| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08667686B2 |
Method of producing tubes and a rolling mill train for producing tubes
A method for producing tubes for use in a heat exchanger that includes providing first and second metallic strips on a rolling mill train with predetermined breaking points using a device, deforming the strips to form the a tube, separating individual tubes from the tube at the predetermined breaking points, sensing positions of the predetermined breaking points in the strips using a sensing element which the strips pass through, transmitting signals relating to sensed positions of the predetermined breaking points of the strips to a computer, comparing the positions of the predetermined breaking points in the first and the second strips using the computer on the basis of the signals transmitted, and sending signals to the device using the computer which lead to the alignment of the positions of the predetermined breaking points in the first and the second strips. |
| US08667682B2 |
Method of fabricating a nearwall nozzle impingement cooled component for an internal combustion engine
A method of forming an internal combustion engine component having a multi-panel outer wall. The multi-panel outer wall has an inner panel (16) with an inner surface (18) and an outer surface (37). The inner panel outer surface (37) has discrete pockets (23) formed by integral structural ribs (38). Each pocket (23) has a film cooling hole (31) between the pocket (23) and the plenum (20). The method includes: forming dimples (40) in the intermediate panel (22), at least one dimple (40) having a nozzle (29); securing the intermediate panel (22) to the inner panel outer surface (37), thereby enclosing at least one pocket (23); and ensuring a respective dimple (40) having a nozzle (29) protrudes into a respective enclosed pocket (24) and a respective nozzle (29) is configured to direct a respective jet (35) of cooling fluid onto the inner panel outer surface within the respective enclosed pocket (23). |
| US08667681B2 |
Catalytic unit for treating an exhaust gas and manufacturing methods for such units
A catalytic unit, a process for providing a support mat for the catalytic unit, and a process for assembling the catalytic unit are provided. An installed mat density for the support mat being calculated based upon a desired annular cross-sectional area of a gap between a catalyst carrier and a shell of the catalytic unit, with the support mat being sandwiched therebetween. The support mat for the catalytic unit can be provided by first slitting a bulk roll of support mat to form a plurality of end unit specific mat rolls. The support mat can be wrapped around the catalytic carrier to form multiple layers of support mat, with the support mat having beveled leading and trailing edges to reduce variation in material density in the layers of support mat overlying and underlying the leading trailing edges. The support mat can be free of any binder. |
| US08667680B2 |
Method for replacing an inner disk element of an integrally bladed disk
The present invention relates to a method for replacing an inner disk element of a blade integrated disk wherein the blade integrated disk has a plurality of recesses in the form of axial through-bores in the joining area. The method begins with filling the axial through-bores, after which the inner disk element of the blade integrated disk is separated from the remaining blade ring. Next a new inner disk element is inserted into the remaining blade ring and the new inner disk element and the remaining blade ring are joined. Finally the axial through-bores are restored. |
| US08667676B2 |
Method of stranded electrical wire connection
A method of stranded electrical wire connection involves stripping the insulation off the ends of stranded wire, inserting a metallic barrel member over the ends of the wire, applying ratcheting pressure to the barrel member to compress the barrel member over each end of the stranded wires, and then applying constant, irreversible ratcheting pressure to the wire containing barrel to substantially eliminate the spaces between the strands and to form a permanent barrel to wire connection between the lengths of wire. A shrink tube with an inner layer of adhesive is positioned over the permanent connection and the shrink tube, with its layer of adhesive, is heated, thus substantially eliminating any space between the shrink tube and the permanent connection. Utilizing the method of the present invention results in a permanent, waterproof connection between the stranded wire which eliminates all expansion and contraction within the permanent connection during use. |
| US08667672B2 |
Method for pulling and cutting a z-axis electrical interconnector
A connection portion of a z-axis interconnector is assembled into contact with a plurality of aligned vias in a corresponding plurality of stacked printed circuit boards by gripping and pulling a leader portion of the interconnector connected to the connection portion, to move the interconnector into the final position with the connection portion contacting the aligned vias. The leader portion is severed from the connection portion after the interconnector is moved into the final position. A single pulling and cutting tool which accomplishes these functions preferably does so by a single pinch and cut device having opposing blades which partially penetrate into the leader portion to grip the leader portion, which fully penetrated through the leader portion to sever the leader portion, and which are moved toward and away from the plurality of stacked printed circuit boards to pull the interconnector and to reposition for severing the leader portion. |
| US08667670B2 |
Electronic component mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus includes a first placing unit and a second placing unit each configured to thrust an electronic component that is held toward a substrate, place the electronic component on the substrate, and leave the substrate, and a controller configured to set an inhibit period during which, while one placing unit of the first placing unit and the second placing unit thrusts the electronic component or leaves the substrate, at least one of a thrusting operation of the electronic component and an operation of leaving the substrate by another placing unit is inhibited so that the other placing unit does not execute the at least one of the thrusting operation and the operation of leaving the substrate. |
| US08667667B1 |
Method for fabricating a disk drive base for a disk drive
A disk drive includes a disk drive base comprising a first metal material. The disk drive base may include a first opening and a first attachment feature to which a head actuator assembly pivot may be attached. A motor support may be embedded in the first opening in the disk drive base. The motor support consists of a second metal material having a damping coefficient higher than that of the first metal material. A rotary spindle may be attached to the motor support, and a disk may be attached to the rotary spindle. |
| US08667664B2 |
Device for cutting and removal of wires from bales
The device is for cutting and removal of wires from bales, such as pulp bales, paper bales and the like. The device is intended to remove all wires from a bale that is provided with at least two wires. The device has two cutting units and two winding units that are positioned pair-wise opposite each other, on one side each of a working location (W), for the pair-wise cutting off and removal of the two wires that are arranged in parallel. |
| US08667661B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a layered metal structure with an anodized surface
Methods and apparatus for forming a multi-layered metal structure that includes an anodized surface are disclosed. According to one aspect, a housing arrangement can include a stainless steel layer and at least a first layer. The first layer can have a first bonding surface and a first exterior surface. The first bonding surface can be substantially bonded in direct contact with the stainless steel layer, and the first exterior surface can be an exterior of the housing arrangement. The first exterior surface is an anodized surface. In one embodiment, the first layer can be formed from an anodizable material such as aluminum, titanium, niobium, or tantalum. |
| US08667655B2 |
Apparatus for attaching a drive system and a stand to a ring in a medicine gantry
An apparatus for securing a drive system to a ring in a medical imaging gantry, the ring defining a central longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a ring having an outer race and an inner race rotatively mounted within the outer race, the inner race defining inner race teeth about a portion of its circumference, The apparatus also includes a drive system having a drive gear, defining drive gear teeth that are engaged with the inner race teeth, and defining tooth clearance there between. A mounting assembly is also included having at least one mounting bar rigidly attached to the outer race outer facing surface, the mounting bar including a transverse face being substantially perpendicular to the ring outer race circumference, at least one mounting plate secured to the drive system and transverse face of the at least one mounting bar. |
| US08667648B2 |
Ball handle assembly for a handheld tool
A ball handle assembly for a handheld tool is provided. The handheld tool includes a powered mechanism, an actuating mechanism for actuating the powered mechanism, and an elongated boom extending between the powered mechanism and the actuating mechanism. A ball handle assembly is adjustably attached to the boom to allow a user to adjust the ball handle assembly relative to the boom to provide a comfortable and ergonomic orientation regardless of the handedness of the operator. The ball handle assembly is translatable along the length of the boom, and the ball handle assembly provides for three degrees of rotation relative to the boom. |
| US08667646B2 |
Magnetic bumper apparatus for vehicle closure
A magnetic bumper apparatus for constraining a vehicle closure to a vehicle closure interface includes first and second magnetic members configured for attachment to the closure and closure interface, and a non-magnetic bumper element interposed therebetween. Each magnetic member defines a plurality of spatially modulated magnetic fields (SMMF) in corresponding patterns to provide a cumulative SMMF attractive force and a cumulative SMMF repulsive force between the magnetic members and define a separation reference and an alignment reference. The magnetic members in magnetic proximity to each other constrain the closure to the closure interface with respect to the alignment and separation references to prevent contact between a closure surface and a closure interface surface and to define at least one alignment parameter therebetween. Constraining the closure to the closure interface may include resisting a non-magnetic force inputted to the vehicle to prevent contact between the closure and closure interface surfaces. |
| US08667643B2 |
Method and apparatus for assisting pivot motion of a handle in a floor treatment device
A method and apparatus for influencing movement of a handle of a floor treatment device, such as a vacuum. The floor treatment device may include a handle portion that is attached to a base, which includes a floor treatment portion. The handle portion may be pivotally movable about a rotation axis relative to the base between at least first and second positions, where the rotation axis lies in a vertical plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the handle when the handle portion is in the first position and the longitudinal axis is a non-vertical position. A pivot assist device may apply a bias to the handle portion that urges the handle portion to move from the second position to the first position, e.g., to help support the weight of the handle when a user steers the floor treatment device across a floor. |
| US08667639B2 |
Vacuum cleaner providing filter-absence detection
A vacuum cleaner having a filter assembly 12 disposed on grill 16 between the bag chamber 7 and motor chamber 13. Bag chamber 7 has a cover 8. Filter assembly 12 has an upstanding wall 15 provided with a covering of resilient material, e.g. rubber. The cover 8 is formed with a grill 14 in a lower region. When the filter assembly is correctly installed, and the cover 8 is in position, the resilient covering of the upstanding wall 15 rests in sealing contact against the inner surface of the cover 8 and over the grill 14. If the filter assembly 12 is absent, the grill 14 provides direct fluid communication between the bag chamber 7 and the atmosphere. The cleaner will be ineffective in picking up dirt thereby alerting the user to the absence of the filter assembly. |
| US08667637B2 |
Steam appliance with diffuser
A diffuser with an absorbent substrate for holding a steam diffusible composition, such as a fragrance for mounting on a steam frame of a steam appliance is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam frame with a fabric pad or steam pocket mounted thereon. The steam envelopes the diffuser to dispense a fragrance or other material in the absorbable substrate into the generated steam in response to a user use or movement of the appliance. When steam is generated and passes the diffuser, the composition is heated to a temperature it will vaporize and be distributed with the steam through the fabric pad or steam pocket. |
| US08667632B2 |
Pneumatic seat cushion system
A pneumatic seat cushion system (10) has a deformable cushion (11) having a seating surface (12) and a self inflating cushion bladder (14) positioned beneath the seating surface (12). The self inflating cushion bladder (14) has an airtight envelope (15) containing compressible material (16) which is in air communication (19) with a displacement bladder (18) such that when in use the airtight envelope (15) and the displacement bladder (18) form a closed system from which no air can enter or escape. When there is no person seated on the seating surface (12), the self inflating cushion bladder (14) is inflated and the displacement bladder (18) is deflated. When there is a person seated on the seating surface, the weight of the person compresses the compressible material (16) so as to partially deflate the self inflating cushion bladder (14) which results in the contained air passing into the displacement bladder (18) which becomes fully inflated. |
| US08667628B1 |
Bed frame having an integrated roller system
A bed frame has a bed frame having side frame members and cross supports interconnecting the side frame members for supporting one of a mattress and box springs and an integrated roller system which actuates the bed frame between a first wheels up position rollers connected to said bed frame are operably disposed between said bed frame and a floor to ready mobility of the bed frame via the rollers and a second wheels down position such that the bed frame in is in contact with the floor without the rollers contacting the floor and is generally frictionally disposed to inhibit movement. |
| US08667622B2 |
Hydrotherapy apparatus
A hydrotherapy apparatus 2 comprising at least one door 12, affixed thereto, operable between an open condition in which access is provided to an interior of the apparatus 2 and a closed condition in which access is prevented to an interior of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus 2 is provided with a door closing mechanism having a first engagement condition and a second engagement condition wherein movement of the mechanism from the first engagement condition to the second is arranged to draw the door 12 against a frame 352 to which it abuts. |
| US08667621B2 |
Sanitary washing apparatus
A sanitary washing apparatus includes a nozzle having jetting water outlets from which water that pulsates by cyclically changing pressure jets, and a pump and a controller that functions as a flowing water adjuster that adjusts flowing water fed to the jetting water outlets in such a manner that first jetting water and second jetting water alternately occur at peaks of the pulsation of the water. With such an arrangement the first jetting water hits an anus and the private parts of a human body in a smaller area with a higher density than the second jetting water, and the second jetting water hits the anus and the private parts in a larger area with a lower density than the first jetting water. |
| US08667620B2 |
Toilet with reduced water usage
A toilet, comprising a bowl, a rim provided at an upper portion of the bowl, a rim channel disposed in the rim, a rear extension that extends from the rim, and a water distribution structure provided in the rear extension and configured to receive water from a water supply. The rim channel includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening located between the first and second openings, the openings being configured to communicate water to the bowl. The water distribution structure having at least two exit channels configured to communicate water to at least two different locations of the rim channel. |
| US08667615B2 |
Pair of pants and method for donning and removing a pair of pants
A pair of pants that allows a wearer to easily don and remove the pair of pants while the wearer wears other articles of clothing, apparel or footwear (such as shorts, gym shoes, golf shorts or boots), a cast, a leg brace or the like. The pair of pants has a waistband that encircles a waist of the wearer of the pair of pants, a first leg having a first inner leg seam and a first outside leg opening, a second leg having a second inner leg seam and a second outside leg opening, a crotch seam between the first and second legs, the pair of pants being made of a fabric that is slidably supported on the waistband, at least a portion of the pair of pants enabling the fabric to slidably move on the waistband to enable the wearer to increase a size of at least one of the first outside leg opening or the second outside leg opening to facilitate the easy donning and removal of the pants. The pants have overlapping portions or wings that can wrap around the pants to close the first and second outside leg openings. |
| US08671461B2 |
System, apparatus, and media for granting access to and utilizing content
Apparatus, system, and media for utilizing content. An exemplary system comprises a first computing device and a second computing device, wherein the first computing device transmits a request for access to content to the second computing device, receives the content from the second computing device, and grants at least one permitted utilization of the content, and wherein the second computing device receives the request for access to content from the first computing device, determines whether the first second computing device is permitted to receive the content, grants access to the content based at least in part on the first computing device being permitted to receive the content, and transmits the content to the first computing device based at least in part on the first computing device being permitted to receive the content. |
| US08671460B1 |
Operator lock-out in batch process control systems
A process control system includes module-level attributes that may be used to control access for writing information to unit module objects and module objects. A security check process examines the module-level attributes, which may include OPERMODE and OPERLOCK attributes, the values of which determine whether information may be written to unit module objects or module objects. The values of the module-level attributes may be controlled based on whether a particular module object is being used by the process control system. |
| US08671459B2 |
Prevention of software piracy using unique internal intelligence with every software application copy
A piece of software code, as well as a series of semi-random character strings are embedded into a copy of a software application. The application executes the embedded code on activation and may also invoke the embedded code periodically thereafter. The embedded code generates a knowledge string from a seed string and then generates an activation code from the seed string and the knowledge string. The activation code is checked against an externally-supplied code to ensure that the codes match, indicating a non-pirated copy of the software application. |
| US08671457B2 |
Method and system for identifying and correcting location discrepancies for reception equipment in a content delivery network
A method and system is provided to analyse receiver indicia of location for a set of at least one receivers to determine whether a receiver has an erroneous indicator of location. The embodiment may take further steps to confirm whether or not inappropriate usage has occurred. The method and system includes identifying a first indicia of location for a set of one or more receivers, identifying a second indicia of location for one or more receivers from the set, and determining if the first and second indicia of location are mutually inconsistent. Indicia of location include indicators of receiver location, inventory state, communication path and definition on systems. The method and system may optionally include action to report or correct the location error. |
| US08671455B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting unintentional information disclosure
A method for detecting unintentional information disclosure. The method may include: 1) identifying at least one data access Application Programming Interface (API) programmed to provide access to sensitive information located on a computing device, 2) monitoring attempts to use the data access API, 3) while monitoring attempts to use the data access API, detecting an attempt by an application to access the sensitive information through the data access API, 4) in response to detecting the attempt to access the sensitive information, tracking the sensitive information accessed by the application, 5) detecting an attempt to leak the sensitive information outside of the computing device, and 6) in response to detecting the attempt to leak the sensitive information outside of the computing device, performing a security action. |
| US08671450B2 |
Content filtering of remote file-system access protocols
Methods and systems for content filtering of remote file-system access protocols are provided. According to one embodiment, a first set of Server Message Block/Common Internet File System (SMB/CIFS) protocol requests originated by a first process running on a client and relating to a file associated with a share of a server and a second set of SMB/CIFS protocol requests originated by a second process running on the client and relating to the file are transparently proxied by a gateway device. The existence or non-existence of malicious, dangerous or unauthorized content contained within the file is determined by the gateway device by (i) buffering data being read from or written to the file as a result of the first and second set of SMB/CIFS protocol requests into a shared file buffer; and (ii) performing content filtering on the shared file buffer when a scanning condition is satisfied. |
| US08671449B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying potential malware
A computer-implemented method for identifying potential malware may include (1) identifying a file that is subject to a reputation evaluation, (2) identifying at least one client submission received from at least one computing system that identifies (a) an instance of the file created on the computing system and (b) at least one additional file created on the computing system at substantially the same time as the instance of the file and within the same file path as the instance of the file, (3) identifying a reputation associated with the additional file(s), and then (4) generating a reputation rating for the file based at least in part on the reputation associated with the additional file(s). Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08671447B2 |
Net-based email filtering
A local gateway device receives email across the internet from a sender of the email and forwards it across the internet to an email filtering system. The email filtering system analyzes the email to determine whether it is spam, phishing or contains a virus and sends it back to the local gateway device along with the filtered determination. The local gateway device forwards the received email and the filtered determination to a local junk store which handles the email appropriately. For example, if the email has been determined to be spam, phishing or containing a virus, the junk store can quarantine the email and if the email has been determined to be non-spun and/or not phishing and/or not containing a virus, the junk store can forward the email to a local mail server for delivery. |
| US08671442B2 |
Modifying a user account during an authentication process
Techniques are described for repairing some types of user account problems that interfere with granting a user access to a computer system and doing so during a process to authenticate the user in a way that does not require the user to re-enter authentication information or require the user to restart a communication session with the computer system. In response to a determination that a user's account has a problem during an authentication process, techniques are provided to enable a user to execute an appropriate process or processes to fix the user account, after which the authentication process continues. In this way, the correction to the user account may appear to be seamless to the user. |
| US08671441B2 |
Method and apparatus for registering a device in access point
Provided is a method of registering an unregistered device in an access point (AP) by using a registered device registered in the AP, the method including: transmitting a control signal for controlling the registered device to the registered device so as to transmit a mode change request, which requests the AP to change a mode to an authentication approval mode approving an authentication operation with the unregistered device, to the AP; transmitting a mode confirm request, which confirms whether an operation mode of the AP is the authentication approval mode, to the AP; receiving a mode confirm response as a response to the mode confirm request from the AP that receives the mode change request; and selectively performing an authentication operation with the AP, based on the received mode confirm response. |
| US08671440B2 |
Personalized interaction using codes
A method and nodes adapted to provide personalized multimedia services for users having registered a media player (300, 400, 401, 501, 502, 606) to a multimedia network, on the basis of the content (301, 500) read by a code reader (302, 405, 503), connected to or integrated with the media player. Content decoded from a code is used for creating or updating a user preference data record (700, 701) linked to by the identity with which the respective media player is registered. An application server (305, 402, 506, 600) being responsible for personalizing a requested service is interconnected with one or more preference databases (306, 407, 603), and one or more content databases (308, 408, 605) and/or dedicated servers (507). Upon receiving a service request, the application server, access relevant data from the mentioned nodes and assembles personalization instructions, adapted to trigger the requested personalized service in the requesting media player. |
| US08671438B2 |
Method and system for managing security of mobile terminal
A method for enabling security on a mobile terminal having a communication link with a circuit switched network against suspicious activities is provided. Activities performed at the mobile terminal are performed according to a security policy provided from the circuit switched network. Detection of a suspicious activity is alerted to the circuit switched network when the suspicious activity is detected. A policy manager server of the circuit switched network changes the security policy to cure the suspicious activity on the mobile terminal. Call traffic delivered to/sent from the mobile terminal is filtered out, which causes the suspicious activity according to the security policy. The mobile terminal enforces a security measure on a suspicious activity according to the security policy. |
| US08671437B2 |
Universal remote control management in digital display devices
In one embodiment, a system, comprising at least a first video source device, at least a first remote control device, a digital display device comprising logic to receive, in a digital display device, a signal to initiate an aggregation process, in response to the signal, enumerate at least a first video source device coupled to the digital display device, obtain, from the at least a first video source device, a first remote control code table, merge the first remote control table into a master remote control table, receive in the primary interface device manager, a user interface database from the secondary interface device manager, and store the master remote control table in memory. |
| US08671434B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting services via a set-top box
An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information. |
| US08671431B2 |
System and method for providing communications service to individual units of a multiple dwelling unit
A system and method for providing communications service to individual units of a multiple dwelling unit (“MDU”) is disclosed. The system may comprise a communications service unit configured to distribute communications signal to at least one unit of a MDU via at least one cable, wherein the at least one cable are distributed along the exterior of the MDU, one or more network interface elements communicatively coupled to the at least one cable, wherein each of the one or more network interface elements are positioned near a window of the MDU, and an antenna communicatively coupled to each of the one or more network interface elements, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit the communications signal to one or more network elements in at least one unit of the MDU. |
| US08671428B2 |
System and method for a personal video inbox channel
A method of aggregating video content receives video content data related to video content, evaluates and aggregates this information, and subsequently forwards the aggregated information to a viewing client where it can be viewed by a user. In one embodiment, the video content data contains a Universal Resource Indicator (URI) that specifies to the viewing client the location of the video content. |
| US08671427B1 |
Method and apparatus to enable sending personal data via a network
A method and apparatus for using a dynamic streaming server interface to enable the display of personal data in a cable box environment is disclosed. The system includes an interface to forward data to the server, an insertion tool to insert the display into the channel guide, and controls to enable the user to view the personal data using the cable box and interface. |
| US08671425B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for providing ad insertion via a multimedia applications gateway
Ad insertion includes providing a multimedia applications gateway that is connected to an access gateway for an end user device and receiving, at the multimedia applications gateway via the access gateway, multimedia program content. The multimedia applications gateway converts the program content from a program media source into a first communication having an open standards protocol recognized by the end user device. The ad insertion also includes receiving directly, at the multimedia applications gateway from an advertising media source, multimedia advertising content. The multimedia applications gateway converts the multimedia advertising content into a second communication having the open standards protocol. The second communication is stored in a local memory of the multimedia applications gateway. The ad insertion further includes retrieving the second communication from the local memory, inserting the second communication at a location within the first communication, and presenting the first and second communications on the end user device. |
| US08671423B1 |
Method for monitoring and controlling viewing preferences of a user
Media system control and advertisement technology, in which input related to advertising preferences of a user of a media system that is connected to a content delivery network is received. An advertisement control policy is defined for the user of the media system based on the received input. During viewing, on the media system, of a channel provided by the content delivery network, the media system is controlled to deliver advertisements based on the defined advertisement policy. |
| US08671418B2 |
Environment modification in a hybrid node computing environment
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques that improve resource management on a massively parallel computing system having a plurality of hybrid compute nodes. For example, a job scheduler may be provided which determines a library to link to an application based on system and user requirements. In one embodiment, the libraries may provide optimizations for job execution time, and also provide optimizations directed towards a specific processor architecture. Once the library is determined, the job scheduler may configure the environment of the application so that the application links with the optimized library during run-time. Doing so may improve overall system performance of the massively parallel computing system. |
| US08671417B2 |
Lightweight framework for web applications
Various technologies described herein pertain to developing a web application using a scripting language-based framework. A call can be received via an interface of the scripting language-based framework. The call can manage a control included in the scripting language-based framework. Further, the call can be provided by an application that references the scripting language based framework. Moreover, a user interface can be generated based on the control managed by the call, and backend cloud-based services provided by a distributed data store on a cloud platform can be accessed based on the control managed by the call. |
| US08671415B2 |
Persisting application state
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for persisting application state. Through decoupling an application host from an instance store, the application host can be used with many different persistence stores and persistence administration tools. Further, a given persistence store can be used with many different application hosts and application host extensions. Accordingly, applications can benefit from periodically persisting work to any of a variety of instance stores even if the applications are changed or are not natively configured for use with a particular instance store. Using persistence providers an application host can also more easily coordinate the persisted state with runtime state to ensure that a consistent checkpoint is created. Persistence providers can also be used to compensate for application host extensions and persistence administration tools that add coordination requirements that cannot be predicted at the time that the application is originally developed. |
| US08671413B2 |
System and method of dynamic clock and voltage scaling for workload based power management of a wireless mobile device
A method of executing a dynamic clock and voltage scaling (DCVS) algorithm in a central processing unit (CPU) is disclosed and may include monitoring CPU activity and determining whether a workload is designated as a special workload when the workload is added to the CPU activity. |
| US08671412B2 |
Calculating and communicating level of carbon offsetting required to compensate for performing a computing task
During performance of a specified computing task data concerning resource consumption regarding that specified computing task is gathered and stored. Upon completion of the specified computing task, the amount of carbon offset required to compensate for resource consumption associated with performance of the completed specified computing task is calculated based upon stored or known resource consumption data. The calculated amount of carbon offset information may be transmitted to a carbon offset function provider, and a carbon offset function provider implements the specified amount of carbon offset based upon the calculated amounts communicated for the completed specified computing task. |
| US08671408B2 |
Blocking applications to ensure task completion
A method, computer program product, and computing system for providing a graphical user interface including at least one selectable application in a scheduling entry in the multi-user scheduling system. An available application lockout may be activated on all available applications other than a selected application upon initialization of the scheduling entry. |
| US08671407B2 |
Offering network performance guarantees in multi-tenant datacenters
Methods of offering network performance guarantees in multi-tenant datacenters are described. In an embodiment, a request for resources received at a datacenter from a tenant comprises a number of virtual machines and a performance requirement, such as a bandwidth requirement, specified by the tenant. A network manager within the datacenter maps the request onto the datacenter topology and allocates virtual machines within the datacenter based on the available slots for virtual machines within the topology and such that the performance requirement is satisfied. Following allocation, stored residual capacity values for elements within the topology are updated according to the new allocation and this updated stored data is used in mapping subsequent requests onto the datacenter. The allocated virtual machines form part of a virtual network within the datacenter which is allocated in response to the request and two virtual network abstractions are described: virtual clusters and virtual oversubscribed clusters. |
| US08671396B2 |
Dynamic interface reduction for software model checking
Architecture employs an iterative process that incrementally discovers inter-component interactions and explores local state spaces within each component. Thus, the architecture lazily constructs the behavior of the environment of a component in the target software system, and integrates the construction of the inter-component interactions with the model checking process itself, and hence, does not need to eagerly construct the interface process. Component-based state space reduction is applied during the exploration of the whole system. The architecture decomposes a target software system into a set of loosely coupled components where interactions between the components tend to be significantly simpler than interactions within each component. An iterative algorithm facilitates the component-based state space reduction, which is exponential, on the real large-scale software systems. |
| US08671394B1 |
Monitoring test steps in test environments
Methods and systems for monitoring test steps to determine whether the test steps are executable in a test environment are disclosed. The test environment tests various resources, such as programs, data and functions in the electronic devices. The test environment provides a user interface that enables users to edit a sequence of test steps executed in the test environment. The test environment may provide visual representations of the test steps in the sequence of test steps. When the users select a test step in the sequence of test steps, the selected test step is monitored to inform the users whether the selected test step is executable in the test environment. The properties of the selected test step may also be provided and, if the selected test step is not executable in the test environment, users may be informed of the properties that should be specified to make the selected test step executable in the test environment. |
| US08671393B2 |
Collaborative software debugging in a distributed system with client-specific dynamic breakpoints
In a distributed system that includes a debug server and debug clients coupled for data communications through a data communications network, where the debug server includes a debug administrator, a message router, a back-end debugger, and a debuggee, collaborative software debugging includes receiving application-level messages, including receiving, from a requesting debug client, a request to establish a dynamic breakpoint at location in source code; routing the application-level messages among the debug clients, the debug administrator, and the back-end debugger, including providing distributed control of the back-end debugger, sending to the debug administrator an instruction to register the dynamic breakpoint, and sending to the back-end debugger a command to establish the dynamic breakpoint; establishing the dynamic breakpoint; registering the requesting debug client's dynamic breakpoint; and returning, by the debug server to the debug clients in response to the application-level messages routed to the back-end debugger, client-specific debug results. |
| US08671388B2 |
Software development and programming through voice
Methods and arrangements for employing telephonic voice commands in programming. A voice application is accessed and a program template is customized via selecting components from at least one palette. A program is created from the customized program template, and the created program is deployed and executed. |
| US08671385B2 |
Methods and systems for throttling calls to a service application through an open API
A method and system for throttling a volume of request messages to a service application stored within a service provider (SP) computer system through an open application programming interface (API) platform is provided. The SP computer system is in communication with a memory device. The method includes storing a throttling profile for a developer application within the memory device wherein the throttling profile includes at least a throttling amount threshold and a throttling time period, receiving at the API platform a request message initiated by the developer application wherein the request message is included within a volume of request messages initiated by the developer application, identifying the request message as being associated with the developer application, retrieving the throttling profile for the developer application, and validating the volume of request messages as complying with the throttling profile. |
| US08671384B2 |
Web application pinning including task bar pinning
Various embodiments provide a mechanism to allow end users to install web applications and websites onto their desktop. In accordance with one or more embodiments, client-side code can be utilized to allow developers associated with a website to define boundaries associated with user interaction, and have those boundaries enforced by a run-time engine. In at least some embodiments, developers can provide, through JavaScript code and/or HTML markup, various configurations for the creation of a start menu shortcut, navigation, and so-called jumplist integration. |
| US08671383B2 |
Viewing and debugging HDL designs having SystemVerilog interface constructs
Methods and systems for viewing and debugging HDL designs having SystemVerilog interface constructs are provided. An HDL design code is received, wherein the design code comprises a first module, a second module and a SystemVerilog interface construct. A first object corresponding to the first module, a second object corresponding to the second module and an interface object corresponding to the interface construct are displayed in a schematic view. The interface object is disposed between the first and second objects, and a shape of the interface object is different from that of the first and second objects. The interface signals from the first object to the second object and the interface signals from the second object to the first object pass through the interface object. |
| US08671376B2 |
Computer system and method for performing a routing supply and demand analysis during the floor planning stage of an integrated circuit design process
A floor planning tool is provided that performs the functions that are typically performed by floor planning tools, but in addition, determines the supply of routing resources and the demand on routing resources for all routing channels while applying variable routing rules and static timing estimations to arrive at a preliminary routed floor plan. This drastically reduces the number of iterations that subsequently will need to be performed by the floor planning tool and by routing and static timing analysis tools to arrive at a final routed floor plan. |
| US08671375B1 |
Functional timing analysis method for circuit timing verification
A functional timing analysis method, executed in a computing device, comprises: step A: obtaining a circuit; step B: selecting a target delay time from a delay time set for a node in the circuit for verifying whether the target delay time is attainable by some input assignment; step C: generating a timed characteristic function associated with the selected target delay time for the node recursively from the timed characteristic functions associated with the corresponding delay times for its fanin nodes is generated as a target formula; step D: recursively translating the timed characteristic function into timed characteristic function clauses of the target formula by using an implication operator; step E: checking whether the target formula is satisfied by using a Boolean satisfiability solver; and step F: if the target formula is satisfied, the selected target delay time is attainable by some input assignment to the circuit. |
| US08671373B1 |
Analysis of circuit designs via trace signatures
A first signal trace is received including signal values satisfying a target event. A first trace signature is generated describing a portion of the first signal trace that causes the target event to occur. A second signal trace is generated that includes signal values satisfying the target event. A second trace signature is generated describing a portion of the second signal trace that causes the target event to occur. Differential signal events are determined that differentiate the first trace signature from the second trace signature. The differential signal events are events from the first signal trace that cause the target event to occur, but do not appear in the second trace signature. The process can be repeated to receive a plurality of signal traces, and to generate a plurality of signal traces. The differential signal events are indexed in a datastore in association with the signal traces. |
| US08671371B1 |
Systems and methods for configuration of control logic in parallel pipelined hardware
A method of utilizing high level synthesis to automatically configure control logic of a hardware design for a pipelined parallel stream processor includes obtaining a scheduled graph representing a processing operation in the time domain as a function of clock cycles. The graph comprises a data path to be implemented in hardware as part of said stream processor, an input, an output, and parallel branches to enable data values to be streamed therethrough from the input to the output as a function of increasing clock cycle. The data path is partitioned to divide it into a plurality of discrete regions. Discrete control logic elements are assigned to each region using high level synthesis. The graph and assigned control logic is used to define a hardware design for the pipelined parallel stream processor. |
| US08671370B2 |
Chain/leapfrog circuit topologies and tools for carbon nanotube/graphene nanoribbon nanoelectronics, printed electronics, polymer electronics, and their confluences
Software for designing and testing types of nanoelectronic circuits and larger scale electronics renderings is described. The software designs circuits comprising only a chain/leapfrog topology. The chain/leapfrog topology permits a wide range of circuits and circuit modules to be implemented on a common shared carbon nanotube, graphene nanoribbon, or strips of other types of semiconducting material, for example as rendered in traditional printed electronics and nanoscale printed electronics or as employing semiconducting polymers. In one approach a chain/leapfrog topology circuit design software tool accesses information in a library of chain/leapfrog circuits data, and creates descriptive data pertaining to a number of approaches to rendering electronics components using a library of component data. The chain/leapfrog circuits data library includes designs for a number of different types of chain/leapfrog circuit modules. The software provides for “IP cores,” “System-on-a-Nanotube,” and other related modular design approaches. |
| US08671364B2 |
Techniques to present hierarchical information using a multivariable decomposition visualization
Techniques to present hierarchical information as orthographic projections are described. An apparatus may comprise an orthographic projection application arranged to manage a three dimensional orthographic projection of hierarchical information. The orthographic projection application may comprise a hierarchical information component operative to receive hierarchical information representing multiple nodes at different hierarchical levels, and parse the hierarchical information into a tree data structure, an orthographic generator component operative to generate a graphical tile for each node, arrange graphical tiles for each hierarchical level into graphical layers, and arrange the graphical layers in a vertical stack, and an orthographic presentation component operative to present a three dimensional orthographic projection of the hierarchical information with the stack of graphical layers each having multiple graphical tiles. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08671363B2 |
Nested dimensions presentation structures
A method and apparatus for rendering data on a display is provided. A configurable number of dimensions are rendered on the display in a manner that depicts a sequential relationship between the configurable number of dimensions. Each rendered dimension on the display depicts one or more dimension instances. For the rendered dimension having the lowest sequential position in the sequential relationship between the configurable number of dimensions (hereafter the “lowest sequential dimension”), a determination is made as to whether hierarchical data is associated with a particular dimension instance of the lowest sequential dimension, and if so, at least a top level node of a tree of nodes is rendered in association with the particular dimension instance of the lowest sequential dimension on the display. Each node of the tree of nodes may, but need not, comprise a row of data. |
| US08671358B2 |
Information-processing apparatus and control method thereof
An information-processing apparatus which can display search conditions of search folders in an easy-to-see state in a list display of files/folders is provided. The information-processing apparatus has a file system that searches a file/folder which matches a search condition, and can generate and manage a search folder used to store meta data of files/folders obtained by that search, and includes a function of displaying a list of meta data of files/folders. This information-processing apparatus checks if a folder to be displayed in the list is a search folder. As a result of checking, if the folder to be displayed in the list is a search folder, the apparatus displays search conditions in fields of meta data items for which the search conditions of the search folder are set, in place of, for example, meta data. |
| US08671354B2 |
Player streaks and game data visualization
A computer based method visually highlights achievements of sports teams or players in displays of statistical data, such as statistical tables, that represent the performance of sports teams or players. The achievements to be highlighted may include multiple-game streaks and single-game achievements. Multiple-game streaks occur when a team or player meets a performance objective in multiple consecutive games. Such streaks are highlighted in displays of statistical data by visually emphasizing the data values that form the streak. Visual emphasis is achieved by, for example, displaying a visual indicator, such as a line, adjacent to the data values. A single-game achievement is highlighted by visually emphasizing the data value that represents the achievement, so that users can quickly identify single-game achievements in statistical tables. Details about the streak or achievement may be displayed when the user selects or passes a mouse pointer over one of the data values or over the visual indicator. |
| US08671351B2 |
Application modification based on feed content
A data format provides a mechanism to dynamically change the appearance of an application. During operation, the application obtains streaming feed data for presentation to a user. The feed data may be formatted according to a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) data format. The application detects, within the feed data, branding extensions that identify branding content to be displayed concurrently with channel data and content items when a user selects a channel defined by the feed data. The application detects a user selection of the channel defined by the feed data, and in response, references the branding extensions to obtain and display the branding content within a display region of the application that is separate from the content presentation region of the application for display of content items defined within the feed data. |
| US08671347B2 |
Quantifying frustration via a user interface
Method, apparatus and system to modify a user interface implemented in a communication network associated with a plurality of mobile devices. In one embodiment a mobile device associated with a communication network is configured to sense mood data that quantifies a frustration parameter based at least in part on interaction of a user with a user interface mode portion of a user interface and associates the mood data with mode data, wherein the mode data identifies the user interface mode operation of a user interface and transfers the mood data and the mode data to a mobile service provider portion of the communication network. Furthermore, the mobile service provide may transfer at least a portion of an updated user interface to one or more of the plurality of mobile devices based at least in part on the identification of the one or more user interface modes that are frustrating. |
| US08671346B2 |
Smart video thumbnail
Described herein is technology for, among other things, selecting a representative thumbnail from a video clip. The technology involves analyzing frames of the video clip to determine which frames are stable, the result of the analysis being a number of segments of stable frames. From the stable segments, a number of candidate segments are selected, where candidate segments are those segments determined to a degree of certainty to be program content. The representative thumbnail is then selected from among the frames of the candidate segments. |
| US08671345B2 |
Workflow-based session management
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods that provide a workflow-based session manager or workflow engine for a content delivery system, such as for delivering video-on-demand, streaming audio, streaming video, etc. Such techniques increase velocity and flexibility of deploying new features and services in a video delivery system. Techniques include a session management model provides a service-oriented and workflow-based approach. As a service-oriented approach, each functional session management step can be represented as a business service. As a workflow-based solution, a sequence of steps to be performed can be defined as data, rather than being hard-coded inside an application. Defined as data, steps (nodes, tasks) can then be created and changed using a graphical editor. New services can be added by defining actions for the new service, and adding a node to a given session management workflow sequence. Techniques include a workflow engine that initiates session management in realtime. |
| US08671344B2 |
Information display device
The present invention aims to provide an information display device for easily changing a scrolling speed and a display mode. The information display device receives an instruction for displaying a plurality of contents, via a move operation on a two-dimensional plane defined by first and second axes; determines a moving speed for moving the contents, based on a motion component of the move operation along the first axis, and determines a display mode for displaying the contents, based on a motion component of the move operation along the second axis; and displays the contents in the display mode on a screen, by scrolling through the contents at the moving speed. |
| US08671343B2 |
Configurable pie menu
Systems, methods, and other implementations for a configurable pie menu are described herein. A pie menu has sectors of which at least one sector is both associated with a currently assigned menu item and at least one configuration menu. The operation of the pie menu is started by a pie menu activation input. Subsequent user input may then be interpreted as a pie menu selection input or a pie menu configuration invocation input. A pie menu configuration invocation input ascertains a pie sector and invokes the at least one configuration menu associated with the ascertained pie sector. The configuration menus provide a larger set of menu items, one of which is the menu item currently assigned to the pie sector. A menu item selected from the invoked configuration menu is assigned to the pie sector to which the configuration menu is associated. |
| US08671338B2 |
Authoring, deploying and using interactive, data-driven two or more dimensional content
A method whereby dynamic, interactive, two or more dimensional media can be assembled and delivered where the need for pre-packaged binary content files and pre-compiled content is eliminated by using a markup language, a standard URI to identify local and/or remote media resources within a markup text, a standard protocol to retrieve the resource, a parser to load resources from the native format and a markup language to define behavior and where dynamic, interactive, n-dimensional media is achieved by using a markup language, connecting or embedding content into a local or remote data source, dragging-and-dropping markup text into a content provider application, updating content using a form, establishing a two-way connection between content and one or more data sources such that changing to the data source(s) and seeing the results propagate to the scene changing the content and seeing the results propagate to the data source(s) and using a markup language to issue commands, configure interaction, and create behavior. |
| US08671337B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for multimedia-content presentation
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for determining by-storyline data from by-episode data. |
| US08671336B2 |
Method for determining transport block size and signal transmission method using the same
A device and method for attaching a CRC code to a transport block and turbo encoding the CRC attached transport block, where the transport block has a predetermined size. |
| US08671327B2 |
Method and system for adaptive coding in flash memories
To store bits in one or more cells, an adaptive mapping of bits to ranges of a physical parameter of the cell(s) is provided, in accordance with respective initial values of the physical parameter, by steps including encoding the bits as a codeword by partitioning the bits into subsets and finding a factor bit string such that the codeword is a concatenation of the factor bit string and separate Galois field products of all the subsets with the factor bit string. The initial values of the physical parameter are adjusted accordingly as needed. |
| US08671325B1 |
Forward error correcting code decoder method and apparatus
An apparatus for detecting and correcting errors in a received codeword includes a syndrome calculator, error locator polynomial generator, and symbol corrector. The syndrome calculator has a first input to receive a first plurality of symbols, a second input to receive a second plurality of symbols, and a plurality of processing stages each coupled to the first and second inputs. Each processing stage is configured to process a symbol of the first plurality of symbols, and a symbol of the second plurality of symbols, during each of a plurality of iterations to generate a respective syndrome value after the iterations. The syndrome calculator also has a syndrome output configured to output the respective syndrome values. The error locator polynomial generator has a syndrome input coupled to both the syndrome output and an error location output, and the symbol corrector has an error location input coupled to the error location output. |
| US08671324B2 |
Turbo code interleaver with near optimal performance
A method of interleaving blocks of indexed data of varying lengths is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a set of basic Interleavers comprising a family of one or more permutations of the indexed data and having a variable length; selecting one of the basic Interleavers based upon a desired Interleaver length L; and adapting the selected basic Interleaver to produce an Interleaver having the desired Interleaver length L. |
| US08671321B2 |
Method and apparatus for retransmission processing in a communication receiver
A method and apparatus for retransmission processing in a communication receiver includes improving the performance of Incremental Redundancy (IR) combining and retransmission processing at minimal increased complexity. One aspect of these improvements involves the use of prior decoding results, if the decoding block quality is above a threshold value, rather than or in addition to prior demodulation results, in retransmission processing. That is, the teachings herein propose selectively using the hard bit decisions obtained from decoding previously transmitted data blocks, to improve the decoding of retransmitted data blocks. |
| US08671316B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a two-dimensional matrix barcode decoding unit configured to decode a two-dimensional matrix barcode in an image of image data; and a restoration determining unit configured (a) to obtain an error detection rate and error detection position information detected while the two-dimensional matrix barcode is decoded, (b) to compare the error detection rate with a predetermined threshold value, (c) on the basis of the comparison result, to determine whether the two-dimensional matrix barcode should be restored, and (d) to adjust the threshold value according to an error detection position determined from the error detection position information. |
| US08671313B2 |
Management apparatus and management method
A management apparatus and a management method that enable parsing processing to be executed efficiently by means of a working memory of a fixed size are proposed. One or more predefined rules are divided into one or more rule segments that comprise a condition and a conclusion that each form part of the rule, and the rule segments obtained through the division are stored in the secondary storage, and when an event notification from the information processing device is received, one or more related rule segments are selected and, by linking the selected one or more rule segments in the memory as required, a rule parsing network is constructed that indicates relationships between rules in the memory, an inference is derived on the basis of the constructed rule parsing network, and rule segments that are not readily used in inference derivation are deleted from the memory. |
| US08671307B2 |
Task relay system, apparatus, and recording medium
A computer which takes over a task managed by a server apparatus from another computer which occupies the task, the computer including, a processor to detect an error of the other computer, to transmit, when an error of the another computer is detected, a task relaying request for taking over the task to the server apparatus, and to allow when a permission of the takeover of the task is received from the server apparatus processes of application programs in standby states in the computer to occupy the task. |
| US08671305B1 |
Techniques for adjusting periodic signals based on data detection
A circuit includes a phase detector circuit, a phase frequency detector circuit, a data detection circuit, a multiplexer circuit, and a clock signal generation circuit. The phase detector circuit is operable to generate a first phase detection signal based on a data signal and a first periodic signal. The phase frequency detector circuit is operable to generate a second phase detection signal based on second and third periodic signals. The data detection circuit is operable to generate a data detection signal based on the first phase detection signal. A multiplexer circuit is operable to provide one of the first and the second phase detection signals as a selected signal based on the data detection signal. The periodic signal generation circuit is operable to cause adjustments to phases of the first and the second periodic signals based on the selected signal. |
| US08671304B2 |
Adjustment of write timing based on a training signal
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for adjusting write timing in a memory device based on a training signal. For instance, the method can include configuring the memory device in a training mode of operation. The method can also include determining a write timing window between a signal on a data bus and a write clock signal based on the training signal. Further, the method includes adjusting a phase difference between the signal on the data bus and the write clock signal based on the write timing window. The memory device can recover data on the data bus based on the adjusted phase difference. |
| US08671302B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless clock regeneration
Methods and systems for operating a wireless clock system for multimedia datastream transmission and display. Source clock frames are compared with a reference clock frames and the clock difference are transmitted to a wireless clock receiver which also receives the same reference clock frames. Source clock frames are re-constructed using the reference clock frames, clock difference information and the receiver's local clock system. |
| US08671301B2 |
Method for ensuring synchronous presentation of additional data with audio data
A recording medium, method and apparatus for managing data are discussed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reproducing main data and additional data. The method includes receiving the additional data associated with the main data, the additional data being divided into a plurality of segment units; and reproducing the additional data in a synchronous manner with the main data using time information if indication information indicates a presence of the time information. The time information indicates a presentation time of the additional data with respect to the main data. The main data and the additional data are reproduced according to management data, the management data including link information for linking the main data and the additional data. |
| US08671300B2 |
Processing unit, process control system and control method
A processing unit is connected to another processing unit through a system bus composed of serial signal communication line and synchronization signal communication line to be able to communicate therewith. When an operation unit detects abnormal state in the processing unit, the operation unit supplies notification of detection of the abnormal state to synchronization unit. The synchronization unit transmits the received detection notification of abnormal state to the other processing unit through the synchronization signal communication line. Conversion unit receives parallel communication data from the operation unit through important signal line instead of general signal line and converts the received parallel signal into serial signal to be transmitted to the other processing unit through the serial signal communication line, thereby soundness among processing units connected to the system bus is ensured when the system bus is configured to attain serial communication. |
| US08671299B2 |
Delaying the initiation of transitioning to a lower power mode by placing a computer system into an intermediate power mode between a normal power mode and the lower power mode
According to one general aspect, a method may include operating a computing device in a first power mode. The method may also include executing, by a processor of the computing device, at least one non-interactive task. The method may also include detecting, by a processor of the computing device, a request to place the computing device in a second power mode, wherein the second power mode consumes less system resources than the first power mode. The method may further include delaying the transition of the computing device to the second power mode until either the completion of the non-interactive task or an overriding triggering event. |
| US08671296B2 |
Storage control apparatus and method
A storage control apparatus includes a controller for receiving an access command from a host computer and controlling an access to a storage device and a monitoring period obtaining section for obtaining a monitoring period corresponding to the access command. The storage device is capable of operating in one of a power saving state and a normal state. The controller causes the storage device to return from the power-saving state to the normal state if the storage device corresponding to the access command is in the power saving state, and sends the host computer a response for preventing a timeout corresponding to the access command if the storage device have not yet returned to the normal state when the monitoring period elapses from receiving the access command. |
| US08671293B2 |
Multi-core system energy consumption optimization
Techniques described herein generally relate to optimizing energy consumption in a computer system. In some examples an energy usage benchmark can be determined for a system component of the computer system by measuring performance levels and energy usages of the system component under a range of energy settings and utilization rates of the system component. A utilization rate of the system component can be determined based on prediction factors including the execution of a first set of instructions on the computer system. The system component can be configured to execute a second set of instructions after the first set of instructions by selecting an energy setting from the range of energy settings for operating the system component. The energy setting can be selected based on the energy usage benchmark and the determined utilization rate. |
| US08671291B2 |
Method and device for charging energy storage devices
Disclosed is a method (200) for charging energy storage devices. The method (200) can include a battery charging method in a power supply client connected by a data bus to a power supply host. The method (200) includes the steps of: detecting (210) a state of the power supply host; determining (220) a limit of current from the host to the client; allocating (230) a portion of the limit to a battery charging current; and charging (240) a battery of the client at the battery charging current such that the current from the host is greater than a recommended limit and less than or equal to the determined amount. Thus a client device can confidently charge at a rate which causes the port current to exceed a recommended limit, such as a USB port limit of 500 mA, when allowed by conditions of the host device. Advantageously, the method can help to expedite the charging time of a client battery, notwithstanding the number of other clients connected to the same host device for charging, thus minimizing the wait time of a user. |
| US08671290B2 |
Heat dissipating device
A heat dissipating device is provided. The heat dissipating device includes at least one fan, a temperature detecting unit, a fan control unit, and a power consumption control unit. The temperature detecting unit detects a temperature inside the host. The fan control unit controls the rotating speed of the fan. The power consumption control unit calculates the total power consumption of the host, and outputs a control signal to the fan control unit according to the temperature inside the host and the total power consumption of the host, so as to adjust the rotating speed of the fan. |
| US08671289B2 |
Multi-port interface circuit and associated power saving method
In one aspect, a multi-port interface circuit applied to a playback apparatus which is able to switch among a plurality of input ports coupled to a plurality of source devices for playing back. Each input port has a receiver, the receiver including a front-end for receiving and processing a data stream from the source device and providing a data enable signal, and further including a content protection circuit for performing content protection according to the data enable signal. Each receiver records data enable information associated with the data enable signal of the data stream in an initial status. When one input port is selected, receivers of the other input ports operate in a power saving mode, the front-end circuits stop receiving the data stream, and the content protection circuit maintains operation according to a regenerated enable signal, which is regenerated according to the data enable information. |
| US08671287B2 |
Redundant power supply configuration for a data center
A redundant power supply configuration for a data center is provided. A method includes receiving instructions to operate power supplies at a high current mode. An individual current for each of the power supplies is calculated to total a high current at the high current mode. The power supplies are operated at the high current mode to provide the high current at the high current mode. In response to operation at the high current mode being complete, the power supplies are operated at a normal mode to provide a normal current at the normal current mode. |
| US08671284B1 |
Security model for actor-based languages and apparatus, methods, and computer programming products using same
An application includes: a programming model including a service provider, first components, second components, and sinks communicating via messages. Each of the second components is assigned a unique capability. A given one of the first components routes a message from the given first component to second component(s) and then to a sink. Each of the second component(s) sends the message to the service provider. The service provider creates a token corresponding at least to a received message and a unique capability assigned to an associated one of the second component(s) and sends the token to the associated one of the second component(s). The selected sink receives the message and a token corresponding to each of the second component(s), verifies each received token, and either accepts the message if each of the received tokens is verified or ignores the message if at least one of the received tokens is not verified. |
| US08671283B2 |
Checking of apparatus certificates and apply codes associated with apparatus identifiers found in apparatus certificates
An information processing apparatus includes: a data processing unit that acquires content codes including a data processing program recorded in an information recording medium and executes data processing according to the content codes; and a memory that stores an apparatus certificate including an apparatus identifier of the information processing apparatus. The data processing unit is configured to execute an apparatus checking process applying the apparatus certificate stored in the memory on the basis of a code for apparatus checking process included in the content codes, acquire the apparatus identifier recorded in the apparatus certificate after the apparatus checking process, and execute data processing applying content codes corresponding to the acquired apparatus identifier. |
| US08671282B2 |
Digital data authentication and security system
The present invention includes a system and process for monitoring the transmission of secured, marked digital files. A cryptographic token inertly embedded in markup language tags of digital files is sought at a transmission gateway. |
| US08671279B2 |
Incremental secure backup and restore of user settings and data
Methods and apparatuses for performing secure incremental backup and restore operations are disclosed. |
| US08671278B2 |
Multiprotocol communication authentication
A method for authenticating a transmission between a first and a second circuit transiting through at least one third circuit, wherein: data are transmitted from the first to the third circuit, and from the third to the second circuit; a first signature of the data is calculated by the first circuit; at least a second signature of the data is calculated by the third circuit; at least one first portion of the first signature is transmitted by the first circuit to the third one; and the second signature is transmitted by the third circuit to the second one, a portion of this signature being distorted in case of a failure of authentication of the first portion of the first signature by the third circuit. |
| US08671276B2 |
Method for passing selective encrypted attributes of specific versions of objects in a distributed system
The present invention provides a computer implemented method, system, and computer program product for selective encryption of a data transmission. A data transmission is received. When the data transmission is received, the data transmission is unmarshaled. When the transmission is unmarshaled, objects and a set of sensitive fields within the data transmission are identified by referencing a metadata database. Only the set of sensitive fields within the data transmission are encrypted to form a partially encrypted data transmission. The partially encrypted data transmission is marshaled to form a marshaled data transmission. The marshaled data transmission is transmitted to a recipient. |
| US08671271B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for BIOS level contextual configuration of resources
A system and method for a contextual control of resources of a computer. A plurality of detection modules may inform a configuration module of context changes and events. A database may store a plurality of configuration parameters and policies. A configuration module may configure a BIOS of a computer according to events, context and configuration policies. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08671270B2 |
System connected to a memory for storing an extended firmware having a bios emulator in which the bios emulator is overwritten using a interruption vector for handling a bios call
A computer system including no basic input/output system (BIOS) for operating bootstrap used in initial activation of a legacy operation system is allowed to perform booting of legacy operation system therefor and includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, in which extended firmware and bootstrap program are stored. The extended firmware includes BIOS emulator and a plurality of device drivers. The extended firmware uses the device driver to make the BIOS emulator perform emulation of BIOS operation in response to a BIOS call issued by the bootstrap program. |
| US08671269B2 |
Branch predictor accuracy by forwarding table updates to pending branch predictions
A method and apparatus are provided for increasing the accuracy of a branch predictor. A branch prediction table provides a first instance of a branch prediction value associated with an instruction being speculatively executed a first time; and provides a second instance of the branch prediction value associated with the instruction being speculatively executed a second rime. The first instance of the branch prediction value may be subsequently revised after the instruction associated with the first instance of the branch prediction value is retired. Information regarding whether that branch instruction was accurately predicted may then be used to update the branch prediction table and the second instance of the branch prediction value. |
| US08671268B2 |
Apparatus and method for configurable processing
A configurable execution unit comprises operators capable of being dynamically configured by an instruction at the level of processing multi-bit operand values. The unit comprises one or more dynamically configurable operator modules, the or each module being connectable to receive input operands indicated in an instruction, and a programmable lookup table connectable to receive dynamic configuration information determined from an opcode portion of the instruction and capable of generating operator configuration settings defining an aspect of the function or behavior of a configurable operator module, responsive to the dynamic configuration information in the instruction. |
| US08671267B2 |
Monitoring processing time in a shared pipeline
A pipelined processing device includes: a device controller configured to receive a request to perform an operation; a plurality of subcontrollers configured to receive at least one instruction associated with the operation, each of the plurality of subcontrollers including a counter configured to generate an active time value indicating at least a portion of a time taken to process the at least one instruction; a pipeline processor configured to receive and process the at least one instruction, the pipeline processor configured to receive the active time value; and a shared pipeline storage area configured to store the active time value for each of the plurality of subcontrollers. |
| US08671264B2 |
Storage control device and storage system
A storage control device for controlling the storage device including a medium for storing data, logical address information, and address translation information and a memory for storing the address translation information read from the medium includes a first receiver for receiving a write request including logical address information, a first sending module for sending a read request including the logical address information of the write request to the storage device, a second receiver for receiving data and logical address information stored in the medium in accordance with the read request from the storage device, and a second sending module for sending an instruction to cause the storage device to write the address translation information stored in the medium into the memory when the logical address information received by the second receiver is different from logical address information included in the write request. |
| US08671263B2 |
Implementing optimal storage tier configurations for a workload in a dynamic storage tiering system
A method for Dynamic Storage Tiering (DST) may include identifying a first storage tier with a performance characteristic. The method may include monitoring the utilization of the first storage tier to detect the placement of a hot spot. The method may include logically dividing a continuous range of a plurality of logical addresses into at least a first segment and a second segment so the first segment includes a proportionally larger amount of the hot spot. The method may include moving the first segment into a second storage tier or moving the second segment into the second storage tier. The method may include determining an amount of utilization of the first storage tier by hot spots. The method may include recommending a change in an amount of storage space in the first storage tier based upon the amount of utilization of the first storage tier by the hot spots. |
| US08671258B2 |
Storage system logical block address de-allocation management
Storage system Logical Block Address (LBA) de-allocation management and data hardening provide improvements in performance, efficiency, and utility of use. Optionally, LBA de-allocation information in a first format (e.g. associated with a first protocol) is converted to a second format (e.g. associated with a second protocol). An example of the first protocol is a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) protocol, and an example of the second protocol is an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) protocol. Optionally, LBA de-allocation status information is determined by a storage device, such as a Solid-State Disk (SSD), and communicated to another device such as an initiator, expander, or bridge. |
| US08671257B2 |
Memory system having multiple channels and method of generating read commands for compaction in memory system
According to one embodiment, a valid-cluster search module searches valid clusters included in first blocks, in each of channels, for compaction. A read command generator generates read commands used to read, in parallel, valid clusters to be migrated to a second block. The valid clusters searched in each of the channels comprise the valid clusters to be migrated. The valid clusters to be migrated correspond to a number of clusters simultaneously written to the second block and to a second number of channels in a first number of channels. A determination module determines the second number of channels corresponding to read commands to be generated next based on a situation of issuance of the read commands. |
| US08671251B2 |
Information processing apparatus that executes response process to received information, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An information processing apparatus that is capable of preventing the overwriting of an incoming packet without disconnecting the network connection. The information processing apparatus receives incoming information via a network, stores it into a storage area, and executes a response process thereto. A response processing unit executes the response process to the incoming information. A first change unit switches so that the incoming information is stored into a second storage area after the incoming information, which is a factor to shift to a power mode from a power saving mode, is stored into a first storage area. A second change unit switches so that the incoming information is stored into the first storage area after the response processing unit executes the response process to the incoming information stored in the first storage area. |
| US08671249B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for managing storage capacity recovery
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing storage capacity recovery. A monitor module determines a workload write bandwidth for a sequential log-based data storage device. The workload write bandwidth includes a rate at which workload write operations generate reclaimable storage capacity on the data storage device. A target module determines a target reclamation write bandwidth for the data storage device. A capacity reclaim rate is associated with the target reclamation write bandwidth. The capacity reclaim rate satisfies the workload write bandwidth for the data storage device. A reclaim rate module determines a prospective reclamation write bandwidth for the data storage device, based on the workload write bandwidth, to correspond to the capacity reclaim rate associated with the target reclamation write bandwidth. |
| US08671244B2 |
Simulating a memory standard
An apparatus includes multiple first memory circuits, each first memory circuit being associated with a first memory standard, where the first memory standard defines a first set of control signals that each first memory circuit circuits is operable to accept and defines a first version of a protocol. The apparatus also includes an interface circuit coupled to the first memory circuits, in which the interface circuit is operable to emulate at least one second memory circuit, each second memory circuit being associated with a second different memory standard. The second different memory standard defines a second set of control signals that the emulated second memory circuit is operable to accept and defines a second different version of a protocol. Both the first version of the protocol and the second different version of the protocol are associated either with DDR2 dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or with DDR3 DRAM. |
| US08671228B1 |
System and methods for managing virtual adapter instances
System and method for managing a virtual adapter instance associated with a physical adapter is provided. The method includes configuring a monitoring module for detecting change in configuration of the virtual adapter instance; detecting if the configuration has changed for the virtual adapter instance, at any given time; comparing a changed configuration with a previous configuration of the virtual adapter instance; installing a new virtual adapter instance, if new information is present in the changed configuration; and uninstalling the virtual adapter instance, if information from the previous configuration was removed. |
| US08671213B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating graphical and media displays at a client
The invention generally relates to generating a display having graphical and/or media components at a client. In one aspect, a method for generating a graphical display at a client includes transmitting output from an application program executing on a server to the client, identifying a non-textual element within the application output, retrieving a compressed data format associated with the non-textual element, and transmitting to the client the compressed data format in place of the non-textual element. In another aspect, a method for generating a media presentation at a client includes transmitting output from an application program executing on a server to the client, identifying a media stream within the application output, intercepting an original compressed data set representing at least a portion of the media stream before processing by the application program, and transmitting the original compressed data set to the client. |
| US08671209B2 |
Mobile terminal management system, network device, and mobile terminal operation control method used for them
The object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal management system in which a mobile terminal can rapidly decide a PMIP operation or CMIP operation in accordance with the policy of a network administrator. According to the present invention, a network notifies a mobile terminal whether or not the mobile terminal is operable with the PMIP function. Moreover, the mobile terminal of the present invention transmits, to the network, notification saying that a use request for CMIP function has been stored in accordance with the policy of a terminal side, such as user setting or service contents, upon connection or hand-over to the access network. |
| US08671207B2 |
Communication network system
The communication network system comprises: a relay device (40) interposed between nodes (30); and a setting device (50) connected to the relay device (40). The relay device (40) comprises: a relay unit (401) configured to relay between the nodes (30); and a routing unit (403) configured to control the relay unit (401) in accordance with the partition information stored in the partition information storage unit (402). The setting device (50) comprises: a broker information storage unit (502) configured to store the broker information received by the communication unit (501); a broker information setting unit (503) configured to generate the partition information based on the broker information stored in the broker information storage unit (502); and a partition information update unit (504) configured to update the partition information stored in the partition information storage unit (402) to the partition information generated by the broker information setting unit (503). |
| US08671203B2 |
System and method for delivery of data files using service provider networks
An adaptive file delivery system and method transmits a data file, such as an audio-video file, over a network or collection of networks in segments, each segment transmitted during a different time period. In one embodiment, data files are transmitted on behalf of a third party using one or more service provider networks. In an exemplary embodiment, the third party contracts with the sending system to transmit the data files using the service provider networks to transmit data files to customers of the respective service provider networks. The data file is transmitted as a plurality of segments and transmitted in such a way so as to prevent congestion in the respective service provider networks. |
| US08671200B2 |
Method for transporting data over a data connection and network component
The invention relates to a method for transporting data over a data connection between a sending network component and a receiving network component via a network. The method solves a problem with the reliable data transport protocol according to which a number of data transport packets will be acknowledged in regular time intervals. When such an acknowledge message is lost, the sending network component will have to keep the data for the purpose of retransmission and cannot free its sending buffer. The invention proposes to repeat such an acknowledge message as a precaution for the case that it gets lost after a short time. The time for repeating is set to be less than an RTT (round trip time for the connection). The solution disregards the fact that no statement about the reception of the acknowledge message can get back to the receiver before the RTT has elapsed. For wide area connections in high bandwidth networks, where high RTT values exist, this has the advantage that significant delays in carrying on sending data or unnecessary retransmissions of significant amount of data can be avoided. |
| US08671197B2 |
Network aware forward caching
A network includes a cache server and a network aware server that operates to determine an optimization between a cost of retrieving content from a communication network and a cost of caching content at the cache server. The optimization is determined as a minimum of a sum of a transit cost, a backbone cost, and a caching cost. The transit cost includes a money cost per data unit. The backbone cost includes a money cost per data unit and time unit. The caching cost includes a money cost per server unit. In response to determining the optimization, the network aware server sends a content identifier to the cache server, and the cache server receives the content identifier, determines a source of a content item, and if the source is the same as the content identifier, then cache the content item. |
| US08671194B2 |
System and method for stateless, fault tolerance and load balanced data collection using overlay namespaces
A resource monitoring method may include determining, at a first monitoring node, a load level for each monitoring node of a plurality of monitoring nodes including the first monitoring node and a second monitoring node based on a namespace associated with the first monitoring node. The namespace may include an overlay namespace and a local namespace. The local namespace may identify objects being monitored by the first monitoring node. The overlay namespace may include local viewpoints for other monitoring nodes of the plurality of monitoring nodes including the second monitoring node. Each local viewpoint may identify one or more objects that are monitored by a respective other monitoring node. The method may further include prohibiting the first monitoring node from instituting a new object creation request if the load level of the second monitoring node is lower than the load level of the first monitoring node. |
| US08671192B2 |
Internet use monitoring system
A system for monitoring Internet use of a selected computer user includes a remote server and a computer having a monitoring program voluntarily installed thereon by the user communicatively connected to the remote server. The monitoring program is configured to monitor various Internet access activity of the computer user and record the Internet access activity on the remote server. The Internet access activity includes access of at least one Internet protocol from the group consisting of newsgroups, file sharing programs, file transfer programs, chat rooms, peer to peer chats, and electronic mail activity. A method of using a monitoring system includes the steps of a computer user voluntarily installing a monitoring program on a selected computer, recording the Internet access activity, and providing the recorded information to a third party recipient. A report may be provided that includes a variety of information and may include a plurality of portions. |
| US08671188B2 |
Techniques for measuring peer-to-peer (P2P) networks
Techniques for measuring Peer-To-Peer (P2P) networks are provided. P2P are initially seeded with links to feigned content. As a P2P participant accesses a link metrics are recorded about the P2P network being used by the participant. The metrics are used to form measurements to compare different P2P networks relative to one another. |
| US08671187B1 |
Client-independent network supervision application
A network monitoring and control application suitable for use by teachers and other users is implemented using wireless access points and does not require specific software to be installed on client network devices. The application uses student and class information to organize network client information. Upon receiving a monitoring request, one or more classes assigned to the teacher are identified by accessing class data. Class data is accessed to identify students assigned to the class and the client network devices used by these students. One wireless access point providing wireless network connections to at least a portion of the students' devices is selected to collect network activity information from the students' devices and presents this information to the teacher. The teacher may also use the selected wireless access point to disable students' network access or to redirect students' devices to a network resource. |
| US08671185B2 |
Data transmission between devices based on bandwidth availability
In one embodiment, in response to data to be transmitted to or from an electronic device, the electronic device determines whether the electronic device currently has a first network connection with a sufficiently high bandwidth. If the electronic device currently does not have a first network connection with a sufficiently high bandwidth, then the electronic device estimates a future time when the electronic device is likely to have a second network connection with a sufficiently high bandwidth, and schedules transmission of the data at the future time. |
| US08671183B2 |
System for internet scale visualization and detection of performance events
A system for visualization of performance measurements is disclosed. The system may include an electronic data processor configured to receive a stream of the performance measurements and select a maximum number of leaf nodes of a plurality of nodes for use in an adaptive decision tree. Additionally, the electronic processor may be configured to determine a depth of each branch in the adaptive decision tree needed to differentiate performance among internet protocol addresses in an internet protocol prefix of each node. Each of the plurality of nodes may be annotated with a predicted latency category and the processor may be configured to generate the adaptive decision tree based on the maximum number of leaf nodes selected, the depth of each branch determined, the predicted latency category, and on the stream of performance measurements associated with the network. Moreover, the processor may display the adaptive decision tree. |
| US08671181B2 |
Host entry synchronization
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, synchronizing records in peer devices. In one aspect, a method includes comparing, in a first peer device, a peer record received from a second peer device based on an IP address of the peer record from the second peer device and an IP address of a record stored in a host table of the first peer device. Unique agent identifiers, MAC addresses and time stamps are also compared to determine whether the peer record indicates a new host device, a new IP assignment to a known host device, or a new user logged into a known host device. |
| US08671180B2 |
Method and system for generic application liveliness monitoring for business resiliency
A system and method for monitoring liveliness includes a management device which has an application layer where applications are executed. A connection monitor is located other than on the application layer, and the connection monitor is configured to receive requests from clients and deliver the requests to components on the application layer. The components include a generic application monitor which responds to liveliness monitor requests from the clients for all applications monitored, and one or more applications which response to requests to that application. |
| US08671176B1 |
Virtual network prototyping environment
A system includes a storage device to store information associated with virtual nodes that correspond to network nodes. The system also includes a server to install a virtual node that corresponds to one of the network nodes, based on the information associated with the virtual node, where installing the virtual node includes creating a logical interface for sending traffic to, or receiving traffic from, other virtual nodes; start the virtual node to create an operating virtual node based on a copy of an operating system that runs on the network node, where starting the virtual node causes the operational virtual node to execute the copy of the operating system; and cause the operating virtual node to communicate with a virtual network, that includes the other virtual nodes, to allow the operating virtual node to receive or forward traffic associated with the virtual network. |
| US08671175B2 |
Managing security features of a browser
A method, system, and computer usable program product for managing a security database in a computer memory by presenting a content delivery unit in a browser window on a computer display, identifying a plurality of domains associated with the content delivery unit wherein a first set of the plurality of domains is associated with hyperlinks in the content delivery unit, receiving user input selecting a security category for a second set of domains, and associating the second set of domains with the selected security category in the security database. |
| US08671173B2 |
Information processing device, counting method, and computer program
There is provided an information processing device which counts a use amount at a time when a user uses a data processing device, as the use amount corresponding to the relevant user. The information processing device comprises: an input unit for inputting discrimination information of a first user; an acquisition unit for, after the discrimination information is input by the input unit, acquiring permission to count the use amount at a time when a second user uses the data processing device, as the use amount corresponding to the first user, from said first user; and a counting unit for, in a case where the permission is acquired by the acquisition unit, counting the use amount at the time when the second user uses the data processing device, as the use amount corresponding to the first user. |
| US08671166B2 |
Methods and systems for deploying hardware files to a computer
A method and system may include deploying a base system image to a computer, identifying a hardware device associated with the computer, and analyzing an archive comprising a node and a hardware file, the node comprising a deployment condition for determining whether to deploy the hardware file to the computer. The method and system may further include analyzing the hardware device to determine whether the hardware device complies with the deployment condition, and deploying the hardware file to the computer if the hardware device complies with the deployment condition. |
| US08671164B2 |
Efficient size optimization of visual information or auditory information
A file, including visual information or auditory information may be uploaded to a processing device. Respective portions of content of the file may be identified for compressing and saving at respective bit rates. A number of component files may be created, compressed and saved, at the respective bit rates, based on the identified respective portions of content of the file. A network page, including a reference to the uploaded file, may be created. The reference to the uploaded file, in the network page, may be replaced with references to the compressed, saved component files and the network page may be saved. A processing device of a user may request the network page and the compressed, saved component files. A reasonable facsimile of the file may be reproduced based on an aggregate of the compressed, saved component files. |
| US08671157B2 |
System and method for optimizing name-resolution overhead in a caching network intermediary device
The present invention describes a system, method, and article of manufacture for resolving names received in network protocol requests by a network intermediary device coupled between a client network and a server network. A deferred trust model caching engine in the network intermediary device includes a transactor module configured to efficiently process a protocol request with a sequence of determinant criteria, although the sequence can occur in different orders. The deferred trust model caching engine includes a cacheability evaluator component configured to determine whether the protocol request is for a resource that the protocol permits to be cached by the network intermediate device, and a supplier trust evaluator component configured to compare information about the client's network protocol request and a cached object representation to determine if the object is trustworthy or not. The cached object representation associates an object with a supplier identity and a supplier trust property. |
| US08671156B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing communication history
A method and apparatus for providing a communication history of a terminal in a Session Initiation Protocol/Internet Protocol (SIP/IP) core network. When a user having a plurality of terminals sends a subscribe request for a communication history of the terminals to a server, the server transmits all communication history information associated with the plurality of terminals to any one of the terminals each time the communication histories associated with the terminals are newly registered. The terminal, which has received the communication history information, can request and receive presence information of a corresponding terminal, which is included in the communication history information, if needed. |
| US08671155B2 |
System and method of employing a client side device to access local and remote data during communication distruptions
A method and system are provided for locally storing data obtained from a plurality of sources, including a remote server, a local server and a client terminal device. A local communication device is provided to include a plurality of applications that access data stored on at least one of the remote server, the local server and the client terminal device and provides access to the data during time periods when the client terminal device is disconnected from at least one of the local server and the remote server. The local communication device includes applications that gather data from the local server, the remote server and the client terminal device and generate a database to store the gathered data. The local communication device includes a conversion module that generates a predefined format for the gathered data prior to storing the data on the database. |
| US08671154B2 |
System and method for contextual addressing of communications on a network
The disclosure describes systems and methods delivering communications based on contextual addresses. An address string containing two or more identifiers, which may not be unique identifiers, and at least one conditional operator are provided as the address for a message or communication. The system identifies contextual relationships between a plurality of entities based on prior communications between the entities over the network. Based the contextual relationships, each identifier in the address string is disambiguated to identify one of the entities as a recipient and any associated delivery conditions controlling the delivery of the communication. The communication is then delivered to the identified recipient in accordance with the delivery condition. |
| US08671153B1 |
Low cost, high performance and high data throughput server blade
A server blade insertable into a chassis of a blade server system includes a main circuit board coupled to the chassis upon insertion, a plurality of connectors residing on the main circuit board, a plurality of grouped hard disk drives, and a plurality of computer modules, each insertable into a corresponding one of the connectors. Each of the grouped hard disk drives couples to one or more of the computer modules. Each of the grouped hard disk drives includes a first hard disk drive exposed proximate to a front side of the chassis, and a second hard disk drive positioned between the first hard disk drive and a back side of the chassis. A subset of the grouped hard disk drives includes a first grouped hard disk drive and a second grouped hard disk drive stacked on the first grouped hard disk drive. |
| US08671152B2 |
Network processor system and network protocol processing method
A multiprocessor system is provided for emulating remote direct memory access (RDMA) functions. The first sub-processing unit (SPU) generates a message to be transmitted. The second SPU is a processor for emulating the RDMA functions. Upon receiving a notification from the first SPU, the second SPU synthesizes the message into a packet according to a RDMA protocol. The third SPU is a processor for performing a TCP/IP protocol processing. Upon receiving a notification from the second SPU, the third SPU synthesizes the packet generated according to the RDMA protocol into a TCP/IP packet and then sends it out from a network interface card. |
| US08671150B2 |
Automatically managing objectionable behavior in a web-based social network
A system and method for curtailing objectionable behavior in a web-based social network is disclosed. The method includes monitoring various actions of users of a web-based social network for objectionable behavior. The monitored actions are those that affect other users of the social network. A policy is determined based on behaviors of users. The policy may be violated by a user if the user exceeds a policy threshold. Some monitored actions include the poking, friend requesting, and wall posting. A policy may be violated by multiple occurrences of a single type of action or by a combination of different types of actions. Upon a policy violation, a warning may be issued to the user or the user's account may be suspended. |
| US08671146B2 |
Presence aware notification for information technology management
Systems and methods for information technology (IT) management, utilizing presence aware notification, are disclosed. In an implementation, the method includes receiving availability or online status of one or more users at an IT management server. The IT management server queries a monitoring database for one or more alerts. The one or more alerts are sent to the one or more users based on respective availability or online status. |
| US08671143B2 |
Virtual badge, device and method
A system, method, and device comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. A virtual badge can be displayed on a cell phone or in another linked portable device, and for security purposes, has images which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. Whether for after a disaster or for daily use, the system uses cell phones or mobile devices loaded with specialized software. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped—including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency. The system can be employed by the “Whole Community”—citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and government agencies—for social media, business, cleanup, insurance adjusters, or personnel focused on day to day operations or on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. |
| US08671138B2 |
Network adapter with shared database for message context information
A network interface adapter includes a network interface and a client interface, for coupling to a client device so as to receive from the client device work requests to send messages over the network using a plurality of transport service instances. Message processing circuitry, coupled between the network interface and the client interface, includes an execution unit, which generates the messages in response to the work requests and passes the messages to the network interface to be sent over the network. A memory stores records of the messages that have been generated by the execution unit in respective lists according to the transport service instances with which the messages are associated. A completion unit receives the records from the memory and, responsive thereto, reports to the client device upon completion of the messages. |
| US08671132B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for policy-based data management
A policy-based data management system, method, and apparatus are disclosed. The system, method, and apparatus are configured to operate over a distributed storage system such as a storage area network (SAN). Files to be stored on the network are each assigned a service class and a storage pool based on the application of policies to file attributes such as file name, type, user, etc. The service class and storage pool designations are stored as metadata. Files may be retrieved using the metadata to identify the storage pool where the file is stored, and the service class listed within the metadata may be used to control the manner in which the file is handled. A metadata server may be utilized to provide the appropriate service class of files in response to requests from remote clients that may be of different computing platforms. |
| US08671130B2 |
System and method for managing data items
A system for managing the exchange of data items between a mail database on a mail server and a mobile communication device operable to send and receive data items over a wireless network, wherein the mail database and the mobile communication device are associated with a user address and wherein the data items are stored in the mail database and referenced by corresponding mail database identifiers, includes a state database associated with the user address. The state database is operable to receive and store the mail database identifiers corresponding to the data items stored in the mail database. |
| US08671128B1 |
Method and apparatus for a finite impulse response filter
A finite impulse response filter (FIR) for processing a communication channel. The FIR comprises a delay line, a tap processor and a summer. The delay line has “N” taps to successive portions of the communication channel. The delay line shifts the successive portions of the communication channel once in each symbol processing interval. The tap processor subjects each of the “N” taps to a first scaling utilizing first scaling coefficients associated with filtering the current symbol interval and further subjects at least one of the “N” taps to a second scaling by a second scaling coefficient associated with filtering the prior symbol interval. The summer generates in each symbol interval a filtered output comprising a sum of the “N” scaled taps from the first scaling in the prior symbol interval and the second scaling of the at least one tap in the current symbol interval, thereby increasing an order of the FIR without corresponding increase in an order of the delay line. |
| US08671127B2 |
Method for reducing digital filter coefficient word size and apparatus therefor
Electronic component resource utilization for certain digital filters may be significantly reduced by using a method for determining a set of coefficient words using a smaller word size. The disclosed method and/or apparatus may be used to determine an initial set of coefficient words for a digital filter for a predetermined frequency, a predetermined quality factor (“Q”), and a predetermined sampling frequency, and determining a gain error value for the digital filter for the set of coefficient words. If the determined gain error value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the quality factor may be modified by multiple predetermined amounts. The set of coefficient words may be redetermined using the modified quality factors as often as necessary until the gain error drops below the predetermined threshold. |
| US08671123B2 |
Contextual icon-oriented search tool
A context icon-oriented user interface for indicating search criteria allows a user to select a first icon associated with an individual for which information associated with a second icon, and potentially select further icons that are retrieved and presented to the user. A context determines the universe of first icons that are presented for selection by the user, and a stickiness level between the user and individuals in the universe of first icons may further reduce the universe of first icons based on various factors, including prior interaction with the user. Search results based on a combination of icons are then returned to the user, allowing the user to visually request searches without recalling keywords used to define the search query. |
| US08671122B2 |
Automatic reconciliation of discrepancies in asset attribute values
Discrepancies in two sets of asset data for an organization are identified and automatically reconciled. One set of asset data may be compiled using automatic physical discovery software while the other set is from a financial system of the organization. Automatic reconciliation is performed according to user-configurable rules and corresponding user-configurable actions. |
| US08671119B2 |
Method and system for content management
Systems and methods are described which facilitate content management in a network environment. Content types can be modeled by end users based on data usage and automatically generated by a content management system based on a user-defined data model. From these content types, content type objects may be generated. The data may then be examined to acquire a key set, and a content instance object generated for each datum found which matches a content type. This content instance object can then be associated with the datum using one or more key values, saved, and subsequently used to manage the data. These methods and systems allow data to be migrated to a content management system without any modification to the existing data repository or its associated structures. |
| US08671118B2 |
Apparatus, method and program for assisting medical report creation and providing medical information
On a medical report editing screen, comments on a lesion are entered as selective input data through a lesion describing template having term selection buttons. The selective input data are stored in a database in association with a lesion ID given to each lesion. To describe another similar lesion in the same report, a copy of the previous template is displayed as an additional tab reproducing the same condition as the previous template. By searching using the selective input data or the lesion ID, data of past medical reports on the same lesion are retrieved from the database. Using the retrieved data, information on the course of this lesion is displayed. A template describing the same lesion in the past medical report is usable for describing the lesion in the present report, and the selective input data of the present report is stored with the same lesion ID used previously. |
| US08671117B2 |
System and method for selecting user experience design resources
A system and method is provided for retrieving disparate design data in connection with the design of a device, a service, or a system. A user design application enables users to store disparate data according to predefined links in a central data source. The user design application also enables users to query the central data source to retrieve relevant disparate design data based on the predefined relationships. |
| US08671116B2 |
Efficient segment detection for deduplication
Mechanisms are provided for efficiently detecting segments for deduplication. Data is analyzed to determine file types and file components. File types such as images may have optimal data segment boundaries set at the file boundaries. Other file types such as container files are delayered to extract objects to set optimal data segment boundaries based on file type or based on the boundaries of the individual objects. Storage of unnecessary information is minimized in a deduplication dictionary while allowing for effective deduplication. |
| US08671115B2 |
System, method and software for providing persistent entity identification and linking entity information in an integrated data repository
The present invention provides a system, method and software for linking persistent and unique business identifiers, associated with business entities, for associating corresponding business records without a loss of historical records, regardless of subsequent changes, updates, and mergers. In the various embodiments, a first business record, of the plurality of business records, is associated with a first business identifier; and a second business record, which does not match the first record, is associated with a second business identifier. Subsequently, when the first business identifier and the second business identifier are determined to correspond to a singular business entity, the first business identifier and the second business identifier are linked, and respective associations of the first business record and the second business record with the linked first business identifier and second business identifier are maintained, with corresponding source references, and collectively utilized in subsequent search and match determinations. |
| US08671110B1 |
Collaborative modeling environment
A system may receive a model, extract information from the model, form a group of tags using the extracted information, and associate the group of tags with the model. The system may further receive a search query including one or more sequences of characters and determine whether to provide the model in a list of models created for the search query, based on the one or more sequences of characters and the group of tags. |
| US08671109B2 |
Content-based video copy detection
A method to detect video copying based on content. The method comprises providing a set of reference data elements derived from a set of reference video frames in a reference video stream; providing a set of query data elements derived from a set of query video frames in a query video stream, each of the query data elements having a corresponding query data element identifier; associating with each of the reference data elements a fingerprint selected from among the query data element identifiers; and determining a similarity measure for the query video stream relative to the reference video stream by a comparison of the query data element identifiers to the fingerprints. |
| US08671108B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting website orphan content
A method and system for detecting orphan content in a hierarchical data tree are provided. The method includes receiving, at the computer, a selection of at least one directory that includes a plurality of data files to be analyzed, analyzing all links embedded within the data files stored in the at least one selected directory, detecting files that are not referenced by a link in any other data file, determining that no other links are embedded within the data files stored in the at least one selected directory, and generating an orphan content report that includes link data for each orphan file detected. |
| US08671107B2 |
Method and apparatus for global information reporting
Systems and methods for global information reporting are provided. A global information reporting system according to the invention may include a database configured to store reporting information, memory configured to store execution instructions and a processor coupled with the database and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the instructions. Preferably the system incorporates HTML with active areas. The active areas load small Java® applets, permitting rapid page loads. The Java® applets facilitate manipulation of the viewable portion of reports. The same applets can search data in the viewable and the non-viewable portions of the data set. Sticky notes may be attached to reports or transaction to “follow” the data during storage and provide persistent reminders. |
| US08671104B2 |
System and method for providing orientation into digital information
A system and method for providing orientation into digital information is provided. A plurality of evergreen indexes for subject areas are maintained. The evergreen indexes include digital information and are each organized by topics that include a topic model matched to the digital information. A user interest within the digital information is determined. The topic models for the evergreen indexes are evaluated against the user interest and those topics models that best match the user interest are identified. Access to the digital information is provided via at least one of the topic models in at least one of the evergreen indexes. |
| US08671103B2 |
Method for semantic service registration and query based on WordNet
A method for semantic service registration and query based on WordNet is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: (1) semantic service registration: a service provider registers a service and uploads the Web Service Description Language (WSDL) document corresponding to the service, and a system parses the WSDL document to form a service description tree, then constructs a WordNet ontology tree according to the input of the service, performs a semantic annotation on the input/output of the service to form a Web Service Semantic Description Document (WSDL-S), and finally stores it in a register library; (2) semantic service discovery: a service requester inputs the information of service type, semantic information of the service input/output and other user-defined information to the register library to retrieve the services meeting the requirements; and (3) similarity sorting: the services meeting a certain threshold are sorted in descending order. The method has the advantages of the combination of WordNet ontology library and the semantic description language of WSDL-S, and definite semantic meaning. |
| US08671096B2 |
Methods and apparatus for context-sensitive information retrieval based on interactive user notes
Information retrieval systems and methods are provided based on interactive user notes. Information is retrieved from one or more data sources based on user notes by obtaining the user notes containing one or more information requests; identifying the one or more information requests from the user notes; interpreting at least one of the information requests in context; generating one or more queries required for the at least one interpreted information request; identifying an update to the user notes, the update containing one or more updated information requests; and processing the updated user notes to generate one or more queries required for the updated information requests. If the user notes contain multiple information requests, at least one query is generated for each of the plurality of information requests. The information requests can be interpreted based on user-specified context guides. |
| US08671094B2 |
System and method for providing document based on personal network
Provided are a system and method for providing a document based on a personal network. The document providing system may include a community searching unit to search for a community associated with a first document prepared by a first user, a document registration unit to register the first document in the searched community, and to receive a second document, associated with the first document, registered by a second user included in the community, and a document providing unit to provide the second document associated with the first document. According to embodiments of the present invention, a response that the first user may desire may be provided by receiving a response, registered by the second user included in the community associated with the first user, with respect to the document prepared by the first user. |
| US08671093B2 |
Click model for search rankings
Approaches and techniques are discussed for ranking the documents indicated in search results for a query based on click-through information collected for the query in previous query sessions. According to an embodiment of the invention, when calculating a relevance score for a particular document, one may overcome positional bias by utilizing click-through information about other documents previously returned in the same search results as the particular document. According to an embodiment, one may utilize Dynamic Bayesian Network, based on said click-through information, to model relevance. According to an embodiment of the invention, one may utilize click-through information to generate targets for learning a ranking function. |
| US08671090B2 |
Web service folder interface
A method of utilizing a Web Service folder interface. A user defines a folder in a local folder directory as a Web Services enabled folder. The folder includes file data and metadata corresponding to the file data. The metadata includes a configurable Web Services type property that corresponds to a remote Web Service. The metadata also includes a configurable data handling property that includes one or more allowable file formats. When a user submits the file data to the remote Web Service by selecting an option in a pull down menu of a graphical user interface (GUI) or dropping the file data in a local output folder, the operating system (OS) sends the file data to the remote Web Service. The OS automatically converts an output file received from the remote Web Service into one of the allowable file formats and updates the local file data with the output file. |
| US08671088B2 |
System and method for providing a natural language interface to a database
A system and method for providing a natural language interface to a database or the Internet. The method provides a response from a database to a natural language query. The method comprises receiving a user query, extracting key data from the user query, submitting the extracted key data to a data base search engine to retrieve a top n pages from the data base, processing of the top n pages through a natural language dialog engine and providing a response based on processing the top n pages. |
| US08671085B2 |
Consistent database recovery across constituent segments
A distributed database transaction coordination manager's outcome store may be unavailable to resolve in-doubt transactions locally, e.g., after an unclean detach, during an outcomes store restore, or during a logical database restore. To facilitate transactional consistency, AGEs and values based on them are used. Some code avoids reformatting any closed physical portion for reuse based on the segment's most recently received minimum of persisted AGEs. Some code commits any in-doubt transactions that appear on an aggregate list and aborts any not on the aggregate list. Some code writes each segment's transaction commit records to persistent storage until the segment's persisted-AGE is not less than a common-restore-AGE, and some code resolves any in-doubt transactions based on a harvested outcomes list. Outcomes may reside in a log or a persisted transactions table. A restore checkpoint may include harvested outcomes. Segments may reside on cloud nodes and/or in a shared nothing database system. |
| US08671084B2 |
Updating a data warehouse schema based on changes in an observation model
A method, information processing system, and computer readable medium for modifying at least one data warehouse schema based on detected changes in an associated observation model are disclosed. The method includes determining if at least one new observation model has been created. The method also includes determining if at least one existing observation model is associated with the new observation model. In response to the existing observation model being associated with the new observation model, at least one changed attribute is identified by comparing the new observation model and the existing observation model. A set of files associated with the existing observation model is updated to reflect the changed attribute between the new observation model and the existing observation model. |
| US08671083B2 |
Adaptive, context-based file selection
Files may be managed in a data processing system by determining respective associativity values for the files. The respective associativity values represent likelihoods that respective ones of the files will be opened next if respective other ones of the files are currently open. |
| US08671077B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatuses for use in updating a portable storage medium
The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for use in providing updating content to be played back in cooperation with a portable processor readable medium. Some of these methods receive, over a network and from a remote source, updated content to be accessed in association with a processor readable portable storage medium; receive, over the network from the remote source, in association with the received updated content a designation that the updated content is to be associated with a first placeholder title as defined in an index table being implemented in association with playback in association with the portable storage medium; and store the updated content, on a separate processor readable storage medium that is different than the portable storage medium, such that the updated content is associated with the first placeholder title and accessible in association with the first placeholder title as dictated by the index table. |
| US08671074B2 |
Logical replication in clustered database system with adaptive cloning
Architecture that addresses an end-to-end solution for logical transactional replication from a shared-nothing clustered database management system, which uses adaptive cloning for high availability. This can be time based using a global logical timestamp. The disclosed architecture, used for refreshing stale clones, does not preserve user transaction boundaries, which is a more complex situation than where the boundaries are preserved. In such a scenario it is probable that for a given data segment no clone of the segment may contain the complete user transaction history, and hence, the history has to be pieced together from the logs of multiple different clones. This is accomplished such that log harvesting is coordinated with the clone state transitions to ensure the correctness of logical replication. |
| US08671073B2 |
Synchronizing human resource database with authorization database
A method may include storing a first database including a first plurality of user identifiers (IDs) and corresponding privileges for accessing network resources associated with an organization. The method may also include storing a second database, different than the first database, including the first plurality of user IDs. The method may also include storing a third database, different than the first database and second database, including a second plurality user IDs associated with the organization. Further, the method may include removing, from the first database, privileges associated with user IDs appearing in the second database but not in the third database. |
| US08671072B1 |
System and method for hijacking inodes based on replication operations received in an arbitrary order
A system and method for hijacking inodes based on replication operations received in an arbitrary order is used to assist a data replication operation from a source storage system to a destination storage system. The source storage system generates a set of replication operations as part of a replication process and transmits the replication operations in an arbitrary order. After receiving a replication operation, the system determines whether the operation is inconsistent with a corresponding destination inode. If an inconsistency exists, the system hijacks the destination inode by replacing the destination inode's metadata with data determined based on the replication operation. The system may also delete metadata from the inode and/or initialize metadata to default values if the metadata was not replaced based on the replication operation. The system then waits for a second replication operation that contains the remaining metadata and replaces the metadata based on the second replication operation. In addition, data blocks associated with the previous version of the inode are freed. |
| US08671064B2 |
Managing consistent interfaces for supply chain management business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a freight request, a house shipment, a shipment request, a supplier freight invoice request, and/or a transportation booking request business object. |
| US08671061B2 |
System, method and apparatus for conducting a secure transaction over a call
Embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems and apparatuses for conducting secure transactions over a call. Users can initiate a secure transaction over a call, such as a telephone call, in which the identities of up to all participants can be validated prior to sending or receiving of payment, financial or other sensitive information. A transaction module collects and verifies all necessary transaction information and resources. User can be prompted to confirm or approve the transaction prior to completion of the transaction. Summaries of the transaction can be sent to users or stored in record keeping. |
| US08671058B1 |
Methods and systems for generating completely automated public tests to tell computers and humans apart (CAPTCHA)
Methods and Systems for generating a Completely Automated Public Tests to tell Computer and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) provide a computational puzzle according to a received request. The computational puzzle, which may be for example, a jigsaw puzzle, maze puzzle, composite image of matching and non matching shapes or other type of puzzle, is configured to have a correct solution that is expected to be determinable by a human rather than a computer. For example, the computational puzzle is generated from a plurality of individually randomly generated puzzle features, such as puzzle surface image, image color gradient, puzzle component shape, or other puzzle features. A determination is made as to whether a human as opposed to a machine solved the computational puzzle. |
| US08671057B1 |
Method and system to detect invalid and fraudulent impressions and clicks in web-based advertisement schemes
This invention is related to web-traffic and used in online advertising including interactive TV, cellular telephone or Personal Digital Assistant PDA. It discloses a system to detect invalid and fraudulent impressions and clicks and method of pay-per-click (when advertisers pay upon users actually clicking) and pay-per-impression (when advertisers pay based on number of views) advertising arrangements, which periodically generates a code associated with the search-engine users. This code, preferably in the form of a serial number, is compared to the user of the website, such that by observing a metric like the number of clicks for a given period of time, be it a short time or a longer period, such as a day or a week, the system can automatically determine if certain clicks are illegitimate. This allows the search engine company to fairly invoice the merchants, thereby preventing fraudulent over use. |
| US08671054B2 |
Dynamic management and netting of transactions using executable rules
Systems and methods for dynamically managing and netting transactions based on one or more sets of netting rules are disclosed. The present invention dynamically associates transactions with one or more collections based on the execution of netting rules to identify transactions that may be ideal for netting and to perform netting operations and calculations accordingly. The present invention may execute the netting rules according to the priority of the netting rule within a rule hierarchy and utilizes unique solutions allowing for the efficient processing of transactions even as netting rules are created, modified and removed from time-to-time. In addition, embodiments of the disclosed netting system utilize denormalized sets of data and maintain a complete audit trail for all operations. |
| US08671051B1 |
System and methods for funding and binding auto loans
A way to facilitate the use of funds from an automobile loan is provided. The vehicle identification number of the automobile the loan applicant wishes to purchase is used to activate the funds of the loan for use. The applicant may receive a loan card to be used in the transaction that may be initially inactive, i.e. unable to be used for a transaction, until the vehicle identification number is received by the financial institution that accepted the loan application. An applicant of the loan may also be provided information relating to an account established for the disbursement of the loan proceeds. The account may be initially inactive until the vehicle identification number of the automobile is received and the applicant may also receive additional information required to be transmitted to the financial institution in order to use the funds, including, without limitation, a security code. |
| US08671048B2 |
Pre-hedge rules and tools for creating pre-hedge rules
The disclosed embodiments provide pre-hedge rules and tools for creating pre-hedge rules. An example method includes receiving an indication that a first leg of a spread trade is at least partially filled; and in response to the indication and before an order associated with a second leg of the spread trade is placed, determining whether a condition defined in a rule is satisfied and, when the condition is satisfied, performing an action defined in the rule. |
| US08671047B2 |
Position-keeping in a multi-market environment
A computerized method of implementing position-keeping in a multi-market environment is described herein. The method comprises identifying a plurality of instrument transaction parameters based on a universal instrument ID of at least one instrument. The instrument transaction parameters comprise a market level identifier and a register level identifier. Further, at least one consolidation line is generated for the instrument based on at least the plurality of instrument transaction parameters, wherein the position-keeping is achieved based on the consolidation line. |
| US08671046B2 |
System for buying and selling click-through traffic on internet web sites
A system for buying and selling click-through traffic from a seller's web site employs an intermediary web site for conducting a multi-buyer pre-bidding trial of click through traffic so that a plurality of interested buyers can see for themselves what level and quality of traffic is generated to their webs sites. The trial is conducted with each buyer in turn during a trial period prior to opening bidding by the interested buyers for click through traffic from the seller's web site. The trial is conducted by placing a trial link on the seller's web site to the intermediary web site which links to each buyer's web site in turn during the trial period. The intermediary web site measures the click-through traffic during the trial process, so that the participating buyers are informed in real time of the actual performance of click-through traffic. |
| US08671045B2 |
Method and system for implementing an adaptive investing methodology
Method and system for implementing an adaptive investing methodology. An asset allocation is determined for each of a plurality of periods of a model duration that optimize an objective function. The asset allocations identify for each of the periods how much of the investment account to invest in one or more asset classes. The objective function subtracts a value of a shortfall risk function from an expected value of an amount of income to be generated by an annuity purchased at the end of the model duration with funds in the investment account at the end of the model duration. The asset allocations are associated with values of a plurality of investor variables. The values of the plurality of investor variables and their associated asset allocations may be stored in one or more wealth tables and used to look up asset allocations for one or more investors. |
| US08671043B2 |
Server for supporting an exchange transaction
The present invention is a server for supporting an exchange transaction, in which users can complete exchange transactions between and/or among themselves. |
| US08671040B2 |
Credit risk mining
Systems and techniques for developing and implementing a credit risk model using various sources of data, including price data, financial accounting ratios, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data, and textual data are disclosed. Each source of data provides unique and distinct information about the health of an entity, such as a firm or company. The systems and techniques combine information from disparate sources to create a uniquely powerful signal. The systems and techniques can be used to predict a number of events including, but not limited to, probability of default or bankruptcy, loss given default, probability of rating agency rating change, and probability of equity price moves. |
| US08671038B2 |
Spending vehicles for payments
A system and method for associating payments with spending vehicles so that an individual who is entitled to receive periodic or special payments such as social security checks receives in place of the payment a spending vehicle such as a discount card, rebate, or coupon for use with purchases of the sponsor's products or services. Sponsors include companies and organizations interested in offering purchase incentives to their customers. An individual who wishes to receive a spending vehicle rather than the regular payment selects the spending vehicle he or she would like to receive. The individual then assigns his or her right to receive the payment to a third party. The third party then arranges to give a spending vehicle to the individual and to transfer the individual's payment to the sponsor of the spending vehicle. The third party may take a portion of the payment as compensation for the service. |
| US08671037B2 |
System and method for managing utility resources based on utility service points
A system comprises a memory storing a plurality of usage values. A usage value may be based at least on usage of a utility resource measured by a utility meter having a meter identifier. The memory may store a plurality of service point identifiers and a plurality of account identifiers associated with one or more utility accounts. A service point identifier represents a physical location of at least one utility meter. Each service point identifier may be stored in association with one or more usage values. The system may comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. In response to a request comprising a particular service point identifier, the processor may retrieve one or more usage values from the memory based at least on the particular service point identifier in the request. The processor may generate a graphical user interface that displays the one or more retrieved usage values. |
| US08671033B2 |
Architectural design for personnel events application software
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing personnel events functionality. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include a personnel administration process component, a payroll processing process component, an expense and reimbursement management process component, a time and labor process component, a compensation management process component, an employee payroll administration process component, and numerous country-specific employer regulatory compliance process components. |
| US08671030B1 |
Electronic vouchers and a system and method for issuing the same
A system and method for issuing electronic vouchers representing value. An issuing server generates an eVoucher that a recipient may use to purchase goods and services from a merchant's e-commerce Web site. The eVoucher includes an image, such as a corporate logo, that identifies the issuing merchant. Nonimage data, such as a unique identifier for the eVoucher and encrypted arbitrary text, is embedded in the eVoucher image and is used to track the use of the eVoucher and to verify its authenticity. |
| US08671027B2 |
Product searching in a retail environment
In one embodiment, one or more search criteria are received from a mobile device. In response, one or more products corresponding to the search criteria are extracted. Further, a plurality of factors associated with the one or more products are retrieved and weightages are assigned to the plurality of factors. Furthermore, product scores of the one or more products are determined based on the plurality of factors and the weightages. Based on the product scores, the one or more products are presented to assist product searching in retail environment. |
| US08671025B2 |
Method and system for image discovery via navigation of dimensions
Method and system for discovering artistic preferences by using a graphical user interface (GUI) tool to navigate through a collection of art images based on one or more dimensions within an art image. The GUI tool allows a user to display one or more selectable dimensions of a first image that, when selected, are used as a query to locate and display other images that have a dimension that is equal or similar to the one or more selected dimensions. |
| US08671024B2 |
Method and system for manipulation of cost information in a distributed virtual enterprise
A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for processing e-commerce information are presented. A business entity may transfer e-commerce agreements through an electronic marketplace. The business entity retrieves dependency information about a commercial transaction from an e-commerce agreement. The business entity incorporates the dependency information, e.g., dates, costs, deliveries, etc., as dependency relationships within a project model that represents a project for a product or service for sale by the first business entity. User input is received for manipulating a cost dependency relationship within the project model while constraining the user input to ensure that another type of dependency relationship is not incompatible with modifications to the cost dependency relationship. |
| US08671023B2 |
Click-to-call web advertising
A novel and simple interactive web advertising method. A Click to Call feature is placed together with a web advertising message. A viewer may input a phone number and submit it by clicking a submitting button, and the input phone number is then submitted to the hosting server for subsequent actions either by the advertising agency or the advertiser. The web advertising message may be in any form, for example, in banner display, in web link description or boxed text advertising. |
| US08671022B2 |
Aggregated contextual targeting advertisements using instant messaging clients
A method, apparatus and computer program product for displaying to a user an aggregated contextual targeting advertisement using an instant messaging client having an ad line area within an instant messaging graphical user interface, and an ad pop-up area on the same display surface as the instant messaging graphical user interface. The method commences by receiving a user context profile and then selecting at least one advertisement based on characteristics of the user. The method continues by separating the advertisement into a first portion and a second portion for the purpose of displaying the first portion in an ad line area within an instant messaging graphical user interface, and for displaying the second portion in an ad pop-up area on the same display surface as the instant messaging graphical user interface. Some embodiments separate the first portion and the second portion by automatically selecting strings, and/or by automatically selecting images. |
| US08671013B2 |
System and method for managing controls within a heterogeneous enterprise environment
A system and method for managing internal controls within a heterogeneous enterprise environment is provided. The invention may include an open and extensible standards-based architecture that may be used to create, monitor, test, or otherwise manage internal controls by capturing, organizing, translating, and exchanging controls data, tests, and test results across organizational boundaries and between an enterprise and its external auditors. By providing an automated software solution for managing internal controls, business, finance, information technology, audit, or other professionals may automate on-demand testing, or perform closed-loop remediation and continuous exception-based monitoring of controls within and across enterprise systems. |
| US08671012B2 |
Methods and systems for promoting items based on event sampling data
Items—including gourmet products—are evaluated and rated by participants in a controlled event, which can be coordinated by software locally or at a dedicated website. Event data, including item scores and participant scores can be shared with vendors, merchants and other commercial entities associated with the products. Promotional incentives from such entities for the products (and related products) can then be directly targeted and provided to participants and other members of the public. The participant's activities can also be collected and disseminated to affiliates/friends of the participants through social networking sites, personalized web pages, etc. |
| US08671011B1 |
Methods and apparatus for generating an online marketing campaign
Embodiments of the invention relate to generating an online marketing campaign that comprises a list of keywords to be purchased from a search engine. Keywords for a business' marketing campaign may be selected from a pre-defined template of keywords for the business service category into which the business falls. In addition, the business may add keywords not found in the template into its marketing campaign. The performance of the non-template keywords added by the business may be evaluated and, if they are determined to have been performed well, may be added into the template so that they may be used in the marketing campaigns of other businesses in the business service category. |
| US08671010B2 |
Automatic production path finder
A method for ascertaining creation processes for products in the graphics industry, the product being described by one or more product properties. Starting out from the properties of a product, a network of creation processes (P1, P2, P4) is created, which describes the creation of the product as a function of the resources (1, 1′, 2, 2′, 3, 3′, 4, 5, 6) involved in the creation process, in that the creation processes (P1, P2, P4) upstream of a resource (1, 1′, 2, 2′, 3, 3′, 4, 5, 6) are ascertained. |
| US08671009B1 |
Systems and methods for on-line scheduling of appointments and other resources
Computer-based apparatuses and computer-implemented methods for providing an automated computer network-based, or online, appointment scheduling service through which registered customers are individually capable of scheduling an appointment with a plurality of businesses that are also registered with the online appointment scheduling service. The application describes a reliability rating for each registered customer that is based on the reliability of the customer showing for scheduled appointments for all (or several) of the businesses registered with the online appointment scheduling service, not just one business. In addition, the application describes an optimization algorithm for controlling the start times presented to a customer when selecting an appointment time that seeks to cluster the new appointment to existing appointments for the business in order to reduce time gaps during the day for the business/service provider that are of insufficient duration to schedule other appointments for other customers of the business. |
| US08671005B2 |
Interactive 3D shortage tracking user interface
The claimed method and system provides a user interface that displays a plurality of product order bars (icons) along with a set of dependencies between product orders in a single graphical view. A plurality of iconic bars are used to represent a demand or product order for a segment of a production process. Each bar may indicate a total quantity of raw material ordered at the segment or quantity of raw material incorporated in work-in-progress products ordered at the segment. Each bar may also indicate raw material that will be available to the segment and allocated to the segment. At the same time, each bar may indicate an unavailable portion or deficient quantity of the raw material required at the segment. A time axis may be used to indicate the expected availability (or delivery) times of the bars (orders). Additional stock material that is readily available may also be displayed to indicate that stockpiled material may be used to remedy some of the deficiencies in product orders. Connecting lines may be drawn between bars to indicate a flow of the raw material from one segment of a production process to another. The bars may be updated dynamically when a production planner renders a reallocation of raw material. |
| US08671004B2 |
System and method of providing spending information by foreign visitors using transaction records of financial presentation devices
A system for providing spending information in a locality by foreign visitors using transaction records of financial presentation devices such as credit and debit cards that are presentable to merchants is disclosed. A storage device stores transaction data generated from card transactions. A transaction analysis module executable by a processor generates a filtered set of transaction records that exclude, from the stored data, a set of transactions which are indicative of having been made by long term residents of the locality, rather than by residents of foreign regions, in order to improve the accuracy of true foreign visitors to the locality. For example, the system filters out from the database all transactions of accounts that have made a bill-pay transaction. As another example, the system filters out non face-to-face transactions and all transactions with mail order and catalog merchants, and schools. Based on the filtered data, the transaction analysis module generates a spending report containing an aggregated amount of the transactions for each foreign region of the holders who have performed the transactions in the locality. |
| US08671003B2 |
System and method for prediction of deterioration
System and method for predicting the rate of deterioration in one or more items of process equipment which are subject to deterioration by one or more deterioration mechanisms. The system includes a first item of process equipment which receives an inlet stream including a feedstock or derivative thereof, and discharges one or more outlet streams which can be fed to the item of process equipment. A data processor which is a programmed computer including at least one rate model for the first item of process equipment receives values of one or more properties of the feedstock and calculates predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment from the values of one or more of the feedstock properties. The data processor additionally provides an output containing information relating to the predicted rates of deterioration by the one or more deterioration mechanisms for the first item of process equipment. |
| US08671002B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations
A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through validated parking is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Use of the parking space is validated. The parking space's location and the driver's identity are retrieved at the location of a merchant. Payment for at least part of the use of the parking space from the merchant is provided through the server. |
| US08671000B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing content to multimedia devices
Arrangement and method for providing content to multimedia devices, in particular mobile multimedia devices, wherein a content portal provides content to the devices in a form requiring a rights object to enable use thereof, a rights object portal provides rights objects to the devices and advertisements which are associated with the rights objects are also provided. Upon receipt of the rights object with an associated advertisement, the user is exposed to the advertisement in conjunction with use of the content. |
| US08670995B1 |
Method and system for aligning a plurality of refill dates for prescriptions associated with a plurality of customers
The method, system and user-interface allows alignment of refill dates associated with a plurality of prescriptions, such that the plurality of prescriptions all require refills on the same date, thus limiting the number of occasions on which a customer must visit the pharmacy to retrieve refills of the aligned prescriptions, and increasing the likelihood that the customer will comply with the recommended medication regimen. The plurality of prescriptions are associated with a plurality of customers, for example, living in the same household, being members of the same family, or being patients in the care of a single entity or person. |
| US08670994B2 |
Method and system for providing information to physicians
A group of medical specialists reviews an up-to-date body of medical knowledge and, based on its review, selects a subset of that knowledge as being important enough to merit prompt dissemination to the medical community. The selected subset of medical knowledge is then input into a computer system where it can then be accessed by physicians over a computer network. A physician may, for example, access the system before, during or after a patients visit so that he/she can have the most up-to-date information regarding how to best advise the patient. In effect, the group of medical specialists acts as a single voice of authority on which the medical community can rely. |
| US08670993B2 |
Method and system for providing an on-line healthcare open market exchange
An Internet-based competitive pricing and bidding transaction system includes one or more transaction processing servers that interface and communicate over the Internet with client computer systems of prospective online consumers, medical and professional/licensed services providers and a plurality of related information databases. The transaction processing system handles online communications and procedures for conducting auctions for delivery of proffered medical and professional/licensed services and maintains a registration database of service providers and online prospective consumers/bidders. Medical and professional/licensed services providers may include licensed doctors/nurses, licensed veterinary doctors/technicians as well as conventional homecare/hospice providers, physical therapy providers, babysitting and other professional caretaker services that can provided to/for man or animal. The online proffered services may include conventional medical treatment and/or veterinary services provided for animals, pets or other creatures. A professional license authentication/qualifier engine is provided which transparently and automatically researches, verifies and updates professional credentials, accreditations and background information of each professional service provider upon registration of that service provider with the transaction system, and makes that information available to prospective registered bidders online. |
| US08670988B2 |
Audio encoding/decoding apparatus and method providing multiple coding scheme interoperability
There is provided an audio encoding device capable of causing a decoding side to freely select an audio decoding mode corresponding to a control method used for audio encoding and capable of generating data which can be decoded even when the decoding side does not correspond to the control method. The audio encoding device (100) outputs encoded data corresponding to an audio signal containing an audio component and encoded data corresponding to an audio signal containing no audio component. An audio encoding unit (102) encodes the input audio signal in a predetermined section unit and generates encoded data. An audio present/absent judgment unit (106) decides whether the input audio signal contains an audio component for each predetermined section. A bit embedding unit (104) performs synthesis of noise data only for those generated from the input audio signal of the voice absent section in the encoded data generated by the audio encoding unit (102), thereby acquiring encoded data corresponding to an audio signal containing an audio component and encoded data corresponding to an audio signal containing no audio component. |
| US08670987B2 |
Automatic speech recognition with dynamic grammar rules
Automatic speech recognition implemented with a speech recognition grammar of a multimodal application in an ASR engine, the multimodal application operating on a multimodal device supporting multiple modes of user interaction including a voice mode, the multimodal application operatively coupled to the ASR engine, including: matching by the ASR engine at least one static rule of the speech recognition grammar with at least one word of a voice utterance, yielding a matched value, the matched value specified by the grammar to be required for processing of a dynamic rule of the grammar; and dynamically defining at run time the dynamic rule of the grammar as a new static rule in dependence upon the matched value, the dynamic rule comprising a rule that is specified by the grammar as a rule that is not to be processed by the ASR until after the at least one static rule has been matched. |
| US08670985B2 |
Devices and methods for identifying a prompt corresponding to a voice input in a sequence of prompts
This is directed to processing voice inputs received by an electronic device while prompts are provided. In particular, this is directed to providing a sequence of prompts to a user (e.g., voice over prompts) while monitoring for a voice input. When the voice input is received, a characteristic time stamp can be identified for the voice input, and can be compared to periods or windows associated with each of the provided prompts. The electronic device can then determine that the prompt corresponding to a window that includes the characteristic time stamp was the prompt to which the user wished to apply the voice input. The device can process the voice input to extract a user instruction, and apply the instruction to the identified prompt (e.g., and perform an operation associated with the prompt). |
| US08670983B2 |
Speech signal similarity
A method for determining a similarity between a first audio source and a second audio source includes: for the first audio source, determining a first frequency of occurrence for each of a plurality of phoneme sequences and determining a first weighted frequency for each of the plurality of phoneme sequences based on the first frequency of occurrence for the phoneme sequence; for the second audio source, determining a second frequency of occurrence for each of a plurality of phoneme sequences and determining a second weighted frequency for each of the plurality of phoneme sequences based on the second frequency of occurrence for the phoneme sequence; comparing the first weighted frequency for each phoneme sequence with the second weighted frequency for the corresponding phoneme sequence; and generating a similarity score representative of a similarity between the first audio source and the second audio source based on the results of the comparing. |
| US08670982B2 |
Method and device for carrying out optimal coding between two long-term prediction models
Disclosed is a system and method for implementing compression coding of audio signals, such as speech signals, using two long-term prediction (LTP) models. The method determines the parameters of a second long-term prediction model on the basis of the parameters of at least one first LTP model. The present invention is aimed at switching from an LTP model with a single coefficient (monotap) to an LTP model with several coefficients, (multitap) and vice versa, as well as at switching between two multitap LTP models. The complexity of the method may be adjusted, especially as a function of a desired compromise between a target complexity and a desired quality. A device for implementing the method according to the invention is, moreover, very useful for multiple codings in cascade (transcodings) or in parallel (multi-codings and multi-mode codings). |
| US08670981B2 |
Speech encoding and decoding utilizing line spectral frequency interpolation
A method, system and program for encoding and decoding speech according to a source-filter model whereby speech is modelled to comprise a source signal filtered by a time-varying filter. The method comprises: receiving a speech signal comprising successive frames, for each of a plurality of frames of the speech signal, deriving a first line spectral frequency vector for a first portion of the frame, and a second line spectral frequency vector for a second portion of the frame, and determining a transmit line spectral frequency vector and an interpolation factor based on the first and second line spectral frequency vectors, and on the transmit line spectral frequency vector for a preceding one of the frames. |
| US08670979B2 |
Active input elicitation by intelligent automated assistant
Methods, systems, and computer readable storage medium related to operating an intelligent automated assistant are disclosed. A user request is received through a conversation interface of the intelligent automated assistant, the user request including at least a speech input received from a user. One or more candidate domains relevant to the user request are identified from a plurality of predefined domains, where each predefined domain presents a respective area of service offered by the intelligent automated assistant, and the identifying is based on respective degrees of match between words derived from the user request and words representing vocabulary and entities associated with each predefined domain. Feedback is provided to the user through the conversation interface of the intelligent automated assistant, where the feedback presents a paraphrase of the user request and elicits additional input from the user to specify one or more parameters associated with a particular candidate domain. |
| US08670977B2 |
System and method of lattice-based search for spoken utterance retrieval
A system and method are disclosed for retrieving audio segments from a spoken document. The spoken document preferably is one having moderate word error rates such as telephone calls or teleconferences. The method comprises converting speech associated with a spoken document into a lattice representation and indexing the lattice representation of speech. These steps are performed typically off-line. Upon receiving a query from a user, the method further comprises searching the indexed lattice representation of speech and returning retrieved audio segments from the spoken document that match the user query. |
| US08670975B2 |
Adaptive pattern learning for bilingual data mining
Embodiments for the adaptive learning of translation layout patterns to mine bilingual data are disclosed. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the adaptive learning of patterns to mine bilingual data includes processing a bilingual web page into a plurality bilingual snippet pairs. The embodiment also includes determining one or more best fit candidate patterns based on the plurality of translation snippets. The embodiment additionally includes mining one or more translation pairs from the bilingual web page using the one or more best fit candidate patterns. The translation pairs are further stored in a data storage. The one or more translation pairs including at least one of a term pair, a phrase pair, or a sentence pair. |
| US08670973B2 |
Language translation reuse in different systems
An account system obtains a first translation file associated with it. The account system obtains a second translation file from a second account system, wherein the second account system is a data processing system. The account system determines whether a third account system has a third translation file with untranslated terms. The account system obtains the third translation file from the third account system, responding to a determination that the third account system has the third translation file with untranslated terms. The account system, responding to a determination that the third account system has the third translation file with untranslated terms, forms a comprehensive file from at least two files selected from the group consisting of the first translation file, second and/or third translation files. The account system translates the comprehensive file to form a translated file. |
| US08670972B1 |
Method and apparatus for voice recognition unit simulation
An apparatus and method apparatus and/or computer software to automate testing of a voice self service platform. In its software embodiment, the present invention comprises software that runs on the windows platform to simulate all the components of an Interactive Voice Recognition Unit (VRU). In addition this embodiment can also be used as a helper unit to test individual components of an interactive voice recognition (IVR). |
| US08670966B2 |
Methods and systems for performing oilfield production operations
Methods and systems for performing well network production optimizations are described. For example, in one embodiment, a method of allocating an applied resource throughout a well network includes receiving topological data into an analytical model of a well network having one or more wells. The topological data includes a plurality of performance curves that relate well performance to one or more levels of an applied resource. The method also includes determining an optimum allocation of the applied resource using the analytical model to maximize an operating parameter of the well network, including converting a portion the analytical model having one or more wells and a linear inequality relationship to a modified portion having a single variable and a linear equality constraint. |
| US08670965B2 |
Machine emulator products
Compute program products including an emulator module are disclosed. A computer program product includes a computer usable medium having computer readable program code for emulating a process of a machine having actuators and mechanical elements. The computer readable program code includes computer readable code instructions configured to display a graphical user interface having input fields corresponding to the actuators and mechanical elements, and to display a graphical representation of output response data of the machine using inputted parameters. Computer readable code instructions for receiving a plurality of parameters inputted into the plurality of input fields, and for emulating a mechanical operation of the machine using the plurality of parameters inputted into the plurality of input fields by simulating the programmable logic controller code are included. Output response data based on an emulation of the mechanical operation of the machine is generated and displayed. |
| US08670964B2 |
Gyrocompass modeling and simulation system (GMSS) and method thereof
A Modeling, Design, Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation (MDASE) aspects of gyrocompassing in relation to Far-Target Location (FTL) systems include a Gyrocompass Modeling and Simulation System (GMSS). The GMSS has four major components: the 6 degree-of-freedom (6DOF) Motion Simulator, the IMU Sensor Simulator, the Gyrocompass System and Calibration Process Simulator, and the Gyrocompass System Evaluation and Analysis Module. The modular architecture of GMSS makes it very flexible for programming, testing, and system maintenance. The realization of the GMSS is based on any computer platforms for the GMSS software is written in high level language and is portable. The stochastic signal analysis and sensor testing and modeling tools include a suite of generic statistical analysis software, including Allan Variance and power spectral density (PSD) analysis tools, which are available to every GMSS module and greatly enhanced the system functionality. |
| US08670963B2 |
Method of selecting drill bits
A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed. |
| US08670958B2 |
Flash tube and flash vessel configuration for pressure letdown
By appropriately designing a flash tube, spraying of abrasive slurry on the vessel walls and impinging the multiphase jet on bottom of the vessel are minimized. By appropriately designing a flash vessel, once the flash tube has been designed, a slurry pool is provided having a volume that is sufficient to dissipate the flash tube exit jet momentum and the mass of entrained carryover products exiting from the vapor outlet is minimized. |
| US08670957B2 |
Automatic positioning of secondary objects
A computer-aided design station for use in computer-aided design of a modeled object includes a display device configured to display the modeled object and at least one secondary object in a viewing area, an interface device configured to receive user inputs relating to the modeled object and the viewing area, and a processor operably coupled to the display device and the interface device. The processor is configured to cause the display device to display an alignment tool in the viewing area in response to user input and cause the display device to display at least one attach point of the secondary object in response to user input. The processor is also configured to detect when the alignment tool is moved to a position within a first preselected distance from the secondary object and automatically align the secondary object with respect to the alignment tool. |
| US08670953B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
A portable activity monitoring device adapted to couple to a body of a user, the portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, (i) one or more motion sensors, disposed in the housing, to detect motion, and (ii) a user interface, disposed in the housing. The monitoring device further includes processing circuitry, disposed in the housing, to: (i) detect one or more user inputs to the user interface using data from at least one of the one or more motion sensors, (ii) calculate data which is representative of a progress toward a user activity goal using data from at least one the motion sensors, and (iii) generate display data which is representative of the progress toward the user activity goal in response to detecting the user input to the user interface. |
| US08670952B2 |
Non-destructive inspection instrument employing multiple sensor technologies in an integral enclosure
A non-destructive inspection (NDI) instrument includes a sensor connection system configured to receive test signals from at least two different types of NDI sensors which are configured to obtain test signals from an object being tested. The sensor connection system has sensor-specific connection circuits and at least one common sensor connection circuit. A data acquisition circuitry is coupled to the sensor connection and has sensor-specific data acquisition circuits and at least one common data acquisition circuit. It is further coupled to a common digital data processor which executes sensor-specific processing modules and at least one common processing module. A common display screen and user interface is coupled to the data processor and enables programs including sensor-specific user interface modules and at least one common user interface module. The sensor types preferably include all of or any combination of an ultrasound sensor, an eddy current sensor and acoustic sensor. |
| US08670951B2 |
Electronic scale having function of compensating for air pressure changes in glove box
The present invention relates to an electronic scale having an air pressure change compensation function, which can precisely measure the weight of an object to be weighed even in an environment in which air pressure changes moment by moment in an airtight space such as in a glove box. According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic scale having an internal air pressure measurement sensor, by which the function of correcting the weight of an object to be weighed is provided even in an environment in which air pressure changes such as in the glove box is provided, thus enabling the weight of a sample to be precisely measured even in an environment in which air pressure changes moment by moment. |
| US08670946B2 |
Utility device management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module. |
| US08670945B2 |
Apparatus and method for product movement planning to support safety monitoring in inventory management systems
A method includes obtaining information identifying a predicted trajectory of material-based measurements associated with a transfer of material. The method also includes obtaining actual material-based measurements during the transfer of the material and determining whether the actual material-based measurements fall outside of the predicted trajectory. The method further includes identifying a problem with the transfer of the material if at least one of the actual material-based measurements falls outside of the predicted trajectory. The method may also include generating the predicted trajectory of the material-based measurements using historical data associated with one or more prior transfers, such as historical data associated with at least one pump to be used during the transfer of the material. The actual material-based measurements could include measurements of a level and/or a volume of the material in a tank. |
| US08670941B2 |
Methods of determining levels of free amino acids and dipeptides and diagnosing Alzheimer's disease
Provided herein are methods of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (“AD”) based on characteristic changes of the levels of certain free amino acids or dipeptides (collectively termed as “AD diagnosis markers”) in the body fluid sample of an individual, carnosine synthesis activities in the plasma, and dopamine synthesis activities in the plasma. Also provided are methods of simultaneously determining the levels of at least two free amino acids or dipeptides in the biological fluid sample of an individual. |
| US08670940B2 |
Plant information management system and plant information management method
A plant information management system comprising: a seed identification information input device; an individual plant identification information retrieval device; an individual plant identification information input device; a new seed identification information retrieval device; a storage location information retrieval device; a project database management device; a seed database management device; a project database memory device; and a seed database memory device. |
| US08670939B2 |
Apparatus and method of providing facility information
Provided are an apparatus and method of providing facility information that may correct inaccurate information on a facility using site information and provide the corrected information in an augmented reality manner. A facility information providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including: a site information analyzing unit that analyzes site information to identify a site facility; a facility information searching unit that retrieves facility information corresponding to the site information; a facility information mapping unit that maps the facility information with the site facility and corrects the facility information based on a mapped result to generate corrected facility information; and an augmented reality providing unit that synthesizes the corrected facility information with the site information to generate augmented reality information. |
| US08670936B2 |
Method and device for displaying road segments and method of providing a map data base
A method and device for displaying road segments are provided. The method uses a map data base storing information on a road network in a road vector data format. Additional parameter values are stored for a subset of road segments. Information on a direction vector and the parameter value for a road segment are retrieved. Based on the parameter value, it is determined whether the road segment exhibits a variation in shape as a function of position along its direction vector. A graphical representation of the road segment is generated based on the retrieved parameter value and the direction vector. |
| US08670934B2 |
Journey destination endpoint determination
A system and method for establishing a journey destination endpoint is disclosed. The system comprises a communication module, a stop classification module and an endpoint establishment module. The communication module receives a stream of data including a first data element and a second data element from a global positioning system. The communication module receives a set of sensor data from one or more sensors. The stop classification module detects a stop for a traveling vehicle based at least in part on the stream of data and the set of sensor data. The stop classification module applies one or more metric criteria to the first data element and the second data element to determine a type of the stop. The endpoint establishment module establishes a journey destination endpoint based on the type of the stop. The endpoint establishment module associates the journey destination endpoint with retrieval identification data. |
| US08670930B1 |
Electronic navigation related technology
Techniques are described for monitoring whether a user is following directions to a destination during electronic navigation to the destination provided by an electronic navigation device. When the electronic navigation device determines that the user is not following directions to the destination (e.g., the user has missed several turns suggested by the electronic navigation device), the electronic navigation device determines that the user appears to be avoiding the route (or a primary component thereof) to the destination. In response to a determination that the user appears to be avoiding the route (or a primary component thereof) to the destination, the electronic navigation device may automatically, without human intervention, perform an operation directed to using an alternative route (or alternative primary component) to the destination despite the current route remaining preferred according to current routing settings. |
| US08670925B2 |
Navigation system and method
A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options. |
| US08670920B2 |
Uego sensor air-fuel ratio determination system and method
A method of determining an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine in real-time includes: calibrating sensitivity of a universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor to a plurality of gases; inputting to a universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor controller a molecular composition of Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen which comprise a combustion fuel in use in the internal combustion engine; calculating with the universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor controller an air-to-fuel ratio by performing a chemical balance equation calculation based on the universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor sensitivity calibration and the input combustion fuel molecular composition; and transmitting the calculated air-to-fuel ratio to an engine control unit in real-time. |
| US08670919B2 |
Method for diagnosing the condition of an engine fuel supply system
A method for diagnosing a condition of a system for supplying fuel to a fuel injected controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, of a type including an electric control device that makes use of an oxygen probe for closed-loop regulation of a value of an air/fuel ratio admitted to the combustion chambers of the engine, and according to which a signal delivered by the oxygen probe is analyzed, the method a) deducing from the signal a change in injection time correction factor ALPHACL_MEAN making it possible to regulate richness of exhaust gases leaving the engine; b) comparing ALPHACL_MEAN against predetermined minimum and maximum threshold values THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX; c) diagnosing a defective condition when ALPHACL_MEAN is outside of a window included between THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX. |
| US08670918B2 |
Method of controlling automobile-mount diesel engine and the automobile-mount diesel engine
This disclosure provides a method of controlling a diesel engine, which includes executing a premix combustion pattern fuel injection containing one or more injections at a first timing, while introducing an amount of EGR gas according to an operating condition of the engine into a cylinder, when an engine load is low, to operate in a premix combustion mode, executing a diffusion combustion pattern fuel injection containing one or more injections at a second timing that is later than the first timing, when the engine load is high, to operate in a diffusion combustion mode, and executing a diffusion combustion pattern fuel injection at a third timing that is later than the second timing, while introducing the amount of EGR gas according to the operating condition of the engine into the cylinder, when shifting from the diffusion combustion mode to the premix combustion mode with a decrease in engine load. |
| US08670917B2 |
Air-fuel-ratio imbalance determination apparatus for internal combustion engine
An inter-cylinder air-fuel-ratio imbalance determination apparatus includes an air-fuel-ratio sensor in an exhaust passage of an engine. The air-fuel-ratio sensor functions as a limiting-current-type wide range air-fuel-ratio sensor when a voltage is applied, and functions as a concentration-cell-type oxygen concentration sensor when no voltage is applied. The determination apparatus causes the air-fuel-ratio sensor to function as the limiting-current-type wide range air-fuel-ratio sensor, and executes air-fuel ratio feedback control on the basis of the output value of the air-fuel-ratio sensor. When an imbalance determination parameter is obtained, the determination apparatus causes the air-fuel-ratio sensor to function as the concentration-cell-type oxygen concentration sensor, and obtains, as the imbalance determination parameter, a value corresponding to the differentiated value of the output value of the air-fuel-ratio sensor. The determination apparatus determines an inter-cylinder air-fuel-ratio imbalance state, when the absolute value of the imbalance determination parameter is greater than an imbalance determination threshold value. |
| US08670914B2 |
Vehicle brake control system
A vehicle brake control system has a braking detector and a braking controller. The braking detector determines whether a braking operation in a vehicle is within an initial braking stage based on a control condition of a frictional braking system. The braking controller performs initial braking stage control during the initial braking stage by controlling a regenerative braking system to provide a limited braking torque and the frictional braking system to provide a supplemental braking torque, the combination of which provides a target braking torque. The braking controller performs subsequent braking control when the initial braking stage ends to provide an increased regenerative braking torque and a lower supplemental braking torque as the target braking torque. |
| US08670912B2 |
Attitude change reduction structure
An attitude change reduction structure, which reduces a vehicle attitude change that occurs during braking due to known left-right asymmetry of a vehicle structure, includes a brake pressure control mechanism that increases a brake pressure at a brake for a wheel (9) on a right side and a brake pressure at a brake for a wheel (9) on a left side to a same target brake pressure; and a brake pressure change rate differentiation structure that makes a rate of change in the brake pressure at the brake for the wheel (9) on the right side with respect to time different from a rate of change in the brake pressure at the brake for the wheel (9) on the left side with respect to time, based on the known left-right asymmetry of the vehicle structure. |
| US08670911B2 |
Vehicle stop control device and vehicle stop control method
A vehicle stop control device is provided. The device is configured to perform a stop control for stopping a vehicle by adjusting a braking force for wheels and includes a target deceleration setting unit which sets a target deceleration as a target for stopping the vehicle so as to have a smaller value as a vehicle body velocity comes closer to zero, a deceleration obtaining unit which obtains a vehicle body deceleration of the vehicle, a control unit which performs the stop control of setting the braking force to have a smaller value as a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the target deceleration from the vehicle body deceleration is greater, and causing the set braking force to be applied to the wheels; and a determining unit which determines that a road surface is an ascent road when the braking force set by the control unit is zero. |
| US08670907B2 |
Driving support device, driving support method and driving support program
A first acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating a host vehicle in a first acceleration zone following a first zone ahead of the host vehicle, and a second acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating the host vehicle in a second acceleration zone following a second zone ahead of the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the first acceleration gear ratio in a first deceleration zone in order to decelerate the host vehicle before entering the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the second acceleration gear ratio when the host vehicle must decelerate with respect to the second zone while traveling in the first acceleration gear ratio. |
| US08670905B2 |
Vehicle stability control method and system
A vehicle stability control method is to be performed by a vehicle stability control system of a motor vehicle, and includes the steps of: detecting an actual yaw rate, and obtaining a plurality of detection values by detecting a vehicle speed and a steering wheel angle, and at least one operation status selected from a lateral acceleration status, a load status and a steering wheel angular speed status; obtaining a plurality of intermediate weight values, from which a steering characteristic value is determined, based on the obtained detection values; obtaining a target yaw rate based on the vehicle speed, the steering wheel angle and the steering characteristic value; and controlling steering of road wheels according to difference between the target and actual yaw rates. |
| US08670902B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus includes an rotating AC machine which generates an auxiliary torque for assisting a steering torque of a steering system; and a controller which performs control so that the allowed electric current amplitude of the rotating AC machine becomes large if a rotational speed of the rotating AC machine is increased. Accordingly, it is possible to release or lessen the limit on the number of repetitions or continuous time of the “stationary steering” or the “end contact”. |
| US08670897B1 |
Mobile in-vehicle communication and routing apparatus, system, and method
An in-vehicle mobile communication and routing apparatus for use with a taxi cab, public safety vehicle, delivery truck, fire truck, emergency vehicle, or any vehicle. Embodiments of the invention include a system incorporating the apparatus and a method for using the same. The mobile apparatus is attachable to a vehicle and includes a plurality of long-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more databases located remotely from the vehicle, and a plurality of short-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more devices external to the mobile apparatus and proximally located to the vehicle. An intelligent power supply is structured to monitor a battery condition of the vehicle and initiate a controlled shutdown of the mobile apparatus responsive to at least one of a timer countdown and a voltage threshold of a vehicle battery. Devices external to the mobile apparatus communicate with an in-vehicle processor and one or more remote databases. |
| US08670896B2 |
Portable pedal measurement apparatus
A portable measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the load required to depress a foot pedal and the change in angular position of the foot pedal. A load plate is connected through at least one load cell to a pedal plate that engages a foot pedal. A linear motion driver is adjustably retained on the measurement apparatus to accommodate different types of foot pedals. A rotary encoder with an extendable cable is used to measure scrub throughout the range of movement of the foot pedal. |
| US08670895B2 |
Vehicular diagnostic tool with detachable memory and method of operation thereof
A vehicle diagnostic tool configured to interface with a removable memory device. The removable memory device is configured to store information about the vehicle such as, for example, the maintenance history of the vehicle and notes or special instructions from one or more mechanics having performed the maintenance. The memory device, once disengaged from the diagnostic tool, is given to the vehicle's owner for safekeeping and may be incorporated in a key, fob or other device that the owner would often have available when operating the vehicle. Also, a method of collecting and storing vehicle data is also provided. |
| US08670894B2 |
Control system and method for sensor signal out of range detection
A method and control module for determining a sensor error includes a time-based diagnostic module generating a time-based diagnostic for a sensor and an event-based diagnostic module generating an event-based diagnostic for the sensor. A synchronizing module synchronizes the time-based diagnostic and the event-based diagnostic to obtain a diagnostic result. A fault indicator module generates a fault signal in response to the diagnostic result. |
| US08670888B1 |
Dynamically assisting hybrid vehicles
A system includes a computing device with memory configured to store instructions and a processor to execute the instructions for operations that include receiving information representative of an amount of energy stored over a first period of time in an energy storage device of a vehicle that includes a first propulsion system. Operations include receiving information representative of a performance measure of the vehicle for a second period of time, shorter than the first period of time, and, determining an assistance adjustment from an estimated value of stored energy from the information representative of the amount of energy stored over the first period of time. Operations include determining a level of assistance for a second propulsion system included in the vehicle from the received information representative of the performance measure, and, adjusting the level of assistance using the assistance adjustment determined from the estimated value of the stored energy. |
| US08670886B2 |
Hybrid electric power device for crane and control method of hybrid electric power device for crane
A disclosed hybrid electric power source device for a crane includes an engine generator, an electric power accumulating unit, and a control unit for controlling the engine generator and the electric power accumulating unit, wherein the control unit includes an electric power load calculating part which acquires electric power loaded on the engine based on required electric power supplied to an outside and charging electric power of an electric power accumulating unit and a command signal sending part which calculates output torque and a revolution speed based on the electric power loaded on the engine calculated by the electric power load calculating part and generates a torque command signal and a revolution speed command signal. |
| US08670885B2 |
Information display system and method
A vehicle display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. A trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. The positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. A battery gauge may also convey information associated with the vehicle range. Portions of the trip gauge and the battery gauge, as well as one or more of the associated indicators, may assigned various color values for display based upon energy consumption, vehicle range, and target distance information. |
| US08670880B2 |
Aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system
An aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system enhances flight safety. The system incorporates a multi-controlled HSI with a yoke heading adjustment control, a yoke radial/course selector, and a yoke heading centering control positioned on a yoke, stick, or collective. The system may also incorporate a first officer multi-controlled HSI with a first officer yoke heading adjustment control, a first officer yoke radial/course selector, and a first officer yoke heading and course centering control. An autopilot mode indicator visually indicates whether an autopilot is flying according to a desired heading or according to a navigational aid signal, such as a VOR radial signal. A side selector-indicator control permits selection of which side controls the flight of the aircraft. |
| US08670878B2 |
Portable equipment
Portable equipment for displaying a vehicle page, indicative of information relating to a vehicle corresponding to the portable equipment, on a screen of a display unit, includes: a reading request receiving device that receives a reading request manipulation for requesting to display the vehicle page; a position information acquisition device that acquires position information of the portable equipment and the vehicle; an item selection device that specifies an area, in which the position of the portable equipment and the vehicle is disposed, and selects an item of a top page of the display unit according to the area among multiple items; and a page display controller that controls the display unit to display the item of the top page on the screen. |
| US08670877B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing and optimizing fuel/energy consumption
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request for improving vehicular energy conservation. The method further includes responsively providing at least one action to a vehicle computing system, based at least in part on received vehicle data. Also, the method includes receiving data relating to a change in vehicle energy efficiency resulting from implementation of the action. The method additionally includes analyzing the received data and action along with data resulting from similar actions to determine a generalized effect of the action. |
| US08670872B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing and distributing standby power
Aspects of the invention are directed to power distribution systems and methods for distributing power from a primary power source and a backup power source to a load. In one particular aspect, a power distribution system includes a first input to receive input power from the primary power source, a second input to receive input power from the backup power source, an output that provides output power from at least one of the primary power source and the backup power source, a first switch operatively coupled to the first input and the output and operative to selectively couple the first input to the output, a second switch operatively coupled to the second input and the output and operative to selectively couple the second input to the output, and a controller operatively coupled to the first switch and to the second switch and configured to control the first switch and the second switch to provide an electrical interlock. |
| US08670868B2 |
System and a method for providing safe remote access to a robot controller
The present invention relates to a system and a method for providing safe remote access to a plurality of robot controllers positioned at a local site for a person positioned on a remote site. The system includes a plurality of robot controllers, each capable of receiving credentials and including an authentication component for authentication of the credentials, and an authorization component for handling authorization for access to the robot controller based on the result of the authentication, a remote computer located at a remote site and capable of communicating with the robot controllers and having an interface capable of receiving credentials and configured to send the credentials to the robot controllers, a server component capable of communicating with the robot controllers, and an identifying component positioned at the local site configured to receive proof of local access. |
| US08670865B2 |
Interactive medicine organizer
Interactive medicine organizers and methods comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided. |
| US08670864B2 |
Dynamic refill level for medication dispensing apparatus
A dynamic refill level is used for determining medication refill requirements for a medication at a medication dispensing apparatus. When a medication refill report process for a medication dispensing apparatus is triggered, a quantity of medication likely needed to fulfill orders for a medication from the medication dispensing apparatus until a next scheduled refill is determined. A dynamic refill level is set for the medication based on the quantity of medication likely needed. A current count for the medication in the medication dispensing apparatus is compared against the dynamic refill level. If the current count satisfies the dynamic refill level, there is no need to refill the medication. However, if the current count does not satisfy the dynamic refill level, there is a need to refill the medication. |
| US08670863B2 |
Grain bin for temporary storage of grain
A grain for the storage of grain millions of bushels of grain comprises a floor, a peripheral wall and a flexible covering. The grain bin includes an unloading system which enables the grain to be unloaded from the grain bin without the need to remove the covering and which substantially reduces the dust typically produced during unloading of currently used temporary grain bins. |
| US08670861B2 |
Article storage facility
An article storage facility with a storing shelf structured by lining up a plurality of article storage units in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. A stacker crane travels along a traveling rail to transport articles to each article storage unit. The stacker crane has a traveling cart having a pair of vertical-movement guiding masts set upright on both ends of the traveling cart in the front-back width direction, and a vertical-movement platform movable vertically along the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts between the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts. An article transfer device is provided on the vertical-movement platform. The stacker crane has a work frame, having a width in the sideways direction of the traveling cart and the front-back width direction of the traveling cart between the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts structured so as to be freely attached and removed. |
| US08670859B2 |
Methods and apparatus for an improved motor control center
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for operating a motor control center. The invention includes determining a hardware configuration of functional modules within a motor control center; downloading the hardware configuration to a programmable logic controller; configuring a program to run on the programmable logic controller based on the hardware configuration; and executing the program. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed. |
| US08670857B2 |
Flexible process condition monitoring
The present invention generally relates to a method for flexible process condition monitoring. In a process that utilizes RF power, the RF power may be applied at different levels during different points in the process. Software may be programmed to facilitate the monitoring of the different points in the process so that the acceptable deviation range of the RF power for each point in the process may be set to different values. For example, one phase of the process may permit a greater range of RF power deviation while a second phase may be much more particular and permit very little deviation. By programming software to permit each phase of the process to be uniquely monitored, a more precise RF process may be obtained. |
| US08670854B2 |
Method for monitoring sequencing of a control recipe for a batch process
A method for monitoring sequencing of a control recipe for a batch process, wherein the recipe comprises a plurality of recipe elements and is displayable on a display unit of a batch or operator system. In order to simplify the monitoring of the sequence of the control recipe a respective recipe-element-specific rule is created for each of the plurality of recipe elements, compliance with the respective recipe-element-specific rule is monitored for each of the plurality of recipe elements during run-time of the control recipe, each recipe element of the plurality of recipe elements is automatically classified into one of a plurality of problem levels if the respective recipe-element-specific rule for a respective recipe element of the plurality of recipe elements is not complied with, and recipe elements of the plurality of recipe elements that have been classified are displayed, together with the respective problem level, on the display unit in tabular form. |
| US08670850B2 |
System for modifying an acoustic space with audio source content
An audio signal processing system is configured to separate an audio signal into a dry signal component and one or more reverberant signal components. The dry signal component and the reverberant signal components can be separately modified and then recombined to form a processed audio signal. Alternatively, the dry signal component may be combined with an artificial reverberation component to form the processed audio signal. Modification of the reverberation signal component and generation of the artificial reverberation component may be performed in order to modify the acoustic characteristics of an acoustic space in which the audio signal is driving loudspeakers. The audio signal may be a pre-recorded audio signal or a live audio signal generated inside or outside the acoustic space. |
| US08670849B2 |
Digital signal switching apparatus and method of switching digital signals
A digital signal switching apparatus is provided. The digital signal switching apparatus inputs and outputs digital signals to which status information formed of a block including a plurality of frames is added. The digital signal switching apparatus includes: a retrieving unit configured to retrieve the status information from the digital signal to which switching processing was performed; a storing unit configured to store one or more blocks of the status information retrieved by the retrieving unit; and an adding unit configured to add again the status information stored in the storing unit by the block to a position of the status information in the digital signal to which the switching processing was performed. |
| US08670847B2 |
Method and device for fantasy sports player recommendations using a weighted player ranking system
A method and device are for fantasy sport applications including receiving a plurality of ranking values associated with a sport player; assigning a corresponding weight value to each ranking value; determining a score value as a function of the ranking value and the corresponding weight value; determining a final ranking value as a function of the score values for the sport player; and generating a recommendation for the sport player as a function of the final ranking value. |
| US08670846B2 |
System and method for conducting a competition
This invention relates to system and method for conducting a competition. Specifically, the invention relates to a computer-implemented peer-to-peer anonymous evaluation to determine a winner of a competition. |
| US08670841B2 |
Implantable lead having a shielded bandstop filter comprising a self-resonant inductor for an active medical device
A shielded component or network for an active medical device (AMD) implantable lead includes (1) an implantable lead having a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end, all external of an AMD housing, (2) a passive component or network disposed somewhere along the length of the implantable lead, the passive component or network including at least one inductive component having a first inductive value, and (3) an electromagnetic shield substantially surrounding the inductive component or the passive network. The first inductive value of the inductive component is adjusted to a account for a shift in its inductance to a second inductive value when shielded. |
| US08670840B2 |
RF rejecting lead
A conductor assembly for an implantable medical device includes a first conductive coil and a second conductive coil co-radial with and electrically isolated from the first conductive coil. The first and second conductive coils each including a plurality of turns. Two or more adjacently wound consecutive turns of the first conductive coil alternate with two or more adjacently wound consecutive turns of the second conductive coil. |
| US08670835B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating with an implantable stimulator
An exemplary system for communicating with an implantable stimulator includes a coil configured to transmit a signal modulated with either on-off keying (OOK) modulation or Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation. The system further includes a first telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the OOK modulation and a second telemetry receiver in the implantable stimulator configured to receive the signal in accordance with the FSK modulation. |
| US08670832B2 |
System and methods for producing and delivering electrical impulses
A system and method for delivery of selected electrical impulses to selected locations on the body of a patient. In certain embodiments, the selected electrical impulses mimic the natural impulses that travel along neurons and the inverse thereof. A system for administering the selected electrical impulses may include an input element, impulse generator, impulse shaper, circuit booster element, output control element, time and sequence controller, display element, power source, and output element. |
| US08670827B2 |
Adaptive safety pacing
Methods and systems involve adjusting an energy used for safety pacing based on the capture threshold. The safety pacing energy may be adjusted prior to a capture threshold test. During the capture threshold test, backup safety paces are delivered using the adjusted pacing energy. Following suspension of automatic capture verification, the device may enter a suspension mode. During the suspension mode, safety pacing pulses are delivered using a pacing energy adjusted based on capture threshold. |
| US08670824B2 |
Single-pass left-sided DDD pacing lead
A single-pass pacing lead capable of sensing and pacing both the atria and the ventricles is described. In some examples, the single-pass pacing lead is connected to a DDD pacemaker. In some examples, the single-pass pacing lead comprises four electrodes. In some examples, the lead includes three electrodes configured to be positioned in or near an atrium, e.g., the right atrium, and one electrode configured to be positioned in or near a ventricle, e.g., the left ventricle, when the lead is implanted. In other examples, the lead includes two electrodes configured to be positioned in each of the atrium and ventricle when the lead is implanted. In some examples, one of the electrodes, which is configured to be positioned proximate the coronary sinus ostium when the lead is implanted, comprises a helical element for fixation of the lead to tissue. |
| US08670822B2 |
Body fat measurement device
A body fat measurement device includes a trunk area dimension measurement unit in which is provided a trunk area dimension detection unit for detecting a dimension of a measurement subject's trunk area. The trunk area dimension measurement unit has a frame shape that can be disposed surrounding the measurement subject's trunk area, and includes a base portion whose position relative to the trunk area does not change in a state where the trunk area dimension measurement unit is disposed surrounding the trunk area, and a mobile portion that is attached in a movable state to the base portion and whose position relative to the trunk area can change in a state where the trunk area dimension measurement unit is disposed surrounding the trunk area. The trunk area dimension detection unit includes at least a non-contact range sensor provided in the mobile portion. |
| US08670819B2 |
Optical biological information detecting apparatus and optical biological information detecting method
An optical biological information detecting apparatus includes a light emitting unit which emits observation light of a specific wavelength band to optically observe a desired portion of a tissue of a skin of a human body, and an annular light guide unit which guides the observation light to a desired area of a surface of the skin corresponding to the desired portion of the tissue of the skin, and which annularly irradiates the observation light onto the desired area of the surface of the skin. The apparatus further includes a light receiving unit which is disposed at a position surrounded by the annular light guide unit, and which receives scattered light scattered by the desired portion of the tissue of the skin after the observation light is annularly irradiated onto the desired area of the surface of the skin by the annular light guide unit. |
| US08670817B2 |
Fluoroscopic imaging system
A liquid injector (400) injects a medical liquid into a patient whose fluoroscopic image data is to be picked up, and generates injection history data corresponding to the injection. A control box (500) allocates identification data associated with the fluoroscopic image data to the injection history data, and PACS (300) stores the fluoroscopic image data and the injection history data allocated with the identification data. The injection history data is also stored in association with the fluoroscopic image data to be stored, and hence the injection history data can also be confirmed when viewing the fluoroscopic image data. |
| US08670815B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US08670812B2 |
Physiological sensor having a waist
An exemplary sensor includes a sensor pad having a first portion and a second portion separated by a waist portion. The waist portion is narrower than the first portion and the second portion. A light source that is disposed on the first portion is configured to generate near-infrared light and transmit the near-infrared light through part of a patient's body. A light detector that is disposed on the second portion is configured to detect near-infrared light that has traveled through the part of the patient's body. The near-infrared light detected indicates an amount of oxygen in the part of the patient's body through which the near-infrared light traveled. |
| US08670810B2 |
Regional oximetry analog front end
An apparatus includes a first amplifier having a first input coupled to a first optical detector. The first amplifier includes a first output corresponding to a logarithm of the first input. The apparatus includes a second amplifier having a second input coupled to a second optical detector and having a second output corresponding to a logarithm of the second input. The apparatus includes a differential amplifier configured to amplify a difference between the first output and the second output. |
| US08670807B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling the elements of superconducting processors
A computer system employs a network that between a data programming system and one or more superconducting programmable devices of a superconducting processor chip. Routers on the network, such as first-, second- and third-stage routers direct communications with the superconducting programmable devices. A superconducting memory register may load data signals received from a first-stage router into corresponding superconducting programmable devices. The system may employ additional superconducting chips, first-, second- or third-stage routers. |
| US08670804B2 |
Computer program products, apparatuses and methods for associating and displaying messages in mobile terminals
Apparatuses for associating and displaying messages and contacts in a way that allows users to access either category of information is provided. One apparatus includes a processing element that associates the messages with corresponding contacts and also includes a memory element configured to store contacts and messages received or transmitted. The apparatus may also include a display such that the processing element may generate upon the display a visual representation of the contacts and messages. Messages are associated with corresponding contacts and are displayed according to the associations. For example, a message may be associated with a contact based on a common identifier of the contact and the message. Messages associated with a selected contact may be displayed, and contacts associated with messages that have been received or sent may also be displayed according to user inputs. Methods and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08670801B2 |
NFC for mobile telephone
An electronic entity for a mobile terminal including a subscriber identity card and power supply therefor. The electronic entity includes a near-field communication device, an antenna, and a wire-based interface with the mobile terminal to provide the power supply. A voltage converter supplies operating power to the near-field communication device via the wire-based interface which in turn supplies power to the subscriber identity card. |
| US08670797B2 |
Multi-antenna wireless device with power amplifiers having different characteristics
A wireless device with power amplifiers having different characteristics to support transmission on multiple antennas is disclosed. These power amplifiers may have different gain, different maximum output power levels, etc. in order to meet requirements of different wireless systems. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes first and second power amplifiers having different characteristics. The first power amplifier amplifies a first input signal and provides a first output signal for a first antenna. The second power amplifier amplifies the first input signal or a second input signal and provides a second output signal for a second antenna, e.g., in a MIMO mode or a transmit diversity mode. Only the first or second power amplifier amplifies another input signal and provides another output signal to the first antenna, e.g., in a CDMA mode or a GSM mode. |
| US08670794B2 |
Superposition coding in a wireless communication system
The present patent application comprises a method and apparatus to compile a superposition coded packet by compiling user candidates for superposition coding, ranking the user candidates based on a result of an evaluation function, selecting a deserving user candidate from among the user candidates, and compiling a superposition coded packet by adding other user data packets to a packet of the deserving user data packet, wherein the data packets for the user candidates may conform to a plurality of different formats and wireless communication standards. |
| US08670788B1 |
Dynamic paging concatenation
Methods and systems for dynamically adjusting the page-concatenation level based on RF conditions being experienced by a mobile station are disclosed herein. An exemplary method involves (i) determining that a mobile station should be paged, wherein the mobile station is operating in a coverage area of an access network; and (ii) in response: (a) using at least one indication of RF conditions for the mobile station as a basis for selecting a page-concatenation level for a page to the mobile station; and (b) transmitting the page to the mobile station, wherein the page is transmitted in a page message having the selected page-concatenation level. In an exemplary embodiment, the indication of RF conditions may be a determination that a mobile station is located near the border of a coverage area, which is made based on an elapsed time since the mobile station's last-received registration message. |
| US08670784B2 |
Method for operating a mobile communication device and mobile communication device
A mobile communication device having the capability of using the Internet does the same depending on a situation. For example, in the home country, to which a flat rate applies, larger amounts of data are downloaded during Internet use than in foreign countries, to which a flat rate does not apply. Corresponding situation profiles can be set by a user. The Internet can then be used in a cost-optimized manner. |
| US08670778B2 |
Dynamic sectors in a wireless communication system
A method for dynamic sector creation is disclosed. The method may include determining that a first sector of a cell is overloaded. The method may also include creating a second sector within the first sector. The method may further include transferring one or more mobile stations from the first sector to the second sector. |
| US08670777B2 |
Method and apparatus for fast other sector interference (OSI) adjustment
Systems and methods that facilitate management of interference and communication resources are provided. A differential approach is devised in which other-sector interference (OSI) and communication resources are managed by adjusting an offset (delta) value associated with the resources in response to receiving an indication of other-sector interference. An OSI indication can be issued based on a short and a long time scale, and effective interference metrics over time-frequency resources. The adjusted delta value is communicated to a serving access point, which reassigns communication resources in order to mitigate other-sector interference. |
| US08670776B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
A CIR measuring section measures CIRs of all blocks received and a block selection section makes a threshold decision based on the CIR measurement result and threshold information according to an amount of traffic in the own cell and neighboring cells. As a result of the threshold decision, blocks whose CIRs exceed the threshold are regarded as usable blocks. A CIR averaging section averages the CIRs of the usable blocks and a CQI generation section generates a CQI based on the CIR average value. The CQI generated and selected block numbers are reported to a base station apparatus. This allows the throughput of the own cell and neighboring cells to be improved. |
| US08670769B2 |
Radio communication system and radio communication method
Provided is a radio communication system which enables optimal cell switching. A broker femtocell base station is installed in an entrance of the buildings, and sub-femtocell base stations are installed in the buildings. An adjacent cell list and broker femtocell priority selection setting information are set as system information notified from a macro cell, the adjacent cell list including a broker PSC of the broker femtocell base station and PSCs of adjacent macro cells, the broker femtocell priority selection setting information being the information for preferentially selecting the broker femtocell base station. An adjacent cell list and sub-femtocell priority selection setting information are set as system information of the broker femtocell, the adjacent cell list including a PSC of a macro cell, and a sub PSC of an adjacent femtocell, the sub-femtocell priority selection setting information being the information for preferentially selecting the sub-femtocell base station. |
| US08670767B2 |
Radio base station apparatus configured to modify a softer handover enabled range
The present invention provides a radio base station apparatus that is capable of freely expanding an area, improving the degree of freedom in designing of the area significantly and reducing the equipment investment. The radio base station apparatus includes: a plurality of transmission/reception units which are remotely installed in a service area and to which necessary numbers of carriers and sectors are assigned in accordance with the respective installation areas; a modulation/demodulation unit which can set/modify the soft handover enabled range and modulates/demodulates a signal transmitted/received to/from the transmission reception units; and a selector switch which is connected to the transmission/reception units remotely installed in the service area via cables so as to select connections between the modulation/demodulation unit and the transmission/reception units. |
| US08670760B2 |
Converged mobile-web communications solution
A converged mobile-Web communications solution interfaces to both a mobile phone network and an Internet or Intranet network, so that services that are provided to mobile phones in the mobile phone network are also provided to web clients or web widgets in the Internet or Intranet network. |
| US08670755B2 |
Control software for unlocking and relocking cellular telephones
Cellular telephone handsets often include electronic or software coding that “locks” them to a specific wireless network. Provided herein, is a method for provisioning locked handsets by unlocking them from their established network and relocking them on a new cellular network. The handset is connected in communication with the control process, identified, and provisioned. The method allows for provisioning of multiple models and brands to be provisioned from different carriers and to different carriers. It further allows multiple handsets to be provisioned simultaneously. During the process, the handset may be sensitivity tested. Further, the identification portion of the method can be used in conjunction with phone support tools beyond the provisioning process. |
| US08670754B2 |
Reusable mulitmodal application
A method and system are disclosed herein for accepting multimodal inputs and deriving synchronized and processed information. A reusable multimodal application is provided on the mobile device. A user transmits a multimodal command to the multimodal platform via the mobile network. The one or more modes of communication that are inputted are transmitted to the multimodal platform(s) via the mobile network(s) and thereafter synchronized and processed at the multimodal platform. The synchronized and processed information is transmitted to the multimodal application. If required, the user verifies and appropriately modifies the synchronized and processed information. The verified and modified information are transferred from the multimodal application to the visual application. The final result(s) are derived by inputting the verified and modified results into the visual application. |
| US08670748B2 |
Remotely locating and commanding a mobile device
Methods, systems, and apparatus are presented for processing a remote lock command message. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, by a mobile device, a remote lock command message comprising a lock command and specifying a passcode to be set by the mobile device, locking the mobile device in response to the received remote lock command message, setting an unlock passcode associated with the mobile device to the specified passcode, and generating an acknowledgement message in response to the remote lock command message. Further, receiving the remote lock command message can include accessing a subscribed topic hosted on a notification service, the subscribed topic being associated with a lock command, and retrieving the remote lock command message from the subscribed topic. Additionally, locking the mobile device can include locking a display such that access to information stored on the mobile device and device functionality are blocked. |
| US08670743B2 |
Warning message transmission method and apparatus
The present invention provides a warning message transmission method and apparatus after the warning message transmission procedure is completed. The method comprises: after sending a WRITE-REPLACE WARNING REQUEST message to an eNB and receiving a WRITE-REPLACE WARNING RESPONSE message corresponding to the WRITE-REPLACE WARNING REQUEST message and returned by the eNB, a mobility management entity (MME) determining areas where warning broadcast fails based on the WRITE-REPLACE WARNING RESPONSE message corresponding to the WRITE-REPLACE WARNING REQUEST message and returned by the eNB, and then controlling the eNB to resend a warning message to the areas where warning broadcast fails. The present invention can ensure that disastrous information associated with the ETWS can be timely and effectively notified to all users in areas where broadcast fails so as send an escape or precaution warning to them to further minimize huge losses of human life and property when the disaster comes. |
| US08670733B2 |
Multimode communication device with shared signal path programmable filter
A multimode communication device with a shared signal path programmable filter and a method for utilizing a shared signal path programmable filter in a multimode communication device. Various aspects of the present invention comprise a first module adapted to receive a first communication signal (e.g., corresponding to a first communication protocol) and a second module adapted to receive a second communication signal (e.g., corresponding to a second communication protocol). A shared filter, communicatively coupled to the first and second modules, may be adapted to filter the first and/or second communication signals in accordance with a plurality of selectable sets of filter response characteristics (e.g., associated with the first and second communication protocols). A filter control module may be adapted to select a set of filter response characteristics from a plurality of such sets and program the shared filter to filter a communication signal in accordance with the selected set. |
| US08670731B2 |
Power amplification apparatus and power amplification method
Disclosed is a power amplifier apparatus including: an amplifier amplifying an input modulated signal; a control signal generator receiving an amplitude component of the input modulated signal and generating a control signal; and a power combiner performing ON/OFF control of a switching element based on the control signal to control conduction and non-conduction of a current supplied from a second power supply. In the power combiner, a power of a pulsed form when the current from the second power supply is conductive is transferred in a direction of a first power supply, using a transformer. A difference power obtained by subtracting a constant value from a first power supply voltage when the amplitude of the input modulated signal is smaller than that of a reference signal is supplied from the power combiner to the amplifier, as a power supply thereof (FIG. 1). |
| US08670730B2 |
Power efficient radio frequency transmitter
A power efficient, small-packaged radio frequency (RF) transmitter for use in avionics applications. The RF transmitter utilizes Cartesian feedback to operate a power amplifier with Class AB biasing and efficiency, while delivering Class A biasing performance. The RF transmitter includes interstage pads and high pass filters specially configured to meet demanding requirements for both adjacent channel power (ACP) limits and wideband spurious energy limits. The RF transmitter is much smaller in size and dissipates less DC power and heat than previous RF transmitters used in avionics applications. |
| US08670729B2 |
Method and system for level detector calibration for accurate transmit power control
Methods and systems for level detector calibration are disclosed and may comprise calibrating a level detector integrated on-chip to eliminate an associated zero input offset voltage utilizing a replica bias circuit with no input ac voltage at the level detector or the replica bias circuit. The offset voltages of the level detector and the replica bias circuit may be combined to eliminate the associated zero input offset voltage of the level detector. The output signal may be generated by a difference of output signals from the level detector and the replica bias circuit. The level detector and the replica bias circuit may be biased utilizing a similar bias voltage. A plurality of known input voltages may be utilized to generate a corresponding plurality of output voltages of the level detector, generating a corrected transfer function that may be used to accurately set a transmitter power level. |
| US08670728B2 |
Phase correction apparatus and phase correction method
A phase correction apparatus in a wireless transmitter includes a modulator configured to modulate an in-phase component and a quadrature component of a first signal by a first carrier wave signal, a demodulator configured to demodulate a returned signal by a second carrier wave signal and generate a second signal that includes an in-phase component and a quadrature component, a phase detector configured to binarize the in-phase components and the quadrature components of the first and second signals according to signal levels, and detect a phase error between the first signal and the second signal based on combinations of the binarized signal components in the first signal and the second signal, and a phase shifter configured to phase-shift the first signal, the second signal, the first carrier wave signal, or the second carrier wave signal, based on the phase error. |
| US08670722B2 |
Automatic detection of erroneous connections between antenna ports and radio frequency paths
A device (110) receives consecutive negative acknowledgments (NACKs) (540), measures a downlink channel quality (530) associated with the device (110), and triggers autonomous retransmission (430) when power is limited in the device (110), when the device (110) is using a minimum usable enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) transport format combination (ETFC), and when one of a number of consecutive NACKs (540) is greater than a predefined number, or the measured downlink channel quality (530) is less than a predefined threshold. |
| US08670714B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device having a near field communication (NFC) device and providing memory erasure and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver, a processor coupled with the wireless transceiver, and a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled with the processor. The NFC device may include an NFC controller, an NFC transceiver coupled with the NFC controller, and a first memory coupled with the NFC controller. The first memory may be configured to store at least one first application. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a second memory coupled to the processor and configured to store at least one second application. The processor may be configured to disable the NFC transceiver based upon a security condition, disable access to the at least one first application, erase the at least one second application, perform reset operation, and erase the at least one application from the first memory after the reset operation. |
| US08670713B2 |
Communication method, communication device, and computer program
Communication stations in a network each transmit a beacon signal that includes network information. The beacon signal sets a state in which a reception operation is performed, before and after the transmission of the beacon signal. The reception operation occurs during access control, so as to avoid collision with communication timings of packets from another communication station, by detecting signals transmitted from other communication stations. States set in the communication stations are transitioned between a transmission state and a reception state based on a fluctuating volume of transmission and reception data. Data accumulations at transmitting communication stations and delays at receiving communication stations are reduced, and low latency data transfer is achieved using minimal levels of transmission and reception operations. |
| US08670705B2 |
Additional intra-and/or inter-system interference reducing systems and methods for satellite communications systems
First radio signals are received by a first satellite, the received first radio signals including a desired satellite uplink signal transmitted from a first source using a frequency assigned to the first source and an interfering signal transmitted from a second source using the frequency assigned to the first source. The first radio signals are combined based on a first performance criterion to generate a first output signal. Second radio signals are received by a second satellite, the received second radio signals including a measure of the desired signal. The second radio signals are combined based on a second performance criterion to produce a second output signal. The first and second output signals are combined to generate an estimate of the desired satellite uplink signal. |
| US08670703B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and computer program product
An image forming apparatus receives input of sheet information of a print sheet designated as a print destination of print data by a predetermined information processing apparatus as first sheet information, and stores therein sheet information of a print sheet designated as a print destination in advance by the image forming apparatus as second sheet information. A feed-timing determining unit compares the first sheet information with the second sheet information and determines the feed timing of a print sheet contained in a feed tray in accordance with the comparison result. |
| US08670700B2 |
Developing roller for electrophotographic image forming
A developing roller is provided, which is particularly used in an image forming apparatus of a highly durable design and is free from toner leakage even after formation of a predetermined number of images. Opposite end regions (5a) of an outer peripheral surface (5) of a roller body (2) of the developing roller (1) to be respectively kept in sliding contact with seal members each have a friction coefficient μ of not greater than 0.15. |
| US08670699B2 |
Image forming device and developing device
A developing device that is provided in an image forming device that forms an image includes an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developer carrier that is configured to form a developer image on a surface of the image carrier by attaching developer on the electrostatic latent image; and a contact member that is configured to contact the developer carrier. The contact member contacts the developer carrier and exerts a contact pressure per unit area thereon, the contact pressure per unit area being based on charging characteristics of the developer being used. |
| US08670696B2 |
Developing device usable with image forming apparatus
A developing device usable with an image forming apparatus, which has an improved configuration to allow smooth flow of developer stored therein. The developing device includes a housing in which a developer receiving chamber is defined, a partition to divide the developer receiving chamber into a first developer receiving chamber and a second developer receiving chamber, and a first developer delivery member arranged in the first developer receiving chamber to deliver developer in a first direction. The partition includes at least one opening to communicate the first developer receiving chamber and the second developer receiving chamber with each other, and a shield to block between the first developer receiving chamber and the second developer receiving chamber at an upstream position of the first direction so as to isolate the two developer receiving chambers from each other. |
| US08670692B2 |
Photosensitive conductor unit and image forming apparatus
The photosensitive conductor unit includes a casing, and a protective cover, wherein: the casing includes an engaging portion on an insertion-side end and a guide portion slidably guiding the protective cover in proximity to an opposite end to the insertion-side end of the photosensitive conductor unit; the protective cover includes a hook portion engaging with the engaging portion, a positioning portion determining the position of the protective cover, a side wall covering an exposed portion of the surface by extending along an axial direction of the photosensitive conductor drum, and a rail portion extending in the insertion direction of the photosensitive conductor unit in proximity to both ends of the side wall in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the photosensitive conductor drum and engaging with the guide portion such that the guide portion slidably guides the protective cover. |
| US08670689B2 |
Processing cartridge
The present invention relates to a processing cartridge, comprising a developing unit and a photosensitive unit, of which the latter consists of a photosensitive member and a developer chamber and has a developer outlet connecting the chamber and a sealing cap matching the developer outlet and used to seal the said outlet. Based on the said technical proposal, the photosensitive unit is designed with a developer outlet connecting the chamber and with a sealing cap matching the developer outlet and used to seal the said outlet, so, when the photosensitive unit becomes full with developer, the sealing cap can be opened to remove the developer in the photosensitive unit, which facilitates the cleaning without affecting the normal operation of the processing cartridge. |
| US08670688B2 |
Developing cartridge and process cartridge with grip portion of sealing member preventing mounting of cartridge
A developing cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus by passing through a mounting guide provided in the main assembly. The developing cartridge includes a frame; a developer carrying member for carrying a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image; a portion to be guided for being guided by the mounting guide when the developing cartridge passes through the mounting guide; an accommodating portion for accommodating the developer; a seal member for unsealably sealing an opening for permitting supply of the developer from the accommodating portion to the developer carrying member; and a grip member, provided at a longitudinal end portion of the seal member, including a fixed portion dismountably fixed on the frame and a grip portion to be gripped when the seal member is removed. The grip portion is disposed in a state in which the grip portion is bent relative to the fixed portion in a direction crossing a mounting direction of the developing cartridge. The grip portion prevents mounting of the developing cartridge by contacting a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. |
| US08670687B2 |
Image forming member with current flowing to transfer belt
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a toner image; a transfer member that transfers the toner image to an object to be transferred at a transfer position that faces the image carrier; an endless transfer belt that is wound around the transfer member, and rotates circumferentially as the transfer member rotates; a facing member that is arranged to face the transfer member so as to nip the transfer belt at the transfer position; a transfer voltage application member that applies a voltage at the transfer position such that a transfer current flows between the transfer member and the facing member; and a conductive member to which a voltage is applied between the conductive member and a target member at a position different from the transfer position such that a current in a direction opposite to the transfer current flows to the transfer belt. |
| US08670683B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including: a photoreceptor for bearing a toner image; a transfer body onto which the toner image borne by the photoreceptor is transferred; a drive section for driving the photoreceptor and transfer body respectively, and a control section for controlling the drive section so as to drive the photoreceptor and transfer body at a predetermined driving speed, wherein the control section, under a state in which the control section controls to drive the transfer body at the predetermined driving speed, controls to: a) drive the photoreceptor while changing the driving speed of the photoreceptor within a range of driving speeds between low speed and high speed, including the predetermined driving speed, b) extract torque characteristics under the control which includes the change of driving speed of the photoreceptor, and c) determine the driving speed of the photoreceptor based on the extracted torque characteristics. |
| US08670680B2 |
Optical receiver and optical receiving method
An optical receiver includes an analog/digital converter, and a control circuit. The analog/digital converter has a dynamic range at a time of converting an analog electric signal generated based on an optical signal to a digital electric signal. The dynamic range is variable, and the control circuit varies the dynamic range of the analog/digital converter based on the chromatic dispersion of the optical signal. |
| US08670678B2 |
Digital coherent receiver and digital coherent reception method
A digital coherent receiver converts signals and local light respectively detected, as detection results, in signal light from an optical transmission line, into digital signals and that further applies digital processing to the digital signals. The receiver includes a skew detecting unit that detects skew between the digital signals; a skew control unit controls the skew of each of the signals so that the skew to be detected by the skew detecting unit will be reduced; and a demodulating unit that demodulates each signal controlled for skew by the skew control unit. |
| US08670676B2 |
Modulator control system and method in an optical network
The invention relates to an optical modulator control system implemented in an optical burst mode transmitter, said control system comprising means for measuring a plurality of optical power sample values and associated optical wavelength data values from a modulator at a first sampling rate, wherein an average power table is generated from said values for each sample period and stored in a memory. The control system also comprises means for performing a control error calculation from two or more stored average power tables at a second sampling rate to calculate a single error value to provide gain and/or bias control signals, wherein the second sample rate is sampled at a slower rate than the first sample rate. The control system described optimises the modulator performance over temperature and lifetime in an optical network. |
| US08670666B2 |
Channel validation in optical networks using multi-channel impairment evaluation
In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node one or more cross-talk margins of respective communication channels that traverse the node. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the cross-talk margins stored in the nodes in the subset. |
| US08670660B2 |
Image display device, brightness control method and brightness control program
An image display device includes a display unit that is installed inside a finder window provided in a housing and displays images, an obtaining unit that obtains brightness of a space inside the finder window, and a control unit that when the brightness obtained by the obtaining unit is a first brightness, sets the brightness of the display unit to a second brightness, and when the brightness obtained by the obtaining unit is a third brightness brighter than the first brightness, sets the brightness of the display unit to a fourth brightness brighter than the second brightness. |
| US08670659B2 |
Camera module
In a camera module, a lens for forming an image on an imaging element having a rectangular light receiving surface is formed in a shape obtained by removing a peripheral portion of a circular lens, such as a generally oval shape, and a cylindrical lens barrel coaxially holding the lens is formed in a shape conforming to that of the lens. A part of a focal adjustment actuator is disposed in a space created on a side of the lens barrel in correspondence with the removed portion of the lens, whereby reduction in size of the entirety of the camera module is promoted. |
| US08670653B2 |
Encoding apparatus and method, and decoding apparatus and method
An encoding method includes controlling recording of frame-position information representing the position of a frame in a video stream, and controlling recording of unit-region-position information representing the position of a unit region serving as a processing unit used when the video stream is decoded. |
| US08670652B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium that records reservation instructions, recording reservation method and recording reservation device
A television PC 40 detects an advertisement of a program scheduled to be broadcasted from within pictures based on TV signals transmitted by any one of TV broadcasting stations, then acquires program information for specifying this program (S101-S107), and registers reservation information based on the program information according to an instruction given from a viewer of the pictures in a reservation information management table 43d, thereby reserving the recording of the program (S108, S109). |
| US08670646B2 |
Information processing method and apparatus, program and recording medium
A CPI_type is stated in the PlayList( ) The CPI Type comprises a EP_type and a EP_map type. If the position of an I-picture can be known by analysis, EP_type is used, whereas, if the position of an I-picture cannot be known by analysis, EP_map type is used. Therefore, AV stream data recorded subject to analysis of the I-picture and AV stream data recorded without analyzing the I-picture position can be supervised in common. |
| US08670644B2 |
Manifold for managing fiber optic cable and structures and systems therefor
A manifold for managing fiber optic cables includes: a main panel; a plurality of clip channels mounted to a first side of the main panel, each of the clip channels comprising a pair of opposed clip arms sized and configured to receive and secure a fiber optic cable transition; and a pair of snap latches mounted to a second side of the main panel opposite the first side, the snap latches configured to receive cable management fingers. A manifold of this configuration can be particularly useful in organizing and managing fiber optic cables. |
| US08670643B2 |
Large effective area optical fibers
Large effective area optical fibers are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical fiber includes a glass core and a glass cladding surrounding and in direct contact with the glass core. The glass core may include a radius Rc from about 12 μm to about 50 μm; a graded refractive index profile with an alpha value greater than or equal to about 1.0 and less than about 10 at a wavelength of 1550 nm; and a maximum relative refractive index ΔcMAX% from about 0.2% to about 0.75% relative to the glass cladding. An effective area of the core may be greater than or equal to about 150 μm2 such that the core supports the propagation and transmission of an optical signal with X modes at a wavelength of 1550 nm, wherein X is an integer greater than 1 and less than or equal to 110. The glass cladding may include a maximum relative refractive index Δc1MAX% such that ΔcMAX%>Δc1MAX%. The optical fiber has an RMS pulse broadening of less than or equal to about 0.15 ns/km at a wavelength of 1550 nm. |
| US08670642B2 |
Broadband or mid-infrared fiber light sources
An optical system for use in a spectroscopy procedure includes one or more semiconductor diodes configured to generate an input signal beam with a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns that is amplified and communicated through optical fiber(s) to a nonlinear element configured to broaden the spectral width to at least 50 nm through a nonlinear effect. A subsystem includes lenses or mirrors to deliver an output beam having a broadened spectrum selected to obtain a desired penetration depth and substantially minimize water absorption with a temporal duration greater than about 30 picoseconds to a sample to perform spectroscopy to characterize the sample. The output beam may have a repetition rate between continuous wave and one Megahertz or higher with a time averaged output power of 20 mW or more and a time averaged intensity of less than approximately 50 MW/cm2. |
| US08670640B2 |
Optical fiber, method of preparation thereof and device
The invention provides an optical fiber, a method for the preparation thereof, and a device. An optical fiber, wherein a distal end of the optical fiber is provided with an optical mask adapted for projecting a predetermined pattern on a target surface by radiation transmitted from the distal end of the optical fiber, allows for the rapid application of patterns and three-dimensional structures on target surfaces, in particular on the ends of optical fibers. |
| US08670639B2 |
Optical-switch driver circuit, optical switch, and optical changeover switch
An optical-switch driver circuit includes a pulse signal source and a voltage-applying circuit. The pulse signal source generates pulse waves that rise from a first voltage to a second voltage. The voltage-applying circuit, for one of the pulse waves, outputs a voltage higher than the third voltage, then outputs a voltage lower than the third voltage, and further outputs the third voltage. |
| US08670638B2 |
Signal distribution and radiation in a wireless enabled integrated circuit (IC) using a leaky waveguide
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for wirelessly communicating among integrated circuits and/or functional modules within the integrated circuits. A semiconductor device fabrication operation uses a predetermined sequence of photographic and/or chemical processing steps to form one or more functional modules onto a semiconductor substrate. The functional modules are coupled to an integrated waveguide that is formed onto the semiconductor substrate and/or attached thereto to form an integrated circuit. The functional modules communicate with each other as well as to other integrated circuits using a multiple access transmission scheme via the integrated waveguide. One or more integrated circuits may be coupled to an integrated circuit carrier to form Multichip Module. The Multichip Module may be coupled to a semiconductor package to form a packaged integrated circuit. |
| US08670632B2 |
System for reducing effects of undesired signals in an infrared imaging system
Effects of undesired infrared light are reduced in an imaging system using an infrared light source. The desired infrared light source is activated and a first set of imaging data is captured during a first image capture interval. The desired infrared light source is then deactivated, and a second set of image data is captured during a second image capture interval. A composite set of image data is then generated by subtracting from first values in the first set of image data corresponding second values in the second set of image data. The composite set of image data thus includes a set of imaging where data all infrared signals are collected, including both signals resulting from the IR source and other IR signals, from which is subtracted imaging in which no signals result from the IR course, leaving image data including signals resulting only from the IR source. |
| US08670631B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method and computer-readable medium storing a program
An image processing apparatus which performs reduction processing for rendering data in accordance with a reduction ratio, the apparatus comprises edge extraction unit that extracts edges from a contour of an object in the rendering data; saved line specification unit that specifies, out of lines including the edges extracted by the edge extraction unit, lines each having an outer shape feature of the object as saved lines which are lines not subjected to thinning processing; and thinning processing unit that thins out lines other than the saved lines in the object, thereby performing the reduction processing for the rendering data, wherein the saved line specification unit specifies saved lines by determining the outer shape feature of the object in accordance with characteristics of the edges. |
| US08670621B1 |
Using invariants of spherical harmonics to rotational and translational transformations for image recognition in industrial and security applications
A new method of image processing and recognition through calculation of expansion of projected images onto a spherical coordinate system with at least two sets of presumed spherical harmonics defined on it with different positions of their North Poles, and subsequent computation of expansion coefficients of the images into the abovementioned orthogonal systems of spherical harmonics, and then calculating the invariants of images to rotational and translational transformations as vector and scalar products of two series of expansions. The invariants of the images will be stored in a magnetic library and subsequently used in image recognition in various industrial and security/military applications. |
| US08670616B2 |
Region specification method, region specification apparatus, recording medium, server, and system
A region specification method is provided of specifying a subject region including a subject from a subject existing image in which a background and the subject exist. The region specification method including: calculating an image boundary pixel number of an image boundary of the subject existing image constituting an edge part of each of divided regions into which the subject existing image is divided by a borderline defined on the subject existing image; specifying, from the divided regions, a reference region having a pixel percentage equal to or more than a predetermined percentage, the pixel percentage indicating the calculated image boundary pixel number in a total pixel number of the edge part; and specifying the subject region from the divided regions of the subject existing image by taking the reference region specified in the specifying the reference region as a reference. |
| US08670615B2 |
Refinement of segmentation markup
Systems for refinement of a segmentation of an image using spray-paint markup are disclosed, with methods and processes for making and using the same. Spray-paint markup allows for easy markup of errors in a segmentation. The markup's data may be correlated or harmonized with the representation of the segmentation, such that it may be applied to the segmentation. The markup's data is utilized to refine the segmentation errors. To assist in the refinement process, the resolutions may be scaled down so as to exert less computation burden during the process. |
| US08670612B2 |
Environment recognition device and environment recognition method
There are provided an environment recognition device and an environment recognition method. The device obtains luminances of a target portion in a detection area, assigns a color identifier to the target portion according to the luminances thereof based on an association, retained in a data retaining unit, between a color identifier and a luminance range, groups target portions, of which position differences in the width and height directions are within a predetermined range and to which one or more color identifiers corresponding to a same specific object are assigned, into a target object, based on a association, retained in the unit, between a specific object and the color identifier; and determines an outer edge specified by the target portions to which the color identifiers are assigned according to whether or not the detection area is in the environment where light is diffused, as the outer edge of the target object. |
| US08670611B2 |
Background understanding in video data
Long-term understanding of background modeling includes determining first and second dimension gradient model derivatives of image brightness data of an image pixel along respective dimensions of two-dimensional, single channel image brightness data of a static image scene. The determined gradients are averaged with previous determined gradients of the image pixels, and with gradients of neighboring pixels as a function of their respective distances to the image pixel, the averaging generating averaged pixel gradient models for each of a plurality of pixels of the video image data of the static image scene that each have mean values and weight values. Background models for the static image scene are constructed as a function of the averaged pixel gradients and weights, wherein the background model pixels are represented by averaged pixel gradient models having similar orientation and magnitude and weights meeting a threshold weight requirement. |
| US08670610B2 |
Method for 3D digitalization of an object with variable surface
In a method for the 3D digitalization of an object with variable surface a plurality of camera pictures of partial surfaces of the object (4) are taken and put together for determining the 3D coordinates of the partial surface of the object (4). Camera pictures are taken of partial surfaces of the object (4), which overlap at their edges. For each camera picture the 3D coordinates of the associated partial surface of the object (4) are determined. The 3D coordinates of these partial surfaces of the object (4) are matched and put together by a matching method. Each camera picture is divided into subframes (1.1-1.9, 2.1-2.9, 3.1-3.9) which overlap at their edges and which overlap with the subframes of adjacent camera pictures. To the subframes (1.1-3.9), the associated 3D coordinates from the camera pictures are assigned. The 3D coordinates of the subframes (1.1-3.9) are matched and put together by a matching method. The method can iteratively be carried out several times. |
| US08670606B2 |
System and method for calculating an optimization for a facial reconstruction based on photometric and surface consistency
A computer-implemented method for generating a three-dimensional model of an object. The method includes generating a coarse geometry mesh of the object; calculating an optimization for the coarse geometry mesh based on photometric consistency and surface consistency associated with the coarse geometry mesh; and refining the coarse geometry mesh with the optimization to generate the three-dimensional model for the object. |
| US08670598B2 |
Device for creating and/or processing an object signature, monitoring device, method and computer program
The invention relates to a device (2) for creating and/or processing an object signature of an object from a scene, wherein the object signature is designed to describe and/or identify the object, comprising a characteristic extraction unit (5) designed to extract at least one characteristic value of the object from the scene, and wherein the characteristic value can be displayed in a characteristics space of the characteristic. The device further comprises a coding unit (8) designed to code the characteristic value into an identification data unit, wherein the identification data unit forms part of the object signature, and wherein the identification data unit refers to a partial region of the characteristic space of the characteristic. |
| US08670597B2 |
Facial recognition with social network aiding
A facial recognition search system identifies one or more likely names (or other personal identifiers) corresponding to the facial image(s) in a query as follows. After receiving the visual query with one or more facial images, the system identifies images that potentially match the respective facial image in accordance with visual similarity criteria. Then one or more persons associated with the potential images are identified. For each identified person, person-specific data comprising metrics of social connectivity to the requester are retrieved from a plurality of applications such as communications applications, social networking applications, calendar applications, and collaborative applications. An ordered list of persons is then generated by ranking the identified persons in accordance with at least metrics of visual similarity between the respective facial image and the potential image matches and with the social connection metrics. Finally, at least one person identifier from the list is sent to the requester. |
| US08670595B2 |
Road estimation device and method for estimating road
A road estimation device receives data including core points assigned along a road and assigned with attributes for identifying the road. An input unit inputs map data including links in a unit of a divided region being one of divided areas. When the core points cross a boundary of an indicated divided region to be indicated, a selection unit selects a processing object core point inside the indicated divided region from the core points in the map data. An extraction unit extracts candidate links being candidate of a road represented by the processing object core point from the map data according to attributes of the links and the attribute of the processing object core point for estimating the road on a map. |
| US08670593B2 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically controlling integration time of depth camera for accuracy improvement
An integration time dynamic control apparatus and method for dynamically controlling an integration time of a depth camera based on a motion of a depth image, are provided to improve an accuracy of the depth image. The integration time dynamic control apparatus may measure a motion of a depth image acquired from the depth camera, may determine whether the measured motion is greater than or equal to a reference value set in advance, and may control the integration time of the depth camera based on a result of the determination, thereby improving the accuracy of the depth image. |
| US08670590B2 |
Image processing device
An image processing device for improving the accuracy of optical flow calculation when an optical flow is calculated in a window unit. An image processing device for calculating an optical flow on the basis of image information within a window for a processing target using a plurality of images captured at different times includes position acquisition means which acquires position information of the processing target and setting means which sets a size of a window for calculating an optical flow on the basis of the position information acquired by the position acquisition means. |
| US08670587B2 |
Audio-broadcasting hat for events
A hat that allows the wearer to select and play one of a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks at an event is disclosed. The hat has a visor or brim formed of two layers between which are disposed an electronic audio-playing module having a plurality of pre-recorded audio tracks, a speaker and a plurality of switches. By pressing the appropriate switch, the sound module is activated and plays the selected audio. The provision of multiple tracks allows the wearer to select and broadcast audio appropriate for the event and to play different audios in response to changing circumstances during the event. |
| US08670579B2 |
MEMS microphone
A MEMS microphone includes a cover, a housing engaging with the cover for forming a cavity, at least one transducer accommodated in the cavity, and a conductive case covering the cover and the sidewall of the housing. The housing includes a cover and a sidewall extending from the base. The conductive case defines a first part covering the cover, a second part extending from the first part for covering the sidewall and a third part perpendicularly extending from the second part for covering a periphery part of the base, the third part forming an opening. |
| US08670578B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and electronic device
A piezoelectric actuator 60 includes a piezoelectric element 10 expanding and contracting according to a state of an electric field, a pedestal 20, a vibration film 30, and a support member. In the vibration mode of the divided vibration occurring in the piezoelectric actuator in a high frequency band, one or more reinforcement members 50 are selectively disposed on an upper surface or a lower surface of the piezoelectric element 10, in a region where a node of divided vibration occurs. With such configurations, the vibration mode can be changed in the piezoelectric element 10. Therefore, in the frequency sound pressure level characteristics, the divided vibration causing hills or valleys (peaks or dips) can be effectively suppressed, thus enabling the achievement of flatness of frequency sound pressure level characteristics and of reproduction of excellent sound. |
| US08670572B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter and analog-to-digital conversion method
The invention provides an analog-to-digital converter. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter receives a first audio signal from a microphone, and comprises a coding selection module, a pre-amplifier, a 1-bit ΔΣ modulator, and a signal coding module. The coding selection module receives a mode signal and a channel selection signal, and generates a control signal according to the mode signal and the channel selection signal. The pre-amplifier amplifies the first audio signal to obtain a second audio signal. The 1-bit ΔΣ modulator converts the second audio signal from analog to digital to obtain a third audio signal. The signal coding module encodes a fourth audio signal according to the third audio signal as an output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the control signal indicates that the mode signal selects an encoding mode, and forwards the third audio signal as the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter when the control signal indicates that mode signal does not select the encoding mode. |
| US08670563B2 |
System and method for designing secure client-server communication protocols based on certificateless public key infrastructure
A system and method for facilitating secure client server communication using elliptical curve cryptography and certificateless public key infrastructure has been disclosed. The system includes a secret key generation means which generates a secret key of m-bits based on the elliptic curve diffie hellman algorithm. The system further includes a session key generation means which makes use of said secret key and elliptic curve diffie hellman algorithm to generate a session key. The session key is used to facilitate secured communication between the client and the server. |
| US08670562B2 |
Generation and use of a biometric key
In a control system comprising control device adapted for, on the one hand, receiving signal indicating a first biometric datum (W), and, on the other hand, obtaining a second biometric datum captured (w′), at the level of the control device, the first and second biometric date are compared. Next, it is decided whether the first and second biometric data correspond on the basis of the comparison. Thereafter, at least a secret cryptographic key part (H(w)) is generated by applying cryptographic function to the first biometric datum. |
| US08670559B2 |
White-box implementation
A system for enabling a device to compute an outcome of an exponentiation Cx having a base C and/or an exponent x, the system comprising means for establishing a plurality of values λi; means for establishing a plurality of values ωi satisfying ωi=Cλi; means for establishing a plurality of values φi satisfying that the sum of the values λiφi equals x; and an output for providing the device with the plurality of values φi. A device computes an outcome of the exponentiation Cx. The device comprises means for computing a product of the values ωi to the power of φi. The device is arranged for using the product as a result of the exponentiation Cx. |
| US08670558B2 |
Cryptographic processing apparatus, cryptographic processing method, and computer program
To realize a common-key block cipher process configuration with increased difficulty of key analysis and improved security. In a configuration for storing in a register an intermediate key generated by using a secret key transformation process and performing a transformation process on the register-stored data to generate a round key, a process of swapping (permuting) data segments constituting the register-stored data is executed to generate a round key. For example, four data segments are produced so that two sets of data segments having an equal number of bits are set, and a process of swapping the individual data segments is repeatedly executed to generate a plurality of different round keys. With this configuration, the bit array of each round key can be effectively permuted, and round keys with low relevance can be generated. A high-security cryptographic process with increased difficulty of key analysis can be realized. |
| US08670556B2 |
Multi-participant communication system with audio manager responsive to mode change requests
A communication system includes a local communication device that communicates with a remote communication device via a wired or wireless communication link between the devices. The local communication device and the remote communication device are each capable of switching between a multiple user mode and a single user private mode in response to a mode change request. The local and remote communication devices include respective profiles that include profile attributes that define how the respective communication device responds to a mode change request. A user of one communication device may send a mode change request to the other communication device. In response to the mode change request, the other communication device changes mode between multiple participant mode and single participant mode if the profile of that communication device permits the mode change. |
| US08670555B2 |
Communication apparatus for rapidly adjusting analog echo cancellation circuit and related echo cancellation method
A communication apparatus is disclosed including: an analog-front-end circuit for receiving and processing an analog input signal; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled with the analog-front-end circuit for converting processed signal from the analog-front-end circuit into a digital input signal; and a control unit coupled with the ADC for adjusting at least one resistance and/or at least one capacitance in an analog echo cancellation circuit according to the digital input signal before the analog-front-end circuit receives a training sequence that is the first training sequence transmitted from a second communication apparatus after the second communication apparatus begins communicating with the communication apparatus. |
| US08670546B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a personalized communication processing service
Systems and methods for providing a personalized communication processing service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a personalized communication processing system (PCPS) can include a processor, an input/output interface, and a memory. The memory can be configured to store instructions, executable by the processor to intercept an incoming communication from a calling party, identify calling party information, determine a contact category to which the calling party is logically associated based upon a recognized relationship between the called party and the calling party as defined in the contact category, determine a user state of the called party that identifies conditions under which a communication processing treatment is to be provided for the contact category according to a personalized communication processing rule, apply the rule associated with the determined user state and the determined contact category, and process the incoming communication according to the applied personalized processing rule. |
| US08670545B2 |
Inbound call identification and management
Examples of inbound call identification and management are described including a call management system that includes one or more repositories that can include data representing call action policies and data representing attributes associated with the caller devices and the callee devices. Further, the call management system can include one or more computing devices that include a call identifier (“IDer”) configured to characterize the attributes of the caller devices to form characterized attributes, a call management system controller configured to match the characterized attributes against routing criteria specified in the data representing the call action policies, and a call management system router configured to route calls from the caller devices to the callee devices responsive to a match between the characterized attributes and the routing criteria. |
| US08670543B2 |
Systems and methods for providing selectable options to a calling party on-hold
A method for handling an on-hold communication includes receiving an incoming communication from an initiating party directed to a communication destination address assigned to a receiving party. When the incoming communication is placed on-hold, the initiating party is provided a menu of selectable options including an option to obtain information particular to a physical geographic location identified during the incoming communication. The on-hold initiating party selects the option to obtain the information particular to the physical geographic location, and the information particular to the physical geographical location is provided while the incoming communication is on-hold. |
| US08670542B2 |
Call forwarding based on determination of status of destination
In a call forwarding system, a call from a calling party for a called party is received at a switching device and in response to the received call the switching device issues a request for call processing instructions to a control device. The call processing instructions request is received at the control device and in response to the received request the control device checks with the destination station to determine the availability thereof. The control device returns call processing instructions to the switching device including a telephone number of the destination station if the destination station is available. Similarly, the control device returns alternative call processing instructions to the switching device if the destination station is not available. |
| US08670531B2 |
Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus
A telecommunication and multimedia management apparatus and method that supports voice and other media communications and that enables users to: (i) participate in multiple conversation modes, including live phone calls, conference calls, instant voice messaging or tactical communications; (ii) review the messages of conversations in either a live mode or a time-shifted mode and to seamlessly transition back and forth between the two modes; (iii) participate in multiple conversations either concurrently or simultaneously; (iv) archive the messages of conversations for later review or processing; and (v) persistently store media either created or received on the communication devices of users. The latter feature enables users to generate or review media when either disconnected from the network or network conditions are poor and to optimize the delivery of media over the network based on network conditions and the intention of the users participating in conversations. |
| US08670529B1 |
Context aware help system
A context aware help system generates context data for web sessions. The context data may be used either by a human operator or by an automated response system to help resolve user web session problems. For example, a user may initiate a telephone call to the context aware help during a web session. The context data may be displayed to a telephone operator in response to the telephone call. The telephone operator may use the context data to determine what web pages and user inputs were previously entered during the web session. This allows the telephone operator to quickly analyze web session problems and provide more effective and efficient web session support. The help system may alternatively, or in addition, provide other types of automated audio or data support. |
| US08670528B2 |
Communication device and method for evaluating level of importance of missed incoming call
A computerized method is implemented by a communication device for evaluating levels of importance of missed incoming calls. One or more reference parameters in relation to incoming calls received by the communication device are defined, a function for evaluating levels of importance of the missed incoming calls is formed using the one or more reference parameters. When an incoming call is received by the communication device, whether the received incoming call is missed is determined If the received incoming call is missed, the one or more reference parameters in relation to the received incoming call are obtained. A level of importance of the missed incoming call is evaluated by applying the obtained one or more reference parameters to the function. |
| US08670523B2 |
Intensity modulated arc therapy with continuous couch rotation/shift and simultaneous cone beam imaging
A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient. |
| US08670514B2 |
Hatch mechanical locking system
A locking mechanism for securing hatches internal to a steam generator that is made up of only mechanical locking elements with fully captured moving parts. The mechanism employs a locking pin with redundant mechanisms to secure the pin in the closed position. The moving parts of the device can be attached directly to a removable hatch so that installation and repairs that may be required can be performed outside of the pressure vessel of the steam generator. |
| US08670511B2 |
Remote monitoring and calibration of system reference clock using network timing reference
A system and method for calibrating a local radio reference clock for a radio operating in a radio network having a network reference clock. The method comprises determining at the radio an offset between the local clock and the network clock, placing the local clock in a calibration mode, and calibrating the local clock using a radio link to reduce the offset. |
| US08670510B2 |
Method and system for channel estimation in a single channel MIMO system with multiple RF chains for WCDMA/HSDPA
Aspects of a method and system for channel estimation in a MIMO communication system with multiple RF chains for WCDMA/HSDPA may comprise receiving a plurality of communication signals from a plurality of transmit antennas. A plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates may be generated based on phase rotation of the received plurality of communication signals. A matrix of processed baseband combined channel estimates may be generated based on the generated plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates. A plurality of amplitude and phase correction signals may be generated based on the generated plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates. An amplitude and a phase of at least a portion of the received plurality of communication signals may be adjusted based on the generated plurality of amplitude and phase correction signals, respectively. |
| US08670505B2 |
Early detection of segment type using BPSK and DBPSK modulated carriers in ISDB-T receivers
A receiver system for early detection of a segment type of an input signal based on BPSK and DBPSK modulated carriers is provided. The receiver system includes a tuner that converts the input signal into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, a signal conditioning module that converts the IF signal into a baseband signal, a Frequency Domain Synchronization (FDS) block that detects the segment type of the input signal based on a carrier powers, a Transmission and Multiplexing Configuration Control (TMCC) decode block that performs a decoding operation on the received signal, a channel estimation block that estimates a channel and obtains a channel information. The TMCC decode block uses the channel information obtained from channel estimation block to correct a fast-frequency selective fading on the received signal before the decoding operation. |
| US08670504B2 |
Beamspace-time coding based on channel quality feedback
Methods and apparatus for increasing diversity gain at a receiver by applying beamforming to transmit diversity space-time coded signals. A transmit signal is space-time coded over a plurality of space-time antenna groups, with each space-time antenna group associated with a specific space-time code. The signal at each space-time antenna group is beamformed over the plurality of antenna in the space-time antenna group. Each of the plurality of antenna in a space-time antenna group is weighted with a distinct weight, relative to the other antenna in the space-time group. The beamforming weights can vary based on a channel quality feedback indication from a receiver. The amplitude, phase, or a combination of amplitude and phase of each weight or of a vector of multiple weights can vary as a function of the channel quality indication in order to improve the quality of the received signal. |
| US08670503B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving power amplifier efficiency in wireless communication systems having high peak to average power ratios
A power management system and method for a wireless communication device generates an average desired transmit power signal based on at least one of a received signal strength indicator signal and a power control instruction signal from a base station. A power supply level adjustment signal is generated based on the data parameters of an outgoing data stream and at least one environmental information signal. A combination of the power supply level adjustment signal and the average desired transmit power or a gain control signal and an altered version of the power supply level adjustment signal is used to generate a variable power supply signal that is provided to an output amplifier block for sufficiently generating outgoing wireless device radio signals while reducing power loss in the output amplifier block. |
| US08670502B2 |
Selective peak power reduction
A communication system comprising signal processing circuitry and up-conversion circuitry. The signal processing circuitry is configured to: i) generate a first signal of a first modulation type and a second signal of a second modulation type; ii) combine the first and second signals to form a combined input signal; iii) generate peak reduction distortion based on the combined input signal; iv) select a portion of the peak reduction distortion that corresponds to a first frequency band; and v) apply the selected portion of the peak reduction distortion in the first frequency band of the combined input signal to provide a combined output signal. The up-conversion circuitry up-converts the combined output signal to an RF signal for transmission. |
| US08670500B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving method using phase shift based precoding and transceiver supporting the same
A method for performing a precoding based on a generalized phase shift or a precoding based on an extended phase shift in a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) system employing several sub-carriers, and a transceiver for supporting the same are disclosed. A phase-shift-based precoding matrix is generalized by multiplying a diagonal matrix for a phase shift by a unitary matrix for maintaining orthogonality between sub-carriers. In this case, a diagonal matrix part may be extended by multiplying a precoding matrix for removing an interference between sub-carriers by a diagonal matrix for a phase shift. By generalization and extension of the phase-shift-based precoding, a transceiver is more simplified, and a communication efficiency increases. |
| US08670499B2 |
Efficient MIMO transmission schemes
A method for communication includes, in a transmitter having a first number of transmit antenna ports, setting an upper limit on a second number of spatial layers to be used by the transmitter to be less than the first number. An actual number of the spatial layers, which does not exceed the upper limit, is allocated for transmission to a given receiver. One or more streams of modulated symbols are mapped onto the allocated actual number of the spatial layers. The actual number of the spatial layers are transmitted from the transmitter to the given receiver. |
| US08670496B2 |
Method and system for mapping uplink control information
A base station is provided. The base station includes a transmit path circuitry to transmit an uplink grant to a subscriber station, the uplink grant indicating a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) value for a first codeword transmission and a second MCS value for a second codeword transmission. The base station also includes a receive path circuitry to receive a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) uplink subframe from the subscriber station, the MIMO uplink subframe having a first subset of layers used for the first codeword transmission and a second subset of layers used for the second codeword transmission. Acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information and rank indication (RI) information are mapped onto both the first subset of layers and the second subset of layers. Channel quality information (CQI) is only mapped onto either the first subset of layers or the second subset of layers. |
| US08670493B2 |
Systems and/or methods of increased privacy wireless communications
Systems, methods and/or mobile devices are provided that enable a level of privacy/security in wireless communications to be increased responsive to a content of the wireless communications, biometric data and/or a position from which the wireless communications takes place. A plurality of communications modes is used by the system infrastructure and the plurality of mobile devices communicating therewith to increase privacy and undetectability of transmitted signals. The increased level of privacy and undetectability of signals is provided via pseudo-randomly generated signaling alphabets that are used by the mobile devices and by the system infrastructure to provide the communications. This represents a level of encryption/scrambling that is over and above the conventional encryption and/or scrambling at the bit level. Accordingly, systems, methods and/or devices providing a concatenated level of encryption/scrambling are provided. |
| US08670488B2 |
Adaptive intra mode selection
In video encoding and decoding predictions may be generated by intra-frame prediction. Intra-frame prediction uses reconstructed pixels in a reconstructed frame. Intra-frame prediction is performed by extending the reconstructed pixels into a predicted block using intra-frame prediction modes, each intra-frame prediction mode indicating a direction of the extension. In order to reduce the number of possible intra-frame prediction modes, a subset is selected from a predetermined set of possible intra-frame prediction modes. A subset of intra-frame prediction modes can be created by forming preselection sets of intra-frame prediction modes on the basis of similarity of their associated predicted blocks and selecting a representative intra-frame prediction mode from each preselection set. |
| US08670484B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting a coding mode
A method and apparatus for selecting a coding mode are described. For example, the method receives at least one block of a signal to be encoded. The method determines a frame vertical pixel difference in the at least one block and determines a field vertical pixel difference in the at least one block. The method then compares the frame vertical pixel difference with the field vertical pixel difference to determine a first coding mode for the at least one block. |
| US08670481B2 |
System and method for dynamic profile management in cable modem systems
A system and method for dynamic profile management in a cable modem termination system (CMTS) is provided. A CMTS receiver is in communications with a plurality of cable modems, and a dynamic profile management module is in communication with the CMTS receiver. The dynamic profile management module establishes a communications profile for an upstream channel used by the CMTS receiver and at least one of the plurality of cable modems (the communications profile including a plurality of parameters associated with the upstream channel), continuously monitors performance metrics associated with communications across the upstream channel, and automatically adjusts the plurality of parameters of the communications profile in response to the monitored performance metrics. |
| US08670478B2 |
Load estimation in frequency domain pre-equalization systems
An arrangement (10) for noise rise estimation comprises a front end signal conditioning arrangement (9) and an interference whitener (14) connected thereto. The interference whitener (10) is arranged for providing interference whitening of a front end signal. A processor (20) is arranged for measuring received total wideband power received at the front end signal conditioning arrangement (9) a plurality of times. An estimate of a noise floor measure is computed by the processor (20) based on the measured received total wideband powers. The processor (20) determines an equivalent total wideband power of the output from the interference whitener (14). The processor (20) also calculates a noise rise measure, based on the equivalent total wideband power and the noise floor measure, and compensates the noise rise measure for the interference whitening. A digital receiver (12) is connected to the output from the interference whitener (14). |
| US08670472B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser light source that emits laser beams perpendicular to a top surface thereof; a first optical system that couples the beams from the light source; a deflecting unit that deflects the beams; a second optical system that guides the beams from the first optical system to the deflecting unit; a third optical system that focuses the beams deflected by the deflecting unit into an optical spot on a scanned surface; and a light-quantity adjusting element disposed between the light source and the deflecting unit and having a substrate formed of a first and second surfaces. The first surface of the light-quantity adjusting element is coated with neutral density coating and the second surface is coated with antireflection coating so that reflectance of the second surface is made smaller than reflectance of the first surface. |
| US08670468B2 |
Scrambler offsetting packet transport
A network component comprising pre-transmit logic coupled to a transmitter that transmits packets, wherein the pre-transmit logic is configured to determine whether a scrambling sequence for a packet complies with at least a threshold line pattern criteria, and if not, delay transmission of the packet to at least partially offset the scrambling sequence used for the packet, wherein the pre-transmit logic comprises a sequence evaluator that determines whether a scrambled packet complies with at least the threshold line pattern criteria. |
| US08670466B1 |
System and method for residence time calculation
A system and method are provided for residence time calculations in a network communications local device. A network interface module in the local device receives a first packet from a network-connected remote device. A timing module in the local device records an arrival time of the first packet with respect to a local reference clock. The timing module tracks adjustments in the local reference clock and records a known departure time, with respect to the local reference clock, of when the first packet will be transmitted from the network interface. The timing module adds a residence time field to the first packet representing the difference between the arrival and departure times, taking into account adjustments in the local reference clock. |
| US08670460B2 |
Method and system for optimized transmission of data between a control device and a plurality of field devices
The invention relates to a method for optimized transmission of data between a control device and a plurality of field devices that are connected to one another via an IP-based communications network, wherein the data transmission is controlled using a Profinet protocol. The invention further relates to a control and data transmission installation (10) that is particularly suited to the performance of the method. With the control and data transmission installation (10), it is possible to transmit the data to be transmitted from a control device (20) to a group of field devices (30, 40, 50) in a single sum frame subdivided into data fields, and to transmit the data to be transmitted from a plurality of field devices to a control device likewise in only one common sum frame subdivided into data fields. In this manner, the transmission rate can be optimized with respect to standard Profinet frames. |
| US08670455B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for the control of transmit diversity
A method, apparatus and system for modifying a transmit diversity signal comprising receiving at least one input parameter, calculating at least one virtual parameter based on the at least one input parameter, converting the at least one virtual parameter into an actual parameter, and modifying a transmit diversity signal based on the actual parameter. Variations of the invention are possible, including mapping the input parameter to an actual parameter by various methods, for example, quantization, hysteresis and other methods. Embodiments of the invention may include an apparatus adapted to modify a transmit diversity signal comprising a processor to calculate at least one virtual parameter based on at least one input parameter, convert said at least one virtual parameter to an actual parameter, and modify said transmit diversity signal based on said actual parameter. |
| US08670454B2 |
Dynamic assignment of data to switch-ingress buffers
Embodiments of a system that includes a switch and a buffer-management technique for storing signals in the system are described. In this system, data cells are dynamically assigned from a host buffer to at least a subset of switch-ingress buffers in the switch based at least in part on the occupancy of the switch-ingress buffers. This buffer-management technique may reduce the number of switch-ingress buffers relative to the number of input and output ports to the switch, which in turn may overcome the limitations posed by the amount of memory available on chips, thereby facilitating large switches. |
| US08670451B2 |
Network system, terminal, and gateway
A virtual interface having a global address of a physical interface on an Internet side of a gateway is provided in a terminal. An application unit of the terminal transmits a packet to the Internet using the virtual interface. The packet is transferred to the gateway through a downlink transfer path. The gateway transmits the packet from the physical interface on the Internet side to the Internet. |
| US08670449B2 |
Data storage system in communication network and data information processing method
The present invention discloses a data storage system in a communication network, which enables distributed storage of data. The system includes front end nodes, storage nodes, super nodes and management nodes. The operation units are located in the front end nodes, the super nodes or the storage nodes and each adapted to operate a first data GUID by a preset fixed offset to derive a second data GUID, to determine, from loop link information obtained from the management node and the second data GUID, a super node with a node identifier closest to the second data GUID, and to forward a service request carrying the second data GUID and a backup flag to the determined super node. The invention further discloses a data information processing method using the system. |
| US08670448B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing traffic control services
Traffic control services include detecting an occurrence of an activity via a computer processor. The activity subject to the detecting includes a presence of a device. The services also include obtaining traffic management support information associated with a source and destination of the activity. The traffic management support information includes user-defined preferences for controlling traffic to the device. The services further include determining whether the source and the destination supports traffic management activities, and if the source and the destination support the traffic management activities the computer processor subscribes to traffic messages provided by the source and implements traffic management activities for the source and the destination based upon the traffic messages and the user-defined preferences. If the source and the destination do not support the traffic management activities, the computer processor performs default traffic management activities. |
| US08670445B2 |
Scheduling method in a code division mulitple access system and single-mode chips
The present invention discloses a scheduling method in a code division multiple access system and single-mode chips, which method comprises the following steps: a single-mode chip of a terminal respectively calculating a paging slot and a paging frequency point of two subscribers with different international mobile subscriber identities of this terminal; doubling the length of a current paging period of each subscriber in the situation that the paging slots are the same and the paging frequency points are different; and scheduling two subscribers to monitor alternately within the extended paging period. The present invention facilitates the achievement of double treats in the CDMA system. |
| US08670437B2 |
Methods and apparatus for service acquisition
Methods and apparatus for service acquisition. In an aspect, a method is provided for service acquisition. The method includes generating one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, encoding the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and encapsulating the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for service acquisition. The apparatus includes a source encoder configured to generate one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, an error encoder configured to encode the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and a packer configured to encapsulate the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal. |
| US08670436B2 |
Managing channel configuration information in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides for managing channel configuration information in a wireless communication system. Preferably, the present invention receives transport channel configuration information for configuring at least one transport channel currently not mapping a point-to-multipoint service, wherein the at least one transport channel is capable of mapping at least one new point-to-multipoint service at the start or before the stop of the at least one new point-to-multipoint service, determines whether to receive the at least one new point-to-multipoint service, and reads configuration information for the at least one new point-to-multipoint service at the start of the at least one new point-to-multipoint service if it is determined that the at least one new point-to-multipoint service is to be received. |
| US08670431B2 |
Base station, user terminal, and transmission control method for sounding reference signal
A disclosed base station is used in a radio communication system where sounding reference signals from user terminals are multiplexed using distributed FDMA in which distributed frequency blocks each including frequency subcarriers discretely distributed in a system bandwidth are allocated to the user terminals, and the system bandwidth is repeatedly halved into frequency band segments according to a binary-tree structure. The base station includes a transmission bandwidth determining unit for determining transmission bandwidths to be allocated to the respective user terminals for transmission of the sounding reference signals based on path losses between the user terminals and the base station; a transmission frequency determining unit for allocating the frequency band segments corresponding to the determined transmission bandwidths as transmission frequency bands for the sounding reference signals; and a transmission method reporting unit for reporting the transmission bandwidths and the transmission frequency bands to the respective user terminals. |
| US08670430B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting uplink signal in mimo wireless communication system and method thereof
A method of multiplexing control information and data information in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes mapping codewords corresponding to the data information to a preset number of layers, mapping the control information to the preset number of the layers, multiplexing the layer-mapped data information and the layer-mapped control information into a frequency region within an SC-FDMA symbol, and transmitting the SC-FDMA symbol to a base station via multiple antennas. |
| US08670426B2 |
Method and system for transferring user equipment in mobile communication system
A method and system for transferring user equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system are disclosed. According to the method, a source core (CN) network determines to transfer a UE that it serves and sends a transfer instruction carrying UE transfer restriction information to the UE; an access network receives a transfer request that is sent by the UE according to the restriction information carried in the transfer instruction; the access network selects a target CN entity that is different from the source CN entity for the UE; and the UE is transferred to the target CN entity. The method and system provided by the present invention are applicable to user transferring between CN entities in any communication network. The transferring is initiated by a network side entity, and a more preferable CN entity is selected for the UE to provide a better service. |
| US08670424B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting whether cell coverage is downscaled in wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes an apparatus capable of detecting whether a cell coverage is downscaled. The wireless communication system receives information used for communication between an evolved NodeB (eNodeB) and a User Equipment (UE) from the eNodeB. The UE performs at least one of pilot signal power checking for checking if a pilot signal power falls within a first reference range, DownLink (DL) Signal-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) checking for checking if an SINR of a DL traffic channel falls within a second reference range, and UpLink (UL) SINR checking for checking if an SINR of an UL traffic channel falls within a third reference range using the received information. The UE also detects whether a cell coverage of a cell to which the eNodeB and the UE belongs is downscaled based on a checking result. |
| US08670420B2 |
Method for operating device in personal area network
A method for operating a device in a personal area network (PAN), includes: obtaining physical layer information regarding a physical layer; scanning a channel on the basis of the physical layer information; selecting a channel on the basis of channel information obtained through the channel scanning process; determining whether or not there is a PAN coordinator with respect to the selected channel; and when a PAN coordinator does not exist in the selected channel, transmitting a beacon signal including information regarding a superframe structure, wherein the superframe structure includes at least one sub-superframe, and the information regarding the superframe structure includes information regarding the number of beacon slots for transmitting a beacon signal in each sub-superframe, the number of data slots for transmitting data in each sub-superframe, and the number of sub-superframes. |
| US08670419B2 |
Methods and apparatus for intra-user quality of service uplink scheduling
A method for intra-user quality of service (QoS) uplink scheduling may include determining scheduling types associated with active uplink connections that are maintained by the subscriber station. The method may also include determining QoS parameters corresponding to the different scheduling types. The method may also include scheduling the active uplink connections for uplink transmissions based on the different scheduling types and their corresponding QoS parameters. |
| US08670418B2 |
Successive interference cancellation
Methods and systems in a wireless receiver for enabling the reception of input signals at varied power levels in the presence of co-channel interference utilizing combinations of space-time adaptive processing, interference cancellation multi-user detection, and combined techniques. In multi-user detection, code, timing, and possibly channel information of multiple users are jointly used to better detect each individual user. The novel combination of adaptive signal reconstruction techniques with interference cancellation techniques provides accurate temporal cancellation of interference with minimal interference residuals. |
| US08670417B2 |
Method and apparatus for retransmission
Provided is a method for retransmission in a terminal and a base station, the method including: receiving a data burst transmitted by occupying at least one subframe from the other one of the terminal and the base station; determining a transmission timing for transmitting a feedback signal based on a value, determined by transmission information of the data burst including the number of subframes occupied by the data burst, and a frame offset; transmitting the feedback signal to the other one of the terminal and the base station at the transmission timing; and if an NACK message is included in the feedback signal, receiving the data burst retransmitted from the other one of the terminal and the base station. |
| US08670414B2 |
Mobile communication system including the radio access network not supporting circuit switching (CS) and the radio access network supporting CS
The characteristic of a mobile communication system according to the present invention is that the mobile communication system includes the steps of: causing an MME in a visitor network of UE#1 to acquire SRVCC capability of the UE#1 and to notify an HSS of the SRVCC capability of the UE#1 in an attach process or location registration process of the UE#1; and causing an ATCF, which controls an ATGW, to acquire the SRVCC capability of the UE#1, in a registration process of the UE#1 with IMS. |
| US08670409B2 |
Single radio voice call continuity (SR-VCC)
The present invention discloses a node (207, 217) for achieving co-existence of single radio voice call continuity, SR-VCC, solutions in a communication system between a source cell of a first radio access network that supports packet switched voice and a target cell of a second radio access network that supports at least circuit switched voice. The node (207, 217) is operable to perform bearer splitting by separating voice bearers from non-voice bearers based on information about support for dual transfer mode, packet switched handovers and voice over internet protocol related enhancements in the target cell. |
| US08670408B2 |
Method and system for association in relay network
A method and system for association in a relay network are disclosed; a neighbor Base Station (BS) receives a ranging request from an associated neighbor station and the ranging request is received by the associated neighbor station from an MS; the neighbor BS sends a ranging response to the MS in response to the ranging request; the associated neighbor station is an RS. Association Level 1 is implemented. Another method and system for association in a relay system are disclosed; a neighbor BS receives a ranging report from an associated neighbor station after the associated neighbor station receives a CDMA code from an MS; the neighbor BS sends the ranging report to the MS or to a serving BS by which the ranging report is sent to the MS; the associated neighbor station is an RS. Association Level 2 is implemented. |
| US08670406B2 |
Method and apparatus for handover between heterogeneous networks using mobile IP
A method and an apparatus to handover a mobile node between heterogeneous networks using a mobile internet protocol (IP) is provided. The method includes: connecting a mobile node to a movement destination network; obtaining information regarding, or about, the movement destination network; generating a message including the information regarding the movement destination network; and transmitting the generated message to a correspondent node that transmits continuous data to the mobile node. |
| US08670404B2 |
Information downloading apparatus and mobile terminal
A technique for improving the efficiency of downloading transmission data is disclosed. An information downloading apparatus downloads differing sets of information to predetermined groups to which a mobile terminal may belong. This apparatus includes a channel selecting unit for selecting from plural information channels an information channel for transmitting transmission data and a transmitting unit for transmitting transmission data using the selected information channel. The channel selecting unit selects an information channel so that sets of transmission data with differing destination addresses may be transmitted through differing information channels. The transmitting unit transmits to each group, through a control channel, information pertaining to whether a set of transmission data exists, the information channel to be used if the set of transmission data exists, and the data length of the set of transmission data. The control channel includes time slots that are associated with the groups. |
| US08670400B2 |
Method and system for acquiring serving general packet radio service support node address
The present invention discloses a method and system for acquiring an address of a Serving General Radio Packet Service support node (SGSN). The method comprises: a Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) entity providing a SGSN change event trigger to a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) entity; and the PCRF entity reporting a SGSN change event and a new address of the SGSN to the PCEF entity after receiving the SGSN change event trigger. The method solves the problem that credit control management cannot be carried out for different general radio packet service support nodes during online charging. |
| US08670399B2 |
Determining a communication channel from a plurality of possible channel bandwidths
In a method of determining a set of communication channels for a first basic service set from at least i) a first set of channels and ii) a second set of channels, wherein each of at least some of the channels in the second set of channels partially overlaps, in frequency, at least one of the channels in the first set of channels, whether the second set of channels is being utilized by a second basic service set is determined. That the set of communication channels for the first basic service set includes either i) the first set of channels or ii) the second set of channels is determined based at least on a determination of whether the second set of channels is being utilized by the second basic service set. |
| US08670393B2 |
Tagging language for broadcast radio
Apparatus, methods, processors and computer programs products for generating or processing a broadcast radio transmission comprising multimedia content and supplemental information corresponding to the multimedia content. The supplemental information comprises a selected data group from a plurality of predetermined data groups each comprising different data, wherein the selected data group further comprises a tag and a corresponding set of text data operable to initiate a predetermined capability of a wireless device. |
| US08670390B2 |
Cooperative beam-forming in wireless networks
A beam-forming system comprises a cooperative array of wireless terminals coupled to at least one wireless wide area network (WWAN) and communicatively coupled to a wireless local area network (WLAN) configured to provide information exchanges between the wireless terminals. A cooperative beam-forming system employing the WLAN provides antenna-array processing benefits (such as frequency reuse, interference rejection, array-processing gain, antenna-switching diversity) to the individual wireless terminals. A network access operator facilitates network control functionality between the WWAN and the cooperative array of wireless terminals. |
| US08670389B2 |
Method for partitioning cell identities according to cell type in wireless communication system and an apparatus therefor
A method of transmitting a cell type information, which is transmitted by a base station in a wireless communication system, is disclosed. The present invention includes broadcasting a boundary point information (Z) between a cell identity of a public ABS (advanced base station) and a cell identity of a private ABS via an S-SFH SP3 (secondary-super frame header subpacket3). In this case, the boundary point information (Z) is a range information of cell identity partitions partitioned by granularity of 10 sequences or 20 sequences per segment and a total number of the cell identity partitions is 16. Further, the range information of cell identity partitions includes information that all cell identities are cell identities of the private ABS or information that all cell identities are cell identities of the public ABS except for cell identities of a macro ABS. |
| US08670381B1 |
Method and system for ascertaining presence of and/or determining location of mobile devices in a defined area
Method for determining location of a wireless computing device in a defined area includes arranging at least one WiFi beacon relative to the defined area such that a wireless computing device in the defined area is detectable, causing each beacon to generate information about detection of a wireless computing device in the defined area, providing the generated information to a processor, and at the processor, determining a location of the wireless computing device in the defined area by processing the information generated by the beacon(s). The wireless computing device is not configured to send information to the processor so that the determination of the presence and/or location of the wireless computing device in the defined area is performed at the processor using only information provided by the beacon(s). |
| US08670377B2 |
HARQ operation method for retransmitted data
Disclosed is the radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, to a method of processing retransmitted data effectively so as to minimize a data loss during a HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest) operation in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. |
| US08670376B2 |
Multi-carrier grant design
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate assigning resources for an anchor carrier and an additional carrier with a grant message. The grant message communicated with an anchor carrier can include resource information a plurality of carriers. Moreover, the systems and methodologies that facilitate identifying control information for an anchor carrier and/or an additional carrier based upon an operating mode, wherein the operating mode is a legacy mode or an extended mode. Based on the operating mode, particular resources associated with control regions are monitored for control information for respective anchor carrier(s) or additional carrier(s). |
| US08670370B2 |
Mobile communication system, radio base station controller, and relocation method
Radio base stations connect by radio lines with radio terminals in cells that make up each radio base station and relay data communication realized by the radio terminals on bearers on radio lines. Base station controllers record correspondence information of the data flow of data communication with the radio terminals and the bearers on the radio lines and, by referring to the correspondence information, effects termination of data communication with the radio terminals. When, in a state in which a drift base station controller relays and transfers data communication between radio base stations to which the radio terminals are connected and a serving base station controller, the serving base station controller is transferred to the drift base station controller, the plurality of base station controllers then report to the drift base station controller the correspondence information from the serving base station controller. |
| US08670368B2 |
Broadcast retransmitting method, broadcast retransmitting apparatus, replay apparatus, and broadcast retransmitting system using the same
A broadcast retransmitting method, a broadcast retransmitting apparatus, a relay apparatus and a broadcast retransmitting system using the same, are provided. The broadcast retransmitting apparatus includes a demodulation unit which receives and demodulates a modulated broadcast, a modulation unit which modulates the demodulated broadcast, a spectrum sensing unit which detects an available band through spectrum sensing, and a control unit which retransmits the modulated broadcast to at least one surrounding apparatus. The broadcast retransmitting method includes receiving and demodulating a broadcast which has been modulated according to a first modulation method, and modulating the demodulated broadcast according to a second modulation method different from the first modulation method; detecting an available band from an idle band through spectrum sensing; and retransmitting the broadcast which has been modulated in the second modulation method to at least one surrounding apparatus using the detected available band. |
| US08670366B2 |
Method and device for bearing and receiving scheduling information of multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) control channel (MCCH) update indication information
The present invention discloses a method for bearing scheduling information of MCCH update indication information in a MBMS system, comprising: configuring the scheduling information of the MCCH update indication information in the MCCH or BCCH, wherein the scheduling information of the MCCH update indication information at least comprises information describing a sending rule of the MCCH update indication information. Meanwhile, the present invention discloses a method for receiving scheduling information of MCCH update indication information in the MBMS system, comprising: receiving a MCCH or BCCH, obtaining the scheduling information of the MCCH update indication information, and receiving the MCCH update indication information according to information describing a sending rule of the MCCH update indication information in the scheduling information of the MCCH update indication information. Meanwhile, the present invention discloses devices for implementing the methods above. The present invention only receives the MCCH when the information born in the MCCH is changed, without receiving information born in the MCCH at all times, to make the mobile terminals save more power. |
| US08670365B2 |
Telematics device reactivation via broadcast SMS alert
The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for deactivating unused telematics units in a cost effective manner, while allowing later contact with the unit by the service provider. The service provider deactivates a device by replacing a valid MIN with an invalid default MIN, deactivating the normal CDMA registration process, and implementing a reduced frequency registration regimen. A regionally broadcast SMS message is subsequently used to reach the deactivated module. The SMS message is configured in such a way as to cause the targeted device to place a cellular call using a non-validating wireless number to a call center of the service provider. Once the telematics provider has a dedicated link call with the module, it executes a desired action, e.g., providing a newly provisioned MIN, shutting down the device entirely, collecting stored data from the device, etc. |
| US08670364B2 |
Methods and systems for supporting MIMO bursts for multicast and broadcast services
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for supporting multicast and broadcast services (MBS) with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capabilities. This can be achieved by adding specific MIMO information into existing MBS-MAP messages while providing backward compatibility. |
| US08670360B2 |
Method and system for transmitting a signal comprising preamble and a data frame
A system, a device, and a method for transmitting a signal (11) comprising a preamble and a data frame (13) by preamble sampling in a communications network including a plurality of nodes (1a, 1b), said preamble including a numbered sequence of microframes (19). |
| US08670357B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling peer to peer communications
A wireless communications system supports both cellular communications and direct peer to peer communications. The cellular communications use FDD downlink and uplink bands for control and traffic signaling. An access point employs control over direct peer to peer communications. Peer to peer mode control signals from the access point are transmitted to wireless terminals using the FDD cellular downlink band. Peer to peer mode control signals from wireless terminals are transmitted to an access point using the FDD cellular uplink band. Peer to peer traffic signals between wireless terminals are communicated using a TDD band. In one embodiment, the access point communicates priority information to peer to peer network wireless terminals, and the wireless terminals make peer to peer traffic transmission decisions in a decentralized manner using the received priority information. In another embodiment, the access point directly schedules peer to peer traffic in the peer to peer network. |
| US08670355B1 |
System and method for network based hearing aid compatible mode selection
A system and method for providing a hearing aid compatibility mode of communication service to hearing aid users is disclosed. The described system can store an indication at a communication network that a given account is used by a person who wears hearing aid equipment. Services provided to that account can then use communication parameters and network resources which tend to minimize interference with a hearing aid. The network can instruct the user equipment and the radio access network to communicate using hearing aid friendly parameters. In some cases, network resources beyond those allocated for accounts not indicated as hearing aid user accounts can be allocated. Parameters adjusted in hearing aid compatibility mode can include codec rates, operating power levels, and burst frame length, among others. In some described embodiments, the hearing aid compatibility mode can be selectively enabled as desired by an account user. |
| US08670348B2 |
Methods and systems for provisioning logical circuits for intermittent use in a data network
A customer order is received for routing data for a time period. A logical circuit is provisioned for routing the data during the time period. The logical circuit is provisioned through a first LATA, an IEC, and a second LATA. The logical circuit includes first variable communication paths that automatically reroute from a first set of switches to a second set of switches of the first LATA while maintaining the logical circuit, second variable communication paths to route the data through the second LATA, and fixed communication paths to route the data between the first LATA, the second LATA, and the IEC. The second set of switches forms a route associated with the first variable communication paths that is not predefined and that is dynamically defined at a time of automatic rerouting. The logical circuit is added to a deletion batch for deletion after the time period. |
| US08670343B2 |
Method and apparatus for configuring variable CQI reporting period in a wireless communication system
A system and method for configuring a variable Channel Quality Information (CQI) reporting period based on a User Equipment's (UE) Doppler frequency or speed. Mobile users are divided into three Doppler frequency regions based on their speed—for example, low, medium, and high Doppler users—and are assigned the CQI reporting periods accordingly by the base station. The users in the low and high Doppler regions (i.e., UEs with low and high speeds) receive a high value for the CQI reporting period, whereas—the users in the medium Doppler region (i.e., UEs with medium speeds) receive a low value for the CQI reporting period. The UE speed-specific CQI reporting period improves the uplink capacity by adaptively controlling a UE's CQI-related uplink transmissions, without compromising on the downlink capacity/throughput. |
| US08670340B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink scheduling in a communication system
A method and apparatus for uplink scheduling in a communication system are provided. The method includes determining whether a User Equipment (UE) is included in an uplink scheduling list, a buffer length of the UE is estimated, if the UE is included in the uplink scheduling list, it is determined whether a Buffer State Report (BSR) indicating the buffer length of the UE has been received from the UE, if the estimated buffer length is 0, and the UE is transitioned to a non-zero BSR reception state and maintained in the uplink scheduling list, if the BSR has not been received from the UE. The non-zero BSR reception state is a state in which a zero BSR indicating the buffer length of the UE is 0 has not been received. |
| US08670338B2 |
Radio communication device and method of controlling radio communication device
A radio communication device for executing a communication on the basis of a frequency division duplex, has a first antenna, a second antenna, a first receiver for receiving a first radio frequency signal via the first antenna, a second receiver for receiving the first radio frequency signal via the second antenna, a transmitter for transmitting a second radio frequency signal via the second antenna, a power measuring unit for measuring a first power of a component of the second radio frequency signal in a received signal received via the first antenna, and a control unit for controlling a reactance between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to lower an amount of coupling between the first antenna and the second antenna on the basis of the measured first power. |
| US08670335B2 |
Reduced power transmission
Reduced power transmission is described. In embodiments, networked devices communicate via a network connection. A characteristic of the network connection between the networked devices can be determined, and an output amplitude of a signal that is indicative of the communications between the network devices can be adjusted based on the characteristic of the network connection. Power consumption that is utilized for the communications between the network devices is reduced based on the adjustment of the output amplitude of the signal. |
| US08670332B2 |
Systems and methods for notifying users of a network resource outage
Systems and methods are disclosed for a network switch that periodically determines whether there are connectivity problems with first ports and a second port independently of responding to requests from computer systems. Information to be sent to the computer system that sends a request is generated. The information includes an error message regarding at least one of the connectivity problems when one of the first ports or the second port with the connectivity problem is required to respond to the request. |
| US08670329B2 |
Network testing providing for concurrent real-time ingress and egress viewing of network traffic data
There is disclosed a system and method for implementing concurrent ingress and egress viewing of network traffic data to evaluate the performance of a device under test. The method may be performed by a network testing system. The method may be performed in real-time. |
| US08670328B2 |
Method for calculating interlayer path
In order to achieve the discovery and calculation of interlayer paths, a method for calculating an interlayer path is proposed by the present invention, comprising: a label switch router (LSR) of a layer selecting a path calculation element (PCE) of the layer according to the received discovery information of each PCE and sending thereto a path calculation request for the LSR, wherein the above discovery information comprises: indication information and interlayer information, with the indication information indicating whether the PCE can be used as a default interlayer path calculation element of the layer, and the interlayer information indicating a layer where the PCE is located and an adjacent layer thereof; when a path of the LSR is disconnected, selecting based on the interlayer information a path calculation element (PCE) of the next layer and sending thereto a path calculation request for the disconnected portion of the path until the path is connected; and replying a path calculation result to the PCE of the layer. |
| US08670326B1 |
System and method for probing multiple paths in a network environment
An example method is provided and can include initiating a probe session at a source network element; identifying multiple paths from the source network element to a destination network element in a network; transmitting packets from the source network element along the multiple paths; compiling a list of network characteristics associated with the multiple paths; and selecting a particular one of the multiple paths for packet routing based on the network characteristics. |
| US08670321B2 |
Systems and methods to reroute internet protocol traffic based on network user preferences
Example methods disclosed herein to reroute Internet Protocol traffic include, after detecting a defect in a first communication path for routing user traffic associated with a network user, causing a router to buffer the user traffic for a first time period having a first duration before causing the router to reroute the user traffic over a second communication path, the first duration based on a first threshold. Such example methods also include, after detecting correction of the defect, causing the router to continue to route the user traffic over the second communication path for a second time period having a second duration before causing the router to revert to routing the user traffic over the first communication path, the second duration based on a second threshold, the first and second thresholds being adjustable based on a number of cycles of network defects and network corrections counted within a tracking period. |
| US08670319B2 |
Traffic prediction for web sites
A traffic prediction component may automatically generate predicted traffic profiles for web sites based on tags that characterize the sites. An initial set of tags can be selected for a web site based on a set of predefined rules. An initial traffic profile may be selected based on the initial set of tags. The predicted profile of user traffic is then generated based on the initial set of tags and on the initial traffic profile. |
| US08670314B2 |
Message loss prevention by using sender buffer and traffic shaping in event-triggered distributed embedded real-time systems
A vehicular distributed embedded real-time controller area network system includes ECUs that function in an event-triggered mode to initiate a transmission of the message to the communication bus. Each ECU includes a sender buffer for storing the generated message. A bus controller interfaces with the ECUs and manages the transfer of messages to and from the communication bus. The transfer of messages onto the communication bus is executed by the controller area network controller on an interrupt basis. The bus controller being unavailable to receive a message from the ECU when a previous message stored within a memory of the bus controller is awaiting transmission on the communication bus. The bus controller is available to receive a message from the ECU when the memory is empty. The sender buffer stores messages received from the electronic control unit when the bus controller is unavailable. The ECU further includes a traffic shaping module for selectably delaying a transfer of messages to the bus controller. |
| US08670310B2 |
Dynamic balancing priority queue assignments for quality-of-service network flows
A priority queue assignment technique for quality-of-service (“QoS”) network flows in a network is provided. A network path is determined for an incoming flow including a plurality of network switches associated, with a plurality of priority queue levels. A priority queue level is determined for the incoming flow for at least one of the plurality of network switches in the network path based on priority queue levels of existing flows. The priority queue level of the incoming flow is adjusted, to dynamically balance flows over the plurality of priority queue levels for at least one of the plurality of network switches in the network path based on quality-of-service (“QoS”) requirements associated with the incoming flow. |
| US08670304B1 |
Dynamic mirroring of a network connection
Methods and systems are directed to dynamically mirroring a connection between network devices. Mirroring is managed by forwarding a packet between a first network device and a second network device. In one method, the first network device receives the packet from a client and communicates the packet to the second network device. A forwarding device, pre-determined from the first and second network devices, forwards the packet to a server. The first network device receives a response from the server, and communicates it to the second network device. The forwarding device forwards the response packet to the client. In one configuration, the first network device and forwarding device is an active device, and the second network device is a standby device. In another configuration, the first network device is a standby device, and the second network device and forwarding device is an active device. |
| US08670302B2 |
Activation signaling in transport networks
A method comprising the steps of receiving a signal indicative of a failure of a working connection in a mesh network having a headend node, a tailend node and an intermediate node, and having a protecting connection, and transmitting an activation message via the protecting connection from at least one of the headend node and the tailend node to the intermediate node for activating the protecting connection. |
| US08670291B2 |
Method and apparatus for terminating rope and its application to seismic streamer strength members
A termination for an end of a braid formed as a flat closed loop of braided strands expandable to an annular cylinder having a selected wall thickness includes a sleeve having a selected internal diameter. Spacers are configured to be applied on the braid such that when in contact with each other form an annular cylinder having an external diameter selected to fit inside the sleeve. The spacers have a bevel at one longitudinal end. A substantially cylindrical insert has a bevel at one longitudinal end at substantially a same bevel angle as on the spacers. A diameter of the insert combined with twice the wall thickness of the braid is larger than an internal diameter the spacers. When axial tension is applied to the braid, the bevel on the insert with braid thereon laterally urges the spacers outward. The sleeve limits lateral outward movement of the spacers. |
| US08670287B2 |
Ultrasound apparatus
A storage unit (106) stores pieces of information regarding intensities of ultrasound waves detected by multiple oscillators (101) in time series. The multiple oscillators (101) receives an ultrasound wave reflected on an object (107), to which a second ultrasound wave (108) generated by an ultrasound probe (102) is focused, in order from an oscillator closest to the object (107). The second ultrasound wave (108) is transmitted in a direction different from that of a first ultrasound wave (103). Information regarding an intensity of the ultrasound wave reflected on the object (107), which is obtained by storing in the storage unit (106) in order from the oscillator closest to the object (107), is obtained. This information is subtracted from the pieces of information stored in the storage unit (106). Thus, a received signal from a side lobe is extracted to be subtracted from a whole received signal. |
| US08670286B2 |
Local power domains for memory sections of an array of memory
Memories, memory arrays, and methods for selectively providing electrical power to memory sections of a memory array are disclosed. A memory array can be operated by decoupling row decoder circuitry from receiving electrical power while the memory array is not being accessed. Portions of the memory array to be accessed are determined from external memory addresses and the row decoder for the portions of the memory array to be accessed are selectively provided with electrical power. The section of memory is then accessed. One such array includes memory section voltage supply rails having decoder circuits coupled to receive electrical power, and further includes memory section power control logic. The control logic selectively couples the memory section voltage supply rail to a primary voltage supply to provide electrical power to the memory section voltage supply rail in response to being selected based on memory addresses. |
| US08670274B2 |
Data storage in analog memory cells using modified pass voltages
A method for data storage includes storing data in a target analog memory cell, which is one of a group of analog memory cells that are connected in series with one another, by writing a storage value into the target memory cell. The storage value written into the target memory cell is verified while biasing the other memory cells in the group with respective first pass voltages. After writing and verifying the storage value, the storage value is read from the target memory cell while biasing the other memory cells in the group with respective second pass voltages, wherein at least one of the second pass voltages applied to one of the other memory cells in the group is lower than a respective first pass voltage applied to the one of the other memory cells. The data is reconstructed responsively to the read storage value. |
| US08670273B2 |
Methods for program verifying a memory cell and memory devices configured to perform the same
A method for program verify is disclosed, such as one in which a threshold voltage of a memory cell that has been biased with a programming voltage can be determined and its relationship with multiple program verify voltage ranges can be determined. The program verify voltage range in which the threshold voltage is located determines the subsequent bit line voltage. The subsequent bit line voltage may be less than a previous bit line voltage used to program the memory cell. |
| US08670270B2 |
Method of operating phase-change memory
One or more embodiments may be related to a method of operating a phase-change memory element, comprising: providing the phase-change memory element, the phase-change memory element having a first terminal and a second terminal; causing a first current through the memory element from the first terminal to the second terminal; and causing a second current through the memory element from the second terminal to the first terminal, wherein the causing the first current programs the memory element from a first resistance state to a second resistance state and the causing the second current programs the memory element from the first resistance state to the second resistance state. |
| US08670268B2 |
Magnetoresistive element and magnetic memory using the same
According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element includes first and second magnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and a variable magnetization. The second magnetic layer has an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to a film plane, and an invariable magnetization. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second magnetic layers. The second magnetic layer includes third and fourth magnetic layers, and a second nonmagnetic layer formed between the third and fourth magnetic layers. The third magnetic layer is in contact with the first nonmagnetic layer and includes Co and at least one of Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W. |
| US08670259B2 |
Current source power conversion circuit
An example of the current source power conversion circuit is provided with a plurality of half-bridge rectifier circuits which are connected in parallel, each including a serial connection of a first switch circuit having a first self-turn-off element and a first diode which are connected in series to each other, and a second switch circuit having a second self-turn-off element and a second diode which are connected in series to each other. A first current electrode of said first self-turn-off element in one of said half-bridge rectifier circuits and a first current electrode of said first self-turn-off element in other one of said half-bridge rectifier circuits are short-circuited and connected. |
| US08670258B2 |
Power supply device
A power supply device includes a failure determination means that detects, based on a current detected by a current detector, a failure of the switching elements of each of the chopper sections, and the failure determination means obtains values of the current detected by the current detector at the timing of falling edges of control signals to the switching elements of each of the chopper sections, determines the failure when the obtained current values differ from each other, and transmits a failure signal to a generation control means. When receiving the failure signal, the generation control means limits an output current from a generator in a way such that the withstanding current of a non-failed chopper section out of the chopper sections of the phases is not exceeded. |
| US08670249B2 |
Inverter for a distributed power generator
Provided is a maximum power point (MPP) tracker for a PV cell inverter, and a PV cell inverter. The MPP tracker decouples output power oscillations from the input power generation and extracts maximum available power from the PV cell. The PV cell inverter uses the MPP tracker and generates a sinusoidal output current from the MPP tracker output. The sinusoidal output current may be fed to a power distribution grid. The PV cell inverter may use a pulse width modulation technique to cancel harmonics in the sinusoidal output current. The circuits use a minimum number of components and avoid use of large electrolytic capacitors. |
| US08670247B2 |
Isolated DC-DC converter with active clamp circuit
An isolated DC-DC converter includes a transformer, a main switch, an active clamp circuit and a control unit. The transformer has a primary winding. The main switch and the active clamp circuit are connected to the primary winding. The active clamp circuit has an auxiliary switch and a clamp capacitor connected in series. The control unit is provided for controlling the main switch and the auxiliary switch. The control unit performs a soft start operation of the converter before a normal operation. The control unit performs anti-saturation control before starting the soft start operation. The anti-saturation control includes an act of controlling the main switch and the auxiliary switch so that the auxiliary switch performs ON-OFF operation with the main switch kept OFF until voltage of the clamp capacitor drops below a level at which the transformer is to be magnetically saturated after starting the soft start operation. |
| US08670244B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for connecting electronic device
Electronic devices which are selected by a user are coupled together through a coupler to provide a portable electronic apparatus. At least one of the electronic devices is provided with a pair of first connection terminal groups whose polarities are symmetric with respect to one rotation axis. The coupler is provided with a second connection terminal group. In addition, since the electronic device is detachable from the spindle through the coupler, the electronic device can be coupled to the coupler after the electronic device is reversed by the rotation about one rotation axis. A plurality of electronic devices can be connected to each other through the first connection terminal group and the second connection terminal group of the coupler. |
| US08670243B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, semiconductor memory device is capable of operating at a first mode and a second mode which is higher in speed than the first mode. The semiconductor memory device comprising: a semiconductor memory; a controller which controls the semiconductor memory; a connector which is provided with terminals for sending and receiving data to and from an external device; and a substrate on which the semiconductor memory, the controller, and the connector are mounted, the substrate comprising a plurality of wiring layers. The controller and the connector are mounted on an identical surface of the substrate. The substrate comprises a wiring which connects a mounting pad for the terminal for data transfer at the second mode of the connector and a mounting pad for a pin for data transfer at the second mode of the controller to each other on the wiring layer on a mounting surface for the connector and the controller. |
| US08670241B2 |
Blade device enclosure
A blade device enclosure has a chassis configured to selectively house a plurality of configurations of full-high and half-high blade devices, an administrator module, and at least one input/output device. The blade device enclosure also has a printed circuit board including a passive high-speed midplane configured to electronically couple the blade devices to the administrator module and the at least one input/output device. |
| US08670234B2 |
Electronic control device
An electronic control device for controlling an electric actuator, including an air passage within a casing that is fixable to an actuator housing of the electric actuator. A circuit board is accommodated in the casing. A projecting portion is formed in the casing, on which a region of the circuit board in which the heat generating part is installed is seated. A vent hole extends through the casing to communicate to an outside of the casing. A communication hole extends through the casing to communicate to an inside of the actuator housing. The air passage allows air to flow between the vent hole and the communication hole when the electric actuator is driven in a state that the casing is fixed to the actuator housing. |
| US08670231B2 |
Semiconductor recording medium recording and/or reproducing apparatus
A semiconductor recording medium recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes: a medium holder that has a medium housing unit in which a semiconductor recording medium is detachably housed; an exterior case that has a medium entrance through which the semiconductor recording medium is inserted and ejected, and in which the medium holder is housed in a state where the medium housing unit is opposed to the medium entrance; an openable and closeable cover that opens and closes the medium entrance; a heat sink that is contactable with the semiconductor recording medium housed in the medium housing unit; and a heat sink moving unit that moves the heat sink in cooperation with an opening and closing operation of the openable and closeable cover. |
| US08670230B2 |
Handheld device docking station
A handheld device docking station has a base, two supporting arms and a pillow. The base has a socket. The socket has a flat bottom. Each supporting arm is formed on the base and has a first assembling part and a supporting plane. The supporting plane is in front of the supporting arm. The pillow is pivotally connected to the first assembling parts of the supporting arms. The pillow has a first surface and a second surface. By rotating the pillow to make the first surface face forward or make the second surface face forward to protrude from the supporting plane, the docking station is adapted for multiple handheld devices in different thicknesses. |
| US08670227B2 |
Signal transmission device
A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a switch button, a data connector and a cover. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The switch button is attached/disposed on the linked unit. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The cover has a storage device to accommodate and cover the data connector. The cover rotates and expands according to the second shaft and the second elastomer. |
| US08670226B2 |
Liquid crystal display module fixture for portable communication device
An LCD module fixing device for a portable communication device, including: at least one fixing part cut from a bottom surface of the LCD module using a cutter, and folded back so that the cut bottom surface protrudes from an outer edge of the LCD module. The fixing part is formed from and arranged on the LCD module so as to extend therefrom. A latching portion of the fixing part is attached to a housing of a portable communication device, preferable to a latching rib of the portable communication device. |
| US08670224B2 |
Power management system that includes a membrane
Some embodiments relate to a power management system includes a primary power source and a secondary power source. The power management system further includes an enclosure and an electrical component located within the enclosure. The electrical component is connected to the primary power source and the secondary power source. The power management system further includes a membrane that is mounted to an outside of the enclosure. The membrane extends through the enclosure such that the membrane provides information relating to operation of the power management system. |
| US08670215B2 |
Recording head for heat assisted magnetic recording with diffusion barrier surrounding a near field transducer
An apparatus includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface, a first magnetic pole, a heat sink positioned between the first magnetic pole and the near field transducer, and a diffusion barrier positioned between the near field transducer and the first magnetic pole. The diffusion barrier can be positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole or the near field transducer. |
| US08670213B1 |
Methods for tunable plating seed step coverage
A writer main pole for a perpendicular magnetic recording system is provided. The writer pole has a tunable bottom gap to side gap ratio, and may be formed using deposition of a first seed layer through an ion beam deposition process, deposition of a second seed layer through a physical vapor deposition process, and deposition of a non-magnetic gap layer through a chemical vapor deposition process. |
| US08670211B1 |
Method and system for providing high magnetic flux saturation CoFe films
A method and system plates CoFeX, where X is an insertion metal. The method and system include providing a plating solution including hydroxymethyl-p-tolylsulfone (HPT). The plating solution being configured to provide a CoFeX film having a high saturation magnetic flux density of greater than 2.3 Tesla and not more than 3 weight percent of X. The method and system also include plating the CoFeX film on a substrate in the plating solution. In some aspects, the plated CoFeX film may be used in structures such as main poles of a magnetic recording head. |
| US08670209B2 |
Spindle motor including a fluid dynamic bearing and disk drive apparatus with same
A stationary portion of a motor includes a shaft component, an upper plate portion, and a lower plate portion. A rotating portion includes a sleeve portion which is disposed between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion. The shaft component includes an inner shaft upper portion, an inner shaft lower portion which is located in a lower side of the inner shaft upper portion, and an outer shaft portion. The outer shaft portion is located on an outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft upper portion and an outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft lower portion. The inner shaft upper portion and the upper plate portion are preferably defined by a single monolithic member, and the inner shaft lower portion and the lower plate portion are preferably defined by a single monolithic member. |
| US08670206B1 |
Disk drive estimating repeatable runout of reference pattern based on repeatable runout of phase error
A disk drive is disclosed comprising head actuated over a disk comprising a reference pattern. The head is positioned at a first radial location, a first phase error is measured in response to the reference pattern at the first radial location, and a first repeatable runout (RRO) of the first phase error is measured. The head is positioned at a second radial location, a second phase error is measured in response to the reference pattern at the second radial location, and a second repeatable runout (RRO) of the second phase error is measured. The first and second RROs are processed to estimate an offset r0 representing a difference between an axial rotation of the disk and an axial rotation of the reference pattern. |
| US08670204B2 |
Head-disk interference (HDI) detection
Method and apparatus for detecting head disk interference (HDI). In accordance with some embodiments, a bias calibration circuit is adapted to respectively bypass or amplify a head disk interference (HDI) signal output from an HDI sensor responsive to a bias voltage adjusted according to a first control signal. A detection circuit is adapted to compare a swing range of a signal output from the bias calibration circuit and a swing range of a reference signal, and to output the first control signal responsive to said comparison. |
| US08670203B2 |
Method for manufacturing magnetic tape with servo signal written therein, magnetic tape with servo signal written therein, and servo writer
To manufacture a perpendicular magnetic recording-type magnetic tape having a servo signal written therein by a write head having a magnetic gap, a perpendicular direct-current erasing step in which a magnetic tape is magnetized in one direction that is one of two opposite thickness directions of the magnetic tape is performed before a signal writing step in which a servo signal is written in the magnetic tape by outputting a pulsed signal to the write head. |
| US08670200B2 |
Servo pattern read-back signal processing for storage devices
Servo pattern read-back signal processing for storage devices is described. In an example, a method of processing a read-back signal derived from a servo pattern on a storage medium in a storage device includes differentiating the read-back signal in an analog domain to produce a differentiated signal; and converting the differentiated signal into digital samples. |
| US08670197B2 |
Substrate for display device, method for manufacturing same, and display device
Disclosed is a substrate for a display device, wherein generation of a region which is not filled with the components of a liquid material is suppressed by simple processes during the formation of color layers by a coating method such as an inkjet method using the liquid material, thereby achieving good display quality. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the substrate for a display device, and a display device. The substrate for a display device comprises, on a principal surface thereof, banks formed of a resin material, and color layers arranged in a plurality of pixel regions surrounded by the banks. The color layers are formed of the liquid material, and the bank is provided with an impregnated region containing the components of the liquid material. |
| US08670195B2 |
Lens actuator
A lens actuator includes a carrier that is configured to retain a lens; a first AF coil that is disposed in the carrier while wound about an axis perpendicular to a lens retaining surface; first to fourth magnets that are disposed opposite the first AF coil in four directions parallel to the lens retaining surface; a first OIS coil that is disposed opposite the first magnet; and a second OIS coil that is disposed opposite the second magnet. A current is passed through the first AF coil to move the carrier in a vertical direction along an axis. The currents are passed through the first and second OIS coils to a movable unit in front-back and left-right directions. Therefore, weight reduction of the movable unit can be achieved to provide a lens actuator, in which electric power saving can be achieved. |
| US08670193B2 |
Optical system and optical apparatus using the same
An optical system includes a negative lens unit including one or more negative lenses located closest to an object side, and a positive lens unit having positive refractive power including a plurality of lenses on an image side of the negative lens unit. When the one or more negative lenses are denoted by negative lenses LNi (i=1, 2, . . . ) in order from the object side, and a portion of lenses among the plurality of the lenses constituting the positive lens unit is denoted by lenses LAj (j=1, 2, . . . ) in order from the object side, a focal length fni of the negative lens LNi, a refractive index Nni of a material thereof, a focal length fAj of the lens LAj, a refractive index NAj, and partial dispersion ratio θgFAj of a material of the lens LAj are set to satisfy respective predetermined conditions. |
| US08670189B2 |
Optical image capturing assembly
An optical image capturing assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The third lens element with positive refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface. The object-side surfaces and the image-side surfaces of the third lens element and the fourth lens element are aspheric. The fourth lens element has at least one inflection point formed on at least one surface thereof. |
| US08670187B2 |
Zoom lens
A zoom lens includes sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, an aperture stop, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power. The first lens group includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The second lens group includes sequentially from the object side, a negative lens, a negative lens, and a positive lens. The third lens group includes sequentially from the object side a front group having a positive refractive power, a middle group having a negative refractive power, and a rear group having a positive refractive power. The front group is formed by a positive aspheric lens. The middle group is includes a cemented lens formed by a positive lens and a negative lens. |
| US08670186B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus
Disposing from an object side in the order of a positive first lens group which is fixed at the time of zooming, a negative second lens group which is moved at the time of zooming, an aperture stop, a positive third lens group which is fixed at the time of zooming, and a fourth lens group which is moved along the optical axis at the time of zooming to correct a change in image plane position arising from the zooming for focusing. When a refractive index of the third group first lens with respect to d-line, a focal length of the third group, and focal lengths of the overall lens system at a wide angle end and a telephoto end are taken as Nd31, f3, fw, and ft respectively, conditional expressions (1): 1.77 |
| US08670182B2 |
Alkali-free cover glass composition, and light extracting member using same
A glass composition and a light extracting member using the same is provided, where the glass composition does not substantially contain a lead oxide and an alkali metal oxide and has a glass transition temperature of 530° C. or less and acid resistance property. An alkali-free cover glass composition is also provided which does not substantially contain a lead oxide and an alkali metal oxide; has a refractive index (nd) of 1.7 to 2.3; has a glass transition temperature of 530° C. or less; has a dissolution depth of less than 1.3 μm as measured by an acid dipping weight loss measurement method; and contains 8 to 25% of Nb2O5 in terms of mol % on the basis of an oxide thereof. |
| US08670179B2 |
Multi-function turret knob
A turret knob comprises first and second adjustment members that are both adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation, and a slip/engagement member positioned between the first and the second adjustment members along the axis of rotation. The slip-engagement member is movable between three positions along the axis of rotation. In a first position, the slip-engagement member does not engage the first or the second adjustment members. In the second position, the slip/engagement member engages the first adjustment member to rotatably adjust only the first adjustable member about the axis of rotation as the slip/engagement member is rotated about the axis of rotation. In the third position, the slip/engagement member engages the second adjustable member to rotatably adjust only the second adjustable member about the axis of rotation. |
| US08670178B2 |
Imaging distal end of multimode fiber
Where a multimode fiber is used for light delivery in a microscope system and a transverse distribution of light exiting a distal end of the fiber is substantially uniform, the distal end is imaged onto a plane of a sample to be probed by the microscope system, or at a conjugate plane. Alternatively, the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the sample plane or the conjugate plane such that a radiant intensity of light at the sample plane or the conjugate plane is substantially uniform. In the case of a multi-focal confocal microscope system, the distal end of the multimode fiber is imaged onto a plane of a segmented focusing array. Alternatively the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the segmented focusing array plane such that a radiant intensity of the light at the segmented focusing array plane is substantially uniform. |
| US08670177B2 |
Multifunctional polarizing filter and method for manufacturing the same
A multifunctional polarizing filter is used for a digital camera, and is produced by advanced optical technology to have a very small thickness and an integral structure in order to prevent a vignetting phenomenon in which the captured image is adversely affected by the frame of the filter. |
| US08670176B2 |
Optical amplifying device
An optical amplifying device includes a first optical amplifier for amplifying signal light; a second optical amplifier serially connected with the first optical amplifier; an optical device for compensating deterioration of the signal light, the optical device arranged between the first optical amplifier and the second optical amplifier; a variable optical attenuator for attenuating the signal light, the variable optical attenuator arranged between the first optical amplifier and the second optical amplifier; a first automatic level controller for detecting a second amplifier output power and for controlling driving status of the second amplifier in a predetermined output power level; and a first automatic gain controller for detecting an input power of the second optical amplifier and an output power of the second optical amplifier, and for controlling an optical attenuation value of the variable optical attenuator. |
| US08670174B2 |
Electrophoretic display fluid
This invention relates to an electrophoretic display fluid comprising a non-mobile or semi-mobile phase and two types of charged pigment particles dispersed in a solvent or solvent mixture, and an electrophoretic display device utilizing such an electrophoretic display fluid. The electrophoretic fluid of the present invention provides improved image qualities. |
| US08670168B1 |
Polychromatic encoding system, method and device
Disclosed is a polychromatic barcode or portable data file symbology, image, system, method, and apparatus enabling virtually unlimited information density. In a preferred embodiment, ASCII characters are assigned to unique identifiers, which identifiers are in turn assigned to unique colors. Color blots are sequentially arranged in a symbol so as to match the sequence of corresponding identifiers to be encoded, and then the symbol is applied to a surface. To decode, the symbol is scanned, colors translated into identifiers, and identifiers translated into content. Also disclosed are blots dedicated to calibration. Information density is further enhanced through an external reference function achieved through commands included in the barcode itself, by which function infinitely high information density is achieved. Licensing information is available through www.inventerprise.com. |
| US08670166B2 |
Method of automatic white balance adjustment for scanner
A method of automatic white balance adjustment for a scanner is described hereinafter. First, a light source provides a white light to make the scanner scan a document and get an initial image of the document. Secondly, red, green and blue chromatic values of a background color are obtained in the initial image. Next, a factor is calculated based on the chromatic values and a calibration value which is stored in a calibration sheet. Lastly, the scanner automatically adjusts a brightness ratio of the red, green and blue lights of the light source according to the factor, and then rescans the document to get a final image which has a processed background color. Therefore, the final image having the background color close to white is in favor of identification. Furthermore, the adjustment is executed in the process of the scanner rescanning the document so that the step of executing adjustment by software can be eliminated. |
| US08670156B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and image forming apparatus
An image processing device includes storage units to store a first halftone pattern subjected to a halftone processing for a first color gradation value, a second halftone pattern subjected to a halftone processing for a second color gradation value, and a brush pattern. The device further includes shift units to shift each pattern read on the basis of a predetermined unit from each of storage units to a first direction toward a drawing start point on the horizontal line according to a drawing position on the horizontal line, further add each pattern to a second direction toward a drawing end point on the horizontal line, and output each on the basis of the predetermined unit. The device further includes a brush synthesizing unit to select, pixel by pixel, either the first halftone pattern or the second halftone pattern, according to the brush pattern. |
| US08670151B2 |
Ultrashort laser micro-texture printing
Systems and methods for providing laser texturing of solid substrates are disclosed. The texturing may be used to provide grayscale images obtainable from substrates, which may include steel, aluminum, glass, and silicon. In some embodiments, images may be obtainable from the substrate by modifying the reflective, diffractive, and/or absorptive features of the substrate or the substrate surface by forming random, periodic, and/or semi-periodic micro-structure features on the substrate (or substrate surface) by an ultrafast laser pulse train. The ultrafast pulse train may be modulated in order to vary, for example, optical exposure time, pulse train intensity, laser polarization, laser wavelength, or a combination of the aforementioned. The ultrafast pulse train and the substrate may be scanned with respect to each other to provide different optical energies to different regions of the substrate (or substrate surface). In some embodiments, the image is provided by making one or more passes of the ultrafast laser pulse train relative to the substrate. |
| US08670144B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating background processing of push content
Apparatus, and an associated method, for a communication device operable pursuant to a push content communication scheme. An instruction detector detects a message containing a instruction by which to operate upon push content. The message is, for instance, generated by a mobile station at which an application associated with the content is resident. Once detected by the instruction detector, a content operator operates upon the content in a manner corresponding to the instruction contained in the detected message. Once operated upon, the content is stored at a storage element, available when an application of which the content is associated, becomes active. |
| US08670143B2 |
System and method for updating firmware of an image forming apparatus
An update control unit of an image forming apparatus notifies a start of application of firmware to a distribution server in a case where the application of the firmware delivered from the distribution server and stored in a HDD is started in response to an instruction from a user. The update control unit applies the firmware in a case where the response to permit the application of the firmware is received from the distribution server in reply to the notification, and does not apply the firmware in a case where the response prohibiting the application of the firmware is received from the distribution server in reply to the notification. The monitoring agent unit of the image forming apparatus periodically confirms to the monitoring server whether the firmware stored in the HDD before it is applied is to be deleted. |
| US08670140B2 |
Workflow management bridging virtual and transient-paper documents
A transient document management system can include a transient document identifier placement module for placing a transient document identifier on a transient physical document, a transient document information retrieval module for extracting information from the transient physical document, and a transient document processing module for performing data processing based on the information extracted from the transient physical document. |
| US08670138B2 |
Information processing apparatus, printing apparatus, and monitoring method
An information processing apparatus includes a control unit to perform control and a communication control unit to operate as a normal mode for transmitting and receiving information concerning the information processing apparatus. At a time of startup of the information processing apparatus, the control unit executes a plurality of processing, and writes information indicating that processing has been completed each time processing is completed. At the time of startup, an operation mode of the communication control unit is shifted to a monitoring mode wherein the communication control unit monitors occurrence of abnormality based on presence/absence of information indicating that processing has been completed. In response to abnormality having occurred, the communication control unit outputs occurrence of the abnormality. In response to certain information being written into the predetermined storage area, the operation mode of the communication control unit is shifted to the normal mode from the monitoring mode. |
| US08670136B2 |
Image forming apparatus with specialized initialization including an engine, a controller and image generation unit for driving an image forming element
An image forming apparatus includes: a controller and an engine. The controller includes a first memory configured to store therein first setting information for driving the image forming element. The engine includes: an image generation unit configured to drive the image forming element; a second memory configured to store therein second setting information for driving the image forming element; and an initialization processor configured to initialize the image generation unit based on the second setting information before a communication between the controller and the engine is established, to compare the first setting information with the second setting information after the communication between the controller and the engine is established, and to execute an initialization of the image generation unit based on the first setting information when the first setting information does not correspond to the second setting information. |
| US08670134B2 |
Print control apparatus, print control method, and storage medium
A print control apparatus may include a determination unit, a division unit, and a rearrangement unit to process print data impositioned by an application program. The determination unit determines whether at least one of an impositioned appearance indicating an arrangement of logical pages in respective physical pages of the impositioned print data, and a print output attribute, which is an attribute of an output of the impositioned print data, satisfies a division condition set in advance. If the determining unit determines that the impositioned appearance or the print output attribute satisfies the division condition, the division unit divides the impositioned print data in logical-page unit. The rearrangement unit rearranges divided logical pages in an order according to the impositioned appearance. If neither the impositioned appearance nor the print output attribute satisfies the division condition, the impositioned print data is prevented from being divided in logical-page unit. |
| US08670129B2 |
Filtered ASE swept source for OCT medical imaging
An integrated swept wavelength optical source uses a filtered ASE signal with an optical amplifier and tracking filter. This source comprises a micro optical bench, a source for generating broadband light, a first tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the broadband light from the broadband source to generate a narrowband tunable signal, an amplifier, installed on the bench, for amplifying the tunable signal, and a second tunable Fabry Perot filter, installed on the bench, for spectrally filtering the amplified tunable signal from the amplifier. A self-tracking arrangement is also possible where a single tunable filter both generates the narrowband signal and spectrally filters the amplified signal. In some examples, two-stage amplification is provided. The use of a single bench implementation yields a low cost high performance system. For example, polarization control between components is no longer necessary. |
| US08670126B2 |
Optical interference measuring method and optical interference measuring apparatus
In an optical interference measuring method according to the present invention, light emitted from a light source unit is split into measuring light and reference light, coherent light is detected that is obtained by interference of the reference light and the measuring light reflected from or scattered rearward from a measuring object, an optical-path length adjustment mechanism provided in the optical path of the reference light is driven to change the optical path length of the reference light, it is decided whether an image based on the detected coherent light is a normal image or a folded image based on the coherent light having varied with the change of the optical path length of the reference light, and the measuring object is measured from the detected coherent light based on a result of the decision about whether the image is a normal image or a folded image. |
| US08670124B2 |
Apparatus and method for converting sensor input signals into digital output signals
An apparatus, method and computer program wherein the apparatus includes at least one interferometer where the at least one interferometer is configured to cause interference of an electromagnetic input signal; wherein the at least one interferometer is configured to receive at least one sensor input signal from at least one sensor such that the sensor input signal controls the interference of the electromagnetic input signal by the at least one interferometer; wherein the at least one interferometer is configured to provide a plurality of outputs where each of the plurality of outputs is provided by the at least one interferometer responding to the at least one sensor input signal with a different sensitivity; and at least one detector configured to detect the plurality of outputs of the at least one interferometer and provide a digital output signal indicative of the at least one sensor input signal. |
| US08670121B1 |
Wavelength-tunable detector for label-independent optical reader
A wavelength-tunable detector for use in a label-independent optical reader for reading at least one resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor is disclosed. The wavelength-tunable detector includes a tunable wavelength filter. Broadband light is made incident upon the RWG biosensor to produce resonantly reflected light, which is then passed through the tunable wavelength filter whose central wavelength is adjusted, such as by varying the filter angle of the tunable wavelength filter. This generates filtered resonantly reflected light, which is detected by a photodetector that generates an electrical signal in response thereto. The electrical signal is representative of the detected spectrum, which includes the center resonant wavelength of the RWG biosensor. A controller can be used to determine the center resonant wavelength from the electrical signal. |
| US08670118B2 |
Diffraction based overlay metrology tool and method of diffraction based overlay metrology
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for determining overlay of a pattern on a substrate with a mask pattern defined in a resist layer on top of the pattern on the substrate. A first grating is provided under a second grating, each having substantially identical pitch to the other, together forming a composite grating. A first illumination beam is provided under an angle of incidence along a first horizontal direction. The intensity of a diffracted beam from the composite grating is measured. A second illumination beam is provided under the angle of incidence along a second horizontal direction. The second horizontal direction is opposite to the first horizontal direction. The intensity of the diffracted beam from the composite grating is measured. The difference between the diffracted beam from the first illumination beam and the diffracted beam from the second illumination beam, linearly scaled, results in the overlay error. |
| US08670115B2 |
Inspection method and inspection apparatus
The inspection conditions of a known inspection apparatus necessary for inspection are such that wafers are individually prepared for respective layer types and layer thicknesses, and standard particles having different sizes are applied to all of the wafers. Moreover, the wafers to which standard particles have been applied and which have been prepared for the respective layer types and layer thicknesses are inspected by the inspection apparatus to determine the optimal inspection conditions for the respective layer types and layer thicknesses. Therefore, there are problems that it requires long time and involves high cost to determine the inspection conditions. In the invention, the relation between the layer thickness and the scattering intensity in the inspection apparatus is calculated. The scattering intensity is divided into a plurality of intensity regions, and the inspection conditions optimized for the respective divided regions are determined. The inspection conditions are shared in each divided intensity region, whereby the time and cost necessary to determine the inspection conditions can be dramatically reduced. |
| US08670113B2 |
Simplified checking bench for telescopes and auto-checkable telescopes
In the field of optical checking of optical instruments of telescope type, an instrument comprises an optical objective, a photo-detection housing arranged at the focus of said optical objective and at least one light source arranged in the vicinity of said photo-detection housing, the optical pupil of the optical objective having a first diameter. The checking means comprise a plane mirror having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and means to arrange the plane mirror such that the image of the light source given by the optical objective and reflected by said plane mirror is focused on the photo-detection housing, means for analyzing said image received making it possible to determine the optical quality of the telescope. The plane mirror may be associated with an autonomous checking bench. It may also form part of the telescope and be incorporated into the protection hood for the optic. |
| US08670112B2 |
Testing apparatus for testing light emitting diode lamp and method for operating the same
Disclosed is a method for operating a test apparatus for an LED lamp. The method includes: forming a self-holding circuit by switching on a first switching means such that an up and down shifter provided in the test apparatus for the LED lamp moves down; moving down and stopping the up and down shifter from a determined initial position to a measurement position; measuring the quality of the LED lamp equipped with the test apparatus for the LED lamp; releasing the self-holding circuit by switching on the second switching means such that the up and down shifter moves up; and moving up and down shifter from the measurement position to the determined initial position. |
| US08670111B1 |
Fiber monitoring apparatus and system for detecting an optical fiber thermal event
A fiber monitoring system for detecting the occurrence of a thermal event, especially of a traumatic nature, in optical fibers while transmitting laser beams includes one or more fiber monitoring apparatuses each having a thermal sensing array supported by a holder board of a laminated dielectric material having a row of clips for retaining optical fibers in alignment with thermal sensor devices of the thermal sensing arrays. The thermal sensing arrays also have electrical circuitry elements for electrically interconnecting the thermal sensing devices in series and enabling electrically connecting the thermal sensing arrays with other circuitry to form a thermal interlock circuit for a laser system. |
| US08670109B2 |
Laser characterization system and process
A system and process for automatically characterizing a plurality of external cavity semiconductor laser chips on a semiconductor laser bar separated from a semiconductor wafer. The system includes a diffraction grating and a steering mirror mounted on a rotary stage for rotating the diffraction grating through a range of diffraction angles. A laser bar positioning stage for automatically aligning each laser chip in a laser bar with the diffraction grating. Reflecting a laser beam emitted from a laser chip in a laser bar with diffraction grating and steering mirror to the laser analyzer. Automatically rotating the diffraction grating through a range of diffraction angles relative to the laser beam and automatically characterizing the laser optical properties such as spectra, power, or spatial modes with the laser analyzer at each diffraction angle. |
| US08670106B2 |
Optical imaging writer system
System and method for applying mask data patterns to substrate in a lithography manufacturing process are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a parallel imaging writer system which has a plurality of spatial light modulator (SLM) imaging units arranged in one or more parallel arrays; receiving a mask data pattern to be written to a substrate, processing the mask data pattern to form a plurality of partitioned mask data patterns corresponding to different areas of the substrate, assigning one or more SLM imaging units to handle each of the partitioned mask data pattern, controlling the plurality of SLM imaging units to write the plurality of partitioned mask data patterns to the substrate in parallel, controlling movement of the plurality of SLM imaging units to cover the different areas of the substrate, and controlling movement of the substrate to be in synchronization with continuous writing of the plurality of partitioned mask data patterns. |
| US08670104B2 |
Cleanup method for optics in immersion lithography with cleaning liquid opposed by a surface of object
An immersion lithography apparatus and a cleanup method used for the immersion lithography apparatus in which an immersion liquid is supplied from a liquid supply member to a gap between an optical element of a projection optics and a workpiece during an immersion lithography process. A surface of an object, which is different from the workpiece, is provided such that the surface of the object and the optical element are opposite to each other. During a cleanup process, a cleaning liquid is supplied from the liquid supply member onto the surface of the object. |
| US08670103B2 |
Cleanup method for optics in immersion lithography using bubbles
A liquid immersion exposure apparatus includes an optical system via which a substrate is exposed with an exposure beam, and a cleaning device which performs a cleaning operation by filling a space adjacent the optical system with a liquid including bubbles. |
| US08670100B2 |
Driving circuit and liquid crystal display module having the same
A driving circuit of a liquid crystal display module includes a substrate, a driving chip, a plurality of circuit lines connected to the driving chip, and a dummy pattern disposed outside the circuit lines parallel thereto. The liquid crystal display module includes a display panel, and a driving circuit. The display panel includes an effective pixel region, a non-effective pixel region, a display device displaying an image in the effective pixel region, and signal lines connected to the display device and extending to the non-effective pixel region. The driving circuit includes a substrate, a driving chip, circuit lines, and a dummy pattern disposed outside the circuit lines parallel thereto. The circuit lines each have one end connected to the driving chip and the other end connected to the signal lines. Accordingly, the dummy pattern can reduce defective images caused by the circuit lines damaged by mechanical impact. |
| US08670099B2 |
Liquid crystal display comprising two pixel regions juxtaposed along a signal line wherein a first pixel electrode is formed in one pixel region and a first common electrode is formed in the other pixel region
A TFT-LCD assembly substrate comprises an array structure layer, comprising a plurality of first signal lines and a plurality of second signal lines. Adjacent first signal lines and adjacent second signal lines cross each other to define a plurality of combination pixel regions, and each of the combination pixel regions comprises two pixel regions juxtaposed along a direction of the first signal line, and there are a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode formed in one pixel region of the two pixel regions and there is a common electrode formed in the other pixel region. |
| US08670097B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels at intersections of a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines, wherein each pixel includes a switching transistor, and pixel and common electrodes that induce an in-plane electric field; a plurality of gate lines each connected to the pixels on each row line; a plurality of data lines each connected to the pixels on each column line; and a plurality of common lines each connected to the common electrodes of the pixels alternately located on neighboring two row lines per one column line. |
| US08670096B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device, in which: the insulating film includes an extension portion, which extends from an end surface of the insulating film at a position which overlaps a portion of the sealing member forming the liquid crystal injecting port, up to the vicinity of the end surface of the at least one substrate; and the extension portion is formed so that a cross section of the extension portion, which is orthogonal to a thickness direction thereof, is symmetric with respect to a line passing a center of the sealing member in a width direction thereof, and further, a width of the extension portion in the width direction of the sealing member is formed smaller than a width of the sealing member obtained after adhering the pair of substrates to each other. |
| US08670095B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device (100), including a pixel electrode (Px) and a common electrode (CT) which are stacked via an insulating layer, one of the pixel electrode (Px) and the common electrode (CT) including slits (SL) formed therein, for aligning liquid crystal molecules by an electric field generated by the pixel electrode (Px) and the common electrode (CT), in which the insulating layer is formed so as to increase in thickness from a vicinity of ends (13a, 13b) in a longitudinal direction of the slits (SL) toward the ends (13a, 13b). Thus, the transmittance of the liquid crystal display device is improved. |
| US08670092B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a sealing material. The first substrate includes an active area and a driving circuit. The driving circuit has a first side facing the active area and a second side opposite to the first side. The second substrate includes a mask layer. A projection of the mask layer on the first substrate at least overlaps the driving circuit from the second side to the first side. The sealing material is between the second substrate and the first substrate, used for sealing the second substrate and the first substrate, and located beside the second side of the driving circuit. |
| US08670086B2 |
Multifunctional plastic frame and backlight module
A multifunctional plastic frame and a backlight module are disclosed. The multifunctional plastic frame comprises a frame body for supporting an LCD panel and covers movably connected with outer edges of the frame body. The covers are turned over along the outer edges of the frame body to press against edges of the LCD panel and to be buckled to the frame body. According to the present disclosure, the number of parts and consequently the cost are reduced; and the backlight module can be assembled quickly in a convenient way, which is favorable for improving the assembling efficiency of the backlight module. |