints associated with a set of netlists are combined into merged mode timing constraints. An initial merged mode constraint is generated by combining timing constraints from individual modes. The initial merged mode includes the union of all timing constraints from individual modes that add timing relationships and the intersection of all timing constraints from the individual modes that remove timing relationships. Extraneous timing relationships are identified in the merged mode and eliminated by introducing timing constraints in the merged mode. Equivalence between the merged mode and the individual modes is verified by comparing timing relationships in the merged mode with timing relationships in the individual modes. The merged mode is considered equivalent to the individual modes if every timing relationship present in an individual mode is present in the merged mode and every timing relationship present in the merged mode is present in any of individual modes.
US08607185B1 Enriching a cell library
Methods are used to enrich a cell library in such a way to provide a nearly continuous choice of cells to implement a circuit design. The emphasis of the design method is on automatic determination of the needed cell sizes and variants. The method exploits different variants on drive strengths, P/N ratios, topology variants, internal buffering, and so forth. The method allows enriching libraries to become more suitable for efficient timing closure. The method also offers means to adapt the preexisting cells to fit the final distribution, minimizing the number of new cells to be created.
US08607178B2 Integrated circuit chip with repeater flops and methods for automated design of same
An integrated circuit (IC) chip having repeaters for propagating signals along relatively long wires that extend between and among lower-level physical blocks of the IC chip, wherein the repeaters are implemented as clocked flip-flops (or “repeater flops”). A method for automatically inserting and allocating such repeater flops during the logical and physical design of the IC chip is also provided.
US08607176B2 Delay model construction in the presence of multiple input switching events
A method for constructing delay rules which include the effects of MIS simulations for static timing analysis with reduced cost. The present method includes constructing skew windows for applying MIS penalties purely from SIS data, and scales the MIS penalties during rule use based upon how closely the skews in the use case approach the edge of the skew window. The method applies both to timing rule construction for a library of circuits and to timing rule construction for macros where only part of the circuits in the macro may be sensitive to skew between macro inputs.
US08607173B2 Hierarchical bottom-up clock domain crossing verification
Clock-domain crossing (CDC) verification for system on chip (SoC) integrated circuits (IC) can be time consuming and complex, especially as the size of the SoC and the complexity of the modules of which it comprises increase. A bottom-up verification process includes the replacement of a CDC verified module by an abstracted model of the module with constraints defined on the boundaries of the module. Performing the process in a hierarchic manner from bottom upwards allows for faster verification of modules higher in the hierarchy as at least portions thereof are replaced with the abstracted modules.
US08607170B2 Perturbational technique for co-optimizing design rules and illumination conditions for lithography process
A process of generating design rules, OPC rules and optimizing illumination source models for an integrated circuit layout, to form short lines, terminated lines and crossovers between adjacent parallel route tracks, may include the steps of generating a set of template structures which use a set of characteristic design rules, and performing a plurality of source mask optimization (SMO) operations on the set of template structures with different values for the design rules in each SMO operation. In a first embodiment, the SMO operations are run using a predetermined set of values for each of the design rules, spanning a desired range of design rule values. In a second embodiment, the SMO operations are performed in a conditional iterative process in which values of the design rules are adjusted after each iteration based on results of the iteration.
US08607168B2 Contour alignment for model calibration
Techniques for model calibration and alignment of measurement contours of printed layout features with simulation contours obtained with a model are disclosed. With various implementations of the invention, contour point errors are determined. Based on the contour point errors and a cost function, values of alignment parameters may be determined. The values of alignment parameters may be used to realign the measurement contours for model calibration. The alignment may be conducted concurrently with model calibration.
US08607162B2 Searching for commands and other elements of a user interface
The present invention provides a search capability to allow a user to easily locate a menu command or other user interface element associated with a search result. In one embodiment, a user enters a search term (or a portion thereof) in a search field. A list of results is displayed, for example in a results menu. The user can select or highlight any of the listed results; in response, the corresponding command is brought into view in context within the user interface, and is highlighted. The user can activate the selected command directly from the search results menu.
US08607160B2 Method for presenting menu buttons
Optical storage media often contain data structures for a menu suitable for selection of a title, a chapter, a parameter or others. Such menus usually comprise a number of buttons to be displayed, with each button having a state. Possible states of buttons are; e.g., “unselected”, “selected” or “activated”. According to the invention, the menu may contain buttons that can be selected through the keys on the remote control, but that don't have any images or text associated. This allows creating “invisible buttons” that automatically execute commands upon selection. Further, a sound or sound sequence; e.g., melody or click, may be associated to a buttons state, and may be played back when the button enters this state. Such menu data may be stored; e.g., on a Blu-ray disc.
US08607149B2 Highlighting related user interface controls
An apparatus and method is described for highlighting related user interface controls to selected items in order to improve the ease of use and the intuitiveness of a graphical user interface. In preferred embodiments, user interface controls that are related to a selected object in the display are uniquely highlighted when an object is selected to show the user what user interface options are related to or available to perform some action on the selected object. The preferred embodiments of related highlighted controls can be used in conjunction with prior art highlighted controls that show what actions are available to the user for the current environment or cursor location.
US08607148B2 Method and system for performing drag and drop operation
A method and system for performing drag and drop operation on a graphical user interface is disclosed herein. The method comprises: enlarging a drop region in a graphical user interface upon focusing on a part of the drop region, the drop region being enlarged in a direction based on the location of the focused part of drop region. In an embodiment the direction of enlargement is in the mirror direction of focused part of the drop region.
US08607144B2 Monitor configuration for media device
A display mode can be selected by identifying a plurality of display modes supported by a media client, wherein the plurality of display modes comprise safe display modes; generating a user interface including a test image and a plurality of commands in accordance with a selected display mode of the plurality of display modes, wherein the user interface is output to a display device; receiving user input selecting one of the plurality of commands; and configuring an operating display mode of the media client in accordance with the received user input. Configuring an operating display mode further can comprise determining that the received user input confirms the selected display mode and configuring the media client to set the selected display mode as the operating display mode. Further, generating a user interface can comprise presenting a display timer indicating a time remaining until a display mode change.
US08607142B2 Method for aligning demonstrated user actions with existing documentation
There is provided an apparatus for aligning document actions specified in a documented procedure with demonstrated user actions. The apparatus includes an alignment device for computing an alignment between the document actions and the demonstrated user actions based on at least one similarity metric.
US08607135B2 Radio station buttons
Methods and a data structure for assigning URLs (e.g., to radio-station-streaming-media-content sources) to graphical objects (such as buttons) are disclosed. Zip codes are used to identify and assign geographically relevant URLs to buttons. A graphical user interface enables a user to select from a plurality of radio buttons and menu entries in order to identify search results satisfying the user's selection criteria. Information identifying a user's button assignments or preferences (such as the user's zip code) is stored in various data fields in a cookie data structure. The computer-executable instructions use the information contained in the data structure in order to assign the URL to the button each time the Web page is displayed.
US08607132B1 Matching signal dynamic range for turbo equalization system
A method for reducing a number of bits for representing a value is disclosed. A first value represented with a first number of bits is transformed to a second value represented with a second number of bits, wherein the first number of bits is greater than the second number of bits. The transformed second value is scaled by a scale factor to a third value. Transforming includes selecting a target window with a width of a third number of bits, wherein the third number of bits is smaller than the first number of bits. Transforming further includes saturating the first value to a most significant bit (MSB) within the selected target window and extracting bits within the selected target window from the saturated value.
US08607131B2 Decoder, receiving apparatus, decoding method, and receiving method
Disclosed are an encoder, a transmission device, and an encoding method with which the transmission amount is reduced and a deterioration in transmission efficiency is suppressed while improving reception quality when QC-LDPC or a like block encoding is used. A puncture pattern setting unit searches for a puncture pattern for each integral multiple of the number of columns or for each divisor of the number of columns of a sub block matrix that forms a check matrix (H) of a QC-LDPC code, and a puncture unit (data reduction unit) switches the puncture pattern for each integral multiple of the number of columns or for each divisor of the number of columns of the sub block matrix that forms the check matrix of the QC-LDPC code.
US08607130B2 Computationally efficient convolutional coding with rate-matching
An error coding circuit comprises a non-systematic convolutional encoder for coding an input bit stream to produce two or more groups of parity bits, an interleaver circuit for interleaving parity bits within each group of parity bits, and a rate-matching circuit for outputting a selected number of the interleaved parity bits ordered by group to obtain a desired code rate.
US08607126B1 Resource sharing in a telecommunications environment
A transceiver is designed to share memory and processing power amongst a plurality of transmitter and/or receiver latency paths, in a communications transceiver that carries or supports multiple applications. For example, the transmitter and/or receiver latency paths of the transceiver can share an interleaver/deinterleaver memory. This allocation can be done based on the data rate, latency, BER, impulse noise protection requirements of the application, data or information being transported over each latency path, or in general any parameter associated with the communications system.
US08607121B2 Selective error detection and error correction for a memory interface
Error correction code (ECC) checkbits are generated for each write access to a memory address based on both the data to be written (the write data) and the memory address. The ECC checkbits are stored with the write data at the memory device associated with the memory address. In addition, the memory device can selectively perform error detection and correction for write accesses using the ECC checkbits. For example, the memory device can include an ECC control register that stores control information to selectively enable and disable error detection and correction for write accesses. In an embodiment, error detection and correction can be selectively enabled and disabled for different sizes of write data.
US08607120B2 Semiconductor memory device for performing additional ECC correction according to cell pattern and electronic system including the same
A semiconductor memory device for performing additional error correction code (ECC) correction according to a cell pattern and an electronic system including the same are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array configured to store user data; and an ECC engine configured to perform first ECC encoding on the user data, output a result of the first ECC encoding as ECC information, detect a predetermined cell pattern based on the user data, and additionally perform second ECC encoding on data of a cell corresponding to the predetermined cell pattern detected. Accordingly, data errors that may occur due to a certain cell pattern are prevented.
US08607118B2 Iterative decoding method and apparatus
An iterative decoding method is disclosed and includes sequentially executing a number of iterative decoding cycles in relation to a parity check equation until the parity check equation is resolved, or a maximum number N of iterative decoding cycles is reached, during execution of the number of iterative decoding cycles, storing in a data buffer minimum estimated values for a set of variable nodes corresponding to a minimum number of bit errors, and outputting the minimum estimated values stored in the data buffer as a final decoding result when the number of iterative decoding cycles reaches N.
US08607116B2 Readdressing decoder for quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check and method thereof
A readdressing decoder for QC-LDPC decoding including a memory, a controller and parallel processors is provided. The memory stores a QC-LDPC matrix including sub-matrices respectively addressed with a corresponding address. The controller readdresses each of the sub-matrices into divided matrices and defines each of the divided matrices into a first address group and a second address group. The controller further respectively transmits the divided matrices of the first address group and the second address group to the parallel processors to perform correction algorithm.
US08607113B2 Data processing apparatus, and control method and storage medium therefor
A data processing apparatus capable of efficiently collecting information useful for network failure analysis. If image data transmission to a host computer has failed, a packet acquisition start instruction is given from a data transmission control unit to a packet acquisition control unit. Subsequently, image data is retransmitted to the host computer. After completion of the image data retransmission, a packet acquisition termination instruction is given to the packet acquisition control unit.
US08607111B2 Sub-instruction repeats for algorithmic pattern generators
An integrated circuit tester is described that utilizes methods of programming parallel coupled Algorithmic Pattern Generators (APGs) to generate test vector sequences and part commands with sub-instruction repeats. This enables simpler test programming and ease of test conversion to new part speed grades, steppings, or part designs. In one embodiment, a sub-instruction repeat is utilized to enable adjustment of the timing of test vector sequences and part commands sent to an integrated circuit device under test (DUT) so that the test can be adjusted for new part speed grades and/or steppings. In another embodiment, a sub-instruction repeats are utilized to enable adjustment of the timing of a memory device inputs, memory commands and test vector sequences so that the test can be adjusted for new memory device speed grades.
US08607110B1 I-R voltage drop screening when executing a memory built-in self test
A built-in self test (BIST) method and system for testing a memory included on an integrated circuit includes activating a component of the integrated circuit, partitioning the memory into a first part for use by non-BIST components and second part for BIST, and executing BIST on the second part of the memory while the component is operating. While the BIST is executing, the non-BIST components can access the first part of the memory and perform normal functional operations. The BIST method and system finds memory faults that are related to an I-R voltage drop due to the physical placement of the memory relative to power supply sources.
US08607106B2 Channel detection device
A channel detection device includes a disable circuit, LED pins, receivers and an error detection circuit. The disable circuit sends a disabling pulse to one or some LED pins of the plurality of LED pins, where the one or some LED pins are connected to the disable circuit. Each of the receivers is connected to one of the plurality of LED pins respectively and is capable of outputting an inhibiting signal when the LED pin connected receives the disabling pulse from the disable circuit. The error detection circuit is coupled to the receivers and the LED pins. The error detection circuit is configured to detect open-circuit of some LED pins of the plurality of LED pins, and bypass the detection of open-circuit of some other LED pin of which the receiver outputs the inhibiting signal.
US08607105B1 Memory test circuit and memory test techniques
Techniques and circuits for testing a memory are provided. The techniques include disabling a plurality of interrupts to an integrated circuit (IC). Contents of a first memory region to be tested are copied to a second memory region. The second memory region where the contents are copied to is a safe memory region that will not be affected by the memory test. Memory accesses are mapped to the second memory region so that memory accesses that are associated with the first memory region are mapped to the second memory region. The plurality of interrupts is re-enabled after the memory contents in the first memory region are copied and remapped to the second memory region. Memory accesses due to the interrupts are redirected from the first memory region to the second memory region according to the memory mapping. The first memory region is tested with a test circuit of the IC.
US08607101B2 RS-485 port test apparatus
An RS-485 port test apparatus includes an RS-485 connector, a micro control unit (MCU), a multiprotocol transceiver, and a display. The RS-485 connector receives a first test code signal from a test RS-485 port of an electronic device. The multiprotocol transceiver receives the first test code signal from the RS-485 connector, converts the first test code signal to a second test code signal which can be identified by the MCU, and transmits the second signal to the MCU. The MCU receives the second test code signal and displays the second test code signal by the display. The MCU sends back the second test code signal to the multiprotocol transceiver. The multiprotocol transceiver converts the second test code signal to the first test code and transmits the first test code to the test RS-485 port of the electronic device through the RS-485 connector.
US08607099B2 Online fault verification in a file system
Data structure errors, or corruptions, identified during, e.g., normal computing device system processing, file system processing or user access processing, are verified prior to the file system identifying the error for offline correction or notifying the user or system administrator a data structure error exists. Identified data structure corruptions are verified while the file system volumes are maintained online and otherwise accessible to other processing tasks and user access. Verified data structure corruptions are logged for further corrective processing. Data structure corruptions that cannot be verified, i.e., false positives, are not further processed and are not identified to file system administrators or users as corruptions, freeing the file system to concentrate on normal processing and true, verifiable errors.
US08607097B2 Apparatus and method for preventing abnormal ROM update in portable terminal
An apparatus and method for determining an abnormal ROM update in a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a ROM update unit for increasing a value of an update start counter when a ROM update process is performed, and increasing a value of an update finish counter when the ROM update process is finished. The ROM update unit loads the values of the update start counter and the update finish counter, and compares the values of the two counters to determine that the ROM update process has been normally performed before the portable terminal abnormally operates.
US08607094B2 Operational system test method
The present invention features an operational system test method, comprising defining a fault model, inserting a test agent, hooking a test location, collecting test information, and removing the test agent. The invention also features an operational system test method, comprising defining a fault model, inserting a test agent, identifying a memory area according to a test location, hooking the identified memory area, collecting test information, and removing the test agent.
US08607090B2 Selective shorting for clock grid during a controlling portion of a clock signal
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with selective shorting are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a selective shorting device connected between clock branches. The selective shorting device is configured to selectively electrically connect the clock branches to one another and to selectively electrically disconnect the clock branches from one another. The apparatus also includes a selective shorting control mechanism that controls the selective shorting device to electrically connect the clock branches during a controlling portion of a clock signal. The selective shorting control mechanism is configured to electrically disconnect the clock branches in the absence of the controlling portion.
US08607089B2 Interface for storage device access over memory bus
A nonvolatile storage or memory device is accessed over a memory bus. The memory bus has an electrical interface typically used for volatile memory devices. A controller coupled to the bus sends synchronous data access commands to the nonvolatile memory device, and reads the response from the device bus based on an expected timing of a reply from the nonvolatile memory device. The controller determines the expected timing based on when the command was sent, and characteristics of the nonvolatile memory device. The controller may not need all the electrical signal lines available on the memory bus, and could issue data access commands to different groups of nonvolatile memory devices over different groups of electrical signal lines. The memory bus may be available and configured for either use with a memory controller and volatile memory devices, or a storage controller and nonvolatile memory devices.
US08607088B2 Synchronizing remote devices with synchronization sequence on JTAG control lead
A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device determines whether to initialize to a standard protocol or to an advanced protocol. Upon determining to initialize to the advanced protocol, the second remote device then waits for a synchronization point sequence.
US08607083B2 Method and apparatus for interrupt power management
Embodiments of a method and apparatus are described for low power operation of a multi-core processing system. An apparatus may comprise, for example, an affinitization management module operative to detect a media application operative to execute on one or more of a plurality of processor cores of a multi-core processor, dynamically select a subset of processor cores of the multi-core processor, and affinitize the media application to execute on the subset of processor cores. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08607081B2 Power control for PXI express controller
A PXI Express controller may be configured to support at least three different conditions under which the controller may be turned on. If a chassis (e.g. a PXI Express chassis) interfacing with the controller has a power button, the first condition (which may be considered normal operation) may be met when the power button is being pressed at a time auxiliary power is present. When the chassis does not have a power button, the second condition may be met when the power is switched on at a time auxiliary power is present, and the third condition may be met when the power is switched on at a time auxiliary power is not present. A state-machine comprised in the PXI Express controller may be configured to interface with a chipset equally comprised in the PXI Express controller, to perform the control functions required to provide the support for the three different conditions.
US08607077B2 Multi-function integrated device and operating method thereof
A multi-function integrated device and an operating method thereof are provided. The multi-function integrated device includes a data reading module, a network access module, and a power control module. The network access module includes a first network component corresponding to a LAN and a second network component corresponding to a WLAN. The power control module turns on the function of the data reading module and/or the network access module according to a control signal received from a host. When the function of the network access module is determined to be turned on, the power control module supplies power to the first network component or the second network component according to the control signal.
US08607073B2 Storage medium having an encrypting device
A storage medium having an encrypting device, including an electronic memory area, a read-in device, a read-out device, a key memory, in which a secret key is or can be stored, an encrypting device, and a decrypting device. The read-in device is designed to encrypt any data input at the interface for storage in the memory area using the key stored in the key memory and to store said encrypted data in the memory area. The read-out device has a direct read-out channel, by means of which stored encrypted data can be output to the interface in encrypted form by circumventing the decrypting device, and a decrypting read-out channel, by means of which stored encrypted data in the memory area can be decrypted by means of the decrypting device using the key stored in the key memory or a decryption key stored in the key memory and corresponding to the key and can be output to the interface in decrypted form.
US08607072B2 Storage device content authentication
Systems and methods that support storage device content authentication are provided. A system that verifies storage device content received from a storage device may comprise, for example, a security processor coupled to the storage device. The security processor may be adapted to receive a partitioned storage device region from the storage device. The partitioned storage device region may comprise, for example, regional content and first hashed regional content. The security processor may generate, for example, second hashed regional content by performing a hashing function on the regional content received by the security processor. The security processor may compare, for example, the first hashed regional content to the second hashed regional content. The security processor may verify the regional content received by the security processor if the first hashed regional content is the same as the second hashed regional content.
US08607071B2 Preventing replay attacks in encrypted file systems
Replay attacks in an encrypted file system are prevented by generating a session key and providing the session key to one or more drive managers and an encrypted file system process. When a drive request is received by the encrypted file system process the drive request is encrypted using the generated session key. The encrypted drive request is sent to a drive manager. The drive manager attempts to decrypt the drive request using the session key. If the encrypted drive request is successfully decrypted, then the drive manager performs the requested operation. On the other hand, if the request is not decrypted successfully, then the request is not performed by the drive manager. Drive managers can include both disk device drivers and a logical volume managers.
US08607065B2 Trusted and confidential remote TPM initialization
Techniques are provided to allow remote initialization of a Trusted Platform Module. The results may be trusted and confidential even if the target device has malicious operating system or other software running.
US08607054B2 Remote access to hosted virtual machines by enterprise users
An end user of an enterprise is enabled to receive secure remote presentation access to the assigned virtual machines in a hosted public cloud through the cloud provider's virtualization hosts and remote presentation gateway. Thus an enterprise administrator may purchase computing capacity from the cloud provider and further sub-divide the purchased computing capacity among enterprise end users. The cloud provider need not create shadow accounts for each end user of the enterprise. The cloud provider AD and the enterprise AD do not need to trust each other. The cloud provider also need not expose host information to the tenants. Authorization may be provided by using a combination of a custom authorization plug-in at the terminal services gateway and an indirection listener component at the virtualization host. The host details may also be abstracted when the client connects to the remote presentation gateway so as to protect the fabric from attack and enabling the tenant virtual machines to freely move across the cloud provider's virtualization hosts.
US08607052B2 Management apparatus and copying apparatus
The management apparatus 105a manages copying of information from an original recording medium 101a to a copy recording medium 102a. The management apparatus 105a comprises: a transmission/reception unit 701a configured to receive an original-medium identifier from the copying apparatus 104a and to transmit permission information to the copying apparatus 104a, the original-medium identifier identifying the original recording medium, and the permission information indicating permission for the copying of the information; and a control unit 708a configured to determine whether to permit the copying of the information based on the received original-medium identifier and a registered original-medium identifier that identifies a registered original recording medium, and to allow the transmission/reception unit 701a to transmit the permission information when determining to permit the copying.
US08607050B2 Method and system for activation
An activation method includes a security module card verifying an activation server using a shared secret key and a first challenge, mediating a verification of the activation server by a mobile device, and encrypting the second challenge using a generated key to obtain an encrypted second challenge. The security module card further transmits the encrypted second challenge and a third challenge to the mobile device. The method further includes receiving an encrypted third challenge from the mobile device, decrypting the encrypted third challenge to obtain a received third challenge, verifying the mobile device based on the received third challenge being equal to the third challenge sent to the mobile device, and sending a validation of mutual trust between the security module card and the mobile device to the activation server.
US08607049B1 Network access device for a cargo container security network
In one embodiment, a wireless bridge for wireless to TCP/IP based communication is provided. The wireless bridge can be with reduced functional devices (RFDs) in a star topology network acting as a network access device (NAD). Another embodiment can be with fully functional devices (FFDs) in a peer-to-peer topology network also capable of operating as a NAD. The network address device includes a processor with memory; a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor; an antenna coupled to the front end; and a power source providing power to the processor and front end wherein the processor with memory contains computer instructions for executing IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliant operations; transmitting a network access device announcement (NADA) message representative of the initiation of passive network discovery to multiple end devices; determining whether a receiving/designated end device is network compliant; establishing communication with the compliant designated end device; and forwarding the NADA message to the designated end device.
US08607040B2 Method of provisioning firmware in an operating system (OS) absent services environment
Methods and apparatuses for re-instantiating a firmware environment that includes one or more firmware functions available at pre-boot time when transitioning the computing device from a first, higher power consumption state to a second, lower power consumption state. The firmware environment determines whether a cryptographic signature on a firmware volume is verified; whether hardware resources of the computing device requested by a manifest of the firmware volume are available; and whether a firmware module of the firmware volume is compatible with installed firmware of the firmware environment. If so, the firmware environment reserves space in a memory to accommodate resources used by the firmware module, and executes the firmware module with the computing device in the second, lower power consumption state.
US08607039B2 Isolation of device namespace to allow duplicate/common names in root volume group workload partitions
A mechanism is provided for isolation of device namespace to allow duplicate or common names in root volume group workload partitions. The mechanism creates a scratch file system that contains enough information to create an execution environment for a workload partition and information about which physical volumes to use for the root volume group file systems. The mechanism then populates the root file systems on a disk in the global space. The mechanism boots the workload partition from the scratch file system and configures the devices to be exported to the workload partition based information in the scratch file system. The mechanism then renames the logical volume names to the traditional names. The mechanism then temporarily mounts the root volume group file system onto the scratch file system.
US08607038B2 Apparatus and method for downloading contents using an interior mass storage in a portable terminal
A method and apparatus for downloading content to a large-capacity internal memory in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes performing a booting process of the portable terminal at the occurrence of a booting event, examining whether a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port is enabled during the booting process, if the USB port is enabled, receiving data through the USB port before driver loading, and storing the received data into the large-capacity internal memory and performing the booting process.
US08607037B2 Pre-installation environment used by operating systems
A pre-installation environment used by an operating system includes a pre-installation kit, a running unit, and a write inhibiting unit. The running unit is used for running the pre-installation kit, and generating an inhibiting signal when running to call the executable files for configuring network environment. The write inhibiting unit is used for inhibiting information generated by running the executable files from being written into a log file in response to the inhibiting signal.
US08607029B2 Dynamic reconfigurable circuit with a plurality of processing elements, data network, configuration memory, and immediate value network
A dynamic reconfigurable circuit including a plurality of processing elements each provided with an arithmetic data input port, a configuration data input port and an output port, a data network that is coupled to the arithmetic data input ports and the output ports of the plurality of processing elements, a configuration memory that is coupled via a configuration path to the configuration data input port of a first processor element being at least one of the plurality of processing elements, and an immediate value network that is independent from the data network and that is coupled to the configuration data input port of a second processor element being at least one of the plurality of processing elements. An internal register of a third processor element is coupled to the immediate value network so that data stored in the internal register can be outputted to the immediate value network.
US08607026B2 Translation lookaside buffer
A translation lookaside buffer (TLB) is disclosed formed using RAM and synthesisable logic circuits. The TLB provides logic within the synthesisable logic for pairing down a number of memory locations that must be searched to find a translation to a physical address from a received virtual address. The logic provides a hashing circuit for hashing the received virtual address and uses the hashed virtual address to index the RAM to locate a line within the RAM that provides the translation.
US08607024B2 Virtual address cache memory, processor and multiprocessor
An embodiment provides a virtual address cache memory including: a TLB virtual page memory configured to, when a rewrite to a TLB occurs, rewrite entry data; a data memory configured to hold cache data using a virtual page tag or a page offset as a cache index; a cache state memory configured to hold a cache state for the cache data stored in the data memory, in association with the cache index; a first physical address memory configured to, when the rewrite to the TLB occurs, rewrite a held physical address; and a second physical address memory configured to, when the cache data is written to the data memory after the occurrence of the rewrite to the TLB, rewrite a held physical address.
US08607022B2 Processing quality-of-service (QoS) information of memory transactions
Systems and methods for processing quality-of-service (QoS) information of memory transactions are described. In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving identification information and quality-of-service information corresponding to a first or original memory transaction transmitted from a hardware subsystem to a memory, receiving a given memory transaction from a processor complex that does not support quality-of-service encoding, determining whether the given memory transaction matches the original memory transaction, and appending the stored quality-of-service information to the given memory transaction in response to the given memory transaction matching the original memory transaction. In some embodiments, a system may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Devices suitable for using these systems include, for example, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, network appliances, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, e-book readers, televisions, and game consoles.
US08607021B2 Method and data storage system for providing multiple partition support
An apparatus of the present invention includes partition selection circuitry configured to selectably provide individual access to multiple ones of a plurality of partitions of a data storage component by a host device without multiple partition support. The apparatus can also include the data storage component and/or the host device. The partition selection circuitry uses a logical block addressing (LBA) address generated by the host device, and an operating mode indicator indicative of a particular partition, to allow the partitions of the data storage component to be accessed by the host device without multiple partition support. Methods implemented by the apparatus are also disclosed.
US08607018B2 Memory usage configuration based on observations
A computer software execution system may have a configurable memory allocation and management system. A configuration file or other definition may be created by analyzing a running application and determining an optimized set of settings for the application on the fly. The settings may include memory allocated to individual processes, memory allocation and deallocation schemes, garbage collection policies, and other settings. The optimization analysis may be performed offline from the execution system. The execution environment may capture processes during creation, then allocate memory and configure memory management settings for each individual process.
US08607015B2 Onboard system for vehicle
A control unit (main CPU 10 of a head unit 1) of an onboard system decides as to whether an issuing condition of an initialization command set and stored in a storage unit is satisfied at an initial start after the assembly of a portable storage device (DVD drive 20) or at an initial start after mounting the device in a vehicle, and transmits the initialization command to the portable storage device when satisfied.
US08607012B2 Storage system group
There is a journal area and one or more logical volumes comprising a first logical volume. The journal area is a storage area in which is stored a journal data element, which is a data element that is stored in any storage area of a plurality of storage areas configuring a logical volume, or a data element that is written to the storage area. A controller has a size receiver that receives a write unit size, which is the size of a write data element received from a computer, and a size setting unit that sets the received write unit size in a memory for one or more logical volumes. The size of a journal data element stored in a journal area based on the set write unit size is the write unit size.
US08607011B2 Method and system for generating consistent snapshots for a group of data objects
Snapshots that are consistent across a group of data objects are generated. The snapshots are initiated by a coordinator, which transmits a sequence of commands to each storage node hosting a data object within a group of data objects. The first command prepares a data object for a snapshot. After a data object has been successfully prepared, an acknowledgment is sent to the coordinator. Once all appropriate acknowledgments are received, the coordinator sends a command to confirm that a snapshot has been created for each data object in the respective group. After receiving this confirmation, the coordinator takes action to confirm or record the successful completion of the group-consistent snapshot.
US08607008B1 System and method for independent invalidation on a per engine basis
A shared resource management system and method are described. In one embodiment a shared resource management system includes a plurality of engines, a shared resource, and a shared resource management unit. In one exemplary implementation the shared resource is a memory and the shared resource management unit is a memory management unit (MMU). The plurality of engines perform processing. The shared resource supports the processing. For example a memory store information and instructions for the engines. The shared resource management unit independently caches and invalidates page table entries on a per engine basis.
US08607007B2 Selection of data storage medium based on write characteristic
A hybrid hard disk drive includes a hard disk drive controller to receive a plurality of write commands from a host, a buffer to receive and store write data, which are input through the hard disk drive controller and correspond to each of the plurality of write commands, a command history tracker to receive the plurality of write commands and analyze a pattern of the plurality of write commands, and a CPU to control storage of the write data, which correspond to each of the plurality of write commands, on a disk or in a flash memory device based on the analysis result by the command history tracker. The drive may determine whether to store write data on the disk or in the flash memory device without operation system support.
US08607006B2 Barrier transactions in interconnects
Interconnect circuitry is configured to provide data routes via which at least one initiator device may access at least one recipient device. The circuitry including: at least one input for receiving transaction requests from at least one initiator device; at least one output for outputting transaction requests to the at least one recipient device; and at least one path for transmitting transaction requests between at least one input and at least one output. Also includes is control circuitry for routing the received transaction requests from at least one input to at least one output and responds to a barrier transaction request to maintain an ordering of at least some transaction requests with respect to said barrier transaction request within a stream of transaction requests passing along one of said at least one paths. Barrier transaction requests include an indicator of transaction requests whose ordering is to be maintained.
US08607005B2 Monitoring program execution to learn data blocks accessed by software process for facilitating efficient prefetching
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining prefetch data. A start module communicates a start of a target software process to a storage device. A learning module learns data blocks accessed for the target software process. In one embodiment, a prefetch module prefetches the learned data blocks in response to the start of the target software process. An end module communicates the end of the target software process to the storage device. In one embodiment, the prefetch module terminates prefetching data blocks and the learning module terminates learning the data blocks accessed for the target software process in response to the end module's communication of the end of the target software process.
US08606995B2 Portable alarm configuration/update tool
A stand-alone portable alarm update tool includes a memory interface for receiving a computer readable memory; a serial port for interconnection to a security alarm panel, by way of a complementary port; a processor; and processor readable memory in communication with the processor, storing software adapting the processor to upload and download configuration files from a removable memory received by the memory port, to the alarm panel, by way of the serial port. Conveniently, the tool may be packaged in a hand-held casing, and which may also house a battery. In this way, the tool may be readily transported by an installer, without being unnecessary heavy or bulky.
US08606994B2 Method for adapting performance sensitive operations to various levels of machine loads
A redundant array of independent disk (RAID) stack executes a first memory access routine and a second memory access routine having different access timing characteristics. The RAID stack determines a number of cache misses for the execution of each of the first and second memory access routines. The RAID stack selects one of the first and second memory access routines based on the number of cache misses for further memory accesses.
US08606991B2 Method and system for refreshing dynamic random access memory
A method and system for refreshing DRAM having a plurality of banks, each of the banks including a plurality of rows includes dividing all banks in DRAM into a plurality of groups of banks, each of the groups having n banks, wherein n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. A threshold of available retention time for each group of banks is determined. Each row of banks in each group of banks is refreshed. Refreshing one row of a bank in one group of banks includes determining whether a refresh operation for the row of the bank conflicts with an access operation for the bank where the row of the bank is located. If there is a conflict, then it is determined whether to perform the refresh operation or the access operation for the current row of the bank. If it is determined to perform the access operation, the access operation is continued. If it is determined to perform the recess operation, the current row of the bank is refreshed. DRAM access performance is improved.
US08606988B2 Flash memory control circuit for interleavingly transmitting data into flash memories, flash memory storage system thereof, and data transfer method thereof
A flash memory control circuit including a microprocessor unit, a first interface unit, a second interface unit, a buffer memory, a memory management unit, and a data read/write unit is provided. The memory management unit manages a plurality of flash memory units, wherein each of the flash memory units has a plurality of flash memories, each of the flash memories has a plurality of memory cell arrays, and each of the memory cell arrays at least has an upper page and a lower page. The memory management unit groups the memory cell arrays of the corresponding flash memories into a plurality of data transfer unit sets (DTUSs). The data read/write unit interleavingly transfers data to the flash memory units in units of the DTUSs. Thereby, the flash memory control circuit can transfer the data stably and the usage of the buffer memory can be reduced.
US08606987B2 Data writing method for flash memory and controller using the same
A data writing method for a flash memory is provided. The data writing method includes: dividing a new data into at lease one sub-data by the size of a writing unit; selecting one of a plurality of spare blocks from the flash memory as a substitute block for substituting a data block, wherein the new data is to be written into the data block; sequentially writing the sub-data having the size of the writing unit into the substitute block in the writing unit; and storing the sub-data not having the size of the writing unit into a temporary area. The writing efficiency of the flash memory can be improved by temporarily storing the sub-data not having the size of the writing unit into the temporary area and then writing the sub-data not having the size of the writing unit with subsequent data into the substitute block.
US08606983B2 Device and method for manipulating communication messages
A device for manipulating communication messages in a communication system is provided, which communication system includes a data bus, and a plurality of nodes connected thereto, and an arrangement for transmitting messages in message frames at fixedly predefined communication cycles. The device is connected in the data bus between at least one node for which the messages to be manipulated are intended and the other nodes of the communication system. The device has an arrangement for intercepting the messages before they reach the at least one node, an arrangement for manipulating the intercepted messages, and an arrangement for transmitting the manipulated messages to the at least one node.
US08606982B2 Derivative logical output
Embodiments of the invention are related to methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for transferring data between two devices using an interconnect bus. On each conductive line of the bus, a bit representing a first logic state is transferred if a current bit is the same as an immediately previously transmitted bit. If the current bit is different from the immediately previously transmitted bit, then a bit representing a second logic state is transferred.
US08606979B2 Distributed administration of a lock for an operational group of compute nodes in a hierarchical tree structured network
Distributed administration of a lock for an operational group of compute nodes in a hierarchical tree structured network including assigning the root node of the operational group to send acknowledgments for lock requests, the root lock administration module comprising a module of automated computing machinery; receiving a lock request assigned to a particular node from a child node; determining whether another request from another child is directly ahead in an acknowledgement queue; if a request from another child is directly ahead in the acknowledgement queue, putting the lock request for the particular node in the acknowledgement queue until the lock request directly ahead in the acknowledgement queue is satisfied and when the lock request ahead in the queue is satisfied, sending the particular node for whom the lock request is assigned a message acknowledging the particular node has the lock; and if a request from another child is not directly ahead in a queue, sending to the particular node for whom the lock request is assigned a message acknowledging that the particular node has the lock.
US08606978B2 Hard disk drive with integrated ethernet interface
An integrated circuit of a hard disk drive includes an Ethernet network interface module configured to transmit and receive data packets via an Ethernet connection. The data packets respectively include packet headers and at least one of small computer system interface (SCSI) commands and SCSI data requests. A processor is configured to process the data packets transmitted and received by the Ethernet network interface module. A hard disk control module is configured to control, based on the at least one of the SCSI commands and the SCSI data requests, writing of data to a hard disk and reading of the data from the hard disk. Each of the hard disk control module, the processor, and the network interface module is located in the integrated circuit.
US08606976B2 Data stream flow controller and computing system architecture comprising such a flow controller
A data stream flow-controller controls a transfer of data between a data processing device and an interconnection network. The flow controller includes interfaces for interfacing the controller on the network side and on the processing device side, a configurable storage for buffering queues of data in the controller before transfer to destination, and a programmable controller to control the storage to define queue parameters.
US08606974B2 Direct memory access controller
A direct memory access controller is provided, in which an internal storage section storing control setting information; and a control section loading the control setting information from an external storage section to the internal storage section when a transfer request signal does not belong to a first group, and not loading the control setting information from the external storage section to the internal storage section when the transfer request signal belongs to the first group; are included, and a data transfer by a direct memory access is performed in accordance with the control setting information within the internal storage section.
US08606969B2 Control of electronic devices based on capability descriptions
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer readable media for controlling one or more electronic devices are described. According to one described aspect, an embodiment of a method includes providing a plurality of schemes, each scheme defining features that are operable on an electronic device and which features each of the features in the scheme can use, and receiving data for identifying the type of the electronic device, and selecting, based on the type, one of the schemes, and controlling the electronic device based on the selected scheme.
US08606968B2 Apparatus and a method for predicting commands
An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to detect a first user input corresponding to a first command, begin a first process corresponding to a second command in response to said first user input, detect a second user input corresponding to the second command and complete said first process in response to said second user input.
US08606967B2 Methods and apparatus for proxying of devices and services using overlay networks
Methods and apparatus for proxying of devices and services using overlay networks. A method for operating a proxy includes obtaining meta-data associated with at least one of a device and a service, generating a searchable index of the meta-data, and publishing the searchable index on the overlay network as at least one of a distributed index and a centralized index. Another method includes receiving a request from a device or a service using a non overlay protocol to receive at least one of data and services from the overlay network, searching an index of meta-data on the overlay network based on the request, identifying a node associated with the at least one of data and services based on the index, establishing a direct connection with the node, and obtaining the at least one of data and services using the direct connection.
US08606966B2 Network adaptation of digital content
A method and system are provided for wireless multimedia customization for different access networks with variable network conditions and device types. In one aspect, when a multimedia content clip is available, the clip is processed for transport by processing it in accordance with different options for the content clip in an optimized way that helps dynamic customization. For example, instead of preparing a version of the entire content clip, targeted for a particular network condition and target device characteristics, or creating a separate processed clip for each compression parameter available, a set of content ingredients are generated that can address a wide range of network conditions even through dynamic fluctuations in conditions and device characteristics.
US08606963B2 Enabling simultaneous use of home network and foreign network by a multihomed mobile node
The invention relates to a method performed by a home agent serving a mobile node in a home network upon attachment of a mobile node to the home network as well as to the home agent. The invention also relates to a method for enabling simultaneous use of a plurality of interfaces by a mobile node being attached to a home network through one of the plurality of interfaces and to at least one foreign network through at least another interface of the plurality of interfaces. Moreover, the invention provides a mobile node and a proxy acting on behalf of the mobile node. To enable a mobile node to use a home network and at least one foreign network for communications the invention suggests the registration of the mobile node's home address or of a network node's address within its home network as a care-of address in the home network.
US08606960B2 Method and apparatus for improving packet processing
A method and apparatus to improve packet processing is disclosed.
US08606959B2 Lookup front end packet output processor
A packet processor provides for rule matching of packets in a network architecture. The packet processor includes a lookup cluster complex having a number of lookup engines and respective on-chip memory units. The on-chip memory stores rules for matching against packet data. A lookup front-end receives lookup requests from a host, and processes these lookup requests to generate key requests for forwarding to the lookup engines. As a result of the rule matching, the lookup engine returns a response message indicating whether a match is found. The lookup front-end further processes the response message and provides a corresponding response to the host.
US08606955B1 Pause-button content rendering
Systems and methods for delivering and rendering content to a user having a computing device including a display are disclosed. One method performed by one or more servers includes receiving a request for primary content, sending the primary content to the computing device, the primary content configured to be rendered in a first portion of the display of the computing device, receiving a request for secondary content, and sending the secondary content to the computing device, the secondary content configured to be rendered in a second portion of the display upon a request to pause rendering of the primary content. The method can further include receiving a request to resume rendering of the primary content, stopping the sending of the secondary content to the computing device, and again sending the primary content to the computing device.
US08606953B2 Adjusting audio and video synchronization of 3G TDM streams
Systems and methods of adjusting synchronization of audio media streams and video media streams in 3G mobile communications systems that can mitigate the effects of temporal skew due to intervening processing elements associated with media channels carrying the respective media streams. The systems and methods are operative to adjust the synchronization of audio media streams and video media streams by receiving control messages that report delays due to such intervening processing elements, calculating a relative amount of delay using the reported delays for each media channel, and applying a delay factor based on the relative amount of delay to the faster media channel to place the audio media streams and the video media streams in proper temporal alignment. The delay factor is applied to the faster media channel at those locations within the mobile communications systems where the audio and video media streams are combined and/or separated for subsequent transmission.
US08606952B2 Method and system for optimizing bandwidth usage in remote visualization
A method and system for optimizing bandwidth usage in remote visualization are provided. The method may comprise determining a region of interest and a region of non-interest of the image; sending data relating to the region of interest via a reliable priority data stream; and sending data relating to the region of non-interest via a less reliable non-priority data stream. The priority data stream may be a high quality and/or high speed data stream, while the non-priority data stream may be a lower quality and/or lower speed data stream. The region of interest and the region of non-interest may be determined in various ways, including via automatic selection (e.g., through the use of image-based algorithms), via an application programming interface of one of a plurality of graphics applications that generate the image, or via manual selection by a user.
US08606946B2 Method, system and computer program for driving a data signal in data interface communication data link
A data Interface for transferring digital data between a host and a client over a communication path using packet structures linked together to form a communication protocol for communicating a pre-selected set of digital control and presentation data. The signal protocol is used by link controllers configured to generate, transmit, and receive packets forming the communications protocol, and to form digital data into one or more types of data packets, with at least one residing in the host device and being coupled to the client through the communications path. The data interface includes a system, method and computer program for driving a data signal to a logic one state for a first predetermined range of strobe signals and then driving the data signal to a logic zero state for a second predetermined range of strobe cycles for starting up a digital data interface communication data link from hibernation.
US08606944B2 Replenishing a user account with more access resources needed for accessing network services
A network access server (NAS) determines the status of availability (e.g., how much more quota is unused) of an access resource, and sends a notification embedded in a point-to-point protocol (PPP) packet. The format of the packet is chosen such that definition/use of higher layers (e.g., HTTP) is not required to communicate the status to a client system. As a result, the user may be notified even if software such as web browser is not being executed on the client system.
US08606942B2 System and method for intelligently allocating client requests to server centers
A system and method are described for intelligently allocating client requests to server centers provide real-time streaming interactive video. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method comprises: strategically positioning a plurality of application server centers at different geographical locations; receiving a request from a client to execute an online application; determining the latency requirements based on the type of application requested by the client; and forwarding the client request to a particular application server center within the plurality based at least on the latency requirements of the requested application.
US08606941B2 Relay server and relay communication system
In a relay communication system, when receiving an operation instruction of a resource from a client terminal stored in an account information registration unit, a relay server relays the operation instruction to a client terminal capable of operating the resource based on relay group information if the resource is operable by another client terminal.
US08606939B1 Method of configuring an on-demand secure connection between a control site and a client network
A method of configuring an on-demand secure connection between a control site and a client network is described. The method involves establishing a first tunnel between the control site and the edge device of the client network. The method then involves automatically detecting a sub-network coupled to the edge device, and configuring the edge device to allow a second tunnel to be established within the first tunnel, where the second tunnel connects the control site to the detected sub-network.
US08606938B1 High availability for cloud-based services
High availability mechanisms are described for cloud-based services such as voice-over-IP (VoIP) services.
US08606937B2 Information providing method, home gateway, and home network system
Embodiments of the present invention provide an information providing method, a home gateway, and a home network system. The method includes: obtaining an IPv6 address or an IPv6 prefix of a client and a service type of the client; establishing a mapping between the IPv6 address or the IPv6 prefix of the client and the service type of the client; sending the mapping between the IPv6 address or the IPv6 prefix of the client and the service type of the client to a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS), so that the BRAS dispatches and manages a service of the client according to the mapping between the IPv6 address or the IPv6 prefix of the client and the service type of the client.
US08606935B2 Application distribution control system, application distribution control method, information processing apparatus, and client terminal
An application distribution control system is made up of an information processing apparatus including a data collecting part that collects and stores data of a use state when using an application of an application distribution server into a memory and a data moving part that moves the use state data to a client terminal; the client terminal including a data setting part that receives the use state data from the information processing apparatus to set a use state of the application in accordance with the use state data and a request transmitting part that transmits a use request for the application to the application distribution server; and the application distribution server including a service providing part that receives the use request for the application from the client terminal to allow for the use of the application through the network.
US08606928B2 Diverse network relative addressing resolution
A requesting entity can submit a query to an industrial control configuration to determine a location for a module. A distributed directory can be employed to discover an absolute location of the module, which can be provided to the requesting entity. This discovery can occur in real-time such that an answer can be given with a relatively high degree of certainty. In addition to providing the absolute address in the answer, a path on how to reach the module can be provided. The path can be optimized in order to allow quicker response time and to manage system resources.
US08606926B2 Recursive DNS nameserver
A recursive DNS server receives a request for domain name information associated with a domain name from a subscriber. In response to the request for domain name information, the recursive DNS nameserver determines a subscriber identifier and subscriber information associated with the subscriber identifier. The recursive DNS nameserver resolves the request for domain name information based on the subscriber information to generate a response to the request for domain name information. The recursive DNS nameserver then returns the response to the request for domain name information to the subscriber.
US08606923B2 System and method for real time delivery of context based content from the cloud to mobile devices
The information in the cloud is available in the form of software-as-a-service is accessible from laptops and personal computers. The system obtains information from multiple sources in the “cloud,” correlates the information, determines a subset of information based on context, and pushes the information to at least one mobile device. An engine extracts a context based subset of information and correlates the context based subset of information based on the same context or a different context. A data push engine makes the information available in real time to a user by pushing the information to the at least one mobile device like a smartphone, tablet, and/or navigation system.
US08606921B2 Load balancing based on deep packet inspection
A device may receive a packet, determine a content identifier of the packet, identify a first processing device that has processed part of content associated with the content identifier, send the packet to the first processing device when the first processing device is identified, select a second processing device among a plurality of processing devices when the first processing device is not identified, and send the packet to the second processing device.
US08606920B1 Providing notification of computing resource availability for on-demand allocation
Technologies are described herein for providing notifications of computing resource availability for on-demand allocation. A resource request is received from a requesting application indicating the type, size, number, and other parameters of the computing resources desired. Upon determining that the requested computing resources are not immediately available, suitable alternative resources are determined based on the parameters of the requested resources. The availability of computing resources at the service provider is monitored, and when the requested resources or suitable alternatives become available, the requesting application is sent one or more resource availability notifications describing the available resources. The requesting application may then allocate the available resources from the service provider on-demand.
US08606918B2 Method for resource allocation, base station and mobile communication terminal
The present invention provides a method for resource allocation, a base station and a mobile communication terminal. The method includes: setting a persistent radio resource set and a complementary resource set pre-allocated to a terminal; determining a radio resource to be used according to the size of a packet to be transmitted by the terminal or the base station. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a whole packet cannot be transmitted by using the pre-allocated persistent resource, the complementary resource can be allocated to the terminal so that the packet doesn't need to be divided, time delay is reduced, physical layer control information is decreased and the number of accommodated terminal users is increased. The present invention is applicable to any service in which packets arrive periodically, such as VoIP service and real-time service.
US08606913B2 Method for adaptively building a baseline behavior model
A method for generating an auto-adaptive baseline model for profiling individual and collective behavior of a plurality of network users. The method comprises the steps of creating a model, defining a plurality of members and a plurality of collective variables, each member corresponding to a user, and including a plurality of individual variables, defining conditions for each collective variable and individual variable, upon detecting an activity by a user, updating corresponding individual variables and collective variables, and comparing updated individual variables and collective variables against corresponding conditions. If a condition is met, an alert event is issued to notify designated personnel; otherwise, returning to the step of upon detecting activity. Finally, upon receiving an alert event, the designated personnel decides whether to manually redefine the conditions or to ignore the alert event. If the alert event is ignored, said conditions are automatically redefined in accordance with system defined mechanisms.
US08606909B2 Real-time notification of presence availability
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing presence status information of a first user to a second user. The system includes a presence server for storing presence status information of the first user. The presence server is configured to detect a change in the presence status of the first user. The presence server also informs a notification server of a change in the presence status of the first user. The notification server sends a notification message to a communication device of the second user. The notification message contains current presence status information of the first user. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08606908B2 Wake-up server
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving, at a wake-up server, an indication that an agent device will be suspended, including at least one criterion for reestablishing the agent device; determining that the at least one criterion has been met; and, in response, reestablishing the agent device. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: transmitting, by an agent device to a support server, a request message; transmitting, to a wake-up server, an indication that resources associated with the agent device will be released, including at least one criterion for reestablishing the agent device; transmitting, to the support server, an instruction to transmit a result message associated with the request message to the wake-up device; and releasing the system resources associated with the agent device.
US08606907B1 Multi-tiered system for receiving and reporting web site traffic data
Configurations of a multi-tiered system for receiving and reporting web site traffic data with low latency are described. The multi-tiered system can include a tier of collecting servers for receiving incoming event tracking data communications (e.g., HTTP requests for logging web page requests at corresponding web sites). A collecting server receiving an incoming communication determines a particular logging server in a lower tier to route the incoming communication. Upon receiving the incoming communication, the logging server processes the communication by 1) logging the communication to persistent storage, and 2) routing the communication to i) a tier of long-term storage servers and ii) a tier of short term storage and low-latency servers (i.e., real-time servers) for aggregating and reporting web site traffic data. Each real-time server can be configured to aggregate the web site tracking data for reporting to a publisher with low latency.
US08606895B2 Seamless integration of multiple computing environments
A unification system for integrating multiple computing environments, which are available for simultaneous use by a single user, into a base environment includes a unification supervisor and a plurality of agents, where each agent is associated with a respective computing environment. The unification supervisor monitors information received from the agents regarding the multiple computing environments, and performs centralized direction of the computing environments in accordance with the received information. The centralized direction serves to incorporate the other computing environments into the base environment, and may be guided by policies designed to provide the user with a unified environment. The unification supervisor also issues instructions to the various agents. Each of the agents provides information regarding a respective computing environment to the unification supervisor, and may also manage the respective computing environment as directed by the unification supervisor. The base environment is typically the user's endpoint work environment.
US08606894B1 Server consolidation
A method for server consolidation is provided. The method includes collecting performance data of a plurality of source servers in a desired environment, selecting a group of one or more source servers from the plurality of source servers for consolidation, marking each source server in the with one of multiple usability statuses with one of such statuses indicates the marked source server is to be replaced or reused as necessary in the server consolidation, selecting a target platform for a new server, and performing a first server consolidation analysis of the first group based at least on the collected performance data, the initial usability status of each source server in the first group, and the first selected target platform.
US08606893B2 Devices and method for guaranteeing service requirements per user equipment basis into a bearer
In scenarios where service requirements are negotiated through a signalling layer whereas the services are carried out through a bearer layer, control rules are created at a control server logically interposed between the signalling and bearer layers. These control rules are based on service requirements received from an entity in the signalling layer, and are installed in an entity in the bearer layer for a bearer established therein. However, not all the service requirements negotiated through the signalling layer can be supported at the bearer layer by any user's equipment. The invention provides for a method and devices whereby the control server can create control rules based on the service requirements received from the signalling layer and also based on capabilities of the user's equipment currently used by the user, and whereby the control rules are installed for a currently established bearer or for a new subsequent bearer further established, depending on these control rules.
US08606892B2 Deployment and updating of applications and drivers on a client device using an extensible markup language (XML) configuration file
The deployment and updating of applications and drivers on a client device having a write-filter is described. A first deployment extensible markup language (XML) configuration file is obtained for deploying a first application or driver at the client device. A first application or driver is deployed on the client device based on the first deployment XML configuration file, while the write-filter of the client device is disabled. The write-filter is enablable to prohibit a file stored on the client device with the write-filter enabled from persisting across a reboot of the device. Following the deployment, automatic updating is performed by determining whether an autoupdate is available, obtaining a second deployment XML configuration file for updating the first application or driver, and updating the first application or driver based on the second deployment XML configuration file, while the write-filter is disabled. The automatic updating may be repeated.
US08606886B2 System for conversion between physical machines, virtual machines and machine images
A system and method for converting machines from one form to another. For example a virtual machine may be moved to a physical machine or vice versa. Conversions may also be performed with images. An image is a static datastore of the state of a machine at a given time. All conversions are achieved by pushing a job containing information on the actions to be performed to a controller. A controller resides on the machine where the actions must take place and executes and reports on the status of the job.
US08606885B2 Method and system of providing access point data associated with a network access point
A method includes sending a faked authentication request from a client device wherein the faked authentication request includes identification credentials. A faked authentication request indicates that a reply message in response to the faked authentication request is to include data for updating a directory on the client device. A reply message is received at the client device in response to the faked authentication request. The reply message includes data for updating the directory. The directory is updated based, at least in part, on the data for updating the directory.
US08606882B2 Communication terminal, communication method, and recording medium
Provided is a communication terminal which can be connected to a plurality of types of network and switching to a network appropriate for a content to be handled can be performed without forcing a user to perform the switching to a connection destination. It is also possible to provide a communication method using the communication terminal, a program, and a recording medium. The communication terminal transmits a content transmission request to an external server and receives a response to the content transmission request from the external server. The communication terminal extracts content information from the received response, selects at least one network in accordance with the extracted content information, and makes a connection to the selected network.
US08606879B2 Method for supporting management and exchange of distributed data of user or an entity
A method for supporting management and exchange of distributed data of a user or an entity, in particular user profile information data, is characterized in that a protocol is provided that employs SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) as bearer protocol in such a way that SAML messages function as containers for DST (Data Service Template) or DST-like messages in order to compose SAML DST messages, wherein the DST or DST-like messages include data processing information, and wherein for the DST or DST-like messages unified protocol namespaces are defined as the protocol specific namespaces.
US08606877B2 Java virtual machine having integrated transaction management system
A computing system comprises a plurality of computing nodes and is configured such that each computing node includes a processor configured to execute JAVA computer program instructions. The computing nodes cooperate to form a cluster, wherein the JAVA computer program instructions being executed by the plurality of computing nodes collectively accomplish a fully transactional application. Each application data object partition is associated with one of the computing nodes as a primary node for application data objects of that partition and further associated with at least one of the computing nodes as at least one secondary node for application data objects of that partition. Messages relative to an application data object are provided to the primary node for the application data object as well as to the at least one secondary node for that application data object, for updates. The particular application object is readable at any of the primary node and the at least one secondary node for that particular application data object.
US08606868B2 Community based measurement of capabilities and availability
Systems and methods herein monitor the ability of an electronic mail (e-mail) computer server to send and receive e-mail messages to and from e-mail clients of the e-mail computer server. The e-mail computer server provides, to the e-mail clients, updates regarding the ability to send and receive e-mail messages. When the e-mail clients determine that the e-mail computer server is unable to send the e-mail messages, the e-mail clients activate a special software program of instructions. When the program of instructions is active and the e-mail clients then receive an e-mail message from the e-mail computer server, the program of instructions causes those e-mail clients who have received an e-mail message to provide an indication of e-mail receipt to the e-mail computer server. When the e-mail computer server receives this indication of e-mail receipt from the e-mail clients, the e-mail computer server can provide an update to the other e-mail clients that e-mail can now be sent.
US08606867B2 Removing or correcting email recipients from an email chain
An email server receives an email. The email has a list of email addresses that includes the sender email address and the recipient addresses. The email is then sent to the recipients. An indication associated with one of the email addresses, such as the email address is invalid, the email address is for an incorrect recipient, the recipient does not want to receive responses to the email, and the like, is received. In response to the indication, responses to the email are filtered by not sending the response to an email address in the list of email addresses.Other features allow the recipient to identify a correct recipient of email. Also, if an email address was sent with an invalid address, based on a non-delivery report, the invalid address can be removed from responses to the email. The above systems can also be implemented between domains and with peer-to-peer clients.
US08606864B2 Dynamic set operations when specifying email recipients
A method for specifying email recipients that includes specifying a first set of email recipients, a second set of email recipients, and a set operation. A third set of email recipients can be automatically is generated by performing the set operation upon the first set and the second set. Email can then be sent to this automatically generated third set of email recipients.
US08606863B2 Mobile terminal
The mobile terminal 10 includes a transmission unit 20 for transmitting an e-mail, a location information acquisition unit 22 and 20 for acquiring the location information of the mobile terminal and a control unit 26 for controlling, at the time of transmission processing of the e-mail, when a predetermined special character is included in the e-mail to be transmitted, so that the location information acquisition unit 20 and 22 acquires the location information of the mobile terminal, and the acquired location information is added to the e-mail to be transmitted by being associated with the special character and the added e-mail is transmitted by the transmission unit 20.
US08606862B2 Electronic mail delay adaptation
A electronic communication system that can detect and adapt to delays in delivery of e-mail messages. The system may adapt to delays by using other mechanisms to convey the information intended for delivery by e-mail. The mechanism may convey the information to the recipient once the delayed electronic mail message is received by the recipient's e-mail system. In this respect, the recipient may make arrangements to receive information in the e-mail message when the recipient expects to be away from his or her e-mail system. Additionally or alternatively, the recipient may choose to initiate out-of-band communication to the sender when the recipient receives an indication of a delayed electronic mail message.
US08606861B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program product for reducing session related message size
An apparatus for reducing session related message size includes a processing element. The processing element may be configured to determine a domain-wide unique identifier and generate a message including a first field for identifying a message sequence associated with the message and a second field including a tag. The second field including the tag may be associated with an identifier of a source or recipient of the message. At least one of the first and second fields may be without data. The processing element may be further configured to include, in the message, a third field comprising at least the domain-wide unique identifier. The third field may be associated with data otherwise intended for the first and second fields.
US08606858B1 Remote application control
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for remote application control. In one aspect, a method includes collecting first metrics associated with an application. The method includes receiving a request from a client device. The method includes sending a response, the response comprising instructions to alter the flow of the application. The method includes collecting second metrics associated with the altered application. The method includes comparing the first metrics and the second metrics.
US08606857B2 Cooperative neighboring hardware nodes determination
A hardware node locates one or more neighboring hardware nodes. The hardware node maintains a general list of the neighboring hardware nodes. The hardware node can determine one or more selected neighboring hardware nodes within the general list with which the hardware node is interested in cooperating, such as to create an interest list of the selected neighboring hardware nodes. The hardware node contacts each selected neighboring hardware node, such as each node within the interest list, to determine a corresponding level of cooperation of each selected neighboring hardware node. The hardware node generates a cooperating list that includes the corresponding level of cooperation of each selected neighboring hardware node, after contacting each selected neighboring hardware node.
US08606855B2 Collaborative email with hierachical signature authority
Writing a collaborative email document with hierarchical authorities including establishing a collaborative email document on an administrator's computer, identifying one or more signatories for the document, identifying one or more collaborators who are authorized to view and edit the document, providing to the collaborators copies of the document for viewing and editing, where the collaborators' copies reside on collaborators' computers, updating the copies of the document on collaborators' computers with revisions from the collaborators, and sending the collaborative email document from the administrator's computer to addressees when the document bears valid digital signatures from all signatories. Typical embodiments also include providing at least one user authority to delegate signature authority, establishing a hierarchy of delegation authority for signatures, establishing at least one authority delegation policy including at least one rule for automated delegation of signature authority among signatories and delegating signature authority from at least one signatory to another.
US08606852B2 Server side processing of user interactions with a web browser
A method includes receiving input at a computer. The input is associated with an application frame of a client-side web browser. The method includes encoding control characteristics of the input as at least a portion of a request to a server-side web application. The method includes sending the request to the server-side web application and receiving an executable response from the server-side web application at a mediator frame of the client-side web browser. The method also includes executing the executable response via the mediator frame to update at least a portion of the application frame of the client-side browser.
US08606850B2 Method, apparatus and system for controlling transmission of an attachment to an email using a plurality of computers
A method, apparatus and system for controlling transmission of an attachment to an email using a plurality of computers is provided. In one aspect, a client machine and a mobile computing device are provided. The client machine is configured to execute a browser application. The mobile computing device is configured to host a web server application. When the client machine and the mobile computing device are connected, functions on the mobile computing device become available on the client machine via the interaction between the web server and the browser, specifically e-mail functionality and control of transmission of attachments. Further, updates on attachment download at the mobile computing device are sent to the client machine in response to periodic requests from the client machine.
US08606847B2 Application-layer traffic optimization service map updates
Using the ALTO Service, networking applications can request through the ALTO protocol information about the underlying network topology from the ISP or Content Provider. The ALTO Service provides information such as preferences of network resources with the goal of modifying network resource consumption patterns while maintaining or improving application performance. This document describes, in one example, an ALTO server that implements enhancements to the ALTO service to enable initiating incremental updates of network and cost maps to ALTO clients upon receiving status information from a content delivery network (CDN) node.
US08606846B2 Accelerating peer-to-peer content distribution
The acceleration of peer-to-peer downloads of content files wherein a tracker performs a condition based peer selection that is dynamically adjustable. A further feature relates to the use of enhanced message scheme for communications. One embodiment is a system in a swarm having at least one origin seed capable of at least initially storing the content files with at least one tracker maintaining a list of peers wherein the tracker uses at least one dynamically adjusting peer selection algorithm to generate a condition based peer-list and provides the condition based peer-list to a requesting peer.
US08606845B2 RSS feed generator
A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a user access to a set of data in the form of an RSS feed containing an object. The RSS feed generator allows the user to generate a feed definition using any of a user interface, a web based application programming interface, and an HTTP request. The RSS feed generator uses the feed definition provided by the user to generate the RSS feed and exposes the RSS feed in the form of RSS XML data. The RSS feed generator allows a business system to dynamically update the set of data contained in the RSS feed in a manner that allows a user to perform a plurality of functions on the RSS feed.
US08606843B2 Efficient processing of a convoy workflow scenario in a message driven process
An XLANG/s compiler detects convoy scenarios during compilation and generates runtime directives to correctly correlate incoming messages with business process instances. A convoy scenario, present in event driven processes, is defined by a correlation set initialized during a receive operation which is provided to a subsequent receive operation. The compiler detects those convoy scenarios by analyzing the control and dataflow of a XLANG/s program. Three convoy patterns are distinguished: (1) activation convoys, (2) uniform sequential convoys, and (3) non-uniform sequential convoys. XLANG/s allows declarative descriptions of convoy scenarios without requiring an understanding of the low-level details supporting their correct execution. Convoy scenarios are processed by statically analyzing a written workflow application to deduce the nature and type of convoy scenarios used by the application. Information is extracted at compile time to support the runtime infrastructure. The runtime infrastructure is tightly integrated with the underlying correlation and subscription evaluation framework.
US08606842B2 N-digit subtraction unit, N-digit subtraction module, N-digit addition unit and N-digit addition module
Provided are N-digit addition and subtraction units and N-digit addition and subtraction modules in which borrowing and carrying are not propagated in modules having basic digits. In the units and modules, an output pattern of results of addition and subtraction is predicted based on a relation between an augend and an addend and a relation between a minuend and a subtrahend, respectively, thereby preventing borrowing and carrying from being propagated in modules having basic digits.
US08606841B2 Method and apparatus for performing logical compare operation
A method and apparatus for including in a processor instructions for performing logical-comparison and branch support operations on packed or unpacked data. In one embodiment, instruction decode logic decodes instructions for an execution unit to operate on packed data elements including logical comparisons. A register file including 128-bit packed data registers stores packed single-precision floating point (SPFP) and packed integer data elements. The logical comparisons may include comparison of SPFP data elements and comparison of integer data elements and setting at least one bit to indicate the results. Based on these comparisons, branch support actions are taken. Such branch support actions may include setting the at least one bit, which in turn may be utilized by a branching unit in response to a branch instruction. Alternatively, the branch support actions may include branching to an indicated target code location.
US08606840B2 Apparatus and method for floating-point fused multiply add
A fused multiply add (FMA) unit includes an alignment counter configured to calculate an alignment shift count, an aligner configured to align an addend input based on the alignment shift count and output an aligned addend, a multiplier configured to multiply a first multiplicand input and a second multiplicand input and output a product, an adder configured to add the aligned addend and the product and output a sum without determining the sign of the sum or complementing the sum, a normalizer configured to receive the sum directly from the adder and normalize the sum irrespective of the sign of the sum and output a normalized sum, and a rounder configured to round and complement-adjust the normalized sum and output a final mantissa.
US08606832B2 Dynamic management of groups
A method and apparatus for managing groups in a directory server is described. In one embodiment, an addition of an identifier of a group to an entry in the directory server is received. A value of an attribute in the entry is updated with the identifier of the group. A content of the group is dynamically changed based on the addition of the identifier of the group to the entry in the directory server.
US08606831B2 Systems and methods for providing reputation management
Systems and methods for providing efficient reputation management schemes resilient to malicious attacks. Methods for providing a reputation management scheme can comprise representing sets of service providers, raters, and ratings of service providers as a factor graph, wherein a factor node is associated with a function representing the probability distributions of the arguments of the function given the trustworthiness value and the ratings associated with a rater; and calculating the probability distributions of each variable in the reputation values of the set of providers using a belief propagation algorithm. In some embodiments, the computational complexity of the method is linear in the number of service providers and raters. In some embodiments, the method can identify malicious behavior and accordingly adjust the trustworthiness value for raters associated with malicious behavior.
US08606828B2 Method and apparatus for organizing and playing data
The present invention provides a general solution to presenting media interface and navigation tools for content provided from a plurality of sources. The invention maintains a user at a single site regardless of the source of the media content. This permits a consistent interface to be presented to the user. Because the user remains at the same site, differences in tiered membership may be tracked so that the user is only presented with content that the user is permitted to view. The invention uses a metadata language to characterize content so that viewer type, membership level, and other information can be maintained and used for an enjoyable viewing experience.
US08606827B2 Systems and methods for extracting database dimensions as data modeling object
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for extracting a model object from a multi-dimensional source database. A modeling client can host modeling logic and an application programming interface (API) to create, access, manipulate, and import/export modeling objects used in modeling applications, such as engineering, medical, financial, and other modeling platforms. In aspects, the source data accepted into the modeling client can include consumer or business-level applications, whose database or other content can be extracted and encapsulated in object-oriented format, such as extensible markup language (XML) format. The resulting model object can be pivoted along selected dimensions, or otherwise manipulated. The modeling client can exchange one or more modeling object directly with external platforms, such as mainframe modeling platforms, via the application programming interface (API) on a programmatic basis. Costs and maintenance savings over mainframe-based modeling tools can thereby be achieved, while providing greater power than consumer or business-level tools.
US08606824B2 Automatic data adjustment based on database schemas
A method of accommodating at least one difference between a first database schema and a second database schema is provided. The method includes receiving a response generated by a first application program using a first database schema, identifying a value in the response that is unrecognizable to a second application program using a second database schema, and substituting, using a processor, the value that is unrecognizable to the second application program with a reserved element recognizable to the second application program, the reserved element indicating to the second application program that a portion of the response is not recognizable to the second application program. The method further includes communicating the response to the second application program.
US08606822B2 Apparatus and method to optimize the available storage capacity of a plurality of sequential data storage media disposed in a data storage system
A method to optimize use of available storage capacity of a plurality of sequential data storage media, wherein the method provides (M) sequential data storage media each comprising a plurality of blockids, where the (i)th sequential data storage medium comprises an (i)th available storage capacity, and where (M) is greater than or equal to 2, and where (i) is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to (M). The method then receives source data comprising a plurality of segments, determines a quantum of data to store, determines if the quantum of data to store is substantially equal to an (i)th available storage capacity. If the quantum of data to store is substantially equal an (i)th available storage capacity, then the method writes the source data to an (i)th sequential data storage medium.
US08606817B2 Database access unblocker
Embodiments of the invention provide for a centralized system for database access management. In specific embodiments, the centralized system provides for granting users temporal access to databases for a prescribed period of time, such that upon expiration of the time period the user is automatically blocked (i.e., added back to the blacklist) from accessing the database. Moreover, as a result of centralized management, reporting and auditing of actions related to database access management are greatly improved in that all actions are recorded and a historical database of such actions is available to system users. In addition, the centralized system provides for automatic notification to predetermined stakeholders based on occurrence of predetermined system actions, such as blocking a user from database access, unblocking a user from database access (i.e., granting access) or the like.
US08606816B2 Management of collections of websites
This disclosure describes techniques that enable a subscriber of a data center to manage a site collection group hosted by the data center. A site collection group is a set of site collections that belong to a single subscriber. A site collection is a collection of websites. A website is a collection of related resources. Each of the site collections is associated with an “owner”. As described herein, the data center presents management interfaces that enable owners of site collections to manage the site collections. In addition, the data center presents management interfaces that enable subscribers to manage architectural aspects of their site collection groups.
US08606815B2 Systems and methods for analyzing electronic text
Systems and methods for systematically analyzing an electronic text are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving the electronic text from a plurality of sources. The method also includes determining an at least one term of interest to be identified in the electronic text. The method further includes identifying a plurality of locations within the electronic text including the at least one term of interest. The method also includes for each location within a plurality of locations, creating a snippet from a text segment around the at least one term of interest at the location within the electronic text. The method further includes creating multiple taxonomies for the at least one term of interest from the snippets, wherein the taxonomies include an at least one category. The method also includes determining co-occurrences between the multiple taxonomies to determine associations between categories of a different taxonomies of the multiple taxonomies.
US08606813B1 System and method for function selection in analytic processing
A selection engine for a cooperative processing network, in which databases compute portions of searches and analyses which they may most efficiently compute. A data mining network may contain large scale databases, analytic engines which communicate with the databases, and other resources, each capable of performing or executing certain functions, such as statistical functions. When a user desires to run a specified report against the databases, those functions that can be computed locally in the database are trapped and computed therein, whereas other functions, such as advanced statistical functions, may be distributed to remote analytic engines or other resources in the network. A management module may coordinate the transmission and assembly of the data, including to order dependencies. The management module may contain a selection engine to allocate computations to databases or other resources as a default, to test for load balancing before choosing a compute site, or apply other criteria.
US08606808B2 Finding relevant documents
An embodiment includes a computer-implemented method. For one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes displaying a plurality of first groups of words in a browser for display to a user, constructing a new combination of search terms using more than one user-selected word groups, wherein the user-selected word groups are selected by the user from the plurality of first groups of words displayed to the user; invoking a search service with the new combination of search terms, displaying results of the search service using the new combination of search terms in the browser, and storing the results in memory coupled to a processor.
US08606801B2 Calendar-based suggestion of a travel option
Calendar-based suggestion of travel options involves suggesting a travel option based on events stored in a calendar of a user. For example, a user in San Francisco may be scheduled for a business trip to New York, and the user's calendar may show a dinner reservation in San Francisco on Saturday, September 3 and business meeting in New York on Monday, September 5. A suggestion machine accesses calendar data of the user and travel data for several available travel options (e.g., flights from San Francisco to New York). Based on the accessed calendar data and travel data, the suggestion machine determines that one or more travel options (e.g., a flight on Sunday, September 4) are compatible with the dinner reservation and the business meeting on the user's calendar. The suggestion machine presents these compatible travel options to the user.
US08606800B2 Comparative web search system
A system and method for a comparative web search engines, search result summarization, web snippet processing, comparison analysis, information visualization, meta-clustering, and quantitative evaluation of web snippet quality are disclosed. The present application extends the capabilities of web searching and informational retrieval by providing a succinct comparative summary of search results at either the object or thematic levels.
US08606798B2 Systems and methods for creating standardized street addresses from raw address data
A method and system for processing raw address data using a computer device coupled to a database are provided. The method includes receiving, at the computer device, raw data from a first party, the raw data including a raw street address. The method includes formatting the raw street address using the computer device and separating the formatted street address into at least one token using the computer device wherein each token includes one or more characters indicating a portion of the raw street address. The method further includes creating a standardized street address from the at least one token based on one or more conditions, wherein the one or more conditions facilitate determining at least one of inclusion, exclusion, and position of the at least one token in the standardized street address.
US08606797B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a storage unit where function attribute information, user operation information, and recommendation degree information are recorded to be associated with one another, the attribute information indicating an attribute about a function of a predetermined device, the operation information indicating content of a predetermined user operation input to the device, and the degree information indicating a recommendation degree which serves as a reference for outputting, on a priority basis, display for recommending use of the function to a display apparatus, a recommendation degree information updating unit that updates, when a predetermined user operation is input, the degree information to increase the degree associated with function attribute information, and a recommended function determining unit that determines, based on the degree information recorded in the unit, a function with a highest degree as a recommended function.
US08606795B2 Frequency based keyword extraction method and system using a statistical measure
Frequency based keyword extraction method and system utilizing a statistical measure is disclosed which generates keywords within a page and/or document that can distinguish the document from an average document. A simple frequency threshold parameter can be utilized to determine a number of common stop words if a word in the document possesses a frequency in a corpus that is more than the threshold parameter. A statistical confidence interval of the frequency in the document can be compared against a frequency confidence interval of the word in the corpus. The extracted keyword possesses a greater intra-document frequency confidence interval than the frequency confidence interval of the word within the corpus. A statistical hypothesis test can also be utilized to determine the keyword by calculating a test statistic and testing whether the test statistic is greater than some threshold.
US08606791B2 Concurrently accessed hash table
A method of resizing a concurrently accessed hash table is disclosed. The method includes acquiring the locks in the hash table. The hash table, in a first state, is dynamically reconfigured in size into a second state. Additionally, the amount of locks is dynamically adjusted based on comparing the size of the hash table in the second state to the size of the hash table in the second state.
US08606789B2 Method for layout based document zone querying
A method and a system are disclosed for querying a document collection based on the layout of only a fragment of the content of a document, specified as a query zone. The method includes providing an index for a collection of documents. In the index, content of a document page in the collection that has been decomposed into layout blocks is indexed according to representations of the blocks and one or more geometric relations between the blocks. A query is generated which is based on representations of blocks determined to be within the query zone and geometric relations between them. This is used to query the index to retrieve pages of documents in the collection which can each be expected to include a layout zone somewhere in the page that is similar in layout to the query zone.
US08606788B2 Dictionary for hierarchical attributes from catalog items
A plurality of items included in a catalog may be obtained, each item associated with an item category. Brand indicators may be obtained, each brand indicator associated with the item category. Brand indicators associated with each of the items may be determined, and the each item may be assigned to a partition group associated with the brand indicator that is associated with the each item. Correlated string tokens that are correlated, greater than a predetermined correlation threshold value, with the brand indicator associated with the partition group that is associated with the each one of the items, the correlated string tokens associated with the each one of the plurality of items, may be determined. A dictionary hierarchy may be generated based on the one or more correlated string tokens.
US08606785B2 Methods of efficiently recording and reproducing activity in virtual world
An apparatus and method for recording activities of an avatar in a virtual world by means of a computer including: means for dividing the virtual world into a plurality of blocks each provided with a unique ID; means for recording a movement history in a storage area of the computer, the movement history including the ID of each block which an avatar acting in the virtual world enters and a time point at which the avatar enters the block; means for deleting the movement history between the first and the last blocks of a plurality of blocks which the avatar enters if the plurality of blocks are continuous in a straight line in one direction; and activity record DB recording means for recording, as an activity dataset in an activity record DB, an event content, the movement history and a repetition count of an event.
US08606776B2 Affinity based ranked for search and display
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for affinity based ranking and display of digital photographs. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an identifier that identifies a first user; accessing data defining relationships of the first user to second users; accessing digital photographs; determining digital photographs that are each associated with one or more of the first user and the second users; for each digital photograph, generating a photograph score based on the association with one or more of the first user and the second users and corresponding affinity scores representing the relationships of the first user to the second users; ordering the digital photographs according photograph scores; and providing one or more of the digital photographs to a user device of the first user according to the order.
US08606775B2 Graphically representing associations between referents and stories
Systems and methods are provided for graphically representing associations between one or more stories and one or more referents of interest. In some embodiments, a score may be determined for each of a set of stories based at least in part on a number of associations between the given story and one or more referents of interest. A graphical representation of the stories may then be presented for display. The graphical representation may include indicia, where each indicium graphically indicates the strength of association between a given story and the one or more referents of interest. The strength of association for a given story may be determined, for example, based at least in part on the determined score for the story.
US08606771B2 Efficient indexing of error tolerant set containment
The claimed subject matter provides a method and a system for the efficient indexing of error tolerant set containment. An exemplary method comprises obtaining a frequency threshold and a query set. All tokens or token sets within the query set are determined, and then all minimal infrequent tokens or all minimal infrequent tokens sets of data records are found and used to build an index. The minimal infrequent tokens or minimal infrequent tokensets are processed in a fixed order, and then a collection of signatures for each minimal infrequent token or token set is determined.
US08606770B2 User-directed product recommendations
A facility for generating item recommendations is described. In one embodiment, the facility displays a plurality of item indications each indicating an item. The facility then receives user input selecting one or more of the displayed item indications, and selects as seed items the items indicated by the selected item indications. The facility then uses the selected seed items to generate a list of recommended items, and displays the generated list of recommended items.
US08606769B1 Ranking a URL based on a location in a search engine results page
A system and method for determining a rank of a URL for a search query. A processor is effective to receive search query and a URL. The processor may send search query to a search engine and receive a result set from the search engine. The processor may determine a first rank of the URL for the search query based on the first and second result set. The processor may determine a location of the result displayed in the search engine results page and modify the first rank based on the location to produce a modified rank for the URL.
US08606761B2 Lifestyle optimization and behavior modification
A method, software, database and system for determining an approach to achieve a desired lifestyle, behavioral disposition, and genetic based predisposition for an individual are presented in which an attribute profile of the individual containing genetic and non-genetic attributes is compared against a database containing combinations of genetic and non-genetic attributes that are statistically associated with relevant desirable or undesirable attributes derived from other individuals.
US08606760B2 Configuring a data protection system
A computer-implemented system configured to describe the relationship between a first Namespace and a second Namespace is provided. The system includes a containment relationship identifying a direct relationship between a first object of the first Namespace and a second object of the first Namespace. Moreover, the system includes a junction relationship linking the second object of the first Namespace to a first object of the second Namespace. In one embodiment, the system is configured to facilitate the recovery of information based on the descriptions of the Namespaces that is maintained.
US08606759B2 Apparatus, system and method for recovering meta data using fragmentary information
Disclosed are an apparatus, a system, and a method for recovering meta data using fragmentary information. The system for recovering meta data includes: a data server storing recovery information for recovering at least one data file and meta data related to each of the data file; and a meta data server storing the meta data related to the data files and receiving the recovery information from the data server when the meta data are lost to recover the lost meta data. By this configuration, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention stably can the lost meta data of the meta data server by using the recovery the meta data and prevent the phenomenon that the meta data collides with each other on the same directory hierarchical structure.
US08606758B2 Archiving-safe replication of relational data
A computer-implemented method for archiving information includes: executing a first application in a first process; determining that the first application is an archiving application configured to archive information stored in a transactional system; assigning, based on the determination, an archiving mode to the first process; receiving, from the first process and after assigning the archiving mode, a request to delete information; and processing the request to delete information according to the archiving mode.
US08606756B2 Distributed system having a shared central database
A system for managing electronic information in a distributed system includes a shared central database for which a plurality of servers transmits data for storage. The shared central database is configured to store central schema information used for accessing the one or more data stores of the central database. Local databases each reference at least a portion of the central schema information for accessing the central database. Upon receiving a request for information, a local database directs the request to the central database based on the referenced schema information. The central database processes the request and transmits the data to the local database from which data was requested.
US08606752B1 Method and system of restoring items to a database while maintaining referential integrity
A system and method for restoring list items to a database while maintaining the referential integrity of the list items. Before requested list items are restored to a database, a dependencies tablemetadata is read to determine the links between list items of the database. A map is created, and the links between list items are stored in the map. When the requested list items are restored to the database, the requested items and any dependent items are identified from the map and restored to the database. By restoring the dependent items of the selected item to be restored, referential integrity of the database is maintained.
US08606750B2 Systems and methods for laboratory assay validation or verification
Systems and methods are used to generate a protocol for an assay. At least one performance characteristic parameter of an assay and at least one standardized protocol for each assay of a plurality of assays and assay types are stored. A performance characteristic parameter selection and an assay selection are received from a client device of a laboratory. One or more performance characteristic parameters and a standardized protocol are retrieved from the database device. The client device is sent the one or more performance characteristic parameters and one or more study variable values. One or more amendments to the one or more performance characteristic parameters and one or more study variable values are received from the client device. A protocol for the assay is generated based on the one or more amendments.
US08606749B1 Administering workload groups
A request is received at a computer programmed as a database system. The request is a request selected from the group consisting of a query and a utility. A business concept is associated with the request. The business concept is a business concept selected from the group consisting of “who” information defining the source of the request, “what” information defining the processing to be performed by the request, “where” information defining a database object that the request will affect. The computer maps the received request to a database feature setting by mapping the business concept associated with the request to a workload. The workload is defined by a workload definition including a workload classification attribute that maps to the business concept of the request, a workload throttling attribute that defines conditions under which requests assigned to the workload are throttled. Submission of the request to the database system for processing is delayed based on the workload definition.
US08606747B2 Method and system for retrieving and serving regulatory history for a property
Described is a method and system for retrieving and serving the regulatory history of a property. An identification of data sources for permits and approvals is stored in a computer system. Property identifiers from the data sources are stored in the computer system. The system identifies the types of permit and approval data available from each of the data sources for each of the property identifiers. A determination can be made of the completeness of the regulatory history available for each property associated with each of said property identifiers. The system receives a request for the regulatory history of at least one of the properties associated with the property identifiers. A web page is populated with a list of the regulatory history for the property.
US08606744B1 Parallel transfer of data from one or more external sources into a database system
Embodiments of the invention enable data to be moved from one or more external sources into a database system. A plurality of processes are executed concurrently. Each of the processes are executable to move data from at least a portion of the one or more external sources into the database system, so that executing the plurality of processes concurrently moves data from different portions of the one or more external sources into the database system in parallel. Execution of the plurality of processes are coordinated from the database system.
US08606740B2 Classification of subcortical structures
Subcortical neural structures are classified during a microelectrode recording (MER) procedure. As the electrode traverses subcortical structures toward a target neural structure, neural activity is analyzed. The neural activity is converted to electrical signals. Features pertaining to characteristics of the neural activity are extracted from the electrical signals. The features are synergistically combined using fuzzy clustering logic, for example. In an example embodiment, the combined results are provided in a form of a color coded map indicating the different structural regions traversed. Observation of the map provides an objective indication of the demarcations of the various structural regions traversed and an objective technique for classifying the structural regions.
US08606737B2 Recording medium storing decision tree generating program, decision tree generating method and decision tree generating apparatus
A constraint condition DB storing a constraint condition that stipulates a structure of a decision tree is referenced, and a decision tree is generated from a case set where values of a plurality of attributes and a conclusion are associated with one another so that the structure of the decision tree, which is stipulated by the constraint condition, is satisfied. Accordingly, for example, even if a new case is added to the case set, a basic structure of the decision tree is succeeded by the constraint condition, thereby avoiding a situation where an operator needs to significantly modify the decision tree. Therefore, operations of modifying the decision tree by the operator can be reduced.
US08606736B2 Technique for solving optimization problem
A method for solving an optimization problem includes: causing a cylindrical algebraic decomposition (CAD) processing unit to carry out a projection processing for a first expression that appears in a quantifier elimination problem equivalent to the optimization problem including objective functions and to generate second expressions that are projection factors of the first expression; calculating plural sets of values of the objective functions by generating plural value sets of variables in the objective functions and substituting the generated plural value sets of the variables into the objective functions; extracting points including non-dominated solutions in a space mapped by the objective functions, from plural points corresponding to the plural sets of values; calculating, for each second expression, an evaluation value concerning a distance between a corresponding second expression and each of the extracted points; and identifying a second expression whose evaluation value is minimum.
US08606734B2 System and method for automating exploration or production of subterranean resource
A method and system for automating exploration and production of subterranean resources, using data collected from exploration and production activities, including drilling rig data and/or the like is described. The method and system include the use of a knowledge representation containing representation of uncertainty in the exploration and production operations.
US08606728B1 Suggesting training examples
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for suggesting training examples. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of training examples. A plurality of different types of predictive models are trained using the received training examples, wherein each of the predictive models implements a different machine learning technique. The performance of each trained model is measured. A suggestion score is computed for each training example according to each respective trained model, including weighting each suggestion score by the measured performance of the respective trained model. The computed suggestion scores for each training example are combined to compute an overall suggestion score for each training example, and the training examples are ranked by suggestion scores.
US08606725B1 Automatic client-side user-behavior analysis for inferring user intent
User intent may be inferred from mouse movements made within a user interface. Client-side instrumentation may be provided that collects mouse movement data that is provided to a classification engine. The classification engine receives the mouse movement data and creates a mouse trajectory. The mouse trajectory may be split into segments, and features associated with each segment may be determined. Features representing the context of the search, that is, content of the search result page, previous queries submitted, and interaction features such as scrolling, may be included. By examining the features associated with the mouse trajectories within the context of a search session, the user intent may be classified into categories using machine learning classification techniques. By inferring user intent, Web search engines may be able to predict whether a user's intent is commercial and tailor advertising accordingly.
US08606723B2 Consistent set of interfaces derived from a business object model
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a data processing system having a business object model reflecting the data used during a business transaction. Consistent interfaces are generated from the business object model. These interfaces are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction.
US08606721B1 Implicit social graph edge strengths
Techniques for calculating edge strengths for edges of a social graph are described herein. These techniques may determine an affinity between a first user of a social graph and a second user of the social graph. Based at least in part on this affinity, a strength of an edge connecting the first user and the second user on the social graph may be calculated and assigned to the corresponding edge.
US08606719B2 System for management of alternatively priced transactions on network
A system and method thereof, comprising means for: communicating through at least one computer network interface with each of (i) a plurality of providers of accountable resources, and (ii) a plurality of registrars which register clients, each client having access to accountable resources of providers, and maintain client-associated accounts therewith; generating a token verifying that a client is authenticated by a registrar; logging accountable transactions identifying a client-associated account and a transaction valuation, maintained by the registrar; and periodically accounting for the logged accountable transactions between respective registrars and respective providers; wherein a valuation of the accountable transaction is dependent at least on information conveyed in the token.
US08606713B1 Computer implemented method for accumulating money
A computer implemented method for accumulating money using a client device, server, and network can include presenting a user interface, creating a user profile, forming an account for accumulating money linked to another account, enabling the user to input goals, and enabling the user to make and receive deposits into the account for accumulating money. The deposits can include an amount of money selected by the user, an amount of money saved by not purchasing a product or service, an amount of money saved by purchasing a lower priced product or service, or an amount of money associated with a non-monetary goal. The computer implemented method can include transmitting prompts to the client device with suggestions on how to save money, determining a progress towards the goals, displaying the progress, and displaying an updated monetary amount to be accumulated.
US08606709B2 Systems, methods, and devices for combined credit card and stored value transaction accounts
The present invention generally relates to a single transaction account identifier that can be used for in transactions with one of multiple transaction accounts. The method includes one or more of the following steps: establishing at least two transaction accounts, wherein the transaction accounts are respectively associated with transaction account identifiers; receiving, at a transaction processing system, a common account identifier; recognizing the common account identifier as being associated with more than one account; and determining, which of the at least two transaction accounts to access for processing the transaction. The determining step may be based on selection criteria and the selection criteria may be modified by a user. One of the first and second transaction account identifiers may be forwarded to the respective first and second transaction accounts based on the determining step; and the transaction may be processed via the selected transaction account.
US08606705B2 Systems, methods and computer program products for managing payment processes in a comprehensive payment hub system
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for managing the processing of a financial payment and, more specifically managing the processing of a financial payment in a comprehensive payment hub environment that provides for payment processing, including payment route determination, irrespective of the payment input channel. In accordance with embodiments herein disclosed, managing the processing of the payment includes automatically determining the payment processes and automatically determining the arrangement of the payment processes. As such, the methods, systems, and computer program products herein described provide for an efficient and cost-effective approach to processing payments.
US08606703B1 Method for transferring money using email
Method, systems, and apparatus for receiving the email message from a sender device; identifying, using data processing apparatus of a payment service system, a sender email address, a service email address, and one or more recipient email addresses from the email message; identifying, for the sender email address, a sender financial account associated with the payment service system and, for each of the one or more recipient email addresses, a respective recipient financial account associated with the payment service system; identifying a payment amount from a subject or body of the email message; submitting a request to transfer, using the payment service system, the payment amount from the respective sender financial account to the respective recipient financial account.
US08606702B2 Financial transaction authentication servers, methods, and computer program products for facilitating financial transactions between buyers and sellers
A financial transaction authentication server includes a wireless network interface that is configured to receive fund transfer requests from a buyer via a wireless communications terminal, a wireless terminal location module that is configured to identify the respective locations of the buyer and a seller, and a transaction authorization processor configured to authorize a transfer request if the geographic locations of wireless terminals of the buyer and seller are within a predetermined geographical proximity of each other. The wireless network terminal location module identifies the geographic locations of respective wireless terminals of the buyer and seller. The transaction authorization processor authorizes a fund transfer request if the respective locations of buyer and seller wireless terminals are within a predetermined geographical proximity and suspends a fund transfer request if respective locations of buyer and seller wireless terminals are not within a predetermined geographical proximity of each other.
US08606698B2 Electronic transaction receipt system and method
In connection with a sales transaction, an electronic receipt is issued to the buyer that includes hyperlinks. A hyperlink can be associated with post-sale interaction with the product seller, the product manufacturer or parties acting on their behalf that involves the product itself, such as a product return procedure, a product warranty procedure, receiving rebate notices and recall notices, product registration procedures and similar functions.
US08606694B2 Online registration system for CROA-compliant credit advice services
Systems and methods for registering consumers for credit repair counseling may include use of electronic signatures and/or authorizations, electronic delivery of documents (e.g., consent and cancellation forms), automated scheduling in accordance with federal and/or state waiting periods, and/or consumer-selectable credit repair topics, among other features.
US08606693B2 Systems, method, apparatuses, and computer program products for facilitating product transactions
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for facilitating financing of a product transaction. A method may include determining a maximum available back-end product for the product transaction as a function of one or more of a target payment limit or a total advance limit. The method may also include determining a maximum available back-end spread for the product transaction as a function of the target payment limit. The method may further include presenting the maximum available back-end product and the maximum available back-end spread. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.
US08606691B1 System, method and computer program product for determining loan purchase eligibility
A system, method and computer program product for determining purchase eligibility of a financial product; including, classifying the financial product according to an ontological model into one or more classification types, assigning a marker to each classification type corresponding to the attributes of the financial product, and applying decision one or more rules to the financial product to determine whether the financial product is eligible or ineligible for purchase or participation.
US08606685B2 Computer-implemented securities trading system
A computer-implemented financial management system provides the trading of securities via a network using virtual currency. A server computer receives buy and sell orders for derivative financial instruments from a plurality of client computers. The server computer attempts to match the buy and sell orders and then generates a market price through the use of a virtual specialist program executed by the server computer. The virtual specialist program responds to an imbalance in the matching of the buy and sell orders. The virtual currency accumulated by HSX account holders as a result of successful trading may be converted to another currency, credited toward the cost of merchandise provided through a vendor's web site, etc.
US08606681B2 Predicting the performance of a financial instrument
Systems and methods are disclosed for predicting the performance of a financial instrument by extracting influential features and emotional sentiment data from received data values, common features, and internet sources, each corresponding to a financial instrument, building multiple predictive models using random selections of the data values and combining the predictive models to create a combined prediction model. The combined prediction model provides a combined predicted data value where the combined predicted data value is a performance indicator, such as a classification count or percentage, of data values that correspond to the financial instrument and classify correctly via the prediction models. Further, the combined prediction model may be iterated over new or test data values to constantly select the most influential common features to build new prediction models and a resulting new combined prediction model for reducing a classification predictive error and updating the combined predicted data value.
US08606679B1 Methods and systems for online real estate transactions
The disclosed technology provides systems and methods for processing, auctioning, and managing fractional ownerships in real estate assets. In one aspect, the disclosed technology accesses electronic information that specifies a real estate asset for sale. The electronic information specifies that ownership of the real estate asset includes a right to some or all income from the real estate asset. The disclosed technology also accesses electronic information that specifies one or more of bids for fractional ownership in the real estate asset. Each of the bids specifies a bid amount reflecting a purchase price to be paid for the fractional ownership and a corresponding bid yield associated with the bid amount. The disclosed technology selects one or more of the bids to form a sale transaction for the real estate asset and then stores an electronic record indicating that a fractional ownership in the real estate asset has been sold based on the selected bid(s).
US08606677B2 Differential commission and electronic order matching process for the distribution of primary market fixed income securities
An apparatus and process (collectively the “system”) for conducting and managing the primary offering of fixed income securities, specifically, but not exclusively, fixed rate municipal bonds at different prices for like maturities over electronic networks, particularly, but not exclusively, the Internet, is disclosed. A differential commission method for the distribution of primary market fixed income securities, including the steps of: (a) purchasing from an issuer, by an underwriter, at least one fixed income security on the primary market; (b) offering the at least one fixed income security to at least one investor; (c) setting, by a first offerer, a price, including a commission, for the at least one fixed income security; (d) setting, by a subsequent offerer, a different price, including a different commission, for the at least one fixed income security; and (e) purchasing, by the at least one investor, the at least one fixed income security. The system includes the steps of: (1) building and maintaining an inquiry database; (2) building and maintaining a syndicate inputs database; (3) comparing the inquiry database with the syndicate inputs database; and (4) identifying matches between the data in the inquiry database and the syndicate inputs database.
US08606676B1 System and method for allocating excess funds in control account
A method, program product and system, the comprising: one or more computers, configured for accessing databases comprising: aggregated deposit account information for a plurality of FDIC-insured interest-bearing aggregated deposit accounts held in depository institutions participating in program, and client account information; obtaining via an internet interface transfer data; allocating first amount to and/or from one depository institution, comprising: selecting sub-set of aggregated deposit accounts to deposit or to withdraw funds, while avoiding withdrawing funds for a respective sub-period one or more of other aggregated deposit accounts based on criteria; allocating funds to an aggregated deposit account held in one or more other depository institutions; allocating second fund amount from client accounts among the aggregated deposit accounts to substantially match the first amount; generating data for instructions to transfer funds to or from the sub-set of depository institutions.
US08606675B1 Method of networking marketing
The present invention is directed to an improved method of network marketing that combines direct response advertisement with network marketing. The invention includes providing a registry that stores debit and credit entries for individual IBO accounts, wherein the registry is in communication with a computer network. The invention also includes providing a hot leads database in communication with the computer network, wherein the hot leads database provides leads generated through a direct marketing campaign. The method further includes allowing qualified IBO terminals in communication with the computer network to access the hot leads database and request lead packages. The method includes debiting IBO accounts in the registry in response to these requests for lead packages. Additionally, the method includes providing a sales database in communication with the computer network wherein the sales database is accessible to the qualified IBO terminals.
US08606673B1 Escrowing digital property in a secure information vault
Digital data can be escrowed by receiving escrow parameters including a condition(s) for releasing the escrowed data, and an escrow recipient. An escrow contract is then created based upon the specified escrow parameters. The escrowing further includes storing the digital data in a secure information vault, and storing the escrow contract, along with a pointer to the stored data, in a database. When the condition has been satisfied, the data is released to the escrow recipient. The condition(s) for release can be a payment sum, a date, an indication from a depositor, a trustee or a vault administrator, and/or fulfillment of another escrow contract.
US08606671B2 Presentation and analysis of docket information and financial information
Aggregation, analysis, and presentation of financial and docket information in a common interface are described.
US08606669B2 Systems and methods for client screening in the financial services industry
Systems, methods, and interfaces for screening clients for security compliance with a Customer Identification Program are disclosed. An illustrative system for screening clients can include a client screening engine adapted to filter client account data based on one or more filtering criteria, a database adapted to store client account information and verification status information, and a graphical user interface adapted to selectively display client account information and verification status information for one or more selected clients on a screen. The system can be used to submit identity verification requests to Customer Identification Program vendors for only those clients whose identity have not been verified.
US08606666B1 System and method for providing an aggregation tool
Embodiments of the present invention assist in the development, management, and deployment of aggregated data attributes for multiple data sources. One embodiment provides a development interface that allows for elements of attributes, including filters, to be moved into a coding area in which an attribute or an attribute element is being edited. In another embodiment, the user interface presents data fields to assist in the development of filters for multiple data sources with divergent formats. The application further provides a validation interface through which users can validate attributes and trace the results returned by various elements referenced by the attributes under validation. Another embodiment provides a system for managing attributes and deploying them to various systems by creating a deployment file that is used by an attribute calculation system. In one embodiment, the attribute calculation system is a scalable system that dynamically calculates attributes for multiple data sources.
US08606665B1 System and method for acquiring tax data for use in tax preparation software
An automated system and method for acquiring tax data and importing it into tax preparation software. Tax documents are acquired electronically in a tax data acquisition process by scanning, faxing, or emailing them. Once a tax document is in electronic form, an optical character recognition (OCR) software process obtains tax data from the electronic tax document. Each piece of tax data that is obtained from the OCR software process is then imported into tax preparation software. Once the tax data has been imported into tax preparation software, the software may be used to complete a tax return. An important step in the tax return preparation process is automated so the need for tax professionals to spend time entering tax data into tax preparation software is reduced and data entry errors are reduced. Tax professionals may devote more time to preparing tax returns and less time to data entry.
US08606664B2 System and method for providing a plurality of asset and service valuations
A computer-implemented engine, system and method for generating business valuations, scoring, and/or flagging over a network, responsively to information input by a user remote from the engine, system and method. The invention may include a graphical user interface capable of locally querying a user to input the company information, at least one network port capable of remotely receiving the company information from the graphical user interface, and at least one engine communicatively connected to the at least one network port, which engine preferably includes a plurality of rules to generate, responsively to the input company information, at least one of a business valuation, a business score, and/or one or more business flags to be used as indicators in a network marketplace, for the company associated with the inputted company information.
US08606663B2 Management server and method of charging for printing
A method of charging for printing including setting a basic charge in the image forming apparatuses, receiving information about a recording agent installed in the image forming apparatus at predetermined intervals, determining whether or not the recording agent of the image forming apparatuses is replaced, based on the received information about the recording agent, counting a number of times the recording agent of the image forming apparatuses is replaced in a charging period, based on the determination as to whether or not the recording agent is replaced, and calculating a printing cost for the image forming apparatuses, using the counted number of times the recording agent is replaced and the basic charge as set.
US08606660B2 Warehouse management system for automatically weighing and counting individual parts
A warehouse management system for automatically weighing and counting parts includes a management computer and a weighing device. The management computer communicates with the weighing device. The weighing device includes a base, a tray for carrying a parts bin, and a weighing module. A track is mounted to the base. A roller is mounted on the bottom of the tray and rides on the corresponding track. The tray can move over the track by the roller. The weighing module is attached to one end of the track. The tray together with the parts bin can be actuated to move to the weighing module so as to weigh and count the parts within the parts bin.
US08606659B2 Identification of discrepancies in actual and expected inventories in computing environment having multiple provisioning orchestration server pool boundaries
A system for establishing and maintaining inventories of computing environment assets comprising one or more custom collector interfaces that detect movement of assets from one environment to another, and an inventory scanner which modifies inventories for each environment based on monitored asset movements. The present invention is of especial benefit to autonomic and on-demand computing architectures.
US08606657B2 Augmented reality method and system for designing environments and buying/selling goods
Described is a method and a corresponding system for designing interior and exterior environments and for selling real world goods that appear as virtual objects within an augmented reality-generated design. The method includes the steps of generating a digitized still or moving image of a real world environment; providing in a programmable computer a database of virtual objects; parsing the image with a programmable computer to determine if the image contains any real world markers corresponding to the virtual objects in the database; retrieving corresponding virtual objects from the database and superimposing the images contained in the virtual objects in registration upon their corresponding real world markers in the image; and enabling users to retrieve the attributes of the real world objects depicted in the augmented reality image.
US08606653B2 Item recommendations
A system gathers user behavior data from a group of web retailers and/or non-web retailers, analyzes the user behavior data to identify product recommendations for products offered by the web retailers, and provides one of the identified product recommendations in connection with a product page associated with one of the web retailers.
US08606649B2 Display of anomymous purchase information over the internet
The invention is characterized as a data processing architecture and method for multi-stage processing of buyers' purchase information documents where information of actual purchases are delivered to a server on the Internet and users of the system are able to view aggregated information of actual purchases, purchase dates, and store locations of anonymous buyers.
US08606647B2 Methods for secure internet purchases
Methods for purchasing of goods or services over the internet. A customer has a customer account set up at a bank with associated account information. The account information includes verification information for verification parameters, such as authorized computer identification, authorized delivery addresses, authorized user identification, authorized telephone caller identification, and/or other account information. An order is placed by a user via an ordering computer which provides order information. Such order information includes verification variables used by the bank. Verification and/or authentication using one or more variables of the customer account information is used by the bank to validate the order before assuring payment to the merchant.
US08606646B2 System and method for selling products and services via a network of at least three computer systems
A system and method allows one or more users to purchase an offering of goods or services using at least three computer systems, by one user making a proposal for the two to jointly consume the offering, and the other user accepting the proposal.
US08606643B2 Linking a retail user profile to a social network user profile
In one example, a private profile page is displayed to a user having a user profile registered with a vendor. In this example, the private profile page includes a list of unviewed products, a product list, and information about a local retail store. As a further example, the user selects a public profile preview function and, in response, the user is presented with a preview of information associated with the user profile. In another example, a social network selection page is displayed to a user having a first profile registered with a vendor. The social network selection page includes a social network selection function for selecting a second profile of the user in a social network. In this example, the user indicates a social network and a second profile registered with the indicated social network is linked to the first profile.
US08606640B2 System and method for paying a merchant by a registered user using a cellular telephone account
A system and method allows users to make purchases by charging or funding a prepaid debit card with their cell phone accounts by simulating a user roaming with their mobile device.
US08606637B1 Method for providing personalized, targeted advertisements during playback of media
A media player is provided. The media player comprises a communications interface, a memory store containing a plurality of personalized advertisements, and a media playback component. The targeted advertisements are refreshed by receiving updates from the communications interface during some of the intervals when the media player is connected to a network. The targeted advertisements are indexed by a plurality of characteristics, the first characteristic being a creation date of the targeted advertisements. The media playback component is configured to play a media content, wherein the media content is stored separately from the targeted advertisements, and to play one of the targeted advertisements in the memory store selected based on the characteristics of the one of the targeted advertisements.
US08606635B2 System and method for presenting content on a retailer's content page using manufacturers' product information
System, methods and computer program products for identifying a featured product based on product information submitted by retailers and manufacturers are described. In some implementations, a retailer and a manufacturer can supply product information to an ad serving system. Based on the product information supplied by the retailer and the manufacturer, a product matching the product can be identified. The matching product can then be presented on a content of the retailer that links to a product page of the matching product.
US08606634B2 Providing advertising in a virtual world
Technologies are described herein for providing advertising in a virtual world. An inventory list identifying a plurality of virtual objects is provided. A selection of one or more virtual objects from the inventory is received. An advertisement list identifying a plurality of advertisements is further provided. A selection of one or more advertisements from the advertisement list is further received. The selection of advertisements is placed on the selection of virtual objects in the virtual world.
US08606632B2 System, method, and computer program product for selecting and presenting financial products and services
An apparatus and method are provided that receive client data for a plurality of clients and financial product data at a processor. The processor prepares a client communication for some of the clients. The client communication incorporates a portion of the client data and a portion of the financial product data. The financial product data for each client is based on the client data. Moreover, the financial product data constitutes the financial product offered in the client communication. decision criteria pertaining to selection from among the financial products, The method also includes storing the client information, the financial products information, the ancillary information, and the decision criteria. This method further includes using the client information, the financial products information, the ancillary information, and the decision criteria to select a subset of the financial products. It further includes preparing a client communication which identifies the subset of the financial products, This client communication preparing step includes incorporating a portion of the client information and a portion of the financial products information into the client communication.
US08606630B2 Systems and methods to deliver targeted advertisements to audience
In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler to process transactions, a data warehouse to store transaction data recording the transactions processed at the transaction handler, a profile generator to generate a profile of a user based on the transaction data, an advertisement selector to identify an advertisement based on the profile of the user in response to the transaction handler processing a transaction of the user, and a portal coupled to the transaction handler to provide the advertisement for presentation to the user in connection with information about the transaction of the user. In one example, the profile includes a plurality of values representing aggregated spending of the user in various areas to summarize the transactions of the user.
US08606628B2 User driven transactions through referred virtual business object
Providing traceability in a Virtual Business Object (VBO) may include generating a VBO comprising components and actions that may be performed using the VBO, attaching traceability information regarding an avatar to the VBO and providing the VBO to the avatar. Also, a network entity configured to access a virtual world environment may include a network interface configured to provide access to the virtual world environment and a controller configured to perform a transaction with an avatar in the virtual world environment, generate a Virtual Business Object (VBO) related to the transaction, attach traceability information regarding the avatar to the VBO, and provide the VBO to the avatar.
US08606627B2 Sponsored search data structure
A system that facilitates selecting advertisements that match a search query is described herein. The system includes a search query receiver component that receives a search query including keywords. The system also includes a match component that uses an associative data structure to identify in the associative data structure one or more data nodes that are associated in the associative data structure with respective unique keys corresponding to respective one or more hashes of combinations of the keywords in the search query. For each identified data node, the match component selects advertisements associated with bid phrases stored in the identified data node that respectively only include keywords included in the search query.
US08606624B2 Risk reports for product quality planning and management
A method to facilitate a Product Quality Planning and Management (PQPM) project associated with a product development cycle is provided. The method includes displaying on a user interface one or more activities to be executed for the PQPM project. The method further includes receiving, with an aid of the user interface, textual inputs indicative of a measurement criterion associated with an execution status the one or more activities. The method further includes developing a report to monitor a risk associated with the PQPM project, the report is based on the measurement criterion associated with the execution status of the one or more activities.
US08606622B2 Business performance management (BPM) system and method having a physical star architecture, data processing rings and BPM loops
An architecture, system, and method are provided for a commitment loop solution for on demand business activity management. A Business Performance Management (BPM) loop includes nodes each relating to different tasks for processing performance management trigger data generated by a business entity in real time. The beginning or sensing element of the loop is triggered by a token (representing a business event from a business process). The ending or executing element provides a business action to be implemented by the business entity. The token is passed from node to node sequentially in a particular order around the loop. Processing of the data represented by the token is governed by policies, which can be changed dynamically and follow a life cycle.
US08606621B2 Carbon management for sourcing and logistics
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for carbon management for sourcing and logistics. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a computer for quantifying both a cost and a carbon impact of one or more logistics policies relating to a manufacturing process; and minimizing the cost and carbon impact using a defined equation including a first component representing a transportation cost, and a second component representing a carbon cost. In an embodiment of the invention, the quantifying includes using an analytics engine to quantify the cost and carbon impact. The analytics engine may include a shipment analysis module to calculate an optimal transportation policy, a sourcing analysis module for testing alternate sourcing options, a scenario analysis module to find an optimal order frequency, and a sensitivity analysis module to test the impact of various changes.
US08606616B1 Selection of business success indicators based on scoring of intended program results, assumptions or dependencies, and projects
Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for a business success indicator process that helps identify business success indicators for programs in the process of implementation. Within the process intended program results, and program assumptions or dependencies for projects within the program are considered potential business success indicators. Intended program results are prioritized, assessed, and assigned weighted values. Assumptions or dependencies, and projects are assigned impact values indicating their impact related to each of the intended program results. The intended program results, and the assumptions or dependencies are scored based on the weighted values and impact values. Business success indicators are selected based on the scores and deployment dates of projects with which they are associated. A business success indicator measurement plan is developed by developing a risk score associated with the data for each business success indicator.
US08606610B2 Business process simulation testing for bank branches using avatars
Method and systems for testing services are described which use a virtual world. Observational data is extracted from the virtual world and input to the service. The output of the service is observed and/or may be fed back into the virtual world and its effects observed in the virtual world.
US08606604B1 Systems and methods for remote electronic transaction processing
Embodiments of systems and methods for enabling communication between vendors and individuals qualified to offer financial products, insurance products, warranty products, and/or other products and services related to vehicles and vehicle sales are provided. In one embodiment, a salesperson at a remote location interacts with the vendor's customer using data, video, and/or audio transmissions over a network. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson may possess relevant expertise or training, which the salesperson uses to process the transaction. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson completes the transaction using a system that manages the transaction and communication.
US08606601B2 Apparatus and method of automated information extraction and implementation through large scale networks
A system and method for extracting medical information into a digital format; classifying the medical information into a database with customizable standard categories; and implementing the new information on all related customers' system in large scale networks.
US08606598B2 Method and system for distributing patient referrals
Practitioners are certified to perform a medical procedure, such as an orthodontic procedure. Certified practitioners are maintained in a referral directory and classified within tiers based on criteria such as the number of procedures that they have performed. Inquiries are solicited from prospective patients, and referral lists are provided to those patients who request them. The referral lists are obtained from the referral directory with doctors from higher tiers who have performed more procedures receiving preferential inclusion on the referral lists.
US08606595B2 Methods and systems for assuring compliance
Systems and methods for collecting information, verifying authenticity of such information, processing, maintaining, and managing such information are described. The system can be a standalone unit or can comprise a combination of various units configured to function together.
US08606590B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing personalized, just-in-time information services
Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing personalized information services. Methods include generating an instance of personalized information including time-sensitive elements, and outputting the personalized information onto a medium that is affixable to a subject with which the personalized information is associated.
US08606588B1 Merger and acquisition knowledgebase
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for managing a merger or an acquisition. A plurality of statistics are tracked relating to a merger or an acquisition for reporting purposes. Further, a plurality of decisions are stored relating to the merger or acquisition. Such decisions may be accessed by a plurality of users involved in the merger or acquisition. In addition, a plurality of items associated with the merger or acquisition are inputted into a database. Each item is associated with at least one of the users. The users may be search for the items in the database.
US08606581B1 Multi-pass speech recognition
According to example configurations, a speech recognition system is configured to receive an utterance. Based on analyzing at least a portion of the utterance using a first speech recognition model on a first pass, the speech recognition system detects that the utterance includes a first group of one or more spoken words. The speech recognition system utilizes the first group of one or more spoken words identified in the utterance as detected on the first pass to locate a given segment of interest in the utterance. The given segment can include one or more that are unrecognizable by the first speech recognition model. Based on analyzing the given segment using a second speech recognition model on a second pass, the speech recognition system detects one or more additional words in the utterance. A natural language understanding module utilizes the detected words to generate a command intended by the utterance.
US08606576B1 Communication log with extracted keywords from speech-to-text processing
A computing device may extract keywords from a phone call or other audio communication and later display those keywords in a call log or in a caller ID. In one example, a method performed by at least one processor of a first computing device includes receiving speech inputs during an audio communication between the first computing device and a second device. The method further includes performing speech-to-text processing on the speech inputs to generate text based on the speech inputs. The method further includes performing keyword extraction processing on the text to generate one or more keywords based on the text, that score highly as relevant indicators of the audio communication, based on one or more keyword extraction criteria. The method further includes storing the one or more keywords in association with identifying information associated with the second device. The method further includes outputting the one or more keywords, in association with the identifying information associated with the second device, at a display of the first computing device.
US08606575B1 Method and apparatus of providing semi-automated classifier adaptation for natural language processing
Example embodiments of the present invention may include a method that provides transcribing spoken utterances occurring during a call and automatically assigning each of the spoken utterances with a corresponding set of first classifications. The method may also include determining a confidence rating associated with each of the spoken utterances and the assigned set of first classifications, and performing at least one of reclassifying the spoken utterances with new classifications based on at least one additional classification operation, and adding the assigned first classifications and the corresponding plurality of spoken utterances to a training data set.
US08606568B1 Evaluating pronouns in context
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described for receiving, by a speech recognition engine, audio data that encodes an utterance and determining, by the speech recognition engine, that a transcription of the utterance includes one or more keywords associated with a command, and a pronoun. In addition, the methods, computer program products, and systems described herein pertain to transmitting a disambiguation request to an application, wherein the disambiguation request identifies the pronoun, receiving, by the speech recognition engine, a response to the disambiguation request, wherein the response references an item of content identified by the application, and generating, by the speech recognition engine, the command using the keywords and the response.
US08606567B2 Signal encoding apparatus, signal decoding apparatus, signal processing system, signal encoding process method, signal decoding process method, and program
Provided is a signal encoding apparatus including: an encoding unit which encodes a quantization value of a frequency spectrum in an input signal through a plurality of encoding algorithms; an amplitude change amount calculation unit which calculates, for each of a plurality of subbands of the frequency spectrum, an amplitude change amount with respect to the frequency spectrum based on a spectrum envelope of the frequency spectrum; and an encoding selection unit which selects, for each subband, the encoding algorithm according to a degree of deflection of an occurrence probability distribution of the quantization value in the amplitude change amount among the plurality of the encoding algorithms.
US08606561B2 Composing a reply to a text message received in a messaging application
A method, system and computer program product for composing a reply to a text message received in a messaging application and automatically changing the settings of an input method editor are provided. The language of a received text message is determined and compared to a current input language of the input method editor. The input language of the input method editor is automatically changed to the determined language for the input of a reply to the received message by a user.
US08606553B2 Methods for identifying drug targets based on genomic sequence data
This invention provides a computational approach to identifying potential antibacterial drug targets based on a genome sequence and its annotation. Starting from a fully sequenced genome, open reading frame assignments are made which determine the metabolic genotype for the organism. The metabolic genotype, and more specifically its stoichiometric matrix, are analyzed using flux balance analysis to assess the effects of genetic deletions on the fitness of the organism and its ability to produce essential biomolecules required for growth.
US08606551B2 System, program product, and related methods for global targeting of process utilities under varying conditions
Systems, program product, and methods to optimize energy management for a site including a combined steam heat and electrical power system, is provided. A system, for example, can include a computer including memory, and energy utility modeling program product stored in the memory. The system can rigorously target, without manual iteration, for multiple utility commodity targets to include their global minimum and maximum requirements or capabilities, individually, or subject to other target objectives, due to varying process conditions. The system can also obtain the supply and demand best and worst case scenarios due to varying process conditions for a given process or cluster of processes. The system can also provide such data subject to other supply and demand objectives, and can further provide a range of commodity requirements or capabilities subject to user selected values for other commodity requirements or capabilities.
US08606549B2 Method of simulating illuminated environment for off-line programming
A method reads information of a three-dimensional (3D) product model and a light source model, and meshes the product model by multiple space triangles. The method further sets illumination parameters based on the information of product model and the light source model, simulates illuminated environment based on the illumination parameters, and projects the product model to a two-dimensional (2D) plane under the illuminated environment. 2D triangles matching the space triangles and 2D measurement points matching the 3D measurement points are determined in the 2D plane, and a measurement region is determined based on the 2D measurement points. Then, the 2D triangles in the measurement region are given colors based on illuminated effect produced by the illuminated environment, and point-selection tools are created for the 2D measurement points. At last, an off-line program is generated according to information of the measurement region and the point-selection tools.
US08606547B2 Method and system for measuring the aerodynamic noise of a vehicle
A method and a system for measuring the aerodynamic noise of a vehicle; the system is provided with: a measuring station, which is adapted to receive the vehicle and is provided with a supporting element; at least one blower carried by the supporting element and adapted to generate an air jet towards the vehicle; an actuating device for displacing the supporting element with respect to the vehicle; at least one phonometer for measuring the aerodynamic noise produced by the vehicle struck by the air jet generated by the blower; a position sensor for detecting the position of the supporting element with respect to the vehicle; and a processing unit connected to the phonometer and to the position sensor for correlating the aerodynamic noise measurements supplied by the phonometer with the position of the supporting element with respect to the vehicle.
US08606541B2 Combined amplitude and frequency measurements for non-contacting turbomachinery blade vibration
A method and apparatus for measuring the vibration of rotating blades, such as turbines, compressors, fans, or pumps, including sensing the return signal from projected energy and/or field changes from a plurality of sensors mounted on the machine housing. One or more of the sensors has a narrow field of measurement and the data is processed to provide the referenced time of arrival of each blade, and therefore the blade tip deflection due to vibration. One or more of the sensors has a wide field of measurement, providing a time history of the approaching and receding blades, and the data is processed to provide frequency content and relative magnitudes of the active mode(s) of blade vibration. By combining the overall tip deflection magnitude with the relative magnitudes of the active modes, the total vibratory stress state of the blade can be determined.
US08606537B2 System and method for testing an electronic device
There is provided a system for testing an electronic device in a test arrangement. The test arrangement includes a data interface and a user interface that is configured to output user outputs comprising image and/or audio information. The exemplary system comprises an automation unit configured to be connected via a data connection to the data interface. The user outputs are provided as output via the data interface and can be transmitted via the data connection to the automation unit. The automation unit is configured to carry out an evaluation of the user outputs.
US08606535B2 Method for temperature compensation of pressure values in a tire pressure control system
The invention describes a method for temperature compensation of measured pressure values in a tire pressure control system of a vehicle, which is equipped with wheels with pneumatic tires in which a pressure sensor arranged below the tire obtains the pressure values and a temperature sensor arranged below the tire obtains temperature values and the measured pressure values are referred to a predefined reference temperature, giving due consideration to the known proportionality between the pressure and the temperature at a volume of air in the tire which is assumed to be constant. The invention provides that an offset of the temperature supplied by the temperature sensor from the mean air temperature prevailing in the tire is estimated for the temperatures measured at any time in the tire, and the currently measured temperature values are corrected using the estimated temperature offset as a correction value.
US08606529B2 High-resolution melting analysis
The application relates to methods and systems for analysis of dissociation behavior of nucleic acids and identification of nucleic acids. In one aspect, methods and systems are disclosed for identifying a nucleic acid in a sample including an unknown nucleic acid and for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in a nucleic acid in a sample. Methods and systems are also disclosed for identification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample including at least one unknown nucleic acid by fitting denaturation data including measurements of a quantifiable physical change of the sample at a plurality of independent sample property points to a function to determine an intrinsic physical value and to obtain an estimated physical change function, and identifying the nucleic acid in the biological sample by comparing the intrinsic physical value for at least one unknown nucleic acid to an intrinsic physical value for a known nucleic acid.
US08606524B2 Method and system for determining formation properties based on fracture treatment
A method and system for determining formation properties based on a fracture treatment that may include collecting data from a fracture treatment for a well. A flow regime of the fracture treatment is determined based on the data. Formation properties may be determined based on the flow regime and the data.
US08606521B2 Determining fluid pressure
A wellbore fluid pressure measurement system includes a densometer adapted to measure a fluid density of a fluid flowing in a tubing system; and a monitoring unit communicably coupled to the densometer. The monitoring unit is adapted to receive a plurality of values representative of the fluid density from the densometer and includes a memory adapted to store the plurality of values representative of the fluid density; and one or more processors operable to execute a fluid pressure measurement module. The module is operable when executed to determine a fluid pressure of the fluid based on at least a portion of the values representative of the fluid density.
US08606516B2 User interface system and method for a vehicle navigation device
A user interface for use in a vehicle navigation and traffic information device. Various adaptable menu commands and intuitive UI elements are provided to ease user navigation of the interface and to minimize driver distraction while providing information in an optimized manner.
US08606515B2 Real time travel director
A method for navigating through a predefined space is described herein. The method includes receiving, by a remote unit, a signal indicative of a selection of at least one destination category, wherein the selected destination category is associated with a plurality of destination locations. A position of each of the plurality of destination locations is determined within the predefined space. A final destination location is determined within the predefined space, an origination location of the remote unit is determined, and a first route is determined from the origination location to the final destination. The first route including each destination location included in the selected destination category.
US08606513B2 Method and system for power management in a hybrid electric vehicle
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include recording trip information associated with a vehicle, the trip information including parameters associated with previous trips taken by the vehicle. The method may also include a first portion of power to be delivered by an electric motor and a second portion of power to be delivered by an engine configured to convert chemical energy to mechanical energy for driving one or more components of the vehicle based at least on the trip information and a state of charge of an energy storage device configured to provide electrical energy to a electric motor configured to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy for driving one or more components of the vehicle.
US08606509B2 Software based driving directions
A method for electronically generating driving directions without text entry. The method including: indicating a starting address or starting location on a map without text entry; indicating an ending address or ending location on a map without text entry; and generating driving directions based on the indicated starting address or starting location and ending address or ending location.
US08606508B2 System and method for sending air traffic data to users for display
A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and presentation of aviation information is disclosed. At plurality of flight information is received over a digital network and is stored in at least a database. The database includes aviation information. Upon receiving a user request, a server retrieves a result set from the database and transmits it to the requesting user. Subsequently, updates as to a flight identified in the request are transmitted at a selected rate, which may be modified automatically based on one flight characteristic, for subsequent display. In one form, the results may be presented to the user in the form of digital map having aircraft images.
US08606502B2 Navigation device and method
A navigation device includes a locator for determining a location of the navigation device, a processor, an audio output device and/or a display controllable by the processor, and a store for map data and historical data. The historical data includes historical information about a location and a location identifier identifying the location. The processor is arranged to control the audio output device and/or display to convey the historical information as an audio and/or visual output in response to the processor determining from the locator that the navigation device is in the vicinity of the location identified by the location identifier.
US08606495B2 Method and apparatus for mining vehicle safety arrangements
A method for a safety system of a mining vehicle. The method comprises scanning the surroundings of the mining vehicle while the mining vehicle is driven and giving a collision warning if an obstacle is detected in a safety zone of the mining vehicle. In the system, there is stored obstacle information comprising at least location information of predetermined obstacles. Location information of the obstacle detected on the basis of the scanning is compared with the location information determined in the obstacle information. Stopping of the mining vehicle, caused by the safety system due to the detected obstacle, is prevented in response to the detected obstacle being determined safe on the basis of checking the obstacle information.
US08606488B2 Method for operating a hybrid motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method for operating the drive of a hybrid motor vehicle by an internal combustion engine torque and the torque of at least one electric motor which are superimposed in such a way that a common drive torque of the hybrid motor vehicle is produced. According to the invention, the torque of the internal combustion engine is influenced by the speed of rotation thereof or a signal derived therefrom and the torque of the electric motor is influenced by the speed of rotation or the signal derived therefrom.
US08606484B2 Apparatus for measuring in-cylinder pressure
A method for correcting an output characteristic of an in-cylinder pressure sensor has a problem of insufficient correction precision because the measurement range required for the detection of a peak in-cylinder pressure and an ignition timing resides in a high-pressure region of an in-cylinder combustion cycle, whereas a reference pressure used for correction is measured while leaving an intake valve and an exhaust valve open, so that the reference pressure is out of the required measurement range. An apparatus for measuring an in-cylinder pressure includes: exhaust pressure detection means disposed in an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine to measure an exhaust pressure in the exhaust port; exhaust pressure recording means that records time history of the measured exhaust pressure; and peak exhaust pressure detection means that detects a peak value for each pulsation cycle of the exhaust pressure on the basis of the recorded time history of the exhaust pressure. A peak value of the in-cylinder pressure for each combustion cycle is calculated using the detected peak value of the exhaust pressure, and the calculated peak value of the in-cylinder pressure is used as a reference pressure.
US08606483B2 Road grade coordinated engine control systems
An engine control system of a vehicle includes a road grade module and a predictive control module. The road grade module detects a grade of a road that is ahead of the vehicle. The predictive control module detects that a first cylinder of an engine of the vehicle is deactivated while a second cylinder of the engine is activated. The predictive control module activates the first cylinder based on the grade.
US08606477B2 Method and device for controlling an electrically actuable brake and an electronic brake system
A method for controlling an electrically actuated brake including determining an actuator clamping force actual value (Fist), using a force sensor and determining an actuator position actual value (φist) or an actuator speed actual value (nist) using a position sensor for activating the actuator by a controller. The controller includes a selection and evaluation device. The selection and evaluation device supplies to the controller input reference value (φin-soll) and a controller input actual value (φin-ist). The controller input variables (φin-soll, φin-ist) are made available by the selection and evaluation device such that the controller can be operated in at least two control modes. The control modes include a force control (M1) for adjusting an actuator clamping force reference value (Fsoll), or position control (M3, M4) for adjusting an actuator position reference value (φsoll, Δφsoll), or speed control (M2) for adjusting an actuator speed reference value (nsoll).
US08606475B2 Shift range switching apparatus, parking lock apparatus and engagement switching apparatus for use in vehicle
The shift range switching apparatus includes a switching mechanism driven to switch a shift range of an automatic transmission, a drive section which drives the switching mechanism, an operating member operated to switch the shift range, a control section to control the drive section such that the shift range is switched in accordance with a switching operation by a vehicle driver, an abnormality detection section configured to cause the drive section to drive the switching mechanism when a predetermined abnormality detection condition is satisfied indicating that the vehicle driver is unlikely to operate the operating member, a driving state detection section to detect a driving state of the drive section after the abnormality detection section causes the drive section to drive, and an abnormality determination section to determine whether the drive section is abnormal in accordance with a detection result by the driving state detection section.
US08606472B2 Shift rail transmission position sensing with a minimum number of sensors
A processing component configured to receive position sensor data from a first sensor attached to a shift rail of a transmission and determine from the first sensor data whether the shift rail is in a position of engagement of a first gear or a second gear or in a neutral position; receive position sensor data from a second sensor attached to the shift rail, determine from the second sensor data whether the shift rail is in a position of engagement of the first gear or the second gear or in the neutral position; compare the position determined from the first sensor data with the position determined from the second sensor data, and verify the shift rail position based on the comparison.Further, a method for verifying shift rail position based on comparing data received from a first and a second sensor attached to the shift rail.
US08606468B2 Vehicle
To provide a vehicle capable of maintaining a stable state when a rider gets on the step plate or get off the step plate. A vehicle is a vehicle that performs a turning movement based on the rotation of step plates on which a rider rides in the left/right direction. The vehicle includes restriction means to enable the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction to be restricted. The vehicle preferably further includes first control means that controls the restriction means so that the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction is restricted when the rider gets on the step plates or gets off the step plates.
US08606465B2 Performance-based classification method and algorithm for drivers
A system and method for classifying the optimization of safety features on a vehicle for a driver of the vehicle based on the height and mass of the driver. The method includes determining a number of basic driver sizes based on driver height and mass and determining a driver's seat position for each basic driver height. The method also identifies a set of tunable design variables that are used to adjust the safety features of the vehicle and performs design optimization analysis to identify an optimal design for the vehicle safety features for each of the basic driver sizes. The method then identifies the design from the optimal designs that provides the best performance for randomly selected reference drivers and classifies all drivers into a predetermined number of classifications where each classification represents a particular optimal design.
US08606463B2 Hydraulic steering system comprising a first and a second steering member and vehicle comprising a hydraulic steering system
A hydraulic steering system for a vehicle includes a first steering member and a second steering member, wherein the first steering member is operationally connected to a first steering valve unit including a first steering valve, and wherein a priority valve controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to one or more steering cylinders which provide for steering of the vehicle in a desired steering direction, wherein the priority valve gives priority to steering with the first steering member over the steeling with the second steering member. A second steering valve is provided functionally operable in series with a proportional flow control valve, wherein the second steering valve and/or the proportional flow control valve are controlled at least by the second steering member.
US08606462B2 Electric power steering device
There is provided a electric power steering device which can perform torque control through a simple arithmetic process using a synchronous reluctance motor having a nonlinear current/torque characteristic. A target torque is transmitted from an EPS control unit 41 to a motor control unit 51. The motor control unit 51 calculates a target-current effective value I and a target-current phase θ from the input target torque. Based on the calculated target-current effective value I and target-current phase θ, calculation is changed whether to perform calculation so that the maximum torque (the maximum torque obtainable at the minimum current effective value) can be obtained, or to perform calculation so that the maximum output (the maximum output obtainable at the minimum current effective value) can be obtained in accordance with a duty ratio of an output by a PWM converting unit 57 comprising a three-phase inverter. Next, a three-phase biaxial converting unit 53 calculates a target q-axis current Iq and a target d-axis current Id from the target-current effective value I and the target-current phase θ, and the PWM converting unit 57 performs duty control in order to control the torque of a motor 58.
US08606461B2 System and method for monitoring tire status
A vehicle electronic control unit includes a power input port, which receives electric power from a vehicle battery, and a power output port, which provides electric power to a vehicle electronic device including an antenna. The electronic device receives data transmissions from a vehicle sensor. The power output port provides substantially uninterrupted electric power from the vehicle battery to the vehicle electronic device. A communication port is electrically connected to a vehicle communication bus. The communication port receives data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device via the communication port. An electronic component, electrically connected to the communication port, is initially in a first state when a vehicle ignition is off. The electronic component, while in a second state and while the vehicle ignition is off, receives additional data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device indicating statuses of respective vehicle sensors.
US08606459B2 Fuel economy driving assistance apparatus
A fuel economy driving assistance apparatus includes advice provision means for providing a driver with driving advice that contributes to improvement of fuel economy of a vehicle; driving tendency estimation means for estimating a driving tendency of the driver in each driving situation; and advice mode changing means for changing a mode of the driving advice, according to the driving tendency of the driver estimated by the driving tendency estimation means.
US08606456B2 Method for propelling an articulated tracked vehicle
The invention relates to a method for propelling an articulated tracked vehicle (1) provided with at least a front and rear vehicle portion (2, 4), comprising a front drive shaft (6), which rotates a front track (8) on the front vehicle portion (2); a rear drive shaft (10), which rotates a rear track (12) on the rear vehicle portion (4), the front drive shaft (6) being disposed in the front vehicle portion (2) and the rear drive shaft (10) being disposed in the rear vehicle portion (4). At least one motor (20, 34, 36) rotates the respective front and rear drive shaft (6, 10) in order thus to propel the vehicle (1) at a speed in relation to a ground surface (16). The front drive shaft (6) is rotated at a first speed and the rear drive shaft (10) is rotated at a second speed, which first and second speeds are different, so that the front and rear tracks (8, 12) rotate at different speeds.
US08606455B2 Method and device for automatically operating a vehicle in an autonomous driving mode requiring no user action
A method for the automatic operation of a vehicle in an autonomous driving mode not requiring user action is provided. This involves detection of a present traffic situation, a check whether the traffic situation fulfills a first criterion, and a blocking of a functionality which offers to a driver during the autonomous driving mode a secondary activity not related to driving the vehicle if the first criterion is fulfilled. A device for the automatic operation of a vehicle in an autonomous driving mode not requiring user action includes devices designed for carrying out the method for the automatic operation of a vehicle in an autonomous driving mode not requiring user action.
US08606452B2 Control system for hybrid construction machine
A controller determines whether or not the storage amount of a battery is below a threshold, and reduces an assist output of a sub-pump by controlling an assist control mechanism based on an assist correction coefficient, increases the discharge amount of a main pump by controlling an engine controller based on an engine rotation speed correction coefficient and increasing the rotation speed of an engine, and increases an output of the main pump by increasing the rotation speed of the engine by as much as a reduction in the assist output of the sub-pump.
US08606451B2 Energy system for heavy equipment
An energy system for heavy equipment having an actuator for operating a tool includes a bus, an engine, a generator, an energy storage device, and a controller. The bus is for providing electricity to the actuator as a function of operation of the tool. The engine is for providing a power output and the generator is coupled to the engine and configured to provide electricity to the bus. The energy storage device is configured to receive electricity from the bus for storage of energy, and is further configured to provide electricity to the bus to supplement the electricity provided by the generator. The controller is configured to change the power output of the engine as a function of electrical demand on the bus. In response to a change in the electrical demand, the controller is configured to change the power output of the engine at a rate that is less than a maximum capability of the engine.
US08606449B2 Method and system for protecting battery of hybrid vehicle
A method for protecting a battery of a hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for a hybrid vehicle which selectively drives a motor by electricity of the battery and selectively charges the battery by electricity generated by driving of the motor. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and system that determines whether the motor is running at a speed that is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, determines whether the motor has malfunctioned; determines a target shift speed by applying overcharge protection shift map in response to a determination that the motor is operating a speed greater than or equal to the predetermined speed and the that the motor is malfunctioning. Upon making this determination, the present invention performs a shift to the target shift speed.
US08606447B2 Method and apparatus to operate a powertrain system including an electric machine having a disconnected high-voltage battery
A powertrain system includes an electric motor/generator unit. Upon detecting an open high-voltage switch associated with a high-voltage DC electrical bus, low-voltage electrical power is employed to energize the high-voltage DC electrical bus, control parameters are adjusted to operate the electric motor/generator unit in a fault tolerant electric generation mode, an internal combustion engine is operated to spin the electric motor/generator unit, and the electric motor/generator unit is operated in the fault tolerant electric generation mode.
US08606444B2 Machine and power system with electrical energy storage device
A machine includes a power system having a prime mover drivingly connected to an electric generator, a power line operably connected to the electric generator, and a first electrical energy storage device operable to exchange electricity with the power line. The power system may also include a second electrical energy storage device and power-system controls. The power-system controls may include a power regulator and at least one information processor configured to receive information related to at least one operating parameter of the power system and control the power regulator based on the received information, including selectively controlling the power regulator to receive electricity from the second electrical energy storage device and supply the electricity to the first electrical energy storage device.
US08606441B2 Vehicular control device, method of controlling a vehicle, and a storage medium having stored therein a program that implements the method
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a creep torque reflection ratio; if brake is applied and the vehicle is currently stopped, updating the creep torque reflection ratio to 0; if brake is not applied and despite that the brake fluid's pressure is larger than a hydraulic pressure value, determining that brake hold control is currently exerted, and reducing the creep torque reflection ratio, as based on a map having the brake fluid's pressure as a parameter, to update the creep torque reflection ratio.
US08606440B2 Method for determining correction under steering of a point on a towed object towards a goal position
A method for determining correction during steering of a point on an object towed by a towing device, the object point, toward a target position, the object being provided with a bird, including the steps of determining a target position; determining the position of the object point, determining the speed and acceleration of the object point and directions of these and thereby determining an inline direction; determining whether the inline is directed toward the target position and if it deviates from the desired direction, determining a distance vector between the object point and the target position; calculating the object point distance, speed and acceleration components at least in the lateral direction or the vertical direction; and transferring values for the components to a control system for the corresponding bird.
US08606435B2 Method and a system for estimating a trajectory of a moving body
A hybrid simulation method uses a simulator tool feeding kinematics commands to a movement simulator on which a moving body is mounted and to a target representative of an objective to be reached by the moving body, and on detection of an event representative of overshooting or changing a first designated objective for this moving body, the method includes a positioning stage associated with a second designated objective for the moving body, including comparing positions executed by the movement simulator in response to transition kinematics commands with a first predetermined setpoint position and activating a first marker if a position substantially the same as the first setpoint position is detected; comparing positions executed by the target in response to transition kinematics commands with a second predetermined setpoint position and activating a second marker if a position substantially the same as the second setpoint position is detected; when the first and second markers are activated, a step of evaluating a difference between the current kinematics command supplied to the movement simulator and the target by the digital simulator tool; and, if this difference is below a particular threshold, a piloting stage including applying corrective terms linked to the setpoint positions to the kinematics commands coming from the simulator tool before they are fed to the movement simulator and to the target.
US08606431B2 System and method for tracking location of construction equipment
The present disclosure relates to a method capable of reducing a communication cost for tracking a location of construction equipment by controlling a transmission cycle of locational information of the construction equipment.To this end, the present disclosure provides a method for tracking a location of construction equipment by using a tracking vehicle, including: transmitting locational information from the construction equipment at a predetermined transmission cycle; calculating a distance between the construction equipment and the tracking vehicle based on the locational information received from the construction equipment; and if the calculated distance is less than a predetermined value, commanding that a transmission cycle of the locational information of the construction equipment be made shorter than a predetermined transmission cycle.
US08606429B2 System and method for controlling an electronic device fan
An electronic device and a method for controlling fan speed of the electronic device include setting a speed range corresponding to a variety of pulse-width modulation (PWM) duty cycles of the fan, and setting a speed variation value of the fan. The method further includes reading the PWM duty cycle and detecting an actual speed of the fan, and adjusting the PWM duty cycle in the PWM duty cycle instruction according to the speed variation value.
US08606424B2 Particle swarm optimization system and method for microgrids
The particle swarm optimization method for microgrids formulates a control problem as an optimization problem and PSO is used to search the solution space for optimal parameter settings in each mode. The procedure models optimal design of an LC filter, controller parameters and damping resistance in grid-connected mode. Moreover, the procedure optimizes controller parameters and power sharing coefficients in autonomous mode. The method uses particular nonlinear time-domain-based and eigenvalue-based objective functions to minimize the error in the measured power, and also to enhance the damping characteristics, respectively.
US08606418B1 Wind prediction for wind farms through the use of weather radar
A control system is provided. The control system comprises an electronic processor configured to control operation of at least one wind turbine. The control system further comprises at least one weather radar unit positioned proximate to the at least one wind turbine and configured to generate weather data. The electronic processor is configured to control the operation of the at least one wind turbine based on the weather data generated by the at least one weather radar unit.
US08606417B2 Electricity market-oriented DC-segmentation design and optimal scheduling for electrical power transmission
Segmenting a power distribution network comprising AC power generating stations synchronously interconnected by AC power transmission paths. The stations operate within market sectors and are subject to market rules. The method includes identifying all transmission paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors and segmenting the path by inserting a controllable DC link in the path. Each of the sectors is then operated asynchronously. Power flow and counter-flow between the sectors is controlled by controlling the DC links. A power transmission network is disclosed comprising AC power generating stations operable within market sectors subject to market rules; power transmission paths interconnecting the stations, at least some of the paths extending between differing ones of the sectors, including a controllable DC link in the path for desynchronizing the differing sectors; and, control means operatively connectable to each of the DC links for controlling power flow between the differing sectors.
US08606416B2 Energy generating system and control thereof
A system and method of controlling an electricity generating system that includes at least one intermittent energy source generating plant are disclosed. An exemplary method includes calculating actual operating parameters of the at least one intermittent energy source generating plant; calculating forecast operating parameters of the at least one intermittent energy source generating plant; generating intermittent energy source contingency definitions from such actual operating parameters and forecast operating parameters; analysing the intermittent energy source contingency definitions to provide contingency analyses; and controlling the electricity generating system in dependence upon such contingency analyses.
US08606414B2 Multi-channel chemical transport bus providing short-duration burst transport using sensors for microfluidic and other applications
A controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus providing routing and transport of fluids, gasses, aerosols, slurries and the like within a larger system. The system and methods are applicable for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) technology, arid can be useful in the implementation of reconfigurable LoC devices. Routes through the bus are determined by control signals and/or sequences of control signals issued under algorithmic control. Several independent flows may occur simultaneously. The controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus can be configured to support chemical flow durations short enough that the chemical flow at a first chemical flow port ends at a time before the chemical flow is first received at a second chemical flow port. At least one sensor detects the flow in an associated flow line, such that a controller uses at least one signal from the sensor to time fluid flow between the two flow ports.
US08606412B2 Method for detecting malfunction of valve on the downstream side of throttle mechanism of pressure type flow control apparatus
With a pressure type flow control apparatus, a valve on the downstream side of a throttle mechanism is released and a flow rate setting value Qe inputted to the pressure type flow control apparatus is changed to detect the magnitude ΔV of change of a flow rate output signal Qo from the pressure type flow control apparatus while the flow rate setting value Qe is changed, so that normal functioning of the releasing operations of the valve on the downstream side of the throttle mechanism is confirmed when the magnitude ΔV of change of the flow rate output signal Qo is above the predetermined value. If the releasing operations are malfunctioning, the magnitude ΔV of changes is found to be below the predetermined value.
US08606409B2 Interview programming for an HVAC controller
Methods are disclosed for facilitating installation and configuration of a programmable HVAC controller. In one example, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the installation parameters of the HVAC controller for a particular HVAC installation.
US08606407B2 Energy management application server and processes
An energy management gateway is provided. The energy management gateway includes a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, a building management system (BMS) interface executed by the processor and an energy management system interface executed by the processor. The BMS interface is configured to receive a first message, the first message being structured according to an industrial protocol. The energy management interface is configured to translate the first message into a second message structured according to an energy management protocol different from the industrial protocol, the second message including a query comprising at least one command and a set of qualifiers, the query being addressed to at least one first endpoint and to provide the second message to a first domain member of a first domain including the at least one first endpoint, the first domain member being a device other than the at least one first endpoint.
US08606404B1 System and method for controlling a cleaning apparatus
A system for directing a cleaning apparatus on a surface to be cleaned comprises a body having a floor cleaner, at least one wheel operably interconnected with a motor for imparting motion to the wheel, a controller for providing a signal to the motor to control the motion of the at least one wheel, and at least one sensor operably interconnected to the controller for detecting a target on the surface at a distance spaced from the body. The system further comprises a signal emitting device separable from the body comprising a user interface portion for receiving signals from a user and transmitting a representation of those signals to a target projection on the surface. The sensor on the body detects the target projection on the surface and the controller can initiate at least one function to be performed by the body of the cleaning apparatus on the surface.
US08606402B2 Manipulator and control method thereof
A manipulator, and a control method thereof, calculates a degree of freedom (DOF) used to prevent collision with an obstacle in consideration of an order of priority of DOFs for an operation and collision avoidance contribution. The manipulator judges whether there is danger of collision of the manipulator with an obstacle, judges whether or not there is at least one operating DOF capable of avoiding collision with the obstacle among the plurality of operating DOFs, upon judging that there is danger of collision with the obstacle, and avoids collision with the obstacle using at least one operating DOF having the lowest priority while performing the operation among the at least one operating DOF capable of avoiding collision with the obstacle, upon judging that there is the at least one operating DOF capable of avoiding collision with the obstacle.
US08606401B2 Autonomous coverage robot navigation system
A navigation beacon controls movement of a mobile robot in first and second areas. The navigation beacon includes a portable housing, a power source, and an emitter. The emitter is operable to emit a gateway marking emission when the robot is within a field of detection that extends between the areas. The gateway marking emission is detectable by the robot and prevents the robot from moving from one of the areas, through the field of detection, to the other of the areas. A switch is operable to switch the navigation beacon to be in an OFF mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in an OFF state, a confinement mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in an ON state, and a navigation mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in the ON state and automatically switches to the OFF state in response to a predetermined condition.
US08606400B2 Robot system
A robot system according to embodiments includes a conveying device, a plurality of robots, an image capturing device, a workpiece detecting device, and a control device. The control device includes an operation instruction unit and an allocating unit. The operation instruction unit generates an operation instruction for performing a holding operation on workpieces on the basis of the detection result of the workpiece detecting device and transmits the operation instruction to the robots. The allocating unit determines which of the plurality of robots to which the operation instruction unit transmits the operation instruction on the basis of conveying situations of the workpieces obtained from the detection result of the workpiece detecting device.
US08606398B2 Compliant end of arm tooling for a robot
A robot (12) is used to pick parts from a bin (40 in FIG. 1). The robot has a compliant apparatus (42) and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool (s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices (FIG. 16, 17) which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin.
US08606397B2 Grain distribution apparatus and method
A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.
US08606390B2 Sewing machine having a camera for forming images of a sewing area
A sewing machine (1) has access to a memory (M) for stitch data and a processor (C) for reading said stitch data and for operating the sewing machine (1) to execute stitches according to stitch data, wherein the sewing machine (1) has a hoop (20) for framing a pattern of the sewing material (2), and for moving the framed pattern in a direction comprising a component of at least one of a first coordinate (x) and a second coordinate (y) and wherein further the processor (C) controls movements of the hoop (20) according to said direction in relation to the position of a needle (5) of the sewing machine and synchronously with the movement of the needle for executing stitches, wherein: —the stretched sewing material (2) is clamped to the hoop (20) for forming a framed pattern in the hoop, —the framed pattern of the sewing material (2) is scanned by means of a camera (10) mounted in the sewing machine (1) and directed towards the sewing material (2) for the purpose of taking pictures of part views of said framed pattern, —said part views are tiled together for forming on a display an image of the pattern framed in the hoop, whereby a coordinate of the image of a display (11) refers to a corresponding coordinate of the pattern framed in the hoop (20).
US08606387B2 Adaptive and automatic determination of system parameters
A MIMO optimizer is used to identify tunable process parameters for processing equipment.
US08606384B2 Method for deriving animation parameters and animation display device
Method for deriving at least one animation parameter from audio data, said animation parameters being descriptive of the mood of said audio data, comprising the following steps: determining a current mood model for said audio data; calculating at least one distance measure for at least one reference mood model, wherein said distance measure represents the distance between said current mood model and the respective reference mood model; setting of at least one animation parameter depending on said distance measure.
US08606383B2 Audio sharing
One aspect of the disclosure relates to obtaining at least some audio information, at least partially at a shared audio device. The aspect of the disclosure also relates to temporally coordinating transmitting at the shared audio device the at least some audio information and at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information that can be received by at least one other shared audio device such that corresponding segments of the at least some audio information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device substantially temporally corresponding to when corresponding segments of the at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device.
US08606380B2 Fantasy sports trade evaluator system and method
Disclosed is a trade evaluator for evaluating trades based on statistics of players to be traded, statistics of other players on each fantasy team, and settings of a fantasy league. A computer receives a request to analyze a trade of one or more players for one or more other players. The computer determines league settings and player statistics. For each player on the teams, the computer determines a position in a roster. The computer determines a highest value player for each position. If there is only one slot that can hold the highest ranked player still available to place, the computer fills the slot with that player. If there are multiple slots left, and each of those slots can also hold other player positions, the computer places the player in a slot with a lowest opportunity cost. The computer determines a point total for the teams with and without execution of the trade.
US08606375B2 Interactive control of multiple input multiple output control structures
Exemplary embodiments allow users to interactively formulate and solve multivariable feedback control problems. For example, users can solve problems where a plurality of control elements are distributed over one or more feedback loops and need to be jointly tuned to optimize overall performance and robustness of a control system. Embodiments allow users to specify design requirements and objectives in formats familiar to the user. Embodiments can operate on tunable parameters to solve the control problem in a manner that satisfies the design requirements and/or objectives provided by the user.
US08606372B1 System and method of discovering and prioritizing loads in an isolated power grid with dynamic distributed control
A system and method of dynamic distributed control with network topology discovery and load discovery in an isolated distribution grid is provided. Source modules connect to AC generators and output high voltage DC power on ports. Load modules receive the high voltage DC power on connected ports and convert the DC power to AC power. Loads are connected to AC outlets on load modules. A source module discovers the connected network topology through a series of states following the reading of a configuration file and creates an adjacency map. Each module has a microprocessor. Each microprocessor runs load discovery algorithms using its adjacency map as input. Load changes are detected and adjacency maps are amended to maintain consistency across all adjacency maps. Priority is afforded to desired loads when demand exceeds capacity.
US08606370B2 Connection element for conduction coil
One aspect is a medical electrode system including a conduction coil and a stimulation electrode. The stimulation electrode encompasses a base body having a top area and an end area. The system is characterized in that the conduction coil encompasses a connection element. The connection element is thermally shrink-fitted onto the end area.
US08606369B2 Delivery catheter
A catheter used to deliver a medical electrical lead to a right atrium of a heart in close proximity to a His bundle. The catheter is adapted such that the distal tip confronts the His bundle generally perpendicularly. The catheter includes a proximal portion and a generally hook-shaped distal portion. The distal portion may include curves that direct the distal tip at an angle of over 180 degrees from the direction of the proximal portion.
US08606367B2 Insertion tool for paddle-style electrode
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an insertion tool that affords steerability of the paddle-style electrode during implantation without causing damage to the insulation and/or the contacts of the paddle-style electrode. One embodiment is described as having a “pin fork” configuration; another a “shovel” configuration; and yet another has tabs or a lumen on the paddle-style electrode for facilitating the insertion of a stylet. The various embodiments for the insertion tool allow for adjustments of the paddle-style electrode in both the medial/lateral and inferior/superior directions allowing the surgeon to steer the paddle-style electrode to the desired stimulation site within the epidural space of the spinal column.
US08606365B2 Implantable medical devices, and methods of use therewith, that detect exposure to magnetic fields from MRI systems
Embodiments of the present invention generally pertain to implantable medical devices, and methods for use therewith, that detect exposure to magnetic fields produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. In accordance with specific embodiments, a sensor output is produced using an implantable sensor that is configured to detect acceleration, sound and/or vibration, but is not configured to detect a magnetic field. Such a sensor can be an accelerometer sensor, a strain gauge sensor or a microphone sensor, but is not limited thereto. In dependence on the produced sensor output, there is a determination whether of whether the IMD is being exposed to a time-varying gradient magnetic field from an MRI system. In accordance with certain embodiments, when there is a determination that the IMD is being exposed to a time-varying gradient magnetic field from an MRI system, then a mode switch to an MRI safe mode is performed.
US08606364B2 Nerve-stimulating and signal-monitoring device and method of manufacturing the same and nerve-stimulating and signal-monitoring system
A nerve-stimulating and signal-monitoring device includes a flexible substrate, a modulation/demodulation module, a SOC unit and a plurality of stimulation probes. The modulation/demodulation module demodulates coded nerve-stimulating radio-frequency signals or modulates sending coded epidermal nerve response signals. The SOC unit and the modulation/demodulation module can be integrally packaged and bonded on the flexible substrate. The SOC unit decodes and transforms the coded nerve-stimulating radio-frequency signals to obtain nerve-stimulating electrical probe-driving signals. The stimulation probes protrude from the flexible substrate, are configured to transmit the nerve-stimulating electrical probe-driving signals to epidermal nerves, and are electrically coupled to the SOC unit. The SOC unit can receive, amplify, analyze, classify and encode epidermal nerve response signals sent to the modulation/demodulation module for modulating, and such coded epidermal nerve response signals are subsequently transmitted by an antenna to the monitor station for decoding, monitoring and analysis.
US08606361B2 Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy
Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion.
US08606357B2 Cardiac waveform template creation, maintenance and use
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for creating, adjusting, and using cardiac waveform morphology templates. The morphology templates include target regions associated with features of cardiac waveforms. The target regions may be adjusted based on relationships between the target regions and features of detected cardiac waveforms associated with the target regions. The templates may be used to analyze cardiac waveforms to classify or monitor various waveform morphologies. Templates may be created or eliminated based on a frequency of use. According to one approach, template creation involves providing target regions defined by one or more characteristics. The target regions are adjusted based on detected cardiac waveform features having similar characteristics. A template may be created using the target regions adjusted by this process.
US08606351B2 Compression of electrocardiograph signals
A generally lossless compression system suitable for compression of data in a real-time, remote monitoring application is disclosed. In one embodiment, the real-time monitoring application is subject to a fixed-delay transmission constraint. In one implementation, a specific set partitioning method (e.g., binary tree partitioning) is employed on blocks of data that are wavelet transformed in a reversible manner so that encoded blocks may be transmitted losslessly or truncated and transmitted with some loss.
US08606348B2 System and method for performing at least one of a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) procedure using a robot-controlled imaging system
In one embodiment, the present application is directed to a method. The method includes performing at least one of, or a portion of one of, a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) on a patient, and using an imaging system to image at least a portion of the patient during performance of at least a portion of this procedure), the imaging system being arranged on a robot including at least four, preferably six axes of rotation. In another embodiment of the present application, an x-ray system is disclosed. The x-ray system includes an imaging system including an x-ray source and an x-ray detector; a table; and at least two robots. The table is movable by the at least one robot and the at least one other robot includes at least four, preferably six axes of rotation and controls movement of the imaging system.
US08606347B2 Catheter locator apparatus and method of use
In one embodiment, a catheter locator apparatus is configured to determine the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted used in a human body. In one example embodiment, where a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient.
US08606346B2 Intraoperative monitoring of temperature-induced tissue changes with a high-resolution digital X-ray system during thermotherapy
A method of thermally inducing and monitoring changes to localized regions of tissue by illuminating a volume of tissue with a first beam of X-rays, detecting portions of the first beam that passed through the volume, generating a first image signal from the portions of the first beam detected, applying heat to at least a localized region of tissue within the volume after the illuminating and detecting, illuminating the volume with a second beam of X-rays, detecting portions of the second beam that passed through the volume during the illuminating with the second beam, generating a second image signal from the portions of the second beam detected, and generating a difference image signal based upon a comparison of the first and second image signals. The difference image signal provides information of changes in X-ray attenuation by localized regions of tissue within the volume due to the application of heat.
US08606345B2 Medical dual lens camera for documentation of dermatological conditions with laser distance measuring
An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand-held, battery powered imaging device that provides: (1) an Identification Picture wherein an image of the patient's face is captured for identification purposes; (2) an Area of Interest picture wherein an image of the general area of interest on the patient is captured; and (3) a Subject of Interest picture wherein an image of the subject lesion of interest is captured. Two digital imaging systems, including a wide-angle (e.g. fisheye) imaging system and a macro (close-up) imaging system, are provided to allow for the simultaneous capture of AOI and SOI images thereby capturing an image that identifies the location of the lesion on the body and an image that comprises a close-up view of the lesion. A light source or flash provides illumination during the image capture phase. A laser range finding configuration including spaced first and second lasers are angularly disposed so as to cast beams that intersect at a desired distance from the imaging apparatus thereby allowing the user to quickly position the imaging apparatus at a predetermined distance from the patient when capturing images. Audible output provides the user with input to assist in properly capturing the images, and a trigger-type actuator is provided to initiate image capture.
US08606343B2 System and method for confocal imaging within dermal tissue
An improved system for confocal imaging within dermal tissue of a patient is provided which minimizes instability in confocal images by reducing the relative motion of the tissue with respect to the confocal imaging optics of the system. The system includes a mechanism for maintaining an area of skin tissue under stress by application of force at the edges of the area, and an imaging head coupled to this mechanism for imaging the stressed skin. The mechanism includes a mechanical structure, such as a platen, brace, or attachment, which both supports the imaging head of the system and applies stress to a limited surface area of the tissue to minimize skin motion during confocal imaging.
US08606342B2 Pulse and active pulse spectraphotometry
A pulse and active pulse spectraphotometry system comprises a light source adapted to illuminate a tissue site with optical radiation having a plurality of wavelengths selected from at least one of a primary band of about 1620 nm to about 1730 nm and a secondary band of about 1000 nm to about 1380 nm.
US08606341B2 Twisted track interferometer for producing magic states
A twisted track interferometer (TTI) for producing magic states is disclosed. The spin of ½-vortices may be exploited to produce magic states. The disclosed “twisted track interferometer” is a “topological twist” on the conventional Pabre-Pero interferometer adapted to topological superconductors. In the disclosed TTI, the probe particles may be Josephson vortices (JVs). JVs are estimated to be light and will tunnel more easily than Abrikosov vortices. Also, the disclosed TTI does not require multiple tunneling events. Rather, the JVs are propelled down thin insulating tracks within a 2D topological p-wave superconductor by a Magnus force generated by a tunneling supercurrent across the tracks. The JVs encounter tunneling junctions as they pass into the arms of the TTI.
US08606337B2 Method to control sleep mode, and terminal and apparatus thereof
During a listening window after a sleep window, a terminal receives a control signal that indicates existence of data corresponding to the terminal, and enters a sleep window if no data corresponding to the terminal exists.
US08606336B2 System and method for uplink timing synchronization in conjunction with discontinuous reception
Systems and methods for controlling sounding reference signal transmission are provided; a user equipment starts transmitting the sounding reference signal in anticipation of uplink data transmission, and then discontinues transmitting the sounding reference signal after completion of uplink data transmission.
US08606316B2 Portable blind aid device
A blind aid device including enabling a blind person to activate the blind aid device; capturing one or more images related to a blind person's surrounding environment; detecting moving objects from the one or more images captured; identifying a finite number of spatial relationships related to the moving objects; analyzing the one or more images within the blind aid device to classify the finite number of spatial relationships related to the moving objects corresponding to predefined moving object data; converting select spatial relationship information related to the one or more analyzed images into audible information; relaying select audible information to the blind person; and notifying the blind person of one or more occurrences predetermined by the blind person as actionable occurrences.
US08606315B2 Multi-dimensional access for mobile user equipment
A mobile communications device Includes at least two long-range wireless Communications engines. Each long-range wireless communications engines includes a respectively different communications protocol stack, for receiving or transmitting first long-range wireless communications signals using a first long-range communications protocol simultaneously while receiving or transmitting second long-range wireless communications signals using a second long-range communications protocol At least two radio frequency blocks are provided, for receiving or transmitting the first long-range wireless signals simultaneously while receiving or transmitting the second long-range wireless signals. A user interface is provided for inputting and outputting user data Io and from the at least two long-range wireless communications engines, respectively.
US08606314B2 Portable communications device and method
A device and method of providing wireless communications is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining that a plurality of wireless networks are concurrently available to provide wireless communication for a telephone device wherein the plurality of wireless networks include different types of networks, selecting one of the plurality of wireless networks based, at least in part, one or more rules, establishing a first wireless communication link with a remote device via the selected network, and wherein the one or more rules are configured to reduce a cost of communicating data. Other embodiments may include various other selection criteria for selecting a network such as, for example, the available bandwidth of one or more of the networks and the type of data to be communicated.
US08606309B2 Dispatch application utilizing short message service
A dispatch communication and management system method is provided, allowing a dispatcher and remote service technicians to exchange messages over a network in a prescribed format to notify the technicians of new dispatch orders, and to update status information for dispatch orders in corresponding customer service records in a database.
US08606305B2 Impersonal mobile communication for internet communities
The present invention relates to a method and server apparatus for providing an impersonal communication service in a telecommunication network, wherein a user is authenticated by a token-based application programming interface functionality and a temporary virtual number is allocated to an impersonal communication session of the user. The allocated temporary virtual number is then used for a telecommunication of the user.
US08606304B2 Paging signal transmission method, mobile station and radio base station
A paging signal transmission method according to the present invention includes: notifying, from a radio base station (eNB) to a mobile station (UE), a discontinuous reception interval and a total number of the groups, the discontinuous reception interval representing an interval at which discontinuous reception of the paging signal (PCH) is performed; determining, at the mobile station (UE), a timing for receiving the paging signal on the basis of the notified discontinuous reception interval and the notified total number of the groups; receiving, at the mobile station (UE), the paging signal transmitted from the radio base station (eNB), at the determined timing; and performing, at the mobile station (UE), incoming call processing, when the received paging signal is a paging signal addressed to the mobile station (UE).
US08606303B2 Verifying availability of idle-mode mobile subscriber station in wireless access system
A method of verifying availability of a mobile subscriber station that is in an idle-mode includes requesting to a base station by the mobile subscriber station to enter an idle-mode, wherein the base station is associated with a paging group comprising a plurality of base stations, and receiving from the base station an idle-mode response command to enter the idle-mode. The method also includes receiving from the base station a paging command comprising an action code associated with performing ranging while the mobile subscriber station is in the idle-mode to verify availability of the mobile subscriber station with respect to the base station, wherein if the ranging is not successfully performed with the base station during a predetermined period, the base station continues to transmit the paging command until a paging retrial count reaches a predetermined threshold.
US08606302B2 System for providing alert-based services to mobile stations in a wireless communications network
System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine determines an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputs a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time. A scheduler receives expiry times data and processes the expiry times data for determining an order for servicing the location requests.
US08606298B2 System and method for tracking location of mobile terminal using TV
The present invention relates to a system and a method for tracking a location of a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a system and a method for tracking a location of a mobile terminal using a TV connected to the Internet. The system for tracking a location of a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a TV connected to the Internet; and at least one mobile terminal acquiring its own location information, wherein the mobile terminal transmits its own location information to the TV in a peer-to-peer communication scheme, and the TV receives the location information to display the received location information on a screen.
US08606296B1 Method and system for optimizing large file transfers while moving through nodes on a wireless network
A method and system identifies a data file for transfer to a user. The invention also detects the movement of the user device from which the data file transfer was made and calculates a projected path for movement of the user device. Based on the projected path of movement, the sections of the requested data file are transferred in parallel to node areas where the user device is projected to move according to the projected path. As the user enters a node area, the section of the data file downloaded to that node area is locally transferred to the user device and thereby substantially reducing download time of a large data file.
US08606291B2 Method and apparatus for determining, in a wireless cellular telecommunication network, which device among a first and second devices has to manage data associated to a mobile terminal
The present invention concerns a method for determining in a wireless cellular telecommunication network which device among a first device managing data associated to mobile terminals located in a first pool of cells and a second device managing data associated to mobile terminals located in a second pool of cells has to manage data associated to a mobile terminal. The first and second pools of cells have common cells and the mobile terminal is located in the first pool of cells. The first device managing data associated to the mobile terminal: receives a first message, from the mobile terminal located comprising a first list of at least one group of cells the mobile terminal moved through, determines if the cell in which the mobile terminal is located belongs to the second pool of cells, determines if the mobile terminal is going to leave the first pool of cells and/or will not leave the second pool of cells, from the first list and from the cell in which the mobile terminal is located, transfers a second message to the second device requesting the second device to manage data associated to the mobile terminal.
US08606289B2 Power headroom-sensitive scheduling
User equipment reports periodically or aperiodically serving cell reference signal received power and quality as well as uplink power headroom information to the serving evolved NodeB (eNB). eNB calculates a current interference level experienced by the UE from the feedback report and its own loading. Since the self-interference is not flat across frequencies, the tolerable self-interference level depends on downlink scheduling. From the calculated interference, eNB can calculate uplink allocation parameters. Sequence of scheduling decisions can be downlink allocation, determining tolerable self-interference, and uplink allocation, or in the opposite order, or the downlink and uplink allocation can be jointly determined using the available. An additional scheduling constraint can be derived for meeting the co-existence requirements, which can be determined from the power headroom report alone. Thereby interference to other user equipment or self-interference (self-desensitization) is addressed when inadequate attenuation exists while also allowing deploying full system bandwidth.
US08606285B2 Signaling connection admission control in a wireless network
A method and apparatus are described for determining whether to admit a user equipment (UE) in response to an indicated admission delay. By using a random access procedure, a radio access network (RAN) may receive a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message from the UE that includes an establishment cause indicating the admission delay of the UE. The determination may be based on loading and not on delay. The UE may be in an idle state prior to the RAN receiving the RRC connection request message.
US08606284B2 Terminal having transfer mode and network connection method
A terminal and a network connection method to automatically connect devices to a network and transfer data to the devices using the received signal strength indication (RSSI) levels of signals respectively received from the devices. The terminal may transfer different data to devices based on the RSSI level of the signals received from the devices and/or the locations of the devices.
US08606281B2 System and method for requesting uplink resources in a communication system
An apparatus, method and system for scheduling uplink resources in communication systems. In one embodiment, the apparatus (e.g., user equipment) 300 includes a buffer 340 containing data to be transmitted to an entity (e.g., a base station) 400 of the communication system. The apparatus 300 also includes a processing unit 310 configured to provide a request for the entity 400 for an uplink resource allocation for transmission of the data in the buffer 340 when the data is a first type. The processing unit 310 is also configured to provide a request following a delay period for the entity 400 for an uplink resource allocation for transmission of the data in the buffer 340 when the data is a second type.
US08606277B2 Activation time for target based high speed serving cell change
A method for setting up an activation time of a cell change of user equipment includes receiving a timing offset from a network controller through an active set update procedure and calculating a high speed downlink shared channel cell change activation time based on the timing offset. The activation time indicates when the user equipment can move to the target cell. The method also includes transmitting the calculated activation time to the network controller and receiving an approval of the downlink shared channel high speed cell change from the network controller. Additionally, the method includes moving from the serving cell to the target cell at the activation time if the approval has been received.
US08606275B2 Method for identifying missing neighbors and for updating current neighbors in wireless networks
A method for identifying a missing neighbor in a wireless network includes receiving a report about two or more pilot signals measured by a mobile station; determining that one or more of the reported pilot signals is a missing neighbor not comprised in a current neighbor list of the mobile station; choosing one or more candidate sectors having a pilot signal with the same pilot identity as the missing neighbor; and selecting a most likely sector as the missing neighbor from the one or more candidate sectors, based on calculated distances between the mobile station and a source sector, between the mobile station and at least one of the one or more candidate sectors, and between the source sector and at least one of the one or more candidate sectors, so as to identify the missing neighbor in the wireless network.
US08606273B2 Network selection method and terminal device
A network selection method and a terminal device are provided. When a terminal performs location registration or location update, if access to a first network domain fails, a locally-configured domain priority setting item is obtained; if the domain priority setting item indicates that the first network domain is preferential, the terminal reselects a network; if the domain priority setting item indicates that a second network domain is preferential, the terminal judges whether registration in a second network is successful; if the registration is unsuccessful, the terminal reselects a network; if the registration is successful, the terminal does not reselect a network.
US08606270B2 Method and apparatus for user equipment interaction with a network using interaction information
A method of operating a communications network and mobile user equipment (UE) in the network includes providing the UE with an algorithm usable with at least one input parameter to derive a quantity of interaction information according to the at least one input parameter, transmitting at least one said input parameter from the network to the UE, using the algorithm with the received at least one input parameter to derive a quantity of interaction information according to the received at least one parameter, and using the derived quantity of interaction information to determine at least one aspect of interaction between the UE and the network.
US08606266B1 Airborne communications network routing
A data transmission system for transmitting and receiving data comprising a first communication system configured to transmit and receive, data over a first network and a second communication system configured to transmit and receive data over a second network. The second network has a more contiguous physical coverage than the first network. The system further includes a proxy unit configured to select a routing of user data from a user device through either the first communication system or the second communication system. The proxy unit being configured to select the routing based on a user condition. The user condition may be based on a user preference, a detection of a type of user session (e.g., an SSL session), and/or a travel path of the user. A communication system is selected that provides the best network coverage, including continuity, based on the user condition.
US08606262B1 Testing or recording system for a mobile telephone
A test system for a communication device, such as a mobile telephone, uses flexible software, that runs on a variety of different hardware setups, so that the system generates events from the communication device either through batch processing or creation of a batch of test events interactively for that particular purpose.
US08606261B2 Method and system for frequency scan using a differential power metric
Described herein are methods and devices for use in telecommunication cell selection and re-selection for which there may be multiple different sizes of transmission bandwidth configurations in a telecommunications operating band. For each of a plurality of channel hypotheses, in which each channel hypothesis has a hypothetical occupied portion and a hypothetical guard band portion, a respective metric is calculated based on a power value for the hypothetical occupied portion and a power value for the hypothetical guard band portion. Based on the metrics determined for the plurality of channel hypotheses, at least one channel hypothesis is selected for further processing for cell selection or re-selection. The metric is calculated by determining a difference between the power value for the hypothetical occupied portion and the power value for the hypothetical guard band portion.
US08606258B2 System and method for integrated metrology within a femtocell access point
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a hybrid femtocell device comprising a femtocell access point and a metrology device, such as a commercial power meter. Each hybrid femtocell device is configured to connect to a backhaul network either via a local network connection or via a neighboring hybrid femtocell. A hybrid femtocell device may be advantageously installed in place of a conventional power meter to operate as both a conventional femtocell access point providing cellular coverage for a targeted location, as well as a smart power meter.
US08606256B2 DTMF signalling between mobile and server
In a method of processing an incoming sequence of one or more DTMF tones at a mobile device, the sequence is decoded to thereby identify any encoded message. Where the decoding does not identify a message, at least applying an error correction algorithm to the sequence to identify a message. Where the algorithm fails to correct the sequence, the sequence is compared to messages currently expected by the mobile device. If a message is not identified, a negative acknowledgement message may be sent. At a server, upon receipt of a negative acknowledgement message, it is determined if a message was sent to the mobile device in a previous pre-determined time window. If so, the message is re-sent. The server repeatedly sends certain messages to a mobile device until an acknowledgement message indicating receipt of the message by the mobile device is received.
US08606254B2 Method and system for receiver adaptation based on knowledge of wireless propagation environments
A method and apparatus for receiver adaptation of a mobile device communicating with a network cell, the method determining propagation environment information at a processor of the mobile device; and configuring at least one of an algorithm and control parameters of a receiver of the mobile device utilizing the propagation environment information. Further, a method and apparatus for obtaining propagation environment information at a mobile device including: acquiring a cell identifier at the mobile device; and receiving propagation environment information corresponding to the acquired cell identifier.
US08606252B2 Advertising with mobile messaging
In accordance with one or more aspects of the content-based advertising in mobile messaging, a message is received from a first mobile device, the received message targeting a second mobile device. One or more advertisements to associate with the message are identified based at least in part on content in the message. Both the message and the one or more advertisements are sent to the second mobile device. The second mobile device receives both the mobile message and the associated one or more advertisements, and displays both the mobile message and the one or more associated advertisements on the mobile device.
US08606246B2 Systems and methods for providing telephony services
A system and method for enabling a user to purchase an instant mobile telephony services plan makes use of an application on a mobile telephony device. The user can purchase an instant mobile plan via a third party merchant. Once purchased, the user can also make use of the application on the user's mobile telephony device to obtain the purchased telephony services. The communications services provider that provides services to the user under an instant mobile plan may be different from the communications services provider that is tied to the user's mobile telephony device.
US08606240B1 Hybrid communications mailbox
Hybrid communications voicemail systems and methods are disclosed. A wireline telephone number may be operatively associated with a wireless telephone voicemail box such that calls placed to the wireline telephone number and subsequently routed to voicemail may be routed to the wireless telephone voicemail box. Thus, the user of both wireline and wireless telephones may check voicemail messages at a single wireless voicemail box. Parents or supervisors may check voicemail messages or converted text messages deposited for children or employees at the single wireless voicemail box. A wireless telephone user may allow calls to be routed to his/her wireless telephone from his/her wireline telephone if he/she cannot be reached at the wireline telephone or as designated by the user.
US08606239B2 Advanced voice and data operations in a dual-mode mobile data communication device
A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.
US08606237B2 Methods and apparatus of over-the-air programming of a wireless unit
Systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating secure over-the-air (OTA) programming are presented herein. A device can store a key, which can be based on a key algorithm (K-algorithm) and an identifier associated with the device. The device can receive information such as parameter(s) and a verification number from a communications system. The verification number can be generated by using an authorization algorithm (A-algorithm) based on the parameter(s) and a K-algorithm input. The device can generate a trial verification number by using the A-algorithm with the parameter(s) and the key as trial inputs. The device can compare the verification number to the trial verification number, and in response to the verification number being at least similar to the trial verification number, the device can use the parameter(s) for programming of the device.
US08606236B2 Automatic wireless service activation in a private local wireless service
A secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system overlapped by a dominant Ethernet-like wireless communication system, and including radio access and communication for activation, association, and authentication of a wireless device in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system. An automated private service activation (APSA) port is used for accepting access and communication requests of a wireless device seeking activation, association and authentication in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system. The APSA port provides an access and communication channel for radiating signals at a level exceeding a signal level of the access and communication channel only within limited spatial constraints. In addition the APSA port provides space for receiving the wireless device for activation and communication in the secondary Ethernet-like wireless communication system.
US08606235B2 Systems and methods for notification of mobile communications device use
Described are systems and methods notifying a recipient of use of a communications device. A communications device is configured to include a parameter that indicates a condition for generating a notification. A state of the communications device is determined. The state of the communications device and the condition are compared. The notification is provided from the communications device to the recipient in response to the comparison.
US08606228B2 Method, user network equipment and management system thereof for secure data transmission
A method for secure data transmission, and the method includes: after a Home (evolved) Node-B (H(e)NB) establishes a connection with a H(e)NB Management System (H(e)MS), data is transmitted between the H(e)NB and the H(e)MS via a secure path; when the H(e)NB or the H(e)MS receives data, verify the integrity and/or the confidentiality of said received data, and if the verification fails, retain or discard said received data. The present invention also provides user network equipment and a user network equipment management system for secure data transmission. The present invention removes various threats caused by the insecure data transmission and a variety of inconveniences caused by improperly handling downloaded data of the H(e)NB in practical applications.
US08606226B1 Advertising system for mobile devices and method of operating the same
In a cellular telephone system, an account manager server is used to monitor all services provided to hand-held devices of the system and to charge the respective customers of the system. The server also provides advertisements to the customers via data channels for the devices. The customers are charged for services based on the number of advertisements (if any) presented on the devices. Optionally, customers may buy goods or services associated with the presented advertisements, in this case, the amount charged for voice and/or data services provided by the system are adjusted as well.
US08606225B2 Intelligent real time billing for messaging
Traditional systems and methods of billing for text messages for prepaid customers are improved by offering a service provider a series of features relating to intelligent and customized billing. These features include the ability to determine priority of messages sent for certain purposes such as SMS Voting, participating in contests, and other uses, and subsequently processing the billing requests generated by these messages in a dynamic manner in real time or close to real time through dynamic late-billing. The service provider has the option of arranging relevant billing requests in queues and queue groups, and allocating system resources for processing billing requests in order of priority. The end result is increased revenue for the mobile operator and greater customer satisfaction.
US08606224B2 Method and system for delivering advice of charge in a communications system
A method and system for providing pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) to users (5b-2) of a communications system (2), via mobile terminals or fixed terminals (5b-2). Each terminal has at least one physical and at least one functional connection in the communications system (2). The pre-emptive advice of charge messages (201) are based on historical usage (203), administrative (202) and operational (205) information in the communications system (2) and are sent to the user without user's request or initiation of the facility or service for which pre-emptive advice of charge is given.
US08606222B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing prepaid account balance screening
Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing prepaid account balance screening are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for performing prepaid account balance screening. The method includes receiving, at a network entity for processing network signaling messages, a signaling message containing information that identifies a prepaid subscriber, the message being sent from a message source and intended for a message destination. It is determined whether the prepaid subscriber's account balance satisfies a threshold requirement, using prepaid account balance screening data and the information in the signaling message that identifies the prepaid subscriber, where the prepaid account balance screening data is a subset of available prepaid subscriber account information stored in a prepaid subscriber database separate from the prepaid account balance screening data. In response to determining that the prepaid subscriber's account balance does not satisfy the threshold requirement, a screening action is performed. In one example, the screening action shields the prepaid subscriber database from signaling message traffic associated with the prepaid subscriber's account.
US08606220B2 Methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving position reference signals
A method and apparatus for generating and use of a position location reference signal that allows a receiver to receive position location signals from relatively weak signal generators when in the presence of a strong signal source. The position location reference signals from multiple sources can be synchronized to occur within a scheduled time slot of a time division multiplexed communication system. During the scheduled time slot, each signal source can configure a transmission that includes a media access control address that corresponds to a value reserved for position location signals. Each signal source also configures the transmission to include a position location reference signal that corresponds to the signal source. The position location signals from each of the signal sources is positioned to occur at a time within the data portion of the scheduled time slot that no neighboring signal source transmits its corresponding position location signal.
US08606218B2 System and method for handling emergency image messaging
A system and method for routing emergency image messages to a PSAP may include receiving an emergency data message and identifying that the emergency data message includes an image. A location of a wireless communications device used to send the emergency data message may be determined. At least one PSAP local to the emergency communications device may be identified and a determination as to which, if any, of the at least one PSAP is capable of receiving an emergency data message that includes an image may be made. The emergency data message that includes an image may be routed to a PSAP local to the wireless communications device and capable of receiving emergency data messages that include an image.
US08606214B2 Method of actuating a switch between a device and a power supply
The invention describes a method of actuating a switch (S) between a device (Di) to be controlled and a power supply (P), which method comprises the steps of generating a first electrical signal (14) in a remote control unit (10) and converting the first electrical signal (14) into electromagnetic radiation (EM) by means of a first transmitting antenna (Ti) of the remote control unit (10). A first detecting antenna (Ri) of a remote control interface module (20) of the device (Di) to be controlled detects the electromagnetic radiation (EM) to obtain a second electrical signal (24), which is passively converted into a switch actuating signal (25). The switch actuating signal (25) is actuated to switch the device (Di) to be controlled between an operating mode in which current is drawn from the power supply (P) by the device (Di) during operation, and an inactive mode in which the device (Di) is completely disconnected from the power supply (P) so that no current is drawn by the device (Di). The invention further describes a system (1) for actuating a switch (S) between a device (Di) to be controlled and a power supply (P). The invention also describes a remote control interface module (20) and a remote control unit (10).
US08606213B2 Power amplifier with matching transformer
Aspects of a system for a power amplifier with an on-package matching transformer may include a DC/DC converter that enables generation of a bias voltage level within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input signal to a PA circuit within the IC die. The bias voltage level may be applied to a transformer, which is external to the IC die but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels, derived from the bias voltage level applied to the transformer, may be applied to the PA circuit.
US08606210B2 Polyphase harmonic rejection mixer
A polyphase harmonic rejection mixer, comprising a plurality of stages following each other; wherein a first stage is arranged to perform at least frequency conversion; and a second stage is arranged to perform at least selective weighting and combining; wherein at least two of the plurality of stages are arranged to perform at least combining. In an embodiment, the first stage (28) comprises three single-ended gain blocks (10, 12, 14), arranged to perform selective weighting, frequency conversion and combining; and a second stage (30) following the first stage (28) and arranged to perform selective weighting and combining. The second stage (30) may reduce the number of phases output by the first stage (28) and may output (32) a complex differential down converted signal. The mixer may be directly interfaced to an antenna of an LNA-less receiver without weighting in the first stage. The mixer may be included in a software-defined radio.
US08606207B2 Fractal curve based filter
A filter includes a first port, a second port, a first fractal curve based filter element coupled to the first port, and a second fractal curve based filter element coupled to the second port. The first fractal curve based filter element has first electromagnetic properties and the second fractal curve based filter element has second electromagnetic properties. The first fractal curve based filter element is electromagnetically coupled to the second fractal curve based filter element to filter radio frequency (RF) signals.
US08606206B1 Traveling wave beamforming network
A beamforming network includes a plurality of signal conditioning devices in signal communication with each other, wherein each of the signal conditioning devices receives an input signal, conditions the input signal by independently and selectively adjusting at least one of a time delay, a phase, and an amplitude of the input signal, and transmits an output signal to at least one of another of the signal conditioning devices, an antenna, and a load.
US08606205B2 Receiving apparatus and auto gain control method
A receiving apparatus converges a gain to a target gain even when a fish bone effect signal is included having a low power period in which signal power decreases abruptly compared to average signal power. The receiving apparatus (100) receives a signal including the fish bone effect signal having the low power period (FBE signal period) in which signal power decreases abruptly compared to average signal power. A FBE detecting section (133) detects an FBE signal period of a low power period based on a gain error corresponding to a difference between target power and average signal power of the received signal of the adjusted gain. Further, the gain error correcting section (134) selects a lower value than 1 as a convergence coefficient in the FBE signal period of a low power period, multiplies the gain error with the selected convergence coefficient and corrects the gain error.
US08606199B2 Control of switcher regulated power amplifier modules
Various embodiments described herein relate to a power management block and an amplification block used in the transmitter of a communication subsystem. The power management block provides improved control for the gain control signal provided to a pre-amplifier and the supply voltage provided to a power amplifier which are both in the amplification block. The power expended by the power amplifier is optimized by employing a continuous control method in which one or more feedback loops are employed to take into account various characteristics of the transmitter components and control values.
US08606196B2 Reconfigurable diversity receiver
A method may include reconfigurably enabling one of a first downconverter and a second converter and disabling the other the second downconverter, wherein the first downconverter and the second downconverter are integral to a receiver unit of as wireless communications terminal. The method may also include frequency downconverting received wireless communication signals by the enabled downconverter. The method may also include processing the downconverted wireless communication signals by a primary path if the first downconverter is enabled, and processing the downconverted wireless communication signals by a diversity path if the second downconverter is enabled.
US08606192B2 Apparatus and method for power control in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for flexibly changing a fixed target SIR, a fixed target SIR step size, and a time to perform a TX power control request, in order to prevent a receiver apparatus from performing an excessive TX power control request upon a sudden RX channel environment change in a mobile communication system. The apparatus includes a target Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR) determiner for flexibly changing a fixed target SIR upon a sudden target SIR re-decrease, after a previous increase, by decreasing a target SIR by a large step size at an initial stage of a sudden target SIR increase and decreasing the target SIR down-step size with an approach to a normal target SIR.
US08606191B2 Radio communication system, radio terminal, radio base station, controller device and radio communication method
A controller device receives power information and location information from a first radio base station, the power information indicating, for each frequency, the power of the signal arriving at a radio terminal in the communication area of the first radio base station from a second radio base station, and the location information indicating the location of the radio terminal. The controller device is provided with an identifying unit which, based on the power information and location information received from the first radio base station, identifies an interference location and identifies an interference frequency, the interference location being the location where the power of the signal arriving at the communication area is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the interference frequency being the frequency of the signal arriving at the interference location.
US08606188B2 Self-positioning of a wireless station
A self-positioning mechanism is provided that determines and tracks the position of an access point in real time. A location unaware access point determines its location from the locations of location aware stations. The location is determined based on a predicted estimate which is updated based on measured values of the locations of the location aware stations over a time period. The movement of the location is then tracked based on the differences between range measurements of the location aware stations.
US08606187B2 Mitigation of uncoordinated interference of a wireless access node
An apparatus and method of a wireless node mitigating the effects of uncoordinated interference is disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the wireless node monitoring uncoordinated interference affecting transmissions of the wireless node, and evaluating a plurality of wireless links, the evaluation influenced at least in part on the monitored uncoordinated interference.
US08606186B2 Wireless communication path management methods and systems
Methods and systems for managing wireless communication paths are provided. At wireless communication equipment which is connected to a communication device, a wireless communication path to a remote communication device is monitored. Based on results of the monitoring, a determination is made as to whether the wireless communication path should be shut down. If it is determined that the wireless communication path should be shut down, a respective notification is provided to each of the communication devices. A notification may also be provided from wireless communication equipment to a communication device to which it is operatively coupled responsive to receiving a notification that remote wireless communication equipment has determined that the wireless communication path should be shut down. In some embodiments, these notifications are used to present various modes of failure in a wireless communication path to the path endpoints as a physical layer failure.
US08606181B2 Security connection establishing method and related wireless device and wireless host
A security connection establishing method for a wireless device and a wireless host is disclosed. The security connection establishing method includes the steps of allowing the wireless device to generate a trigger signal, allowing the wireless host to receive the trigger signal, allowing the wireless host to generate an accepting signal according to the trigger signal, allowing the wireless device and the wireless host to directly establish a security connection according to the accepting signal, and providing a connection result.
US08606179B2 Cell phone terminal, method for starting data processing, method for transferring data
The present invention provides a portable terminal which can easily start processing for data selected to be processed, a method for starting data processing, and a method for transferring data. A cell phone terminal 11 includes a sensor 22 detecting change in posture or physical movement of the present terminal. The cell phone terminal 11 includes an interface for selecting, by a user, arbitrary data from data stored beforehand in a memory 15. When the sensor 22 detects the change in posture or physical movement of the present terminal in a state that any data are selected by an interface, a predetermined operation is performed on the selected data as a target to be processed.
US08606177B2 Apparatus and method for controlling human body contact of ground electrode, and human body communication system using the same
Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling human body contact of ground electrode, and a human body communication system using the same. The apparatus includes a resistance measuring unit for applying a predetermined voltage to a human body through a signal electrode, to measure a resistance value between the signal electrode and the ground electrode; a contact control unit for determining whether the ground electrode needs to contact the human body by using the measured resistance value, to provide control information associated with human body contact; and a contact performing unit for bringing the ground electrode into contact or out of contact with the human body according to the control information.
US08606173B2 Communication relay method and apparatus based on object sensing function
A communication relay method of a communication relay apparatus in a multi-mode wireless environment includes: sensing a wireless access environment of a terminal based on an object sensing function; deciding whether or not to provide a predetermined communication relay service to the terminal; and deciding an operation network which is to provide the predetermined communication relay service.
US08606172B2 Control method, control apparatus, data receiving and recording method, data receiver and receiving method
A data receiving and recording method and data receiver are provided for receiving data coded by a predetermined method and copyright information attached to the data. While recording the received data on a predetermined recording medium, the copyright information is recorded into a predetermined area of the recording medium. Preferably, the data consists of audio data of the song, lyrics data of the song and image data relating to the song and the copyright information is allotted respectively to the audio data, lyrics data and image data.
US08606164B2 Rotatable image heating member and image heating device
An image heating device includes a rotatable image heating member including an elastic layer and a surface layer in which a filler is dispersed; and a fixed pressing member which is contacted to a surface of the rotatable image heating member and forms a nip, between itself and the rotatable image heating member, in which a recording material for carrying an image is to be nip-conveyed. The surface of the rotatable image heating member has a shape such that projections are distributed by the filler so that a coefficient of dynamic friction μ(hot) relative to said fixed pressing member when a surface temperature of the rotatable image heating member is a temperature during image heating and a coefficient of dynamic friction μ(cold) relative to the fixed pressing member when the surface temperature is a normal temperature satisfy, μ(hot)<1.2×μ(cold).
US08606160B2 Image heating apparatus heating a toner image on a sheet by the magnetic flux from an excitation coil and controlling the electric power supply to the coil
An image heating apparatus includes a coil for generating a magnetic flux by a current flowing therethrough; an image heating member having an electroconductive layer in which an eddy current is produced by the magnetic flux by which heat is generated, the image heating member being effective to heat an image on a recording material; an electroconductive magnetic flux adjusting member movable from a first position and a second position to decrease the eddy current produced in the image heating member by the magnetic flux; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of image heating member; electric power control means for control electric power supplied to the coil on the basis of an output of the temperature sensor, wherein the electric power control means changes an electric power condition to be supplied to the coil before start of the movement from the first position to the second position of magnetic flux adjusting member.
US08606158B2 Chemically treated cleaning web
The present teachings provide a fuser cleaning apparatus that includes a rotatable fuser member and a cleaning web. The cleaning web is impregnated with a chelating agent including citric acid. The cleaning web is translatable and arranged to directly or indirectly contact the rotatable fuser member whereby the citric acid is transferred to the rotatable fuser member to inhibit Zn contamination on the rotatable fuser member.
US08606152B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus to form an image in a single pass includes a plurality of image carriers, a transfer belt to receive developer images from the image carriers, a plurality of primary transfer rollers disposed to be offset from the image carriers along the transfer belt, respectively, a backup roller disposed adjacent to the last one of the primary transfer rollers disposed most-downstream in a rotating direction of the transfer belt, and a secondary transfer roller to transfer the developer images from the transfer belt to a printing medium, the secondary transfer roller being disposed opposite to the backup roller to interpose the transfer belt therebetween. The backup roller has a resistance in the range of 5 to 50 MΩ.
US08606151B2 Developer supply device, developer retrieving device for the same, and image forming apparatus having the same
A developer supply device is provided, which includes a developer retrieving board disposed in closest proximity to a developer holding surface parallel to a first direction, across a predetermined distance in a retrieving proximity position that is downstream relative to a first position where a developer holding surface faces an intended device to be supplied with development agent and upstream relative to a second position that is upstream relative to the first position and a position where the development agent is transferred onto the developer holding surface, in a second direction as a moving direction of the developer holding surface which direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The developer retrieving board retrieves the development agent from the developer holding surface in a position downstream relative to the retrieving proximity position in a developer transfer direction along a developer retrieving path perpendicular to the first direction.
US08606149B2 Image forming apparatus and velocity control method of rotating body thereof
An image forming apparatus is configured to reduce a velocity fluctuation of a rotating body by reducing the AC velocity component of the rotating body. The image forming apparatus may include an image bearing body with a surface on which a toner image is formed; a driving motor configured to drive the image bearing body according to an input signal; and a controller configured to control the driving motor to output a motor output velocity at a period equal to that of an AC velocity component of the image bearing body. A velocity control method for the rotating body includes sampling a continuous motor input signal at a period equal to that of an AC velocity component of a rotating velocity of the rotating body. The sampled signal is transmitted to a driving motor that drives the rotating body, which is driven based upon the discrete motor input signal.
US08606147B2 Fusing device for image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A fusing device for an image forming apparatus that heats an infused image on a printing medium by an electromagnetic induction heating method includes a heated member having a metallic layer; a plurality of main cores disposed to be spaced apart a predetermined distance from a surface of the heated member, the plurality of main cores arranged to be spaced apart a predetermined interval from each other in a length direction of the heated member; and a main coil wound to surround the plurality of main cores.
US08606146B2 Image forming apparatus and structure for installing consumables thereof
A structure for installing consumables of an image forming apparatus, the structure comprising: a frame; a plurality of consumables which comprises irregular installation preventing units in different locations; a plurality of irregular installation preventing keys which prevents an irregular installation of the plurality of consumables by an interaction with the irregular installation preventing units; and an installation guide member which is installed in the frame, comprising a key installation unit to guide the plurality of irregular installation preventing keys to be installed differently for each of the consumables and having the plurality of consumables installed therein.
US08606144B2 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is configured to be mounted in an apparatus main body along a predetermined mounting direction. The process cartridge may include a photosensitive drum; a drum drive input member into which a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum is configured to be inputted; and a frame which holds the photosensitive drum and the drum drive input member. The frame includes a substantially cylindrical first protecting member which is formed on the frame. The first protecting member is configured to accommodate the drum drive input member, and project in a rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum, wherein a projecting amount of a portion of the first protecting member which lies at a downstream side in the mounting direction is smaller than a projecting amount of a portion of the first protecting member which lies at an upstream side in the mounting direction.
US08606143B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus with contacting and spacing member
A downsized electrophotographic image forming apparatus with which a drawer member mounting a photosensitive drum and a developing unit is mounted into a main assembly of the apparatus, and the developing roller and the photosensitive drum can be contacted and spaced relative to each other is provided. It includes a process cartridge, a main assembly of the apparatus, and a drawer member 13 movable between an inside position which is inside the main assembly of the apparatus and which the drawer member 13 supports the process cartridge and an outside position which is outside the main assembly of the apparatus. The drawer member 13 further includes a contacting and spacing member 42 capable of taking a contacting position for contacting the developing roller to the photosensitive drum and a spacing position for spacing the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.
US08606142B2 Image forming device having holder
In an image-forming device, a holder is configured to move between a position inside the main body and a position outside the main body and to hold a first process unit having a first supply roller and a second process unit such that the first and second process units are arranged in a row along a first direction. The holder has a first guide member positioned between the first and second process units in the first direction when the holder holds the first and second process units, the first guide member being configured to guide the first process unit into the holder. An upper end of the first guide member is positioned at a vertical level higher than the first supply roller when the holder holds the first process unit.
US08606141B2 Image forming apparatus operable for installing attachable/detachable cartidge therein
An image forming apparatus includes an arm member. The arm member includes a cartridge abutment surface configured to abut the cartridge when the cartridge moves from a state in which the cartridge is at the attached position to a state in which the cartridge is detached from the main body, an opening and closing member abutment surface configured to abut the opening and closing member when the cartridge moves from the state in which the cartridge is at the attached position to the state in which the cartridge is detached from the main body to press the cartridge abutment surface, the opening and closing member abutment surface being substantially parallel to the cartridge abutment surface, and a force transmission portion extending in a direction normal to the cartridge abutment surface to linearly connect between the cartridge abutment surface and the opening and closing member abutment surface.
US08606139B2 Development device having a seal member and an elastic member and image forming device having the same
A development device includes a casing storing development agent, a developing member that is rotatably supported in an opening of the casing and configured to hold development agent thereon, a first seal member that extends in a first direction parallel to a rotational axis of the developing member and has a base end at a side of the casing and a free end contacting an entire length, in the first direction, of the developing member, and an elastic member disposed between the casing and the free end so as to face the entire length, in the first direction, of the developing member. The elastic member presses the free end against the entire length, in the first direction, of the developing member.
US08606136B2 Voltage detection device and image heating device
The voltage detection device includes a first voltage detection part for detecting whether or not a time period ratio during which a voltage of an AC power supply is equal to or larger than a first threshold value is equal to or larger than a first ratio and a second voltage detection part for detecting whether or not a time period ratio during which the voltage of the AC power supply is lower than the first threshold value and equal to or larger than a second threshold value is equal to or larger than a second ratio higher than the first ratio, and determines whether the voltage of the AC power supply is a first commercial voltage or a second commercial voltage lower than the first commercial voltage based on results obtained by the first voltage detection part and by the second voltage detection part.
US08606135B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus employing the fixing device
A fixing device for fixing an image on a recording medium includes an endless flexible fixing member formed into a loop, a heat conductive member disposed within the loop formed by the fixing member, a heater disposed near the heat conductive member to heat the heat conductive member, a pressing member pressing the fixing member against the heat conductive member to form a fixing nip, a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fixing member, and a lubricant disposed between the fixing member and the heat conductive member. The heater heats the heat conductive member to heat the lubricant with the fixing member stopped. The fixing member rotates after heating of the heat conductive member by the heater.
US08606129B2 Image forming system and image forming apparatus for detecting position deviation and density deviation
An image forming system is provided. The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus configured to form a mark for detecting at least one of a position deviation and a density deviation and obtains a correction amount by detecting the mark, the image forming system comprising: an identification unit configured to identify an image characteristic of an image to be printed according to at least one of a positional relationship between colors, a gradation distribution and a resolution, and a selecting unit configured to select a choice from multiple choices containing at least two choices of: only position deviation; only density deviation; and both position deviation and density deviation, according to the image characteristic identified by the identification unit, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to form the mark for obtaining the correction amount according to the choice selected by the selecting unit.
US08606128B2 Image forming apparatus and method of controlling image forming apparatus for more efficient printing
An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a charging device that charges an electric charge to an image carrier, a developing device supplying the image carrier with a developer, and a transfer device that transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier by a developing device onto a recording medium. The apparatus further includes a control unit, discriminates between a first mode of forming an image on a first recording medium of a first thickness and a second mode of forming an image on a second recording medium thinner than the first recording medium to control a developing contrast electric potential, and controls a magnitude of the developing contrast electric potential in the second mode so as to be lower than the first mode.
US08606127B2 Image forming apparatus which can suppress a reverse transfer when executing monochrome printing
An image forming apparatus for printing an image on a medium, including: a first image carrier; a second image carrier disposed downstream of the first image carrier in a traveling direction of the medium; a first charging member configured to charge the first image carrier; a second charging member configured to charge the second image carrier; and a control unit configured to execute a monochrome printing mode in which a monochromic image is formed on the medium using the first image carrier and the first charging member and a color printing mode in which a color image is formed on the medium using the second image carrier and the second charging member. In the monochrome printing mode, the control unit makes an absolute value of an electric surface potential of the second image carrier larger than an absolute value of an electric surface potential of the first image carrier.
US08606126B2 Image forming apparatus and method for cleaning image carrying body
The image forming apparatus comprises: a first driving section causing an image carrying body carrying a developer image to perform regular rotation or reverse rotation; a fixing section fixing the developer image and conveying a sheet; a second driving section rotating the fixing section; and a control section. The control section controls the first driving section to cause the image carrying body to perform regular rotation such as to convey the sheet and transfer onto the sheet the developer image formed on the image carrying body, and controls the second driving section to cause the fixing section to fix the developer image on the sheet. Further, in a state that the fixing section nips but does not convey the sheet, the control section controls the first driving section to cause the image carrying body to perform reverse rotation so that the image carrying body is cleaned using the sheet.
US08606125B2 Image forming apparatus for checking connection and disconnection status of developing unit with image forming apparatus and method thereof
An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a multiplexer (MUX) which is able to be connected to at least one developer supplier, at least one pull-up resistor which is connected in parallel to at least one connection line between the at least one developer supplier and the MUX, and a central processing unit (CPU) which detects a connection signal from the at least one pullup resistor and the at least one connection line, and determines whether an initial developer supplier is mounted according to the value of the connection signal.
US08606122B2 Image forming apparatus with a fixing unit
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit which fixes an unfixed toner image retained onto a recording medium by at least heat while moving the recording medium; a setting unit which sets a plurality of levels of fixing condition in the fixing unit in accordance with user's desire; and a changing unit which changes at least one of temperature with which the recording medium is heated by the fixing unit and speed with which the recording medium is moved by the fixing unit, in accordance with the level of fixing condition set by the setting unit.
US08606120B2 Control of an interferometric optical polarization beam splitter
The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to control an optical polarization beam splitter. A portion of an optical output of the polarization beam splitter is converted into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is then provided to the polarization beam splitter as a control signal via a feedback loop. The polarization beam splitter controls a characteristic of the optical output of the polarization beam splitter in response to the received control signal. The characteristic, for example, may be controlled through thermo-optically or electro-optically. The control system may be used over a period of time to maintain the characteristic at a desired value, for example as the components of the polarization beam splitter, or other elements used in the control of the polarization beam splitter, age.
US08606118B2 Optical digital coherent receiver
An ALC processing unit to adjust the signal level of outputs from an adaptive equalizer to a target value is provided in a stage later than the adaptive equalizer and earlier than a frequency offset estimation/compensation unit in an optical digital coherent receiver. The ALC processing unit generates a histogram that counts the number of samples for discrete monitored values corresponding to amplitude values of outputs from the adaptive equalizer, and determines a level adjustment coefficient that is to be multiplied by an output from the adaptive equalizer so as to multiply the determined coefficient by the output from the adaptive equalizer so that the monitored value of the peak value of the histogram is the target value.
US08606115B2 Optical transmission apparatus and optical communication system
An optical transmission apparatus is provided with an optical filter on a transmission line between a reception end of a transmission line and an OSC receiver. The optical filter has transmission characteristics such as to pass main signal light and optical supervisory channel light (OSC light), and to cut off noise light contained in at least one end portion band on a short wavelength side and a long wavelength side of an OSC transmission band used for reception of OSC light. By such a configuration, even in a case where the OSC light is Raman amplified and transmitted, the influence of noise light due to Raman amplification can be reduced, and OSC light can be received reliably, enabling high dependability to be realized.
US08606114B2 Alignment of a data signal to an alignment signal
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for phase aligning two optical signals within an optical transmitter to each other (and, in some embodiments, to a pulse carved optical signal) using integrated complimentary taps and a dither signal. The phase of a first signal may be intentionally offset relative to the phase of a second signal. Based on the offset, a correction factor may be calculated. The correction factor may be used to shift the phase of the first signal and/or the second signal in order to generally align the signals. This procedure may be automatically performed in a feedback loop to cause the signals to come into alignment and maintain the alignment of the signals during operation of the transmitter.
US08606113B2 Optical network with tunable optical light sources
In a multi-chip module (MCM), integrated circuits are coupled by optical waveguides. These integrated circuits receive optical signals from a set of tunable light sources. Moreover, a given integrated circuit includes: a transmitter that modulates at least one of the optical signals when transmitting information to at least another of the integrated circuits; and a receiver that receives at least one modulated optical signal having a given carrier wavelength associated with the given integrated circuit when receiving information from at least the other of the integrated circuits. Furthermore, control logic in the MCM provides a control signal to the set of tunable light sources to specify carrier wavelengths in the optical signals output by the set of tunable light sources, thereby defining routing of at least the one of the optical signals in the MCM during communication between at least a pair of the integrated circuits.
US08606111B2 Method, circuitry and apparatus for outputting a stable optical signal in a dense wavelength division multiplexing device during fast changes of operating conditions
The disclosure relates to a fast, stable method of output wavelength control in a DWDM optical device, and a circuit configured to perform the method. The method and circuit can control timing and overshoot during conditions of rapid operational changes, such as during power-on or restart of the device. The method and circuit includes optimized APC, TEC and electro-absorption (EA) modulator control hardware and algorithms, to effectively control transient processes. Software and circuitry based on the method(s) are achieved in part by optimizing APC, EA and TEC control algorithms. In combination with hardware/circuit optimization, one can achieve fast turn-on of an optical output signal at a stable wavelength. The method and circuit provides a stable power-up process in which a change of wavelength is small enough to meet DWDM specification requirements, to ensure the elimination and avoidance of crosstalk in adjacent channels in dense wave (sub)systems.
US08606104B2 Wavelength selective switch
A wavelength selective switch includes a substrate. On the substrate, the wavelength selective switch includes at least one input port, a dispersive element, a light converging element, a light deflecting member, an output port, and a driving mechanism which drives at least one of the dispersive element, the light condenser element, and the light deflecting member, and drive by the driving mechanism is a rotational drive around an axis perpendicular to the substrate, for the dispersive element, and is a translational drive in a direction of dispersion of wavelength with respect to the substrate, for the light condenser element or the light deflecting member.
US08606088B2 System and method for memory jumping within stored instances of content
Content receivers may simultaneously record multiple instances of content for multiple programming channels based on content provider instructions. Systems and methods utilize the content receivers to perform memory jumping operations within files having the simultaneously recorded multiple instance of content stored therein. The memory jumping operation may jump locations within the file corresponding to a predetermined memory jumping operation timeframe, and in order to account for the variability in the recording bit rate and therefore the playing of the instance of content, the jump locations in the memory jumping operation may be dynamically adjusted based on recording bit rates.
US08606085B2 Method and apparatus for replacement of audio data in recorded audio/video stream
A method for replacing audio data within a recorded audio/video stream is presented. In the method, a first audio/video stream including audio data, video data, and supplemental data is stored. Location information is received which references the supplemental data to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location information is received in a data file separately from the first audio/video stream. Also received is an audio data segment. At least a portion of the audio data of the first audio/video stream is replaced at the identified location with the audio data segment to produce a second audio/video stream. At least a portion of the second audio/video stream is then transferred for presentation.
US08606082B2 Content reproduction apparatus and power control method
Upon receiving a first instruction by an instruction receiving unit, a power supply control unit causes a first power supply unit to supply power to a first acquisition unit, and controls a second power supply unit so that power is not supplied to a second acquisition unit. A reproduction unit reproduces a first content acquired by the first acquisition unit. When a predetermined condition is met during a reproduction period in which the reproduction unit is reproducing the first content, the power supply control unit causes a second power supply unit to supply power to the second acquisition unit during the reproduction period. When the instruction receiving unit receives a second instruction, the reproduction unit reproduces a second content acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the power supply control unit causes the first power supply unit to stop the supplying of power to the first acquisition unit.
US08606079B2 Recording apparatus, recording method, reproduction apparatus, reproduction method, recording and reproduction apparatus, recording and reproduction method, image capturing and recording apparatus, and image capturing and recording method
A recording apparatus is provided. The recording apparatus divides a material including video and/or audio information and records divided materials onto a plurality of recording media. The recording apparatus includes a control unit configured to divide the material into a plurality of divided materials and to prepare, for each of the divided materials, reproduction procedure information including recording information for the divided materials; an interface configured to attach the plurality of recording media; and a recording device configured to record the divided materials and the reproduction procedure information including recording information for the divided materials onto separate recording media for the respective divided materials.
US08606077B2 Method, system, user equipment, and server equipment for video file playback
The present invention provides a video file playing method, and also a corresponding user end. Wherein, a video file is downloaded from a server and added with an index area, where the index area includes a start address, a next file address, a start time; the video file is inserted into a local video file queue, so that a next file address of an index area of a previous video file of the video file is the start address of the index area of the video file, and the next file address of the index area of the video file is a start address of an index area of a next video file of the video file.
US08606074B2 Method and system for altering the presentation of broadcast content
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for altering a presentation of broadcast content. More specifically, embodiments provide an accurate and efficient mechanism for suppressing advertisements by using downloaded templates to identify advertisements before suppression for a duration indicated by information downloaded about the advertisement, where the suppression is effectuated by controlling a display or set-top box using remote-control functionality. In one embodiment, a digital signal comprising broadcast content is accessed. A plurality of templates are received and stored, wherein each template represents a known portion of the broadcast content. The digital signal is then compared against a portion of the plurality of stored templates. Upon a match, a control signal operable to alter a component of a presentation of the known portion of the broadcast content is generated.
US08606070B2 Device and method for synchronizing different parts of a digital service
The invention relates to a reproduction device, with a device acting as a source of digital services. It also relates to a method of synchronizing two parts of a digital service in a system including a source device according to the invention and at least one reproduction device according to the invention.According to the invention, the reproduction device includes means for receiving the data forming at least a part of a digital service originating from a digital service source device, means for processing at least some of the data received, means for reproducing an output of at least a part of the digital service, the time for processing and reproducing the data introducing a delay in the output of the reproduced data. This device also includes communication means for informing the source device of the delay introduced.
US08606068B2 Cable housing and method for receiving optical fibers and fibers of a fiber optic cable
The invention relates to a cable housing (1) for receiving optical fibers and fibers (28b) of a fiber optic cable (28a), comprising at least one locking element (15a, 15b) and at least one passage (16a, 16b) for the fibers (28b), wherein the locking element (15a, 15b) can be moved into at least one open and one closed state, wherein the fibers (28b) are held in the passage (16a, 16b) in the closed state, and a method for receiving optical fibers and fibers (28b) of a fiber optic cable (28a) in a cable housing (1), comprising the following process steps: a) disposing the locking element or elements (15a, 15b) in the open state; b) winding the fibers (28b) about the passage (16a, 16b); and c) disposing the locking element or elements (15a, 15b) in the closed state.
US08606066B2 Planar optical waveguide with core of low-index-of-refraction interrogation medium
An apparatus for illuminating a sample includes a planar waveguide. The planar waveguide includes a first substrate, including a first outer surface and a first inner surface, and a second substrate, including a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces of the first and second substrates, respectively, are spaced apart from each other and partly define a volume for confining the sample therein. The apparatus also includes a light source for providing light directed toward the planar waveguide, such that the light is optically coupled to and contained within the planar waveguide between the outer surfaces of the first and second substrates, while illuminating at least a portion of the sample confined within the volume.
US08606056B2 Opto-electric hybrid board and manufacturing method therefor
Provided are an opto-electric hybrid board and a manufacturing method therefor. The opto-electric hybrid board includes an optical waveguide unit and an electric circuit unit having an optical element mounted thereon, the electric circuit unit being coupled to the optical waveguide unit. The optical waveguide unit includes notch portions for locating the electric circuit unit, which is formed in portions of at least one of an undercladding layer and an overcladding layer, and the notch portions are located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to one end surface of a core. The electric circuit unit includes bent portions, which fit into the notch portions, and the bent portions are located and formed at predetermined locations with respect to the optical element. The optical waveguide unit and the electric circuit unit are coupled to each other under a state in which the bent portions fit into the notch portions.
US08606052B2 Method of stitching and linearization of multisensor detectors gain characteristics
Digital detectors of X-ray image intended for stitching and linearization of gain characteristics of independent sensors of multisensor detectors are disclosed. The technical result is the development of methodology of stitching and linearization of multisensor detectors gain characteristics under the conditions of non equal irradiance (the use of radiation source with flat X-ray (light) field is not required). The method is based on calculation of LUT functions for conversion of output signals intensity of detector sensors. As a result of application of the stated conversion LUT functions the sensors gain characteristics are received which are the same and linear within the precision of measurements. Calculation of stitching LUT functions employs the availability of non-equal X-ray (light) field slowly changing along the area of detector. The responses of any two adjacent sensors with the same gain characteristics shall have similar values near the joint of these sensors.
US08606047B2 Image processing enabling decoding of encoded information embedded in source document
An image processing apparatus that receives an image from a scanner capable of optical scaling is provided by the present invention. It has an image scaling unit for performing digital scaling of a received image, and an information detecting unit for detecting encoded information from the received image. Unless the scaling factor is that suitable for optical scaling, the received image undergoes the digital scaling instead of the optical scaling. Before the received image undergoes the digital scaling, the information detecting unit detects the encoded information from the received image. The scaling using the image reading device capable of optical scaling enables more accurate analysis of the encoded information embedded in a source document.
US08606044B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a geometric position obtaining unit, an image retrieving unit, and an image rectifying unit. The geometric position obtaining unit receives a geometric transformation parameter, a block size, and a tile size, obtains a plurality of base-point coordinates of the geometric transformation parameter according to the block size and the tile size, and builds a base-point coordinate table according to the base-point coordinates. The image retrieving unit reads the base-point coordinate table, scans the base-point coordinate table according a fixed block size to generate a plurality of reference image ranges, and respectively retrieves a plurality of partial image data of a to-be-processed image data according to each of the reference image ranges. The image rectifying unit rectifies each of the partial image data according to the geometric transformation parameter.
US08606041B2 Method of local tracing of connectivity and schematic representations produced therefrom
A schematic diagram detailing a circuit that was reverse engineered from a plurality of images taken of the circuit is provided. The schematic diagram includes at least one circuit element that was represented as an object in at least one of the plurality of images, such that signal continuity information was determined through local tracing of connectivity between a first image and a second image of the plurality of images. A method of tracing the connectivity within the plurality of images to produce the schematic diagram is also disclosed.
US08606036B2 Coding artifacts removing method, coding method, decoding method, coding artifacts removing apparatus, coding apparatus, and decoding apparatus
A method of removing coding artifacts in first and second processed edges that are processed edges in an image signal and in different directions includes: determining, based on at least pixel values of first adjacent pixels adjacent to the first processed edge, a first target pixel from which coding artifacts are to be removed for the first processed edge (S11); removing coding artifacts from the determined first target pixel (S13); determining, based on at least pixel values of second adjacent pixels adjacent to the second processed edge, a second target pixel from which coding artifacts are to be removed for the second processed edge (S12); and removing coding artifacts from the determined second target pixel (S14), wherein at S12, the second target pixel is determined based on pixel values of the second adjacent pixels from which the coding artifacts are not removed at S13.
US08606035B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An exposure condition when obtaining a sensed image is input. Shake information when obtaining the sensed image is input. A filter to be used to correct a blur of the sensed image is generated based on the exposure condition and a weight value including a non-integer obtained from the shake information.
US08606034B2 Apparatus for improving sharpness of image
There is provided an apparatus for improving the sharpness of an image, which may prevent occurrence of distortion of an image in an edge enhancement process of the image by applying an active weight in accordance with a two-dimensional (2D) high pass filtering value of the image. The apparatus may include: a 2D high pass filter outputting a high frequency element value for the luminance values of pixels of an input image; a weight generating unit generating a weight changed depending on a magnitude of the high frequency element value; a weight applying unit applying the weight to the high frequency element value; and an edge enhancement image generating unit adding, to the luminance values of the pixels of the input image, the high frequency element value to which the weight is applied to thereby output an image of which an edge is enhanced.
US08606033B2 Method for providing image data
X-ray beam detectors in one model can individually differ from one another. This can lead to differences in the amount of noise in an image recorded with the aid of the respective X-ray beam detector. In the present case, a variable is derived using an empty image, which variable reproduces the amount of noise, and this variable then determines the type and extent of a filtering process. Hence the image processing is adapted to the respective individual noise behavior of the respective X-ray beam detector. This is particularly suitable if the X-ray beam detector is a flat-panel detector (100) with a scintillator (22) and photodetector elements (12).
US08606032B2 Image processing method, device and program to process a moving image
The present invention relates to an image processing method and to a device to process a moving image, which is shot by a predetermined video shooting device, in increments of access units. The imaging blur is represented by a corresponding low-pass filter showing the properties of imaging blur which occurs at the time that said moving image is shot with said video shooting device. According to the present method an inverse filter having inverse properties as to said low-pass filter is generated. A processing is performed to apply said inverse filter to said access unit to be processed. Hereby, the step of generating an inverse filter includes an iterative algorithm in the frequency domain based on the original blurred image and the point spread function.
US08606031B2 Fast, accurate and efficient gaussian filter
A fast, accurate and efficient Gaussian filter implements a box filter implementation, applies the central limit theorem and uses an overflow implementation. By combining the box filter, central limit theorem and overflow, the filter is fast, accurate and efficient so that it is able to be implemented in hardware and/or software easily.
US08606026B2 Image encoding device, image decoding device, image encoding method, and image decoding method based on reduced-image displacement vector
A displacement vector detection unit searches for a signal with high correlation with an encoding target block using a locally-decoded image in an already encoded block so as to calculate, using a signal with the highest correlation as a displacement prediction signal, a displacement vector. A reduced-image displacement vector detection unit searches for a signal with high correlation with the encoding target block using a signal resulting from performing reduction at least either horizontally or vertically for the locally-decoded image in an already encoded block so as to obtain, using the signal with the highest correlation as the displacement prediction signal, the displacement vector indicating the displacement in a screen between a reduced encoding target block and a reduction displacement prediction signal. Then a signal with high correlation with the encoding target block from the displacement prediction signal and the reduction displacement prediction signal is selected as a prediction signal.
US08606023B2 Reduction of errors during computation of inverse discrete cosine transform
Techniques are described to reduce rounding errors during computation of discrete cosine transform using fixed-point calculations. According to these techniques, a discrete cosine transform a matrix of scaled coefficients is calculated by multiplying coefficients in a matrix of coefficients by scale factors. Next, a midpoint bias value and a supplemental bias value are added to a DC coefficient of the matrix of scaled coefficients. Next, an inverse discrete cosine transform is applied to the resulting matrix of scaled coefficients. Values in the resulting matrix are then right-shifted in order to derive a matrix of pixel component values. As described herein, the addition of the supplemental bias value to the DC coefficient reduces rounding errors attributable to this right-shifting. As a result, a final version of a digital media file decompressed using these techniques may more closely resemble an original version of a digital media file.
US08606019B2 Matching method for two-dimensional pattern, feature extracting method, apparatus used for the methods, and programs
A 2-dimensional pattern matching method contains a process of extracting a query feature data by projecting a vector representation of either of a query 2-dimensional pattern and a transformed query 2-dimensional pattern which is generated by transforming the query 2-dimensional pattern, to a feature space. An enrollment feature data as previously enrolled and a query feature data are inversely projected to the 2-dimensional pattern representation space which has the dimension of the vector representation and the similarity is calculated. The data size of a feature amount is small and a matching technique robust to the positional displacement and the image distortion is provided.
US08606017B1 Method for inspecting localized image and system thereof
A plurality of points with identical geometric feature is compared with their SEM characteristic features to inspect defect in a localized image. Original design information is included in the geometric feature such that absolute compare can be performed in this inspection method. Further, this method can also be applied to the localized image with or without repeated or redundant pattern.
US08606014B2 Image Processing apparatus, extracting foreground pixels for extracted continuous variable density areas according to color information
A foreground pixel block extraction process section divides input image data into a plurality of pixel blocks, and classifies each pixel block as a uniform density pixel block or foreground pixel block. By performing above process, the foreground pixel block extraction process section extracts foreground pixel blocks. A foreground color calculation process section calculates the foreground colors from the extracted foreground pixel blocks as color information. A labeling process section extracts connected foreground pixel block areas as foreground pixel areas by giving the same label to a plurality of adjacent foreground pixel blocks. From these processing results, a foreground pixel extraction process section calculates a representative color for each foreground pixel area, and extracts pixels having pixel values close to the representative color as foreground pixels.
US08606013B2 Paper sheet identification device and paper sheet identification method
A paper sheet identification device that detects a stain on a paper sheet and identifies the stained condition of the paper sheet includes an area memory (12) that stores therein in advance an area where a stain is to be detected on the paper sheet as a target detection area, a pixel number memory (11) that stores therein in advance the number of pixels of an image printed on the target detection area as the reference number of pixels used as a reference value when being compared, an image reading unit (13) that, based on the target detection area stored in the area memory, reads an image on the target detection area from the paper sheet, a pixel-number detection unit (14) that detects the number of pixels in the image read by the image reading unit as the number of read pixels, and a calculation unit (15) that calculates a stain value that indicates a stained condition on the target detection area of the paper sheet, by comparing the number of read pixels detected by the pixel-number detection unit with the reference number of pixels stored in the pixel number memory.
US08606011B1 Adaptive thresholding for image recognition
Various approaches for providing textual information to an application, system, or service are disclosed. In particular, various embodiments enable a user to capture an image with a camera of a portable computing device. The computing device is capable of taking the image and processing it to recognize, identify, and/or isolate the text in order to forward the text to an application or function. The application or function can then utilize the text to perform an action in substantially real-time. The text may include an email, phone number, URL, an address, and the like and the application or function may be dialing the phone number, navigating to the URL, opening an address book to save contact information, displaying a map to show the address, and so on. Adaptive thresholding can be used to account for variations across an image, in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of text recognition processes.
US08606010B2 Identifying text pixels in scanned images
A processor and method make use of multiple weak classifiers to construct a single strong classifier to identify regions that contain text within an input image document. The weak classifiers are grouped by their computing cost from low to median to high, and each weak classifier is assigned a weight value based on its ability to accurately identify text regions. A level 1 classifier is constructed by selecting weak classifiers from the low group, a level 2 classifier is constructed by selecting weak classifiers from the low and median groups, and a level 3 classifier is constructed by selecting weak classifiers from the low, median and high groups. Regions that the level 1 classifier identifies as containing text are submitted to the level 2 classifier, and regions that the level 2 classifier identifies as containing text are submitted to the level 3 classifier.
US08606009B2 High dynamic range image generation and rendering
Techniques and tools for high dynamic range (HDR) image rendering and generation. An HDR image generating system performs motion analysis on a set of lower dynamic range (LDR) images and derives relative exposure levels for the images based on information obtained in the motion analysis. These relative exposure levels are used when integrating the LDR images to form an HDR image. An HDR image rendering system tone maps sample values in an HDR image to a respective lower dynamic range value, and calculates local contrast values. Residual signals are derived based on local contrast, and sample values for an LDR image are calculated based on the tone-mapped sample values and the residual signals. User preference information can be used during various stages of HDR image generation or rendering.
US08606007B2 Image processing apparatus and method
Provided is an image processing apparatus which includes a histogram generating unit that generates a histogram representing an appearance frequency distribution of a pixel value of an input image, and a quantization table generating unit that generates a quantization table including table information used to perform transform of a bit depth of the pixel value of the input image and table information used to allocate an effective pixel in which an appearance frequency in the histogram generated by the histogram generating unit is not zero to an index value after bit depth transform so that effective pixels are allocated to index values as equally as possible.
US08606001B2 Image processing apparatus, method, and storage medium to implement image segmentation with high accuracy
An image processing apparatus includes a feature vector extraction unit that extracts feature vectors of sample pixels, for each local region including the sample pixels, in an input image; a weight calculation unit that calculates weights for the local regions on the basis of the positional relationship with the local regions, for divided regions that divide the input image; a feature distribution model calculation unit that calculates an average with weights as a feature distribution model in a local region obtained by adding the weights calculated from the local regions to the feature vectors of the local regions, for each of the divided regions; and a pixel likelihood calculation unit that calculates pixel likelihood for each pixel in the input image on the basis of the feature distribution model.
US08606000B2 Device and method for identification of objects using morphological coding
A method and system for detecting in an image a repeating unit, where the unit includes a reference form and a set of elements at a known distance from and orientation to the reference form, deriving a value from the elements included in the unit, and comparing the derived value to a know value. The elements may indicate binary values that may be used in the derivation of the value, and the value may be associated with an object. The comparison of the value derived from the elements in the image with the stored value that is associated with the object may be used in identifying or confirming the identification of the object in the image.
US08605995B2 Image processing device and method, data processing device and method, program, and recording medium
An eigenprojection matrix (#14) is generated by a projection computation (#12) using a local relationship from a studying image group (#10) including a pair of a high quality image and a low quality image to create a projection core tensor (#16) defining a correspondence between the low quality image and an intermediate eigenspace and a correspondence between the high quality image and the intermediate eigenspace. A first sub-core tensor is created (#24) from the projection core tensor based on a first setting, and an inputted low quality image (#20) is projected (#30) based on the eigenprojection matrix and the first sub-core tensor to calculate a coefficient vector in the intermediate eigenspace. The coefficient vector is projected (#34) based on a second sub-core tensor (#26) created by a second setting from the projection core tensor and based on the eigenprojection matrix to obtain a high quality image (#36).
US08605989B2 Registration and comparison of three dimensional objects in facial imaging
Information of different scans of physical objects may require comparison, for example to determine if the scans are of the same object or if an object has changed, or better information for a three dimensional model may be desired. Different scans of physical objects may be compared by determining lines or planes tangent to a surface at a discrete number of points, registering three dimensional information provided by the scans using the tangent lines or planes, and determining a measure of discrepancy between the surfaces. Three dimensional information of different scans of the same object may also be merged after determining lines or planes tangent to a surface at a discrete number of points and performing registration and merging.
US08605982B2 Check boundary detection by string literal analysis
A method of locating a check image region within a document image comprising the steps of locating a magnetic ink character recognition region of the check and calculating the top of the check relative to the magnetic ink character recognition region by detection of string literals having a historical and/or contextual relationship to the upper check boundary.
US08605981B2 Centromere detector and method for determining radiation exposure from chromosome abnormalities
A method for determining radiation exposure from chromosome abnormalities present in a specimen by determining the location or locations of the centromere of each chromosome in a cell in an image of a metaphase cell by segmentation of an accurately drawn chromosome centerline followed by selection of a longitudinal cross-section with the minimum width or intensity or width and intensity; counting the number of centromeres in each chromosome in each cell; computing the frequency of dicentric chromosomes in a population of cells; and determining the radiation dose by comparing the computed frequency of dicentric chromosomes with a previously determined dose-response curve from a calibrated source.
US08605979B2 Automatic detection and quantification of plaque in the coronary arteries of subjects from CT scans
A method automatically detects and quantifies arterial plaque (hard plaque, soft plaque or both) in the coronary arteries of the heart from CT images. The method uses plaque definitions based on subject specific in vivo blood/muscle and fat density measurements, subject specific voxel statistical parameters and 2-D and 3-D voxel connectivity criteria to automatically identify the plaques. The locations of the major arteries are determined in a 3-D coordinate system; and the specific coordinates of the detected plaques are displayed in a plaque map for follow-up exams or ease in plaque review, editing and reporting the results.
US08605977B2 Iterative CT image filter for noise reduction
A method is disclosed for reconstruction of image data of an examination object from measured data, wherein the measured data was captured during a relative rotational motion between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the examination object. Image data of the examination object is determined from the measured data. In at least one embodiment, new image data is obtained by noise-reducing processing of the image data, in which weighted high-pass filtering of the image data is performed, the weighting taking account of differences between pixel values of different pixels such that increasing differences result in a weaker high-pass effect. A noise-reducing smoothing of the image data is performed using the weighted high-pass filtering.
US08605971B2 Method and system for determining an optimal dilution of a reagent
A system and method for automatically and quantitatively determining the optimal dilution of a reagent is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of dilution sets are received, where each of the dilution sets consist of a different respective dilution value and a respective plurality of immunoassay staining intensity values. A respective dynamic range metric is determining for each of the plurality of dilution sets relative to the respective plurality immunoassay staining intensity values. Having found the respective dynamic range metric, a dilution set having the numerically optimal dynamic range metric is selected and the dilution value of that dilution set is selected as being representative of an optimal dilution level of the reagent for use in a quantitative immunoassay. In one embodiment, a system is provided with a microscope, an image sensor, and processor module configured determine an optimal dilution of a reagent for use in an quantitative immunoassay.
US08605970B2 Denoising medical images
A method of producing a denoised medical image at a specified resolution, comprising: a) denoising an original medical image acquired at a resolution higher than the specified resolution; and b) reducing the resolution of the image, after denoising, to the specified resolution, using a nonlinear resolution reduction procedure that preserves more fine detail in the image than a linear resolution reduction procedure would.
US08605964B2 Marker localization using intensity-based registration of imaging modalities
Provided are methods and systems for registering image data from two imaging modalities, to produce an image having features from both imaging technologies. In particular, the methods and systems relate to intensity-based registration of the image data. The imaging modalities may be, for example, ultrasound and x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or a pre-operative plan.
US08605959B2 Apparatus, system, and method for sequenced biometric authentication
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for multi-factor authentication using a biometric scanner. The apparatus includes an input module that receives a biometric scan and a verification sequence that are entered by a user using a biometric reader. The verification sequence may be a fingerprint scanned at multiple angles, or can be a series of symbols entered using the biometric scanner. A matching module compares the biometric scan with authenticated biometric scans stored in a data store and determines whether or not there is a matching authenticated biometric scan. The matching module also compares the verification sequence with an authenticated verification sequence that is stored in the data store. If both the biometric scan and the verification sequence match, an authentication module authenticates the user to the system. The user may enter the verification sequence by linearly or angularly displacing his finger on the biometric reader.
US08605953B1 Hand operated line verifier with position determining module
A verifier apparatus including a linear imaging unit for an iterative capturing and collecting of data sample sets of linear image data, along with a position value that is associated with each collected data sample set. A preferred method calls for a post processing of collected data sample sets and position values to yield imaging data representing a plurality of evenly spaced and parallel imaging lines, which may then be processed to determine one or more print quality attributes. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
US08605951B2 Method for converting a digital image into a multi-dimensional geo-referenced data structure
The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for converting a digital image into a multi-dimensional geo-referenced data structure. The method includes pre-processing or preparing a digital image, defining a color map comprising values for the prepared digital image, defining geometry and location values for the prepared digital image, creating a data structure by assigning to each pixel in the digital image a value, based on the closest match in the color map, and an interpolated geometry and location value, based on the geometry and location values; and transmitting the data structure to an interpretation application and creating a multi-dimensional geo-referenced data structure for interpretation.
US08605949B2 Vehicle-based imaging system function diagnosis and validation
A method of determining functionality of a vision-based imaging system for a vehicle includes capturing images by the vision-based imaging system. The images include landmarks that are identified in multiple images for distinguishing displacement of landmarks between the images. Edge maps for each of the images are generated. Like regions of at least two edge maps are compared for distinguishing displacement of a landmark between the at least two edge maps. Each pixel location of a first edge map is compared with a same pixel location of a second edge map for determining whether each compared pixel location has a different intensity value. An aggregate number of pixel locations having a different intensity value between the at least two edge maps is determined and compared to a threshold. An error message is generated in response to the aggregate number being less than the threshold.
US08605944B2 In-train monitor system
Included are: an information management system that manages monitoring-target condition information output from condition-monitoring target devices; cameras that are incorporated in respective train cars and take images of the condition-monitoring target devices; a transmission device that is connected to an in-train transmission channel and transmits imaging data from the camera; a camera-control central device that is connected to the information management system and the transmission device, monitors the monitoring-target condition information sent from the information management system, determines whether the condition-monitoring target devices are in a normal condition, and generates a frame-rate control signal for adjusting a frame rate of imaging data; and a camera-control terminal device that is connected to the transmission device and the camera and adjusts the frame rate of imaging data sent from the camera based on the frame-rate control signal.
US08605942B2 Subject tracking apparatus, imaging apparatus and subject tracking method
A subject tracking apparatus includes a region extraction section extracting a region similar to a reference image in a first image based on respective feature amounts of the first image being picked up and the reference image being set, a motion vector calculating section calculating a motion vector in each of a plurality of regions in the first image using a second image and the first image, the second image being picked up at a different time from that of the first image, and a control section determining an object region of subject tracking in the first image based on an extraction result in the region extraction section and a calculation result in the motion vector calculating section.
US08605940B1 Coherent image modification
A method includes receiving a selection input to define a selection mask with respect to digital data. The selection input is used to generate the selection mask with respect to the digital data. An icon is automatically associated with the selection mask, the icon being selectable to select the selection mask.
US08605939B2 Electronic watermark embedding method, device, and program, and electronic watermark detecting method, device, and program
A digital watermark embedding apparatus for embedding information, as digital watermark, into an input signal having dimensions equal to or greater than N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) and a digital watermark detection apparatus for detecting the digital watermark are disclosed. The digital watermark embedding apparatus generates an embedding sequence based on embedding information, generates a N−1-dimensional pattern based on the embedding sequence, generates N-dimensional embedding pattern by modulating a periodic signal according to a value on the N−1-dimensional pattern, and superimposing the embedding pattern in the input signal and outputs it. The digital watermark detection apparatus measures a component of a predetermined periodic signal in a direction of a dimension of the input signal to obtain a N−1-dimensional pattern, obtains a detection sequence from values of the N−1 dimensional pattern, and detects embedded digital watermark based on a size of correlation value between the detection sequence and an embedding sequence.
US08605934B2 Wired headset adaptable for left and right ear use
The earphone housing is essentially mirror symmetric about a first plane, which is orthogonal to the first side, and which extends through the wire position and the center of the earphone housing. The wearing device extends from the earphone housing at an attachment position, which lies at the upper end of the earphone housing. The attachment position can be a first attachment position for holding the earphone housing at the left ear or a second attachment position for holding the earphone at the right ear. The first and the second attachment positions are mirror symmetric located about the first plane.
US08605932B2 Single Chamber headphone apparatus
A single chamber headphone apparatus and earcup design is provided which enhances wearer comfort, reduces headphone weight, facilitates ease of use, maintenance and operation by providing an improved internal chamber and battery cap configuration. Sound quality is improved by eliminating acoustic problems associated with two-chamber headset designs. A volume balance control is also provided.
US08605929B2 Film-type audio output apparatus
A film-type audio output apparatus includes an audio output device, at least one speaker unit, and at least one film. The at least one speaker unit is positioned at any side of the audio output device. The speaker unit can be an embedded speaker unit. The at least one film can be positioned at any or more places of an inner side and an outer side of the audio output device. When the speaker unit of the audio output device releases sound, the film positioned on the audio output device can get vibration of the sound so that the inside of the audio output device can generate resonance. Thus, the audio output apparatus can generate softer undertone and wider diapason.
US08605926B2 Sealing unit with component mount for a hearing apparatus
The production of sealing units, and especially of face plates for hearing devices and other hearing apparatuses, is to be further automated. A sealing unit for sealing a shell of a hearing apparatus that can be worn in the auditory canal is accordingly proposed, with a face plate having a battery opening for holding a battery, with battery contacts, to which at least one signal processing module is connected, being arranged in or on the battery opening. A mount is removably affixed in or on the battery opening in order to hold the at least one signal processing module in or perpendicularly above/below the battery opening. The mount thus serves not only to retain the signal processing components during transport, but also to affix them into the face plate for example during milling of positioning holes for microphones.
US08605920B2 Condenser microphone having flexure hinge diaphragm and method of manufacturing the same
A condenser microphone having a flexure hinge diaphragm and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: forming a lower silicon layer and a first insulating layer; forming an upper silicon layer on the first insulating layer; forming sound holes by patterning the upper silicon layer; forming a second insulating layer and a conductive layer on the upper silicon layer; forming a passivation layer on the conductive layer; forming a sacrificial layer on the passivation layer; depositing a diaphragm on the sacrificial layer, and forming air holes passing through the diaphragm; forming electrode pads on the passivation layer and a region of the diaphragm; and etching the layers to form an air gap between the diaphragm and the upper silicon layer. Consequently, a manufacturing process may improve the sensitivity and reduce the size of the condenser microphone.
US08605916B2 Method for adjusting a hearing device with in-situ audiometry and hearing device
The adjustment of a hearing device is to be improved and configured in a more user-friendly fashion. To this end, a method is proposed whereby the hearing device is set individually to the user and is inserted at least partially into the auditory canal of the user. Finally an in-situ measurement of the acoustic impedance of the auditory system of the user including at least part of the auditory canal of the user is implemented with a tympanometric method. An automatic correction of the individual setting of the hearing device can take place on the basis of the results of the in-situ measurement.
US08605914B2 Nonlinear filter for separation of center sounds in stereophonic audio
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a system, a method and a circuit for processing a stereo audio signal. According to some embodiments, the system for processing a stereo audio signal may include an audio processing circuit. The audio processing module or circuit may be operatively connected to an audio input interface and to an output audio interface. Through the audio input interface, the audio processing circuit may be adapted for receiving a 2-channels stereo audio signal. The audio processing module may be adapted for determining an output mono audio signal representing the center sound and a stereo audio signal representing the stereo sound without the center. Through the output interface the audio processing circuit may provide each of an output mono audio signal representing the center sound and a stereo audio signal representing the stereo sound without the center.
US08605902B1 Method and implementation for supporting switchable red side or black side control options for airborne radio communication radios
The present invention is directed to a radio system for providing dynamic switching between red side control functionality and black side control functionality. The system may include a control processor configured for providing the black side control functionality. The system may also include a protected core processor configured for providing the red side control functionality. The system may further include a switch configured for selectively connecting external control elements to the control processor and/or the protected core processor for allowing the control processor and/or the protected core processor to control the external control elements.
US08605901B1 System and method for provisioning a home agent in a network environment
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating an access request to an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) element. The access request is configured to include an attribute that indicates that a network element can support a particular home agent assignment from amongst a plurality of home agents. The method also includes receiving a response that includes an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a home agent loadbalancer, the response including a key that establishes a secure connection between the network element and the home agent loadbalancer. In other embodiments, the method includes communicating with a foreign agent in order to authenticate user equipment associated with the access request. In addition, the access request can be initiated by user equipment configured to establish a network communication session via the particular home agent.
US08605900B2 AV data receiving device, AV data receiving method, and AV data transmission and receiving system
A conventional AV data receiving device switches to a key for distribution to an outdoor device when a network environment is switched to an outdoor network environment, thus resulting in high key switching frequency. In view of this, an AV data receiving device according to the present invention determines, after switching the network environment from indoors to outdoors as a result of moving the AV data receiving device, whether or not key switching should be performed, before a command for restricting a hop count on a route from an AV data transmission device located indoors is transmitted, and performs authentication and key exchange processing for outdoor device distribution, so as to switch to the key for outdoor device distribution.
US08605899B2 Method for providing cryptographical key pairs
The invention relates to a method for creating a second asymmetric cryptographic pair of keys (206), wherein a first private key (G0, 154) together with a first public key (O0, 126) forms a first asymmetric cryptographic pair of keys (K0, 218), wherein the method comprises the following steps: receiving a user identifier; calculating a second private key (G1), wherein a random value (z) and the user identifier are considered in the calculation; calculating a second public key (O1) from the second private key using an asymmetric cryptographic key creation method, wherein the second private key and the second public key form the second asymmetric cryptographic pair of keys (K1, 206); creating a first ciphertext (C_G0—O1, 212; 186) by encrypting the first private key (G0) with the second public key (O1); storing the first ciphertext (C_G0—O1, 212; 186).
US08605898B2 Apparatus and method that generates originality verification and verifies originality verification
Provided is an apparatus and method that may generate and verify an originality verification (OV). An OV generating apparatus may generate primary information that is based on generator information and a pseudorandom number, may generate at least one secondary information based on the pseudorandom number, may obtain parameters used when the pseudorandom number is generated, may generate the OV including the primary information, the at least one secondary information, and the parameters, and may distribute the OV to an OV request device.When the OV distributed from the OV request device is received, the OV generating apparatus may regenerate the pseudorandom number based on the parameters included in an OV request message, and may verify the OV included in the verification request message as the OV that is generated by the OV generating apparatus.
US08605897B2 Symmetric-key encryption method and cryptographic system employing the method
Symmetric-key encryption method for transforming a sequence of plaintext symbols into a sequence of ciphertext symbols, includes an iterative encryption process including: computing an altered current internal state by combining a current internal state with a current memory symbol; computing a next internal state from the altered current internal state; generating a keystream symbol from the next internal state; verifying whether the generated keystream symbol satisfies a condition related to data-format/syntax rules; iteratively computing next internal states and iteratively generating keystream symbols; and iteratively encrypting plaintext symbols by employing next keystream symbols to obtain the sequence of ciphertext symbols.
US08605895B2 Computing the eth root of a number using a variant of the RSA algorithm (for even e's)
An Eth root unit is configured to compute an Eth root of a number A with a machine. The Eth root unit locates a value E, which is even, in a first entry of a plurality of entries of a structure. The Eth root unit is configured to read a product of the pair of prime numbers from the first entry. The Eth root unit is configured to read a second of the pair of key values in the first entry. The Eth root unit is configured to encrypt the number A using the product of the pair of prime numbers to generate an encrypted value. The Eth root unit is configured to apply a decryption operation to the encrypted value using the second of the pair of key values to generate an intermediate value. The Eth root unit is configured to compute a square root of the intermediate value.
US08605894B2 Cryptographic process execution protecting an input value against attacks
A cryptographic process (such as the AES cipher) which uses table look up operations (TLUs) is hardened against reverse engineering attacks intended to recover the table contents and thereby the cipher key. This hardening involves removing any one-to-one correspondence between the TLU inputs and outputs, by altering the output of the TLU dynamically, e.g. at each execution (call) of the TLU. This is done by increasing the size of the tables, applying a dynamically determined mask value to the table input and/or output, or using an inverse of the table.
US08605887B2 Method and system for managing interactive communications campaign using a hold queue
A web-based hosted solution through which business entities create and manage communications campaigns is described. To reduce latency of customer-to-agent connections, the system implements an agent stay-on-line function by which a persistent telephony connection is established and maintained between the system infrastructure and an available agent. In this manner, the agent may handle multiple customers while avoiding an ACD hold queue. In addition, preferably a service-side hold queue also is established and maintained on the service-side of the infrastructure. This hold queue maintains calls that are waiting to be connected to available agents. It ensures that any customer abandons do not impair the connections being established and maintained to the agents.
US08605885B1 Automated assistant for customer service representatives
Systems and methods for handling information communicated by voice. The method may comprise: (i) receiving a call from a caller, the call comprising utterances from the caller; (ii) verbally communicating information to the caller through a customer service representative, the agent interacting with a display; (iii) processing the utterances with a computing device; (iv) determining content of the utterances; and (v) displaying information on the display based on the content.
US08605880B2 Sharing profile data between telecommunication devices
In an embodiment, a profile server creates a profile that includes profile data and is associated with a first subscriber device. A second subscriber device receives an incoming call from the first subscriber device and queries the profile server for a profile associated with the first subscriber device. The profile server determines that the profile data is authorized for distribution to the second subscriber device, and thereby transmits the profile data in response to the received query and based on the determined authorization.
US08605876B2 Method for re-configuring a communications device
A communications device (12) maintains profile data including a device identity and a calling line identity (CLI) associated with a PSTN connection (28) both on the device itself and also on an authentication platform (32), in order that the device can access a service (52) which requires knowledge of the CLI by way of a packet-switched connection (30). In the event that the CLI data in the communications device is corrupted or lost, the communications device transmits a request for re-authentication to a reactivation server (46) together with the device identity. On receipt of the request, the reactivation server retrieves the stored profile (50) from the authentication platform (32), and returns it to the communications device (12) to allow the profile to be restored. This process can be done without the user needing to send a new request for service over the PSTN link (28).
US08605875B2 Dynamic call management and display
An embodiment includes one or more call systems and a computer processor communicatively coupled with the one or more call systems. The computer processor is configured to receive a communication from a first call system of the one or more call systems. The computer processor is further configured to retrieve recipient data from a second call system of the one or more call systems. The recipient data includes one or more receiver conditions. The computer is additionally configured to determine if the one or more receiver conditions have been met, and if they have been met, the computer processor forwards the communication to the second call system.
US08605871B2 Methods and apparatus to send voice messages
Methods and apparatus to send voice messages are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a selection of a service from a plurality of services; determining whether the selected service supports sending a voice message; recording the voice message using a mobile communication device; sending the voice message from the mobile communication device using the selected service if the selected service supports sending the voice message.
US08605860B2 Multi-resolution X-ray image capture
Various methods and systems are provided for multi-resolution x-ray image capture. In one embodiment, a method includes repositioning an image capture assembly of an x-ray image capture apparatus from a first position to a second position, the first position corresponding to a first pixel density resolution and the second position corresponding to a second pixel density resolution; activating an x-ray source; and obtaining a digital x-ray image of a subject from an imaging sensor of the image capture assembly, the digital x-ray image having the second pixel density resolution.
US08605859B2 Multiple image collection and synthesis for personnel screening
An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.
US08605858B2 Methods and systems for inspecting structures for crystallographic imperfections
Embodiments of methods and systems for inspecting a structure for a crystallographic imperfection are provided. In the method, an X-ray wavelength that is particularly susceptible to diffraction by the crystallographic imperfection is identified. Then an X-ray source is provided to emit X-rays in the identified X-ray wavelength. While placing the structure at a sequence of positions relative to the X-ray source, X-rays are directed at the structure in multiple, non-parallel arrays to create sequential patterns of diffracted X-rays. The patterns of diffracted X-rays are digitally captured and communicated to a computer that compares them to locate the crystallographic imperfection. For a surface imperfection, the imperfection may be marked with a target to allow for physical removal.
US08605853B2 Methods and apparatus for in-pixel filtering in focal plane arrays
Digital focal plane arrays (DFPAs) with multiple counters per unit cell can be used to convert analog signals to digital data and to filter the digital data. Exemplary DFPAs include two-dimensional arrays of unit cells, where each unit cell is coupled to a corresponding photodetector in a photodetector array. Each unit cell converts photocurrent from its photodetector to a digital pulse train that is coupled to multiple counters in the unit cell. Each counter in each unit cell can be independently controlled to filter the pulse train by counting up or down and/or by transferring data as desired. For example, a unit cell may perform in-phase/quadrature filtering of homodyne- or heterodyne-detected photocurrent with two counters: a first counter toggled between increment and decrement modes with an in-phase signal and a second counter toggled between increment and decrement modes with a quadrature signal.
US08605850B2 Method and system for providing phase reference signal
A method and system of providing a phase reference signal includes generating a reference signal having a reference frequency, modulating the reference signal at a modulation frequency lower than the reference frequency to obtain a modulated drive signal, receiving the modulated drive signal at a phase reference, and generating the phase reference signal based on the modulated drive signal. The phase reference signal including multiple reference tones having corresponding tone frequencies clustered around multiples of the reference frequency. A spacing between adjacent tones of the multiple reference tones is the same as the modulation frequency or an integer multiple of the modulation frequency.
US08605849B2 Glitch free oversampling clock and data recovery
A clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit includes an edge detector, an edge selector, and a phase selector. The edge detector is arranged to detect edges of serial input data and to provide an edge detection result. The serial input data is oversampled utilizing multiple clock phases. The edge selector for selecting one of the multiple clock phases for a recovered clock is arranged to provide an edge selection result, to receive the last edge selection result as a first input, and to receive the edge detection result as a second input. The phase selector is arranged to provide the recovered clock and recovered data.
US08605845B2 Adaptive phase-shifted synchronization clock generation circuit and method for generating phase-shifted synchronization clock
The present invention discloses an adaptive phase-shifted synchronization clock generation circuit and a method for generating phase-shifted synchronization clock. The adaptive phase-shifted synchronization clock generation circuit includes: a current source generating a current which flows through a node to generate a node voltage on the node; a reverse-proportional voltage generator coupled to the node for generating a voltage which is reverse-proportional to the node voltage; a ramp generator receiving a synchronization input signal and generating a ramp signal; a comparator comparing the reverse-proportional voltage to the ramp signal; and a pulse generator for generating a clock signal according to an output from the comparator.
US08605843B2 Method and apparatus for signal acquisition in OFDM receivers
A method and apparatus for signal acquisition in an OFDM receiver relies on a preamble training sequence to synchronize the receiver in time (e.g. determining the start of a frame) and in frequency (carrier frequency offset compensation). The preamble training sequence has a periodic structure and the method and apparatus perform a cross-correlation technique using a matched filter to achieve time synchronization and/or frequency synchronization and/or channel estimation, the latter being especially useful in multi-antenna receivers for diversity combining purposes. Many advantages derive from performing at least two and preferably all three operations jointly, in terms of latency, hardware complexity, and length of training sequence required to achieve satisfactory convergence on all counts. The periodicity of the training sequence is exploited to reduce considerably the main filter complexity and optionally dynamically adjust carrier offset compensation throughout the filtering process.
US08605838B2 Interferer parameter estimation method and apparatus
Interference is estimated in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing system by receiving at a wireless receiver pilot symbols and data symbols transmitted in time and frequency via resource blocks, detecting a first one of the data symbols transmitted to the wireless receiver via a time-frequency resource element of a first one of the resource blocks and identifying a second one of the resource blocks adjacent the first resource block having related interference parameters. The interference is estimated based on the pilot symbols transmitted via the first resource block and the pilot symbols transmitted via the second resource block.
US08605832B1 Joint sequence estimation of symbol and phase with high tolerance of nonlinearity
A method and system for a sequence estimation in a receiver, such as for use when receiving a sample of a received inter-symbol correlated (ISC) signal corresponding to a transmitted vector of L symbols, with L being a integer greater than 1, and with symbol L being a most-recent symbol and symbol 1 being least recent symbol of the vector. A plurality of candidate vectors may be generated, wherein element L-m of each candidate vector holding one of a plurality of possible values of the symbol L-m, with m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and elements L-m+1 through L of each candidate vectors holding determined filler values. A plurality of metrics may be generated based on the plurality of candidate vectors, and based on the generated plurality of metrics, a best one of the possible values of the symbol L-m may be selected.
US08605831B1 Demodulation that accounts for channel estimation error
Methods and apparatus for demodulating data symbols received over a communication channel. One method includes receiving a data symbol y over a communication channel h, where the received data symbol y corresponds to a transmitted data symbol x. The method further includes determining an estimate of the communication channel h. The method further includes determining a measure of a channel estimation error corresponding to the estimate of the communication channel h. The method further includes determining a likelihood value for a bit in the transmitted data symbol y based at least in part on the measure of the channel estimation error.
US08605830B2 Blind carrier/timing recovery and detection of modulation scheme
Systems and methods and memory media for performing modulation type detection. An attempt is made to estimate an underlying symbol rate of a received signal. The received signal is compensated for carrier frequency offset. Two candidates for symbol timing offset are estimated from the compensated signal. The compensated signal is downsampled using each offset candidate. A set of features is computed for each of the two downsampled signals. For each downsampled signal, the set of features is compared to a corresponding set of thresholds to obtain a corresponding set of comparison results. The two sets of comparison results are used to determine the modulation type of the received signal. A second method for estimating symbol rate may be performed if the modulation type is found to be FSK.
US08605825B2 Receiving apparatus, test apparatus, receiving method and test method
Provided is a receiving apparatus that receives a data signal and a clock signal indicating a reference timing to acquire the data signal. The receiving apparatus includes a multi-strobe generating section that generates, based on a pulse of the recovered clock, a plurality of strobes of which phases are different from each other, a first detecting section that detects a position of an edge of the clock signal relative to the strobes based on values of the clock signal that are acquired at respective timings of the strobe, a first adjusting section that adjusts a phase of the recovered clock according to the edge position of the clock signal, and a second adjusting section that adjusts the timing to acquire the data signal according to a phase adjustment amount of the recovered clock made by the first adjusting section.
US08605824B2 Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
Provided is a wireless communication apparatus wherein channel estimation accuracy is improved while keeping the position of each bit in a frame, even when a modulation system having a large modulation multiple value is used for a data symbol. In the wireless communication apparatus (100), an encoding section (101) encodes and outputs transmitting data (bit string) to a bit converting section (102), and the bit converting section (102) converts at least one bit of a plurality of bits constituting a data symbol to be used for channel estimation, among the encoded bit strings, into ‘1’ or ‘0’ and outputs it to a modulating section (103). The modulating section (103) modulates the bit string inputted from the bit converting section (102) by using a single modulation mapper and a plurality of data symbols are generated.
US08605823B2 Communication using continuous-phase modulated signals
Embodiments of a circuit are described. In this circuit, a modulation circuit provides a first modulated electrical signal and a second modulated electrical signal, where a given modulated electrical signal, which can be either the first modulated electrical signal or the second modulated electrical signal, includes minimum-shift keying (MSK) modulated data. Moreover, a first phase-adjustment element, which is coupled to the modulation circuit, sets a relative phase between the first modulated electrical signal and the second modulated electrical signal based on a phase value of the first phase-adjustment element. Additionally, an output interface, which is coupled to the first phase-adjustment element, is coupled to one or more antenna elements which output signals. These signals include a quadrature phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal corresponding to the first modulated electrical signal and the second modulated electrical signal.
US08605811B2 Method, apparatus, and system for data signal transmission in multi-antenna system
A method and an apparatus for data signal transmission are disclosed. A data signal is coded through space-time-frequency coding to form k1 space-time-frequency bit streams. P of the k1 space-time-frequency bit streams are divided into Ki orthogonal components respectively, in which a modulus of an inner product of any two of the Ki orthogonal components is equal to zero or smaller than a set value. The data signal can be restored through the Ki orthogonal components, but cannot be restored though the remaining orthogonal components apart from any one non-zero orthogonal component. All orthogonal components are provided for virtual antennas of N base stations, and are mapped to Mj physical antennas of the base station for transmission.
US08605807B1 Communicating distinct data over a single frequency using multiple linear polarized signals
A method and system for transmitting electromagnetic signals are provided. Data signals including a first data signal conveying first data, a second data signal conveying second data, and a third data signal conveying third data are provided. One or more transmitting devices transmit the first data signal and an inverse of the first data signal in two orthogonal linear polarities of an antenna maintaining their inverted phase relationship as propagated. Transmitting devices also transmit the second data signal in a linear polarity with a 45 degree rotation around a transmit axis of the first data signal. Transmitting devices also transmit the third data signal in a linear polarity orthogonally from the second data signal and consequently ±45 degrees from the first data signals. One or more receiving stations receive the transmitted first data signal, the inverse of the first data signal, the second data signal and the third data signal.