| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08688884B2 |
Information processing system and functionality expansion apparatus
An information processing system is disclosed which includes: an information processing apparatus proper configured to include an optical communication connection portion establishing optical communication connection; a first functionality expansion apparatus configured to have an optical communication connection portion optically communicating with the information processing apparatus proper, and a first processing function portion processing or storing data for use by the information processing apparatus; and a second functionality expansion apparatus configured to have an optical communication connection portion optically communicating with the first functionality expansion apparatus, and a second processing function portion. |
| US08688883B2 |
Increasing turbo mode residency of a processor
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for accessing a task stored in an entry of a task queue that identifies the task and a first core of a processor on which the task has been scheduled, reassigning the task to a coldest idle core of the processor, and sending the task to the coldest idle core and maintaining the processor in a turbo mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08688881B2 |
Arbitration in multiprocessor device
An integrated circuit device (100) comprising a first plurality of components (102-112), a second plurality of buses (114-124, 140, 142) for transmitting transaction requests from said components (102-112) to a resource (138) shared by said components (102-112) and a third plurality of arbiters (132-136) arranged in at least two levels of arbitration. Each transaction request has attached priority value that is used by the arbiters to determine which of the components should be granted access to the resource (138). |
| US08688879B2 |
Memory interface and method of interfacing between functional entities
A data and signal interface for controlling the transfer of data and signals between a memory array and macro function such as that of a digital signal processor (DSP) core. In one embodiment, the interface comprises a plurality of memory ports which interface with X/Y memory banks, a plurality of function ports, each with a function controller, which interface with DSP functions, a crossbar connecting the memory and function ports, and an arbitration unit for arbitrating memory access by the function ports. The memory interface advantageously allows multiple simultaneous accesses of memory banks via a plurality of macro functions, each access under the control of a parent processor instruction. A standardized protocol used for memory read/write operations is also disclosed. |
| US08688878B1 |
Data storage system modeling
Described is data storage system modeling. Received at a first data storage system is information representing a workload for I/O operations directed to a logical devices having storage provisioned on physical devices of a second data storage system. Information representing the workload may be obtained by performing discovery processing to discover performance characteristics of the physical devices of the second data storage system. Discovery processing may include receiving, at the first data storage system, I/O operations from a client directed to the set of one or more logical devices having storage provisioned on the physical devices of the second data storage system. The I/O operations are then issued to the second data storage system. In response, performance data is obtained at the first data storage system representing the workload for the plurality of I/O operations. Performance of the second data storage system is modeled in accordance with the workload. |
| US08688872B2 |
Method and device for managing queues, and corresponding computer program product
A method for managing a queue, such as for example a FIFO queue, and executing a look-ahead function on the data contained in the queue includes associating to the data in the queue respective state variables (C1, C2, . . . CK), the value of each of which represents the number of times a datum is present in the queue. The look-ahead function is then executed on the respective state variables, preferentially using a number of state variables (C1, C2, . . . CK) equal to the number of different values that may be assumed by the data in the queue. The look-ahead function can involve identification of the presence of a given datum in the queue and is, in that case, executed by verifying whether among the state variables (C1, C2, . . . CK) there exists a corresponding state variable with non-nil value. |
| US08688869B2 |
Display apparatus, control method thereof and control method of external device
A display apparatus, a control method thereof and a control method of an external device are provided. The display apparatus includes a contents processing unit which reproduces contents, a communication unit which communicates with an external device which reproduces contents, and a control unit which receives reproduction information of the contents reproduced in the external device from the external device through the communication unit, and controls the contents processing unit to reproduce contents corresponding to the contents reproduced in the external device, based on the received reproduction information. |
| US08688867B2 |
System and methods for communicating between serial communications protocol enabled devices
A method and system (200) for communicating between a first and second serial communications protocol (SCP) enabled device (202, . . . , 212, 224). The method includes the step of comparing a data block comprising a plurality of data values from the first SCP enabled device to a plurality of reference data values. The method also includes the step of determining which of the data values has changed and which of the data values has not changed. This determination is made based on the comparing step. The method further involves writing substantially only the data values that have changed to a memory of the second SCP enabled device. |
| US08688863B2 |
Information processing apparatus for conducting security processing and security processing method
An information processing apparatus that executes security processing for a storage device connected thereto, the apparatus includes a processing command storage unit that stores a plurality of processing commands related to security processing according to a type of the storage device, a determining unit that determines the type of the storage device connected thereto, an obtaining unit that obtains a processing command corresponding to the type determined by the determining unit from the processing command storage unit, and an executing unit that executes the security processing corresponding to the storage device based on the obtained processing command. |
| US08688862B1 |
Systems and methods for monitoring input signal parameters
Systems and methods for monitoring input signal parameters are provided. One embodiment may include an input unit for receiving at least three signals. The at least three signals can comprise at least one value associated with at least one monitored parameter. The system may further include at least one controller for determining that the at least one value of the at least three signals is outside of a predetermined range of values, detecting a deviation in the at least one value associated with the at least three signals from an expected value within the predetermined range of values, determining that the deviation exceeds a predetermined period of time threshold, and determining a change in at least one of the at least three signals based at least in part on the determination that the deviation exceeds the threshold period of time. |
| US08688857B1 |
Filtering messages based on pruning profile generated from pruning profile schema
According to an embodiment, a method of providing data by a software application is provided. The method may include retrieving a selected pruning profile. Next a result message is received from a service host based on a request message transmitted to the service host from a client. The content of the result message is then filtered based on the retrieved pruning profile. Finally, the filtered result message is sent to the client. |
| US08688855B2 |
Method and devices for performing traffic control in telecommunication networks
A method is disclosed for performing traffic control in a network, the network comprising at least one link, the method comprising: —measuring the data traffic rate, the data traffic comprising at least one data flow, at at least one link which carries the data traffic; —defining a first and a second threshold value, the second threshold value being larger than the first threshold value; —determining whether the measured data rate is larger than the first threshold value; and if so, starting congestion signaling of a first type, —determining whether the data rate is larger than the second threshold value; and if so, starting congestion signaling of a second type, wherein at least one of the first and the second threshold values are modified over time, based on data traffic information. |
| US08688854B2 |
Messenger notification system and method using synchronization server
Provided are messenger notification system and method using a synchronization server. The system includes a messenger service system controlling transmission of instant messages of messenger users and monitoring and transmitting messenger users' status change information; at least one external service system monitoring whether a predetermined event occurs and creating a notification message indicating the occurrence of the event when the event occurs; and a synchronization server receiving the messenger users' status change information from the messenger service system, storing the received status change information in an online user database, determining whether a user to receive the notification message is online when receiving the notification message from the at least one external service system, transmitting the notification message to the messenger service system to send the notification message to the online user when the user is online. |
| US08688853B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining multicast lists in a data network
A multicast group list (i.e., destination node address list) for a network device is circularly linked such that the list can be entered at any point and traversed back to the entry point. The list traversal is then terminated as the entire list has been processed. The data packet received at the network device for transmission to the multicast group can indicate the entry point, although there are other techniques for determining the entry point. The destination node address for the entry point is skipped, that is the multicast data packet is not transmitted to the entry point destination address. |
| US08688852B2 |
Support for interactive playback devices for performance aware peer-to-peer content-on-demand
A method and apparatus are described comprising detecting a playback operation, determining a target playback point for the playback operation and detecting a sub-clip type into which the target playback point falls. The method and apparatus also receive a streamed leading sub-clip, determine a set of needed sub-clips, locate one of the set of needed sub-clips and download the located sub-clip. |
| US08688851B2 |
System and method for controlling synchronization of media and multi-devices for single-media multi-device media service
Provided is a system and method for controlling synchronization of media and multi-devices for an SMMD media service. The system includes a metadata managing unit and a synchronization controlling unit. The metadata managing unit analyzes ne-media to extract metadata. The synchronization controlling unit constructs a synchronization information table to store control data extracted from the metadata, and controls one or more devices for media reproduction on the basis of the synchronization information table. Optimal connectable devices are mapped according to device attributes and synchronization information extracted from metadata of ne-media and the results are controlled according to the contents of media, thereby maximizing the effect of vivid media reproduction. |
| US08688850B2 |
Method for inter-site data stream transfer in cooperative data stream processing
A cooperative data stream processing system is provided that utilizes a plurality of independent, autonomous and potentially heterogeneous sites in a cooperative arrangement to process user-defined inquiries over dynamic, continuous streams of data. The system derives jobs from the inquiries and these jobs are executed on the various distributed sites by executing applications containing processing elements on these sites. Therefore, components of a given job can be executed simultaneously and in parallel on a plurality of sites within in the system. The sites associated with a given job execution have the need to share data, both primal and derived. A tunnel mechanism is provided that establishes tunnels between pairs of sites within the system. Each tunnel includes either a sink processing element on an originating site and a source processing element on a destination site or a gateway processing element on each site and a network connection between the sink and source processing elements. The sink and source processing elements are in communication with application processing elements on their respective sites and facilitate the exchange of data between these application processing elements. Tunnels can be establish on demand or in accordance with a prescribed plan and can be job specific of generic to any job executing on a given pair of sites. |
| US08688847B2 |
System and method for network connection adaptation
A computer implemented method for performing automatic latency mitigation in a remote access system comprises using a network connection between a client in remote access with a server to define a virtual channel for determining latency in the network connection, and providing a latency value for the connection. The latency value is used to determine a mitigating action for reducing the latency or the effect of latency in the connection, and the mitigating action is executed at the client. |
| US08688846B2 |
Method of finding a communications parameter provider in a wireless network
In order to make it possible for a communication apparatus to readily detect a provider of communication parameters, the provider of communication parameters specifies a network in which a receiver apparatus that requests receipt of communication parameter is participating, joins this network and then provides the communication parameters. The receiver apparatus creates a network for which a network identifier that is unique in the vicinity has been set and receives communication parameters from the provider. |
| US08688845B2 |
Remote computing session feature differentiation
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are related to terminal servers. In an example embodiment a license can be associated with, or define, a set of capabilities and a session can be generated that includes the capabilities. In an example embodiment the session can be generated in view of a license and privileges that are associated with an account identifier of a user requesting a session from a terminal server. |
| US08688842B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, system, and related computer program product for user equipment access
It is disclosed a method comprising holding access information relating to a terminal and a first network entity external to a currently visited network of the terminal, the access information being associated with a first network plane below a second network plane relating to network session initiation, and signaling, based on the second network plane, the held access information to a controlling entity; a method comprising receiving the signaled access information, the receiving being performed based on the second network plane, and relaying, based on the second network plane, the received access information to a second network entity; and a method comprising receiving the relayed access information, the receiving being performed based on the second network plane, and configuring the first network plane based on the access information. |
| US08688838B2 |
Profile management systems
Systems and methods for profile management on a network are disclosed. A profile management system for first and second servers on the network may include a profile manager configured to manage a first profile that uniquely identifies the first server on the network; and an administrator configured to issue a command to the profile manager instructing the profile manager to migrate the first profile such that the first profile is no longer associated with the first server, and such that the first profile uniquely identifies the second server on the network, wherein at least one of the first and second servers is a conjoined server. |
| US08688835B2 |
Service enablement/disablement based on service relationships
A network (100) may include a provisioning platform (120) and a group of nodes (130). The provisioning platform (120) may include a service management component (540) to define relationships between a group of services and processing logic (420). The processing logic (420) may receive a request to enable or disable a user for a first service, identify a second service that is required by the first service from the service management component (540), identify a first node (130-1 through 130-N) associated with the identified second service, and identify a second node (130-1 through 130-N) associated with the first service. The processing logic (420) may further transmit at least one first parameter to enable or disable the user at the identified first node (130-1 through 130-N), and transmit, when the user has been successfully enabled or disabled at the identified first node (130-1 through 130-N), at least one second parameter to enable or disable the user at the identified second node (130-1 through 130-N). |
| US08688833B1 |
Autonomous robotic telescope system
A worldwide network of Autonomous Robotic Telescope Systems (ARTS) tracks and analyzes space objects (satellites, shuttle, space debris, etc.) and astronomical objects (asteroids, comets, supernovas, etc.), and includes the ability to automatically schedule observations using remote, programmable or Internet controllable information networks. The system works with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items that include telescopes, mounts, cameras (e.g. CCD), software and computers. The telescope systems operate autonomously and remotely over Internet lines. Automatic scheduling is achieved by programming the slave telescope control computer. Satellite propagators and two line elements necessary for satellite tracking are provided on several Internet sites. Strategically placing these small portable telescope systems around the world enables users to acquire worldwide space object coverage and to be geographically diverse. This is also a cost effective way to provide necessary data to users. |
| US08688831B2 |
Managing workload distribution among a plurality of compute nodes
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for managing workload distribution among a plurality of compute nodes are provided. Embodiments include monitoring, by the distribution controller, consumption of workload assignments by each compute node of the plurality of compute nodes; and distributing, by the distribution controller, unconsumed workload assignments to one or more compute nodes of the plurality of compute nodes based on the consumption of the workload assignments of each compute node of the plurality of compute nodes. |
| US08688829B2 |
Method and system of binding sensors and actuators automatically
The method for binding a sensor and an actuator can be categorized into three types: manual binding, automatic binding and semi-automatic binding. Manual binding methods increase users' operational burden when a great number of sensors and actuators are to be bound. The current hard-coded automatic binding method suffers from lack of versatility. The template-based semi-automatic binding method still requires users to input some information manually. The disclosure provides an automatic binding method, which can automatically and reasonably bind the functions of a sensor and an actuator without user input, in a sensor network comprising a plurality of sensors and actuators. |
| US08688826B2 |
Mobile computing device and method with intelligent pushing management
A method (700) and mobile computing device (200) are described. In its simplest form, the method includes the steps of: operating (710) an application in synchronous communication with an application server via a persistent IP session, defining an active mode, wherein the synchronous communication is automatically enabled by establishing a persistent IP session according to a prearranged schedule; and providing (720) a dormant mode wherein the synchronous communication is automatically disabled in the mobile device by closing the persistent IP session according to the prearranged schedule. Advantageously, energy can be saved in the mobile computing device, thereby extending the life of an energy storage device or a battery. By the use of intelligent pushing management, substantial energy savings can be gained, by using prearranged scheduling of dormant and active modes. |
| US08688818B2 |
Administering devices with domain state objects
Example embodiments of the present invention include a method for administering devices. Such example embodiments include receiving a domain state object, identifying an action in dependence upon the domain state object, and executing the action. In many example embodiments, receiving a domain state object includes receiving a signal to download the domain state object from a mobile sensor, and downloading the domain state object from the mobile sensor. |
| US08688810B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving rich media content
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving rich media content. A creator creates configuration information of each node formed in a hierarchical structure in a changeable format in which a driver can change the configuration information, and transmits content including the configuration information of each node to the driver. A driver receives the content, determines whether configuration information of each node formed in a hierarchical structure in the received content is created in the changeable format, reconfigures each node when the configuration information is created in the changeable format, and performs an application on the reconfigured node. |
| US08688809B2 |
Provisioning private access points for wireless networking
In general, in one aspect, instructions are received from a user for management of a network device, the instructions are adjusted for compatibility with requirements of a network provider other than the user, and the adjusted instructions are implemented on the network device. |
| US08688808B1 |
Assignment of domain name system (DNS) servers
Methods and computer-readable media are provided to allow for the establishment of an Internet protocol (IP) data session with a dual-stack mobile communications device by authenticating the device. An IP data session is requested, and a home agent sends an indication of this request. A DNS server that will be assigned to a device is identified by querying a database and is identified based on the device's capabilities. The device capabilities are determined by a device-capability identifier that is associated with the user of the device or the device itself, such as a network access identifier. The capabilities may include the device type, applications, programs, or services that the user of the device is subscribed to, or capabilities that are inherent to the phone. Once the DNS server is identified, a server identifier is sent to the home agent, which assigns the DNS server to the device. |
| US08688798B1 |
System and method for a shared write address protocol over a remote direct memory access connection
The present invention provides a system and method for a shared write address protocol (SWAP) that is implemented over a remote direct memory address (RDMA) connection. Each party to a connection establishes a flow control block that is accessible to its partner via a RDMA READ operation. The novel protocol operates so that each module needs to have one outstanding RDMA READ operation at a time, i.e., to obtain the current flow control information from its partner. In operation, if data to be transmitted is less than or equal to a buffer size, an INLINE message data structure of the SWAP protocol is utilized to send the data to be target. However, if the data is greater than the buffer size, a second determination is made as to whether sufficient space exists in the message pool for the data. If insufficient space exists, the sender will wait until sufficient space exists before utilizing a novel WRITE operation of the SWAP protocol to transmit the data. |
| US08688794B2 |
Signature generation using message summaries
Systems and methods for processing a message are provided. A message may be processed to generate a message summary by removing or replacing certain words, phrases, sentences, punctuation, and the like. Message signatures based upon the message summary may be generated and stored in a signature database, which may be used to identify and/or classify spam messages. Subsequently received messages may be classified by signature and processed based on classification. |
| US08688793B2 |
System and method for insertion of addresses in electronic messages
A system and method are provided for identifying suggested addressees of for messages being composed, based on keyword content of the composed message's subject line and/or message body. When a message is being composed at a messaging client, a request comprising at least a portion of the subject line or body is sent to a server or similar device. In response, the server provides an identification of possible addressees having a highest score associated with keywords identified in the transmitted portion. One or more of these addressees can be selected for inclusion in an address field of the composed message. Identification of the suggested addressees is based on a score assessed based on the number of forwarded messages received by those addressees containing those keywords, where repeated receipt of forwarded messages increases the addressee's score associated with those keywords. |
| US08688790B2 |
Secure electronic mail system with for your eyes only features
An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. An exemplary method for communicating e-mail messages includes receiving an e-mail message from a sender addressed to a recipient, receiving a request for access to the e-mail message from an e-mail client associated with the recipient, and providing the e-mail client with access to the e-mail message. The method further includes receiving a navigation notification indicating a navigation away from the e-mail message followed by a navigation return to the e-mail message, and in response, withholding access to the e-mail message by the e-mail client, and providing the e-mail client with a message placeholder. |
| US08688784B2 |
Metering of telecommunications services
A configurator is provided that connects with various disparate elements in a telecommunication system. The configurator is adapted to receive a traffic plan that has a plurality of different aspects that are implemented across the disparate elements. The configurator is adapted to generate processing schemas and/or databases that can be used by the disparate elements in order to implement the traffic plan. |
| US08688780B2 |
Peer-to-peer exchange of data resources in a control system
System(s) and method(s) are provided for peer-to-peer exchange of data in a control system. Decentralized storage and multi-access paths provide complete sets of data without dependence on a specific or pre-defined data source or access paths. Data is characterized as data resources with disparate granularity. The control system includes a plurality of layers that act as logic units communicatively coupled through access network(s). Server(s) resides in a service layer, whereas client(s) associated with respective visualization terminal(s) are part of a visualization layer. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be based on available access network(s) resources and optimization of response time(s) in the control system. When client requests a data resource, all the locations of the data resource and the quickest source to retrieve it are automatically determined. The client stores copy of data resource. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be implemented within the service layer or the visualization layer. |
| US08688762B2 |
Iterative-division operations such as for header compression in packet-based communications
In one embodiment of a header-compression method, a 32-bit timestamp value is divided by a 16- or 8-bit stride value using a plurality of 16/8-bit division operations, each performed using a corresponding hardware instruction issued to an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) of the corresponding communication device, such as an access terminal or a base station of a communication system. When specialized 32/16-bit and/or 32/8-bit division-logic circuitry is not available in the ALU, embodiments of the header-compression method can advantageously be used to improve the speed and efficiency of timestamp compression in communication devices. |
| US08688758B2 |
Systems and methods for filtering a signal
Methods for filtering an input signal x(k) to produce an output signal y(k) such that the ratio of a power level of the output signal to a power level of the input signal is substantially equal to a desired value γ are provided. The methods include forming a first corrected frequency response H(ω) based on a first correction value gcorr(0) and a desired frequency response H(ω); forming a first filter h(z) from the first corrected frequency response H(ω); applying the first filter h(z) to a first block of the input signal to produce a first output signal block; computing an amplification γ caused by the application of the filter h(z); computing a value γdiff, wherein γdiff represents an amplification error; computing a second correction value gcorr(1), where gcorr(1) is a function of gcorr(0) and γdiff; forming a second corrected frequency response H(ω) based on the second correction value gcorr(1) and the desired frequency response H(ω); forming a second filter h(z) from the second corrected frequency response H(ω); and applying the second filter h(z) to a second block of the input signal to produce a second output signal block. |
| US08688756B2 |
System, method and computer program product for storing file system content in a multi-tenant on-demand database system
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for storing file system content in a multi-tenant on-demand database system. These mechanisms and methods for storing file system content in a multi-tenant on-demand database system can enable embodiments to reduce a number of files stored on a file system, avoid copying of all file system content to file system copies, etc. |
| US08688753B2 |
Transformation of logical data objects for storage
Various embodiments for operating a transformation system, capable of transforming a logical data object (LO) to a transformed logical data object (TLO), are provided. In one such embodiment, an open LO request to a certain LO and addressed by the at least one client to the at least one storage device, is intercepted. An identifier (ID) in a header of a TLO corresponding to the requested LO and stored in the at least one storage device, is obtained. The obtained ID is used to characterize the TLO and the LO. A determination is made whether the transformation system handles at least one open LO characterized by an ID with a same value as the obtained ID. The requested LO is opened if at least one open LO is not found. An instance corresponding to the intercepted open LO request is generated. The instance is associated to the obtained ID. |
| US08688752B2 |
Method and system for deploying a model-based application to an application server
Computer-based methods and systems for deploying model-driven applications to an application server are described. Consistent with an embodiment of the invention, an application server includes a model deployment module that provides a model deployment service. The model deployment module receives as input a data model that serves as a single source of truth for an application. Based on the input model, the model deployment module configures the application server, for example, by automatically generating object-relational mapping logic that facilitates data persistence by mapping data elements in an object domain to data elements in a relational database domain. Additionally, the model deployment module generates a utility module that supports advanced modeling capabilities, including derived properties and constraints. |
| US08688751B2 |
Association and extraction of content artifacts from a graphical representation of electronic content
A computer implemented method and system is provided for associating and extracting content artifacts from a graphical representation of electronic content. A multi-dimensional virtual lattice comprising one or more grid layers is created. The nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice represent metadata acquired from predefined content criteria. Electronic content comprising content artifacts acquired from multiple content sources is graphically represented within the multi-dimensional virtual lattice using the grid layers. Each of the content artifacts from the electronic content attaches to one or more nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice. A user provides search criteria comprising keywords. The content artifacts attached to nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice whose metadata matches with the keywords are extracted and displayed to the user. The graphical representation of electronic content in the multi-dimensional virtual lattice is used to associate, extract, composite, project, and organize the content artifacts acquired from the content sources. |
| US08688747B2 |
Schema framework and method and apparatus for normalizing schema
The schema framework of the present invention is a set of rules and best practices that a user follows when creating schema in accordance with the present invention. By following these rules, schema are produced that can be used, reused, and managed in a distributed computing environment, thus reducing the time and effort associated with creating instance documents. Certain rules govern the content and format of the schema namespaces. Each schema namespace includes a category identifier that identifies a category to which the schema associated with the namespace relates. Once an instance document has been published by storing it in a schema repository, the schema and the namespace associated with that schema are “frozen” and cannot be changed. By freezing the schema and namespace, the schema and namespace become standardized, which facilitates instance document generation, validation, and use across a distributed system. |
| US08688746B2 |
User interface methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on user relationships
A user-interface method of selecting and presenting a collection of content items based on user navigation and selection actions associated with the content is provided. The method includes associating a relevance weight on a per user basis with content items to indicate a relative measure of likelihood that the user desires the content item. The method includes receiving a user's navigation and selections actions for identifying desired content items, and in response, adjusting the associated relevance weight of the selected content item and group of content items containing the selected item. The method includes, in response to subsequent user input, selecting and presenting a subset of content items and content groups to the user ordered by the adjusted associated relevance weights assigned to the content items and content groups. |
| US08688741B2 |
Device description framework information reporting and updating method, device and system
A method for reporting and updating device description framework information. The device description framework information reporting method implements that the terminal device reports the updated device description framework information to DMS, which includes: updating the local device description framework information based on the changed structure of the device management tree; informing the updated device description framework information to DMS. The device description framework information updating method improves the validity of DMS's management over the terminal device. The updating method includes: receiving an updating inform about the device description framework information from a terminal device; acquiring the update of the device description framework information based on the updating inform; and updating the device description framework information of the terminal device stored locally based on the acquired device description framework information. Corresponding device, device management server and system are also provided. |
| US08688732B1 |
System for mining research data
Comparative decision systems and methods are disclosed for gathering and mining data representative of purchase decisions. One disclosed comparative decision system detects when a user is comparing items and provides the user with the ability to create a research note storing comparative information for the alternative items. The system displays information about items according to a variety of factors. The user can customize the factors and enter information for each alternative item according to the various factors. Some information may be pre-populated by the system. The research note may be made visible to other users, and may be suggested to another user based on the note's expected helpfulness and relevance to that user. One disclosed method for mining data stored within research notes identifies which factors are given higher relative priorities by users considering a purchase. Another mining method analyzes the effects of price changes on item popularity. |
| US08688730B2 |
Data allocation identification
Various embodiments illustrated and described herein pertain to at least one of systems, methods, databases, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums for data allocation identification. One method according to some embodiments includes determining a database allocation of an entity and identifying a domain directly associated with the entity. The method may further include determining at least one header table field directly associated with the entity by identifying a directly associated type definition linked to the directly associated domain, wherein the directly associated type definition refers to the header table field, wherein each header table field is in a corresponding header table. This, and other embodiments, are illustrated and describe in detail herein. |
| US08688729B2 |
Efficiently collecting transaction-separated metrics in a distributed enviroment
Transaction-segregated metrics are obtained for component invocations of different transactions of an application. Corresponding tree data structures are maintained by an agent and a manager which describe sequences of invoked components of the different transactions. The start and end of each component are each represented by a node in each branch of the tree data structure. Each transaction is identified by matching a branch to a transaction trace. Gatherers are linked to one or more nodes to collect the transaction-segregated metrics. For example, metrics can be gathered separately for component invocations in different transactions. Metrics can also be gathered together for instances of different components in one or more transactions. A user interface includes a directed graph having vertices connected by edges. Edge portions are visually distinguished from one another based on the metrics of the gatherers. Each edge portion can be associated with one or more of the gatherers. |
| US08688726B2 |
Location-aware application searching
Computer-readable media, computer systems, and computing methods are provided for implicitly discovering applications that have a corresponding location. Initially, an application manifest is constructed that maintains a mapping between apps and their respective geographic boundaries. In operation, upon detecting a location signal being transmitted from a mobile device, the location signal is employed to identify a set of valid applications. Generally, the location signal represents location-based information entered to or received from the mobile device. Identifying the set of valid applications involves comparing the location signal against the application manifest and, based on the comparison, designating those apps that are mapped to geographic boundaries that meet the location signal as the set of valid applications. Upon identifying the set of valid applications, a selection of apps included within the set of valid applications is sent to the mobile device for display to the user within a operational context. |
| US08688723B2 |
Methods and apparatus using range queries for multi-dimensional data in a database
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for using range queries in multidimensional data in a database. One embodiment is a method that defines a query box from a search for multidimensional data in a database. The method examines an intersection between a Z-interval and the query box by decomposing the Z-interval into hyper-boxes that are also Z-intervals in Z space. Items in the query box that match the search are discovered. |
| US08688721B2 |
Query evaluation using ancestor information
Provided are techniques for processing a query. A query is received, wherein the query is formed by one or more paths, and wherein each path includes one or more steps. A hierarchical document including one or more document nodes is received. While processing the query and traversing the hierarchical document, one or more extraction entries are constructed, wherein each extraction entry includes a step instance match candidate identifying a document node and a step instance ancestor path for the document node, and one or more tuples are constructed using the one or more extraction entries by associating the step instance match candidate from one of the one or more extraction entries with the step instance match candidate from at least one of the one or more other extraction entries. |
| US08688717B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating and using an interest graph
Methods and apparatuses are provided for generating, updating, and using an interest graph. A plurality of interests representing a plurality of subjects' affinities towards a plurality of topics may be obtained. A processing device may generate an interest graph based on the obtained interests. The generated interest graph may include: (i) at least two nodes, each of the at least two nodes representing an interest of the obtained interests, wherein the obtained interests are free of any personally identifiable information associated with the plurality of subjects and (ii) at least one link connecting a first node to a second node of the at least two nodes, the at least one link representing a relatedness of the interest represented by the first node to the interest represented by the second node. |
| US08688715B1 |
Resource identification from organic and structured content
A method includes receiving a query that that is unstructured for a plurality databases; receiving data identifying resources that are determined to be responsive to the query, each resource associated with a search score that defines a respective position of the resource in an order of responsiveness to the query; determining, a service requirement from the terms of the query; determining, for each of the databases, a service requirement score for the database; for each resource that is associated with one of the databases, adjusting the search score based on the service requirement score for the database; generating search results, each search result identify a corresponding resource that was determined to be responsive to the query, and the search results being ordered according to the respective search scores and adjusted search scores of the resources. |
| US08688712B1 |
Personal media database
A system and computer-implemented method for maintaining a personal media database associated with a user account including media-related information, the method including receiving media-related information regarding a media item from a remote media service, wherein the media-related information comprises rating information regarding the media item, the rating information representing an assessment of the quality of the media item by the user, and the rating information being provided according to a first rating standard, the first rating standard indicating a manner by which media items are rated, converting the rating information according to a second rating standard used at a personal media database, the second rating standard indicating a manner by which media items are rated wherein the second standard is different than the first standard and storing the media-related information including the converted rating information at the personal media database. |
| US08688706B2 |
Topic based user profiles
A system and method for developing a user's profile based on the user's interaction with content items. A module on the client rendering the content items or the service including the content items tracks the user's interactions with the content items and transmits the tracked data to a user analysis module. The user analysis module determines the topics associated with the interacted upon content items. The user analysis module then selects the topics for the user's profiles based on the received tracked data and the associated topics. The selected topics are stored in association with the user profile. |
| US08688704B1 |
User feedback in people search clustering
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for people search results. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a search query, the search query including one or more terms including an individual identifier; identifying search results associated with one or more individuals corresponding to the individual identifier in the search query, the search results identifying resources clustered according to the one or more individuals; presenting one or more search results; receiving user feedback associated with a presented search result; and processing the received feedback to determine whether to modify a cluster associated with the individual. |
| US08688699B2 |
Method for content recommendation
A method for content recommendation for a user, wherein a song or a video is recommended to the user and a confidence measure is determined for the recommended song. The confidence measure is displayed to the user, so the user may get more confidence into the recommendation of the system. |
| US08688698B1 |
Automatic text suggestion
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for automatic text suggestion are described. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method that includes, from an authoring environment, receiving a request to supplement a text segment; submitting a query to a search engine, the query being generated from the text segment; receiving multiple search results from the search engine in response to the query, each search result including an information snippet; generating one or more suggestions for supplementing the text segment based on the information snippets; and providing the one or more suggestions for supplementing the text segment for display in the authoring environment. |
| US08688697B1 |
Identifying contrarian terms based on website content
A system and method for identifying contrarian terms is disclosed. The system and method includes identifying a plurality of websites describing a product or service, analyzing content in the plurality of websites, the content relating to the described product or service, identifying contrarian terms based on the website content using a processing circuit, wherein the contrarian terms comprise descriptions of a product or service, associating the identified contrarian terms with a category, within which the product or service has been categorized in at least one of the plurality of websites, and storing the contrarian terms and the associated category in a memory. |
| US08688694B2 |
Systems and methods of identifying chunks from multiple syndicated content providers
A computer receives a first set of information items from a first content provider and a second set of information items from a second content provider. For each of the first and second sets of information items, the computer retrieves the document identified by the corresponding document link from a respective remote location. The computer applies a first (or second) set of search criteria to each of the first and second sets of information items and its associated documents to generate a first (or second) set of search result wherein the first and second sets of search criteria are different. The computer associates a first channel with the first set of search results and a second channel with the second set of search results. |
| US08688681B1 |
Identifying internet protocol addresses for internet hosting entities
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for identifying web hosting entities. In one aspect, a system includes one or more computers programmed to perform operations including maintaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address history for each hostname in a plurality of hostnames. Each IP address history is a time series of IP addresses. The operations further include organizing the hostnames into a collection of groups so that each hostname of the plurality of hostnames is a member of exactly one group in the collection of groups. Each group has a kernel calculated from the IP address histories of the members of the group, and the IP address history of each member of the group is within a threshold distance of the kernel of the group. |
| US08688680B2 |
System and method for preferred services in nomadic environments
A method of locating preferred services includes searching an augmented spatial index, which is based on a user's determined preferred services. Additionally, the method includes indicating a location of a currently-sought preferred service. |
| US08688679B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for providing searchable online media content
A computer-implemented system and method for providing searchable online media content is provided. A data store is maintained through an online media server. Media content, including device-playable data provided for dynamic online use, is stored. Media metadata, including markers synchronized to sections of the device-playable data, is also stored. The media content and media metadata are functionally combined through a layered network architecture. The data store is provided as a data layer. Applications are provided within a client layer that execute on a client interconnected to the network. Service interfaces are provided within a data access layer, which are each accessible by at least one of the applications. The media content and the media metadata are combined in response to a request received through a service interface from one of the applications. The combined media content and media metadata are served to the requesting application including streaming the device-playable data. |
| US08688678B2 |
Methods and systems for performing redirects to a search engine
The present invention is related to methods and systems for processing search requests and for performing searches over a network. In an embodiment, a recipient designation is received from a user over a network. The designation indicates that future searches performed by the user are to be associated with the recipient (even if the subject matter of the search is not related to the recipient). A search request is received from the user; causing a search to be performed in response to the search request. An identifier corresponding to the recipient is stored in association with an indication regarding the occurrence of the first search request. |
| US08688677B2 |
Search-highlighter system and method
A text string may be captured when a user initiates a selection event in a web browser. In response to the selection event, the text string is derived from the selected element(s) in a rendered web page. The text string is automatically placed in a web-search text-entry field of the web browser without further instructions from the user. The user can modify the text string before querying a web-search engine. |
| US08688676B2 |
Source code search engine
In an embodiment, a method of operating a software search engine is provided. The method includes populating a software code database from one or more sources of source code. The method also includes receiving a search query for a software code search engine (525). The method further includes searching the software code database with the search query (530). Moreover, the method includes presenting results of the searching (550). Additionally, the method includes tracking reuse of code portions of the software code database. Also, the method includes reporting on usage of code portions of the software code database (560). |
| US08688675B2 |
Trajectory-based video retrieval system, and computer program
A video retrieval system is proposed that retrieves trajectory data from a database as a response to a search query. The search query is formulated on the basis of a search trajectory, which is represented as a plurality of search segments. Minimum hounding areas are generated, whereby the plurality of the minimum hounding areas cover the search trajectory or at least one of the search segments. The video retrieval system accesses the database by using at least one of the minimum bounding areas as a query area, whereby the minimum bounding areas of the plurality of bounding areas are arranged overlap-free and/or adjacently or with a search trajectory independent overlap. |
| US08688673B2 |
System for communication and collaboration
A system and method for communication and collaboration are disclosed. A generalized annotation based mechanism using an emergent self organization characteristic of the natural language of the annotations allows users to search for relevant items, users to search for relevant users, and items to search for relevant users based on aggregation of stored annotations having associations between keywords, items and users in a context space. Aggregations based on correlations between users, items and keywords, are used to form a collaborative content relevance that allows users to be directed to items or other users, and items to be directed to users. |
| US08688672B2 |
Search apparatus and method, and program
A search apparatus may include the following elements. A provisional search condition inputting unit inputs character string information as a provisional search condition. A character string/position correspondence information holding unit holds character string/position correspondence information including a correspondence between character string information and position information. A position information obtaining unit obtains position information corresponding to the character string information input as the provisional search condition from the character string/position correspondence information. A search object information storage unit stores search object information with additional information including at least position information. A searching unit performs a search for the position information of the search object information stored in the search object information storage means using the position information obtained by the position information obtaining unit as an actual search condition, and outputs search object information having the found position information as a search result satisfying the provisional search condition. |
| US08688670B2 |
System and method for dynamically retrieving data specific to a region of a layer
A method for retrieving data from a data source by querying the data source with data points of a layer. The data points may be encompassed within a determined region of the layer. The steps of the method may include: determining the region of the layer, dynamically querying the data source with one or more data points of the layer encompassed within the region upon determining the region, and receiving the data from the data source. |
| US08688664B2 |
Updating floor-specific information
A method for updating floor information for display by an elevator in a remote property includes receiving, from a property server, data indicative of a floor for which the elevator lacks floor information, receiving, from a remotely executing process, new floor information for the floor; storing the new floor information in a floor information database; receiving, from the property server, a request identifying the remote property and requesting updated floor information for the remote property; and retrieving updated floor information from the floor-information database. |
| US08688653B2 |
Multiple language support system and method for application
A multiple language support system and method. The multiple language system includes a multiple language support system for an application, the system includes a resource data generation unit to generate resource data for the language of the application, a resource data processing unit to extract resource data from the generated resource data by language of the system environment on which the application is executed, and convert the extracted resource data into the language of the application, and a resource data management unit to manage the resource data used in the application. |
| US08688652B2 |
Increased in-line deduplication efficiency
Exemplary embodiments for increased in-line deduplication efficiency in a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, hash values are calculated in nth iterations on data samples from fixed size data chunks extracted from an object requested for in-line deduplication. For each of the nth iterations, the calculated hash values for the data samples from the fixed size data chunks are matched in an nth hash index table with a corresponding hash value of existing objects in storage. The nth hash index table is exited upon detecting a mismatch during the matching. The mismatch is determined to be a unique object and is stored. A hash value for the object is calculated. A master hash index table is updated with the calculated hash value for the object and the calculated hash values for the unique object. |
| US08688650B2 |
Data fingerprinting for copy accuracy assurance
Systems and methods are disclosed for efficiently creating a data fingerprint to identify or characterize contents of a data object by using a selection function to select a plurality of non-contiguous regions from the data object, the selected regions each having a small number of bytes relative to the number of bytes in the data object and being distributed throughout the data object so that the selected regions comprise a sparse subset of the data of the data object yet provide a significant probability of including bytes that change if the data object were modified; and performing a hash operation on the data to produce a fingerprint based on the sparse subset of the data object. The data fingerprint thereby efficiently provides an indication of the contents of the data object, so that comparing data fingerprints can determine if the data objects are different if the corresponding fingerprints are different. |
| US08688649B2 |
Scalable computer arrangement and method
A scalable computer arrangement and method accesses certain stored information using algorithms. The validity of the algorithms and retrieved data are determined by validity management modules. If the algorithm or the retrieved data is determined to be invalid, the algorithm or retrieved data may be updated to self-correct dynamically over time with changing stored information. In another embodiment, the computer arrangement includes standardized database access systems having hyper objects for accessing information across the network in a standardized manner, even though the networked databases may employ different schema and formats. Each computer system operates independently, and yet is able to dynamically self correct when invalid algorithms or data is determined. New computer systems can be added or removed without requiring adjustments to its database schema or formats and without synchronizing with the existing networked computer systems. |
| US08688635B2 |
Data set connection manager having a plurality of data sets to represent one data set
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for a data set connection manager having a plurality of data sets to represent one data set. A request is processed to open a connection to a data set having members, wherein the connection is used to perform read and write requests to the members in the data set. In response to establishing the connection, establishing for the connection a primary data set having all the members; a secondary data set to which updated members in the primary data set are written; and a pending delete data set to pending delete members comprising members that are updated. |
| US08688630B2 |
Distributed data storage
The present invention relates to a distributed data storage system comprising a plurality of storage nodes. Using unicast and multicast transmission, a server application may read and write data in the storage system. Each storage node may monitor reading and writing operations on the system as well as the status of other storage nodes. In this way, the storage nodes may detect a need for replication of files on the system, and may carry out a replication process that serves to maintain a storage of a sufficient number of copies of files with correct versions at geographically diverse locations. |
| US08688626B2 |
Software tool for generating technical business data requirements
A computer implemented method, system, and/or computer program product generates technical business data requirements from functional process requirements. Such method, system, and/or computer program product include data processing infrastructure. The data processing infrastructure may further include at least one data persistence component and at least one business process hierarchy. The computer implemented method, system, and/or computer program product obtain a set of technical elements concerning functional process requirements for each business process within the business process hierarchy. Such method, system, and/or computer program product classify technical elements into functional objects, link each of the functional objects to at least one process within the business process hierarchy and generate a plurality of business data roadmap templates in the data processing infrastructure. The generated business data roadmap templates are stored in the persistence component of the data processing infrastructure. |
| US08688625B1 |
Extract, transform, and load application complexity management framework
Extract, transform, and load application (ETL) complexity management framework systems and methods are described herein. The present disclosure describes systems and methods that reduce the complexity in managing ETL flow and correcting errant data that is subsequently identified. One or more methods include defining an ETL job definition, defining a data asset definition, defining a data asset dependency definition, receiving an ETL flow to provide execution of one or more ETL flow steps, providing retrieval of data from a source data asset, applying a data control to the source asset data, and producing an ETL job registration, a data asset status, a latest asset available date, a data asset consumer identifier, and a target data asset based on at least one of the ETL job definition, the data asset definition, the data dependency definition, and the source asset data. |
| US08688620B2 |
Anomaly detection in data centers
Systems and methods of anomaly detection in data centers. An example method may include analyzing time series data for the data center by testing statistical hypotheses. The method may also include constructing upper and lower bounds based on the statistical hypotheses. The method may also include flagging anomalies in the time series data falling outside of the upper and lower bounds. |
| US08688619B1 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for distributed decision processing
Methods, apparatus, and computer software product for making a decision based on the semantics of formal logic are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, two custom computing apparatuses are used to resolve the satisfiability of a logical formula and provide an example. In this embodiment, the two custom computing apparatuses operate in concert to explore the space of possible satisfying examples. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. |
| US08688618B2 |
Method and system for determining treatment plans
A system and method for determining at least one new treatment plan for at least one new patient, comprising: providing at least one representation of the at least one new patient's at least one organ at risk relative to at least one target; searching for at least one prior treatment plan for at least one prior patient with at least one similar representation; and reviewing the at least one prior treatment plan for the at least one prior patient in order to determine whether the at least one new treatment plan can be improved based on information in the at least one prior treatment plan. |
| US08688617B2 |
Statistical word boundary detection in serialized data streams
Methods, systems, and devices using an algorithm that consists of scoring the bits in the data stream with a periodicity of N, where N is the word-length in bits, and then selecting as the most significant bit the one which receives the highest score after some large number of samples are disclosed. The condition under which bit bk receives a point depends on the binary format. |
| US08688616B2 |
High-dimensional data analysis
Described herein is a framework for analyzing data in high-dimensional space. In accordance with one implementation, observed data and at least one input model parameter set is received. The input model parameter set serves as a solution candidate of a predefined problem (e.g., inverse or optimization problem) and is related to the observed data via a model. To provide enhanced computational efficiency, a reduced base with lower dimensionality is determined based on the input model parameter set. The reduced base is associated with a set of coefficients, which represents the coordinates of any model parameter set in the reduced base. Sampling is performed within the reduced base to generate an output model parameter set in the reduced base. The output model parameter set is compatible with the input model parameter set and fits the observed data, via the model, within a predetermined threshold. |
| US08688612B2 |
Method and device for saving triple for verifying reason and incremental reasoning, and method and device for reason-dependent indexing appropriate for same
A method and apparatus for storing a triple and an inference dependency indexing apparatus appropriate to the method and system are provided. The method of storing a triple related to an inference method for creating other triples by applying an inference rule to the triple includes: (a) adding a serial number to each of triples and inference rules related to inference and storing the triples and the inference rules into a plurality of triple tables and inference rule tables; (b) indexing a triple inferred by applying the triple and the inference rule, using a serial number of the triple and a serial number of the inference rule related to inference; and (c) creating a triple view which allows accessing the triples physically distributed and stored in a plurality of triple storage units (tables) as if the triples are stored in a virtual storage unit (table). |
| US08688611B2 |
Translating paralinguistic indicators
Paralinguistic indicators are translated at a paralinguistic translation server by receiving from a source a first set of data related to a first paralinguistic indicator that is configured to enable non-verbal communications between a source and a destination. The source is one of an instant messaging system and a virtual world system and the destination is one of the textual instant messaging system and a virtual world system but differs from the source. The first set of data related to the first paralinguistic indicator is translated into a second set of data related to a second paralinguistic indicator, such that the second paralinguistic indicator that is at least partially synonymous to the non-verbal communications associated with the first paralinguistic indicator. The second set of data related to the second paralinguistic indicator is transmitted to the destination. |
| US08688609B2 |
Transforming a list of purchase types based on a configurable rule
An approach for transforming a starting list of purchase types into a selection list of valid purchase types by employing a configurable rule is presented. A unit price and commodity code are received for an item whose purchase is being charged to an account. Based on a category of the item, a starting list including purchase types is generated. Each purchase type specifies a corresponding accounting function. A rule set is identified in a table that associates the rule set with purchase type(s) specifying corresponding accounting functions. Identifying the rule set includes determining that the purchase type(s) are in a maximal subset of the purchase types included in the starting list. Based on the rule set and the unit price, a rule is identified in another table. The rule is applied to generate a selection list comprising a proper subset of the starting list. |
| US08688608B2 |
Verifying correctness of regular expression transformations that use a post-processor
A method for determining correctness of a transformation between a first finite state automaton (FSA) and a second FSA, wherein the first FSA comprises a representation of a regular expression, and the second FSA comprises a transformation of the first FSA includes determining a third FSA, the third FSA comprising a cross product of the second FSA and a post-processor; determining whether the first FSA and the third FSA are equivalent; and in the event that the first FSA is determined not to be equivalent to the third FSA, determining that the transformation between the first FSA and the second FSA is not correct. |
| US08688603B1 |
System and method for identifying and correcting marginal false positives in machine learning models
Embodiments of a system and method for identifying and correcting marginal false positives in machine learning models may include, based on reference data that includes pairs of information items and labels indicating whether pairs of information items have a specific relationship, generating a first machine learning model for determining whether pairs of information items have that relationship. Embodiments may include identifying one or more false positive pairs (e.g., a pair of information items that the first machine learning model indicates as having the specific relationship and which are labeled within the reference data as not having that relationship). Embodiments may include selecting identified false positive pairs as candidates for correction. Embodiments may include, subsequent to a correction of the reference data associated with the selected false positives, generating based on the corrected reference data a new machine learning model for determining whether pairs of information items have the specific relationship. |
| US08688598B1 |
System and method for visual verification of order processing
One or more images of items for an order being processed at processing station of an order fulfillment center may be captured and associated with the order. Alternatively, a short video clip may be captured of the order being packaged. An electronic notification that the order has been processed may be sent to a customer associated with the order. The electronic notification may include a reference to one or more of the captured images or video clips. The customer may use a reference included in the notification to view the captured images. The customer may view captured images to verify that the order has been correctly processed. The captured images may include images of the items being packaged for shipment and may show the shipping address on the package allowing the customer to verify that indeed it is his package in the images. |
| US08688593B2 |
Information processing system for processing prospective indication information
Selected embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and media for receiving prospective indication information and processing the received prospective indication information to generate result information. In certain embodiments, among others, a user is prompted to provide the prospective indication information, and at least a portion of the prospective indication information is converted into a common measurement system format and subsequently balanced in combination with other prospective indication information in the common measurement system format to generate balanced combination result information. In some embodiments, the processing further includes generating a result communication based at least in part upon the balanced combination result information, identifying a recipient for the result communication based at least in part upon the balanced combination result information, and transmitting the result communication to the recipient. Other systems, methods and media are also provided. |
| US08688591B2 |
Anonymous separation of duties with credentials
A system for anonymous separation of duties with credentials includes an identity provider, the identity provider configured to issue anonymous credentials to a user based on one or more attributes of the user; a service provider, the service provider configured to issue a pseudonym to the user based on the user's anonymous credentials, and to associate the user's pseudonym with a step of an instance of a business process hosted on the service provider, the step being completed by the user; and an auditor, the auditor configured to determine if the completion of the step of the instance of the business process by the user is compliant with a separation of duties policy. |
| US08688586B2 |
End-to-end licensing of digital media assets
Brokering use of media assets based on rights provided by rights holders and licensing terms requested by potential licensees. Rights include use attributes, geographic attributes, and time attributes. Use attributes include one or more parent categories of uses, such as print advertising, web promotion, etc. Each parent category includes one or more specific uses, such as magazine advertisement, newspaper advertisement, etc. Rights are obtained from rights holders and stored in a data structure that is searchable according to various rights attributes. A licensing request includes desired licensing terms, such as a specific use, time period, and geographic location. The licensing request may also reserve use for a later time and/or impose an embargo on use for a period after use. The data structure is searched for media assets whose rights encompass the desired licensing terms, such as media assets with a parent use that includes a desired specific use. |
| US08688585B2 |
Remote container
Methods, program products, and systems implementing remote container techniques are disclosed. A relational database can include a container data field, which can be a data field for storing multimedia data. In one aspect, when the multimedia data are inserted into the container field, the multimedia data can be stored in one or more remote database files. The remote database files can be located separately from other data of the relational database and remotely from a client computer accessing the relational database. Corresponding data structures, or remote containers, can be configured to store metadata of the database files. References to the remote containers can be stored as values of the container data field. Using various encryption techniques, the remote database files can be given same access restrictions as access restrictions of the container data field, even when the remote database files are stored as flat files. |
| US08688584B2 |
Electronic gaming machine security for software stored in nonvolatile media
An illustrative method provides security of software resident on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) that permit wagering on games. A determination is made if all software files stored on a partition of a nonvolatile storage device resident in an EGM are authenticated image type files prior to any attempt to execute any of the software files. Further processing by the EGM of all of the software files is terminated upon the determination that one of the software files is not an authenticated image type file. |
| US08688581B2 |
Product level payment network acquired transaction authorization
A flexible spending account system can be implemented according to one embodiment of the invention so as to automatically substantiate purchases made at a retailer merchant. For example, according to one embodiment of the invention, a method of authorizing products for purchase can be implemented by determining via a computer that a product requested for purchase at a point of sale by a consumer matches a qualified product category under the flexible spending account, sending an authorization request message for requesting use of said flexible spending account of said consumer, wherein said authorization request message comprises a total purchase amount field and a first qualified amount field for a first type of qualified items. |
| US08688580B1 |
Expediting electronic funds transfers
In an embodiment, a method comprises initiating a plurality of electronic funds transfer transactions using an automated clearing house (ACH) operator, wherein each of the transactions is associated with one of a plurality of financial institution routing numbers; receiving a negative return code for a particular transaction that is associated with a particular financial institution routing number; in response to receiving the negative return code for the particular transaction and the particular financial institution routing number, and without waiting for an end of a waiting time period specified in one or more financial regulations: marking, as accepted, all other transactions in the plurality that are associated with the same particular financial institution routing number; releasing the marked transactions. |
| US08688576B2 |
Bill control
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for implementing bill control. The invention enables a user of a financial institution account to maintain controls over bills via a single interaction point. In some embodiments, a method comprises determining whether a bill is due within a predetermined period; in response to determining the bill is due within the predetermined period: initiating, via a mobile network, presentation of a duration in which the bill is due; initiating, via the mobile network, presentation of an option to authorize payment of the bill via the mobile network; and in response to receiving selection of the option to pay the bill, authorizing payment of the bill via a financial institution account. |
| US08688569B1 |
System and method for post closing and custody services
A system and method for post closing and custody services is disclosed. The method may comprise: receiving loan documents directly from a closing agent upon closing of a loan; imaging at least a portion of the loan documents; making one or more of the imaged documents accessible to one or more post closing users; and performing a custody review of the loan documents prior to other post closing services associated with the loan. |
| US08688565B2 |
System and method for linking and managing linked orders in an electronic trading environment
A system and method for linking and managing linked orders are described. According to one method, a trader may first link two or more orders into a linked order, and then one or more parameters associated with one of the orders may be dynamically changed based on user inputs or information being received from an exchange. For example, a trader may link any two orders as an order cancel order, and each linked order may be associated with the same or different tradable objects, order quantities, and may be submitted to one or more exchanges. The order quantities may be then dynamically updated based on updates being received from the one or more exchanges and further based on a quantity ratio between the two orders. Further, the linked order may be submitted upon detecting a fill for another order. |
| US08688563B2 |
Alternative value exchange systems and methods
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for exchanging alternative currencies. The method includes creating, at an alternative currency platform, a plurality of user accounts and receiving, from a first user in the plurality of user accounts, an alternative currency exchange offer. The alternative currency exchange offer includes one or more offer terms and associated assets. Furthermore, the method includes extending the alternative currency exchange offer from the first user to the second user, in response to receiving acceptance of the offer from the second user, verifying the associated assets of the first user and the second user, and in response to verification of the assets of the first user and second user, providing settlement of the alternative currency exchange offer. |
| US08688562B1 |
System and method for prioritized automated trading in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for prioritized automated trading. One example method may include receiving a plurality of parameters, where each parameter has an order-related action associated with a trading strategy, and then detecting one or more events that trigger a plurality of order related actions. The method then includes determining priority levels in relation to a plurality of triggered order-related actions using at least one priority rule, and processing the plurality of triggered order-related action in an order associated with the determined priority levels. |
| US08688551B2 |
Charging control providing correction of charging control information
There is proposed a charging control in which a policy and charging control function provides first (preliminary) charging control information, such as PCC rules, when the communication connection is set up or modified. Then, service information can be retrieved leading to an updated set of charging control information. The policy and charging control function provides then the updated charging control information for enforcement, wherein the charging system is informed about both the preliminary nature of the first charging control information and the validity of the second charging control information for a time before the update, i.e. before the transmission of the second charging control information. The charging system can use this updated charging control information and knows that it has to replace the former charging control information, so that the charging procedure can be corrected accordingly. Thus, charging of a service miming on the communication connection on the basis of correct charging control information is possible over the complete time the service is running. |
| US08688544B2 |
Analyzing marketplace listing strategies
A method and system analyze marketplace listing strategies. In some embodiments, the method accesses data associated with multiple marketplace listings. Each marketplace listing is associated with a product category. A state-action model, associated with the product category, is created based on the data associated with the multiple marketplace listings. The state-action model is then analyzed to identify a marketplace listing strategy associated with the product category. |
| US08688541B1 |
Promoting an online auction to users based upon bidding history
A data representation of auctions in an online auction system and a bidding history associated with the auctions and the online auction system are maintained in a computer system for multiple users. A set of the users to whom to promote a selected auction is determined based at least in part on the bidding history. A message that promotes the selected auction is sent to each respective one of the set of the users. The message includes a control configured to open a web page that facilitates bidding in the selected auction through the online auction system. |
| US08688538B2 |
Automating the process of purchasing a memory upgrade for a computer system
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates purchasing a memory upgrade for a computer system. This system operates by obtaining memory configuration information for the computer system, and then determining a memory upgrade option based upon the memory configuration information. Next, the system presents an option to purchase the memory upgrade option to a user of the computer system. If the user indicates that the user would like to purchase the memory upgrade option, the system automatically initiates a purchase transaction for the memory upgrade option. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system automatically initiates the purchase transaction through a web site. In a variation on this embodiment, the system automatically transfers at least part of the memory configuration information to the web site so that the user does not have to reenter details of the memory configuration information. |
| US08688531B2 |
System for associating requests with potential respondents to said requests
The present invention comprises a system for associating requests with potential respondents to those requests. The system facilitates the purchasing of goods and/or services, knowledge-based inquiries, and matching common interest groups by associating requests with category designations and providing potential respondents with access to the requests. |
| US08688528B2 |
Methods and systems to alert a user of a network-based marketplace event
A system to alert a user of a network-based marketplace event. The system receives the network-based marketplace event and determines if the network-based marketplace event is associated with a network-based marketplace alert that has been requested by the user. If so, the system communicates the network-based marketplace alert to the client machine over a persistent connection, the network-based marketplace alert to alert the user of the network-based marketplace event. |
| US08688526B2 |
Financial transaction processing with digital artifacts using a mobile communications device
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization. |
| US08688525B2 |
System and method for implementing a context based payment system
Disclosed herein is a context based payment system. Electronic currency or coupons can be made dependent on context, and the context can be one of location or geography, time, date, distance, sound, or other devices. The value of the currency exists only if a pre-condition is fulfilled. For example, if the currency is location dependent, the value only exists in a defined area (currency value area). The goods or the service in the value-system are also context dependent, that is, they can only be sold or offered in a defined area (product value area). Accordingly, if the product value area and the currency value area overlap, a purchase and payment can be made. |
| US08688523B1 |
System, method and computer program product for providing multiple modes of communication between an advertiser and a user
A system, method and computer program product are included for providing multiple modes of communication between an advertiser and a user. In use, an advertisement capable of being used to initiate communication between an advertiser and a user is displayed, utilizing a network. Further displayed is a plurality of modes of communication capable of being selected by the user in association with the advertisement. Still yet, computer code required to enable at least one of the modes of communication may be downloaded to a device of the user. |
| US08688521B2 |
System and method to facilitate matching of content to advertising information in a network
A system and method to facilitate matching of content to advertising information in a network are described. A request for advertising information is received over a network, the advertising information to be displayed for a user entity in association with content information within a web page requested by the user entity. Advertising information related to one or more themes of the content information on the web page is further determined, the themes representing subject matter contextually related to the content information. Advertisements are further selected from the advertising information based on keywords and metadata stored within the web page and based on a set of predetermined parameters stored within the data storage module. The selected advertisements are further ranked to obtain a ranked list of advertisements. The ranked list of advertisements is subsequently optimized based on feedback data to obtain a list of optimized advertisements to be displayed for the user entity on the requested web page. |
| US08688517B2 |
Method and apparatus for advertising on a mobile gaming device
In various embodiments, promotions are featured on mobile gaming devices. |
| US08688510B2 |
Method for fee charging position usages of vehicles
Method for charging position usages of vehicles in a road toll system including acquiring an identifier of a vehicle device, a transaction value and an identifier of a payment card as a payment transaction, authorization a payment transaction system and transmitting associated authorization data with the vehicle device identifier to a toll server, generating a substitute identifier assigned to the card identifier and transmitting the substitute identifier with the authorization data to the toll server, associating the substitute identifier and the vehicle device identifier based on the respective received authorization data, calculating toll values based on position usages of vehicles, based on the card identifier assigned to substitute identifier, the transmitted toll values and the transaction value. |
| US08688508B1 |
System and method for evaluating correction submissions with supporting evidence
Embodiments of a system and method for evaluating correction submissions with supporting evidence may include, subsequent to a submitter being provided with item description information for an item offered for sale, receiving a correction submission specified by the submitter. The correction submission may specify a proposed modification to an attribute(s) in the item description information. Embodiments may include generating a measure of risk associated with performing the proposed modification to the item description information. Embodiments may also include, based on an evaluation of the measure of risk and one or more risk criteria, generating an indication that specifies whether the proposed modification to the item description information is permitted to be performed. Embodiments may also include receiving information for confirming the validity of the correction submission, which may include an image (e.g., a product image), or a network address (e.g., a URL to manufacturers website), or other information described herein. |
| US08688506B2 |
Determining tailored pricing for retail energy market
A method of pricing energy includes determining a price for supplying energy to a consumer over a future term based on at least a forecasted cost of energy and a forecasted energy usage of the consumer. The method further includes automatically determining an updated price for supplying energy based on at least the forecasted energy usage of the consumer used in initially determining the price. The method further includes outputting the updated price for supplying energy. |
| US08688498B2 |
Workflow system and method with skip function
Delay in a workflow is avoided by introducing a skip operation upon execution of the workflow. Additionally, a person in charge of the workflow eventually participates in the workflow process even if he/she has been skipped. The workflow design defines skippable activities, in advance, as well as re-execution points in order to reassign the skipped activities. |
| US08688497B2 |
Systems and methods for determining pack allocations
Systems and methods are provided for determining a distribution of each of a plurality of inner packs to a plurality of stores. Mismatch cost data and product demand data are received for the plurality of stores. A first inner pack quantity for distribution is determined based on the product demand data. A supply difference amount is determined, where the supply difference amount is a difference between the first inner pack quantity and the number of first inner packs available for distribution. A determination is made that adjusting the first inner pack quantity for the particular store based on the supply difference amount would have less effect on mismatch costs than other stores, and the first inner pack quantity is adjusted for the particular store based on the supply difference. |
| US08688488B2 |
Method and apparatus for the prediction of order turnaround time in an information verification system
A method and apparatus for the prediction of order turnaround time in an information verification system is disclosed. An information verification order comprises several and diverse instances of different types of elementary verification/validation/search services. Each of these services is characterized by its own turnaround time (TAT) statistical distribution function which is used in the prediction of order turnaround time. A Monte Carlo algorithm is used to determine the order turnaround time. |
| US08688485B2 |
Low fare search for ticket changes using married segment indicators
Systems and techniques for managing ticket changes are described. for managing changes to a purchased ticket. A married segment indicator associated with first and second married flight segments of the purchased ticket is located. It is determined whether changes to the purchased ticket affect existing bookings of the first and second married flight segments. Based on the determination, a replacement ticket is constructed to include the first and second married flight segments of the purchased ticket utilizing the existing booked inventory; otherwise, a replacement ticket is constructed using current availability information for the first and second married flight segments from the replacement ticket. |
| US08688484B2 |
Method and system for managing computer resource in system
Disclosed is a resource management method by which one or more lender center apparatuses each lend one or more computer's resources to a borrower center apparatus, and which is executed by the borrower center apparatus. The method includes the step of receiving, from each of the lender center apparatuses, resource information on one or more resources, and registering the resource information to a management table, the step of detecting a shortage of one or more computer's resources in the borrower center apparatus, and pinpointing a bottleneck causing the shortage, the step of searching through the management table for one or some of the resources which can resolve the bottleneck, and creating a center list of one or some of the lender center apparatuses which possess the searched resources, and the step of requesting the lender center apparatuses on the center list to lend the searched resources. |
| US08688483B2 |
Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer medium to determine premiums and indemnities for supplemental crop insurance
Provided are systems, machines, non-transitory computer medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, and computer-implemented methods for providing a premium or an indemnity for a supplemental crop insurance policy. The methods including providing for display of a supplemental crop insurance policy information content page including one or more loss parameter fields to be populated by a user with a corresponding set of supplemental crop insurance parameters, receiving a set of supplemental crop insurance parameters submitted by a user via populating the one or more parameter fields of the supplemental crop insurance policy information content page, determining a premium or an indemnity for the supplemental crop insurance policy based at least in part on the set of supplemental crop insurance parameters, and providing for the display of a supplemental crop insurance policy content page including the premium or the indemnity for the supplemental crop insurance policy. |
| US08688479B1 |
Systems and methods for providing an annuity
A web application may be used to take an on-line application for an annuity. The application may collect the applicant's personal information (e.g., name, address, etc.), type of annuity applied for (e.g., immediate or deferred, retirement or non-retirement, etc.), sources of funding, beneficiaries, etc. The web application may also allow the application to be signed electronically. The web application may take application for annuities that are supported by various different types of back-end systems, and may provide the information collected from the applicant to the appropriate back-end system. |
| US08688473B2 |
System and methods of providing pharmacy services
System and methods for processing a drug prescription transaction are configured to identify and resolve any issue or problem associated with the transaction during one or more early stages of processing. System and methods of processing the transaction handle prescription and customer data entry, pharmacy inventory check, prescription refill authorization check and/or insurance adjudication review well in advance of production and quality assurance stages by identifying and resolving any issue or problem. Prescription fulfillment is prioritized and estimated prescription pick-up times are predicted based on one or more outcomes of such early stage processing. Customers can be provided with realistic and relatively accurate prescription pick up times that a pharmacy can efficiently and consistently meet as a result of fulfillment prioritization. Further, system and methods for determining a staffing schedule for a workflow process requiring different skill levels during different operation times is provided. |
| US08688472B2 |
System and method for cardiovascular testing
A system includes a test device at a test location, a recipient computer at a diagnosis center, and a server operatively connected to the test device and the recipient computer remote from the test location and diagnosis center at a different facility. The test device can generate test data. The recipient computer is configured to receive the patient data from the test device and display the test data to a medical specialist for entry of a diagnosis. The server can send a signal to the recipient computer after the test device produces test data, and further transmit input indicative of the diagnosis to the computer at the test location. The billing computer is configured to receive billing information from the test device and recipient computer, and transmit signals conveying information indicative of billing signals to a payer computer selected as a function of insurance information contained in the patient record. |
| US08688471B2 |
System, apparatuses and methods to increase supply of specialty care surgical-medical treatments
System, apparatuses and methods for treating specialty care surgical-medical patients (10) who are medically-stable. A specialty care surgical-medical hospital-clinic (40) is sited on a quasi-sovereign geographic area, including federally-recognized American Indian/Alaskan Native tribal nations. Surgical-medical treatments by provider group (42) who are citizens of countries worldwide. Transportation (30) of patients to hospital-clinic (40) by non-emergency vehicles. Treatment of patients (10) maximized via surgical-medical expertise from other hospital-clinics (60) provided via information technology systems (50) connected by global wide-area network linkages (62). |
| US08688460B1 |
System and method for integrated customer management
An automated system and method for customer management deploys customer databases to profile customer service requests for distribution to appropriately assigned agent representatives. The representatives adopt particular roles according to customer care volume, inquiry type, time of day and other customer management needs. Consumer profiles may be accessed in real time to combine customer care events with cross-selling and other promotions related to the consumer's transaction history and other factors. |
| US08688458B2 |
Actuator control of adjustable elements by speech localization in a vehicle
An approach for adjusting an adjustable element, such as a mirror, head rest, steering wheel, heating/air condition blower, associated with a vehicle by determining the position of a speaker in the vehicle. |
| US08688456B2 |
System and method of providing a spoken dialog interface to a website
Disclosed is a method for training a spoken dialog service component from website data. Spoken dialog service components typically include an automatic speech recognition module, a language understanding module, a dialog management module, a language generation module and a text-to-speech module. The method includes selecting anchor texts within a website based on a term density, weighting those anchor texts based on a percent of salient words to total words, and incorporating the weighted anchor texts into a live spoken dialog interface, the weights determining a level of incorporation into the live spoken dialog interface. |
| US08688449B2 |
Weight coefficient generation device, voice recognition device, navigation device, vehicle, weight coefficient generation method, and weight coefficient generation program
A weight coefficient generation device, a speech recognition device, a navigation system, a vehicle, a vehicle coefficient generation method, and a weight coefficient generation program are provided for the purpose of improving a speech recognition performance of place names. In order to address the above purpose, an address database 12 has address information data items including country names, city names, street names, and house numbers, and manages the address information having a tree structure indicating hierarchical relationships between the place names from wide area to a narrow area. Each of the place names stored in the address database 12 is taken as a speech recognition candidate. A weight coefficient calculation unit 11 of a weight coefficient generation device 10 calculates a weight coefficient of the likelihood of the aforementioned recognition candidate based on the number of the street names belonging to the lower hierarchy below the city names. |
| US08688446B2 |
Providing text input using speech data and non-speech data
Systems, methods, and computer readable media providing a speech input interface. The interface can receive speech input and non-speech input from a user through a user interface. The speech input can be converted to text data and the text data can be combined with the non-speech input for presentation to a user. |
| US08688445B2 |
Multi-core processing for parallel speech-to-text processing
This specification describes technologies relating to multi core processing for parallel speech-to-text processing. In some implementations, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes the actions of receiving an audio file; analyzing the audio file to identify portions of the audio file as corresponding to one or more audio types; generating a time-ordered classification of the identified portions, the time-ordered classification indicating the one or more audio types and position within the audio file of each portion; generating a queue using the time-ordered classification, the queue including a plurality of jobs where each job includes one or more identifiers of a portion of the audio file classified as belonging to the one or more speech types; distributing the jobs in the queue to a plurality of processors; performing speech-to-text processing on each portion to generate a corresponding text file; and merging the corresponding text files to generate a transcription file. |
| US08688444B2 |
System and method for mobile automatic speech recognition
A system and method of updating automatic speech recognition parameters on a mobile device are disclosed. The method comprises storing user account-specific adaptation data associated with ASR on a computing device associated with a wireless network, generating new ASR adaptation parameters based on transmitted information from the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available and transmitting the new ASR adaptation data to the mobile device when a communication channel between the computing device and the mobile device becomes available. The new ASR adaptation data on the mobile device more accurately recognizes user utterances. |
| US08688434B1 |
System and method for using data to automatically generate a narrative story
A system and method for automatically generating a narrative story receives data and information pertaining to a domain event. The received data and information and/or one or more derived features are then used to identify a plurality of angles for the narrative story. The plurality of angles is then filtered, for example through use of parameters that specify a focus for the narrative story, length of the narrative story, etc. Points associated with the filtered plurality of angles are then assembled and the narrative story is rendered using the filtered plurality of angles and the assembled points. |
| US08688429B2 |
System for comparing real-time data and modeling engine data to predict arc flash events
A system for making real-time predictions about an arc flash event on an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, an analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to acquire real-time data output from the electrical system. The analytics server is communicatively connected to the data acquisition component and is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine and an arc flash simulation engine. The arc flash simulation engine is configured to utilize the virtual system model to forecast an aspect of the arc flash event. |
| US08688428B2 |
Performance evaluation device, performance evaluation method and simulation program
A performance evaluation device includes: a control timing model unit for outputting a timing for inputting a control signal input/output between plural function blocks contained in a simulation model corresponding to a hardware; a control signal transfer period calculation unit for calculating a transfer period of the control signal between the plural function blocks in accordance with the timing for inputting the control signal; a data timing model unit for outputting a timing for inputting a data signal corresponding to the control signal, which is input/output between the plural function blocks; and a data signal transfer period calculation unit for calculating a transfer period of the data signal between the plural function blocks in accordance with the timing for inputting the data signal. |
| US08688423B2 |
Subsurface hydrogeologic system modeling
A method of modeling a subsurface hydrogeologic system within a study area can include applying an electric current directly to the subsurface hydrogeologic system and monitoring a magnetic field generated by the electric current in the subsurface hydrogeologic system. An electric current distribution can be identified within the study area by an inversion process based on the magnetic field. A model of the electric current distribution can be created. |
| US08688422B2 |
System for manipulating three-dimensional images
An automated three-dimensional and related data access system, said system comprising manipulating means for virtually manipulating, testing, and controlling the three-dimensional and related data. A system for controlling and adjusting three-dimensional and related data, said system comprising manipulating means for virtually manipulating, testing, and controlling the threedimensional and related data. |
| US08688421B2 |
Method to design honeycombs for a shear flexible structure
A design method for optimizing the shear layer of a shear band for use in a tire is provided. The shear layer has a honeycomb configuration and the design method optimizes the dimensions of the honeycomb. |
| US08688415B2 |
Systems and methods for performing stress intensity factor calculations using non-singular finite elements
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining stress intensity factors. In one or more embodiments, the method can include the steps of defining a crack tip zone about one or more crack tips of one or more arbitrarily shaped cracks in an arbitrarily shaped solid. The one or more crack tip zones can be constrained within a finite element model representation mesh of the arbitrarily shaped solid to provide one or more constrained crack tip zones. The combination of the finite element model representation mesh and the one or more constrained crack tip zones can be processed to determine the stress intensity factor for each of the one or more arbitrarily shaped cracks. |
| US08688411B2 |
Method and system of using standardized structural components
A method and system disclosed herein provides generating an architectural diagram describing an architectural layout of a building, wherein one or more walls of the building are designated as standardized structural walls, automatically positioning each of the standardized structural walls to a geometric grid, and mapping (or “placing”), using a computer, one or more of a plurality of standardized structural components, including standardized panels, standardized columns, and standardized trusses to coordinates of the geometric grid. |
| US08688407B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for magnetic tamper detection in a meter
Described herein are embodiments of methods, devices and computer program products for tamper detection in a meter. One aspect of the method includes using a magnetic field strength sensor to continuously detect magnetic field strength proximate to a meter. In one aspect, the magnetic field strength sensor produces an analog voltage signal proportional to the detected magnetic field strength. The analog voltage signal of the sensor is continuously converted to a digital voltage signal. The digital voltage signal is stored in a memory at timed intervals, and the digital voltage signal is monitored for an aberration that indicates tampering of the meter. If tampering is detected, then an alarm is triggered to indicate the tampering. |
| US08688406B2 |
Personal items network, and associated methods
A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network. |
| US08688404B1 |
Method and apparatus of common time-stamping
Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus for enabling common time-stamping. The apparatus includes a first subsystem having a first timer and a second subsystem having a second timer of a same frequency as the first timer. The first subsystem is configured to time-stamp first events based on the first timer. The second subsystem is configured to time-stamp second events based on the second timer. The apparatus further includes a synchronization module configured to take a first snapshot of the first timer and take a second snapshot of the second timer. Then, based on a difference between the first snapshot and the second snapshot, the first events and the second events are commonly time-stamped. |
| US08688403B2 |
Portable electronic device adapted to provide an improved attitude matrix
According to one aspect, a method of determining an attitude matrix on a portable electronic device. The method includes determining a first attitude matrix gradient using data from at least one of an accelerometer and a magnetometer, determining a second attitude matrix gradient using data from a gyroscope, fusing the first attitude matrix gradient and the second attitude matrix gradient based on a mixing coefficient to generate a fused gradient, and based on the fused gradient, updating a fine attitude matrix for the portable electronic device. |
| US08688402B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating a temperature of a fluid injector used in a hot environment
Systems and methods of estimating a fluid injector tip temperature. A controller having a processor and a memory supplies a current to a coil of a fluid injector, a resistance of the coil is measured when the current is supplied to the coil, a coil temperature is determined based on the measured resistance, and a tip temperature of a fluid injector tip is estimated based on the determined coil temperature. |
| US08688400B2 |
Signal generator producing intersymbol interference effects on serial data
A device and method for generation of Intersymbol interference (ISI) effects on serial data by direct digital synthesis is described. The features of the present invention allow a user to set parameters such as data rate, voltage amplitude, encoding scheme etc. as per requirements. An ISI parameter value is selected and applied to the serial data to produce ISI effects in the serial data. Alternatively according to another feature the patterns may be set as per industry standards. |
| US08688398B2 |
Method and apparatus for robot calibrations with a calibrating device
Described herein is a method and apparatus for performing calibrations on robotic components. In one embodiment, a method for performing robotic calibrations includes moving the calibrating device across a target (e.g., a wafer chuck). Next, the method includes measuring distances between light spots from the sensors and a perimeter of the target using the sensors located on the calibrating device. Next, the method includes determining a displacement of the calibrating device relative to a center of the target. Then, the method includes determining a rotation angle of the calibrating device relative to a system of coordinates of the target. Next, the method includes calibrating a robot position of the robot based on the displacement and rotation angle of the calibrating device with respect to the target. |
| US08688395B2 |
Method for correcting measurement errors and electronic component characteristics measuring device
A method for correcting measurement errors and an electronic component characteristics measurement device improve correction precision by eliminating correction errors caused by leakage signal components between ports of the measurement jigs. An equation that correlates measurement values in a test measurement jig mounted state with measurement values in a standard measurement jig mounted state is determined from a result of measuring electrical characteristics of correction data obtaining samples having different electrical characteristics from each other in a state in which they are mounted on a standard measurement jig and on a test measurement jig. The equation is an equation that assumes the presence of leakage signals that are directly transmitted between at least two ports of at least one of the standard measurement jig and the test measurement jig. By using the equation determined by measuring the electrical characteristics on an arbitrary electronic component in a state in which it is mounted on the test measurement jig, the electrical characteristics that would be obtained if measured on the electronic component in a state in which it is mounted on the standard measurement jig are calculated. |
| US08688391B2 |
Method for determining contact erosion of an electromagnetic switching device, and electromagnetic switching device comprising a mechanism operating according to said method
In order to determine contact erosion of an electromagnetic switching device, a mechanical parameter is measured which characterizes the time course of the relative movement between the contacts, said movement being caused by an actuator. The point in time when the contacts close is determined by evaluating the time course of the relative movement, and the distance traveled by the contact/s until said point in time or the distance traveled by the actuator from said point in time until reaching the final position thereof is detected at least indirectly and is compared to a stored reference value. |
| US08688387B2 |
Method for the determination of intra- and intermolecular interactions in aqueous solution
The present invention relates to the determination of intra- or intermolecular interaction between molecules in aqueous solution, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining the dehydration of all atoms in the intermolecular interface, (b) adding the vacuum hydrogen bond energy, and (c) further adding the change in the free enthalpy of the interacting partners upon their interaction. The obtained results can be used for the prediction if and to what extent two molecules of various origin fit to each other. |
| US08688386B2 |
Analyte testing method and device for calculating basal insulin therapy
Described herein are various methods to ensure safety and the compliance of therapeutic diabetes protocols. The method can be achieved by performing safeguards against hypoglycemia of the user prior to any change in basal insulin dosage based on the plurality of data. |
| US08688384B2 |
Automated characterization and classification of microorganisms
An instrument, method, use and software program to obtain information rapidly about microorganisms that may spread uncontrolled in hospitals, water supply, food or when used in bio terrorism are described. Vibrational spectroscopy provides data to a computer linked to one or more databases. Comparison of the spectral data and information retrieved from the databases is used to identify and classify the microorganisms, applying suitable algorithms, which algorithms are self-generating and self-adapting to new spectroscopic data. The system may alert for the detection of an outbreak or to take disinfection measures. Changes in the traditional taxonomic division of microorganisms have no influence on the instrument. It does not rely on an a priori knowledge about the taxonomic classification of the microbial strain, is straightforward and easily integrated in routine microbial procedures. |
| US08688379B1 |
Method and system for generating drive time isocontours using nested graphs
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for determining one or more possible destinations that may be reached using a hierarchy of maps. The system may be configured to receive search parameters indicating a starting point and an allotted cost and identify a set of nodes on a first level map that may be reached given the allotted cost. If further level maps in the hierarchy of maps are to be searched, the system may identify nodes in other level maps in the hierarchy of maps that may be reached given the remaining allotted cost and add the identified nodes to the set of nodes. Based on the set of nodes, the system may calculate the area that may be reached from the starting point given the allotted cost. |
| US08688374B1 |
Hiking suggestions and planner
A system and method for providing hiking trail information, including obtaining, by a user device comprising an electronic circuit, estimated physical location for which a user would like hiking trail information regarding, obtaining information regarding one or more hiking trails within a predetermined distance of the estimated location and within a predetermined level of difficulty, and displaying the hiking trail information to the user. |
| US08688366B2 |
Method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information
A computer implemented method of operating a navigation system to provide geographic location information is provided. The method comprises receiving a query text string representing a query for a geographic location and providing a plurality of candidate geographic locations for the queried geographic location from a geographic database. The method receives a selection of one of the candidate geographic locations from a user and records the candidate geographic location that was selected in a use history database. The method increases a usage pattern weight for the candidate geographic location that was selected and increases a usage pattern weight for a parent geographic feature that includes the candidate geographic location that was selected. |
| US08688363B2 |
Aircraft systems and methods with active deceleration control
A system is provided for controlling the speed of an aircraft during a deceleration segment between a first state associated with a first speed and a first time and a second state associated with a second speed and a second time. The system includes a navigation system configured to determine the first state; a guidance system configured to determine the second state; and an active deceleration system coupled to the navigation system and the guidance system and configured to construct the deceleration segment between the first state and the second state with at least one intermediate speed between the first speed and the second speed. |
| US08688361B2 |
Method for reversibly coding an engine controller for a motor vehicle in manipulation-proof fashion, and engine controller
A reversible, manipulation-proof method encodes an engine controller for a motor vehicle, which is designed for use in motor vehicles with different operating characteristics. At least one first operating characteristic is defined in invariant form for the motor vehicle, with which method during commissioning of the engine controller the first operating characteristic is stored in the engine controller during and/or after an authentication process in such a way that it can only be changed during and/or after a further authentication process. |
| US08688357B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a control device for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine provided with a cylinder pressure sensor and aims to facilitate optimal control of a combustion state even in a situation where an operating condition is variable.A predetermined combustion-related parameter whose value is uniquely determined by behavior of a change in cylinder pressure relative to a crank angle is used as a control value. Ignition timing is calculated based on the control value in accordance with a calculation rule determined according to a current or target operating condition of the internal combustion engine. The control value resulting from calculation based on a target value of a predetermined physical quantity relating to torque of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a predetermined calculation rule is used as a base value and is corrected by feeding back an output value of the cylinder pressure sensor. |
| US08688355B2 |
Intake air flow rate control device for internal combustion engine
A required intake air flow rate is converted to a post-model required intake air flow rate (BMtsm) by a base-system normative model, and the inverse model of an intake system model is used to calculate a base-system required throttle opening degree (BTA) so as to achieve the post-model required intake air flow rate (BMtsm). On the other hand, the required in-take air flow rate (Mt) is converted to a post-model required intake air flow rate (HMtsm) by a high-response-system normative model, and the inverse model of the intake system model is used to calculate a high-response-system required throttle opening degree (HTA) so as to achieve the post-model required intake air flow rate (HMTsm). Then, a target throttle opening degree (TAt) is set so as to fall within the range from the base-system required throttle opening degree (BTA) to the high-response-system required throttle opening degree (HTA) and the reduce a variation amount. |
| US08688349B2 |
ACC extended mode operation
When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system (14) is activated upon activation of a vehicle or set-speed cruise control (SSCC) system (16). The ACC (14) remains on, even after SSCC shutoff, to maintain a minimum following distance for a primary vehicle in which the ACC (14) is employed and a forward vehicle. The ACC (14) is deactivated after detection of an ACC shutoff trigger event, which may be driver application of the brakes of the primary vehicle, driver-initiated acceleration for a predefined time period, expiration of a predetermined time period, manual shutoff (e.g., via a switch or button), etc. |
| US08688348B2 |
Method for setting a wheel torque in a vehicle
In a method for setting a wheel torque in a vehicle, a setpoint value for a slip-adhesion coefficient gradient for one wheel of one vehicle axle is ascertained, and the wheel torque is set in such a way that the actual value of the gradient is approximated to the setpoint value. |
| US08688337B2 |
Driving force control device
A driving force control device for controlling engine torque generated by an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle and the engine revolution speed of the internal combustion engine based on the operation amount of driving force request operation on the vehicle to control the driving force of the vehicle is characterized by executing revolution fluctuation suppression control that suppresses fluctuations in engine revolution speeds when the operating point of the internal combustion engine in accordance with the engine torque and the engine revolution speed is within an optimum fuel economy range being a region set with a specified hysteresis width relative to an optimum fuel economy line of the internal combustion engine; accordingly, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the whole driving system. |
| US08688335B2 |
Method for control of a gearbox
A method for control of a gearbox (20) installed in a motor vehicle (1), which method effects a downshift of the gearbox (20) from a first gear (G1), for which the acceleration a of said vehicle (1) is negative, to a second gear (G2), for which the acceleration a is positive or substantially equal to nil, which downshift involves at least one intermediate gear step between the first gear (G1) and second gear (G2). An engine speed for changing gear at an intermediate gear step is higher than an engine speed for changing gear at a preceding intermediate gear step. Also a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product for performing the method are disclosed. |
| US08688330B2 |
Operator control method and operator control device for a vehicle
A first operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a first sensor that a first physical variable is higher than a predetermined first threshold value. In a similar way, a second operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a second sensor that a second physical variable is higher than a predetermined second threshold value. A third operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of the first sensor that the first physical variable is higher than a predetermined third threshold value and if at the same time it is detected by means of the second sensor that the second physical variable is higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the first threshold value. |
| US08688329B2 |
Automatic hatch closer for marine vessels and recreational vehicles
An automatic hatch system is disclosed. The system includes a hatch frame and a hatch cover connected thereto. A pneumatic actuator assembly is connected to the hatch frame and the hatch cover. The system also includes an automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator assembly to open, close or adjust the opening of the hatch. The automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator includes a compressor assembly, a valve assembly, and a controller assembly. |
| US08688326B2 |
Method and device for improving driving comfort in a steering assistance system
A method for supporting a driver when steering a vehicle, in which a servo torque, as well as an additional actuating torque that may additionally be exerted on the steering system of the vehicle, are produced in order to cause the driver to make a change in the position of the steering wheel. The steering intervention by the additional required actuating torque may be made significantly more comfortable if the gradient of the actuating torque is limited to a maximum value. |
| US08688324B2 |
Pump system and motorized vehicle
A pump system for inflating a tire of a motorized vehicle, comprises a pump unit. The pump unit has an outlet connectable to an inlet of the tire, for providing a fluid to the inside of the tire. A communication interface is communicatively connectable to a tire pressure monitoring system, TPMS, in the vehicle, for receiving from the TPMS data representing information for controlling the providing of fluid to the tire. A pump controller is connected to the pump unit and to the communication interface and can control the pump unit based on at least the information. |
| US08688315B2 |
Numerical analysis method of a vehicle drive
A first analyzing step is a step that conducts numerical analysis of a flow field but does not conduct numerical analysis of a temperature field in a state in which a motor rotor is rotating. The second analyzing step is a step that conducts numerical analysis of both the flow field and the temperature field after the first analyzing step ends. Accordingly, before numerical analysis of the flow field and numerical analysis of the temperature field are conducted together, numerical analysis is conducted first on the flow field in first analyzing step before it is conducted on the temperature field. As a result, compared with when the second analyzing step is executed from the beginning without conducting the first analyzing step, the calculation load of the numerical analysis on an electronic calculator can be reduced, which enables the time that it takes to conduct the numerical analysis to be shortened. |
| US08688314B2 |
Tuning parameter of kalman filter in a wheel inspection
A method for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter in a wheel inspection for a vehicle. The method includes: associating wheel inspection data of the vehicle with locations of wheels in the vehicle; evaluating a wheel stable score of the vehicle based on the wheel inspection data and the association, wherein the wheel stable score indicates reliability of the wheel inspection; and tuning measurement error covariance of the Kalman filter according to the evaluated wheel stable score. By using the method, the parameter of the Kalman filter can be dynamically tuned to enable the Kalman filter to filter more accurately to ensure the correct result of the wheel inspection. In addition, an apparatus for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter and a wheel inspection system for a vehicle are disclosed. |
| US08688311B2 |
Apparatus for simulating a vehicle environment
An apparatus includes a plurality of first inputs, corresponding to changeable vehicle state variables, manipuable to simulate changes in vehicle state. The apparatus includes a plurality of second inputs, corresponding to vehicle system controls, manipuable to simulate activation of vehicle controls. Also, in this embodiment, the apparatus also includes one or more bus inputs, configured to receive vehicle CAN bus signals and one or more bus outputs, configured to output vehicle CAN bus signals. Further, the apparatus includes a communication connection, configured to connect to a vehicle computing system module (VCSM) and to provide and receive signals from the VCSM allowing for testing of hardware and software in conjunction with the VCSM under various vehicle environments. |
| US08688307B2 |
Moving device and method for controlling same
Even when a first moving condition is not satisfied, when it is determined that a second moving condition is satisfied and at the same time an object belongs to a second classification, an operation of a robot is controlled so as to prompt the object to move according to a first pattern or an arbitrary pattern. The “first moving condition” is a condition that the robot is capable of moving without being obstructed by the object when the robot moves according to a current target position trajectory. The “second moving condition” is a condition that the robot is capable of moving according to the current target position trajectory without being obstructed by the object when the object is displaced according to the first pattern. The “second classification” means a classification of the object which is capable of being moved by a force from the robot acting thereon. |
| US08688306B1 |
Systems and methods for vehicles with limited destination ability
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to limiting the use of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by particular occupants based on permission data. More specifically, permission data may include destinations, routes, and/or other information that is predefined or set by a third party. The vehicle may then access the permission data in order to transport the particular occupant to the predefined destination, for example, without deviation from the predefined route. The vehicle may drop the particular occupant off at the destination and may wait until the passenger is ready to move to another predefined destination. The permission data may be used to limit the ability of the particular occupant to change the route of the vehicle completely or by some maximum deviation value. For example, the vehicle may be able to deviate from the route up to a particular distance from or along the route. |
| US08688305B2 |
System for managing vehicle energy, and method and apparatus for same
In a method, system and apparatus for managing vehicle energy, the amount of electric power needed for operating a vehicle is calculated, a surplus amount of electric power that is the current amount of battery power less the calculated amount of electric power is sold, or a number of received location information signals according to the current amount of battery power is adjusted. |
| US08688295B2 |
Response mode for control system of piloted craft
Frequency multiplexed command signaling that permits a single pilot command interface (e.g. control stick) to serve as a multiple response mode interface for piloting a craft conforms with natural interface operation of most pilots. Highly augmented modes receive lower frequency components of the command signaling, and less augmented modes receive higher frequency components. This avoids the requirement for pilots to switch response modes. An embodying control system can be produced by running feedback control loops encoding the respective response modes in parallel, and multiplexing the command signaling to each response mode, filtering each copy of the command signaling respectively according the respective feedback control loop, and then combining the output of each feedback control loop to compute actuation demand. |
| US08688291B2 |
Method for data exchange in a transport system and vehicle control system
A vehicle control system for data exchange in a transport system, where a control unit is configured to transfer control commands to a vehicle configured to transfer status messages to the control unit, where a signal generator is connected to a first data line and a second data line and provides a changeover signal, a first switching means is arranged in the control unit and is configured to change positive half-waves of the changeover signal, and a second switching means is arranged in the vehicle and is configured to change negative half-waves of the changeover signal, in a circuit formed by the first and second data lines to transfer binary values back-and-forth between the control unit and the vehicle. |
| US08688289B2 |
Method and system for preempting thermal load by proactive load steering
A method and system for maximizing a quality of service (“QoS”) level in a portable computing device (“PCD”) by preempting the generation of thermal energy in excess of a threshold are disclosed. The method includes receiving a workload request for a processing component within the PCD. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on thermal factors associated with the processing component. Thermal factors may comprise data indicative of real-time thermal energy generation near the processing component, predictive data derived from known characteristics of heat producing components that are physically proximate to the processing component, queued workload burdens for the processing component, etc. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on the thermal factors. By leveraging the thermal factors to allocate workloads, thermal generation can be proactively managed such that reliance on reactive thermal mitigation techniques, which negatively impact QoS, can be reduced. |
| US08688288B2 |
Managing an infrastructure housing disaggregated heat sources
In a method for managing an infrastructure housing a plurality of disaggregated heat sources, in which a first disaggregated heat source has different heat dissipation characteristics as compared with a second disaggregated heat source, cooling requirements for the disaggregated heat sources are determined, in which the first disaggregated heat source and the second disaggregated heat source are to be positioned in separate homogeneous zones of the infrastructure. In addition, a respective available cooling resource is associated with the disaggregated heat sources based upon the determined cooling requirements of the disaggregated heat sources. |
| US08688284B2 |
Method for switching electrical consumers in a building comprising an elevator system
A method is provided for switching at least one electrical consumer (1, 1′ 1″) in a building comprising an elevator system. The switched electrical consumer (1″) is, for example, a camera. The camera is activated if when using the elevator system the user does not actuate a building door within an ascertained route time, i.e. the user does not arrive at his/her destination. It is possible using an image recorded by the camera to establish whether the user is possibly in a dangerous situation. |
| US08688283B2 |
Method and system for power quality protection
A method for power quality protection includes measurement of electrical and nonelectrical parameters, calculation of additional electrical and nonelectrical parameters, comparison of the value of the calculated parameters with maximum allowed values from a power quality perspective, activation of protection mechanisms for transitioning to a safe mode or for isolation from the bus. The systems and methods may prevent equipment failures when out of the spec power quality is present in the distribution bus and may protect the distribution bus from imposing power quality problems due to equipment failures. Because most of the sensors in the systems of the present invention are already used for other control and protection purposes, there may be no reliability degradation. Most of the calculations and the control logic may be performed digitally for improved reliability and flexibility to modify algorithms. |
| US08688281B2 |
Optimization of energy storage device usage in wind energy applications
System, method, and computer program product for optimally scheduling energy storage devices in wind energy applications. The power production system includes an energy storage device configured to service a first energy storage application at the first wind farm and a supervisory controller configured to determine if an attribute of the energy storage device is less than or equal to a threshold for the first energy storage application. In response to the attribute being less than or equal to a threshold for the first energy storage application, the supervisory controller schedules the energy storage device for a second energy storage application at the first wind farm or at a second wind farm different than the first wind farm. The optimization of the scheduling may be implemented in a computer-implemented method or as a computer program product. |
| US08688279B2 |
Energy storage at elevated voltage in a radar level gauge
A power management circuitry for a radar level gauge including a first voltage converter, having a low-voltage end for receiving a drive voltage from a power interface and a high-voltage end for supplying an intermediate voltage higher than the required operating voltage, a temporary energy store arranged to be charged by the intermediate voltage, a second voltage converter, having a high-voltage end for receiving an input voltage from the energy store, and a low-voltage end for providing the operating voltage lower than the input voltage.By storing energy at a higher voltage, a different type of energy store (e.g. low capacity capacitor) may be used. As a consequence, the cost and start-up time of the energy store is significantly reduced. |
| US08688276B2 |
Teaching method for transfer robot
There is provided a teaching method for a transfer robot which is capable of quickly performing teaching at high reliability. Relative to a transfer robot which, in a state in which a substrate to be processed in a plurality of processing chambers is supported, transfers the substrate to a predetermined position by turning and telescopic action on the same plane, teaching is made of the transfer actions. At this time, by using at least one detection means that is disposed so as to detect the substrate when the substrate is transferred among the processing chambers, the transfer robot is caused to perform transfer action. At least one index part provided in advance on an operating part of the transfer robot is detected by the detection means. From this detection position, a reference position which serves as an origin of at least one of the turning action and the telescopic action is taught. |
| US08688275B1 |
Positive and negative obstacle avoidance system and method for a mobile robot
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for ensuring that mobile robots are able to detect and avoid positive obstacles in a physical environment that are typically hard to detect because the obstacles do not exist in the same plane or planes as the mobile robot's horizontally-oriented obstacle detecting lasers. Embodiments of the present invention also help to ensure that mobile robots are able to detect and avoid driving into negative obstacles, such as gaps or holes in the floor, or a flight of stairs. Thus, the invention provides positive and negative obstacle avoidance systems for mobile robots. |
| US08688273B2 |
Walking control apparatus of robot and method of controlling the same
A walking control apparatus of a robot includes a joint portion provided in each of a plurality of legs of the robot, a pose sensing unit to sense the pose of the robot, a walking state determination unit to determine a walking state from the pose of the robot, a knot point compensation value calculator to determine a Center Of Mass (COM) of the robot from the pose of the robot and to calculate a knot point compensation value, a desired angle trajectory generator to generate a reference knot point of the joint portion corresponding to the walking state, to compensate for the reference knot point using the knot point compensation value so as to generate a desired knot point, and to generate a desired angle trajectory of the joint portion using the desired knot point. The knot point which is the angle command of the joint portion of each of the legs to perform the next step is compensated for based on the COM, and the compensated desired knot point is smoothly connected using the spline curve such that the robot walks similar to a human. In addition, in order to maintain balance while walking, the angle of the joint portion of the intermediate point of the current step is fed back and the knot point of the next step is predicted and adjusted, such that the robot stably and smoothly walks. |
| US08688267B2 |
Classifying workpieces to be portioned into various end products to optimally meet overall production goals
A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product. Fifth, each incoming product is portioned to produce the end product selected in the fourth step. |
| US08688261B2 |
Transport apparatus, position teaching method, and sensor jig
Disclosed are a transport apparatus that holds and transports an object on a predetermined transport track using a transport portion provided at the leading end of an arm and is capable of acquiring the teaching information of a transport position using a normal transport operation, a position teaching method, and a sensor jig. A transmissive sensor (32) is provided in a sensor jig (30) such that the projection segments of an optical axis (41) and an optical axis (42) on a projection plane intersect with each other and neither the project segment of the optical axis (41) nor the projection segment of the optical axis (42) is aligned with the X-direction and the Y-direction. During a position teaching operation, the sensor jig (30) is provided so as to be held by a wafer transport portion (24), thereby detecting target members (51, 52). |
| US08688258B2 |
Method of controlling a machine tool
A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed. |
| US08688257B2 |
Programming apparatus
A programming apparatus has a parameter storage section for storing parameters related to the operation control of an operating mechanism of an NC machine tool, a CL data storage section for storing CL data including data relating to a moving position of a tool and machining conditions, an NC program generating section for referring to the parameters in the parameter storage section, and generating an NC program form the CL data in the CL data storage section, and NC program storage section for storing the generated NC program. The NC program generating section checks whether the machining condition data included in the CL data is suitable by referring to the parameters, and, when it is not suitable, corrects the machining condition data using the parameters and then generates an NC program based on the CL data in which the corrected machining condition data is included. |
| US08688249B2 |
Processing audio input signals
A method of reproducing a stereo output signal (having a left field and a right field) represented as digital samples such that said stereo signal emulates the production of said audio signal from a specified audio source location relative to a listening source location (an indicated location). A left channel signal is produced by convolving an audio input signal with a broadband response file, selected from a plurality of stored files derived from empirical testing, dependant upon the indicated location. A right channel signal is also produced in this way. The left and right channel signals are each duplicated for playing through each of a plurality of displaced left field loudspeakers and displaced left field loudspeakers displaced right field loudspeakers respectively. Apparatus for reproducing a stereo output signal. A data storage facility having a stereo output signal. |
| US08688242B2 |
Operation controlling system and operation controlling device and method
An operation controlling system is provided with an operation controlling device that is installed removably in a facility equipment, and an operating terminal for sending an instruction signal to the operation controlling device. The operation controlling device not only has communicating means for receiving the instruction signal sent from the operating terminal, but also operation controlling means for turning ON/OFF, in accordance with the instruction signal, the facility equipment that is connected locally, and/or output controlling means for controlling, in accordance with the instruction signal, an output value of the facility equipment that is connected locally. |
| US08688240B1 |
Device for neuro-physiologic stimulation
A apparatus for the electro-physiologic stimulation of the human nervous system includes an electrical assembly having an integrated circuit (IC) producing a sequence of physiologically compatible electromagnetic waveforms, the IC having ungrounded positive and negative outputs of the waveforms, a battery in electrical communication with the IC board, a positive electrode pad in electrical communication with positive outputs of the waveforms, a lower housing in which the IC battery and positive electrode pad are secured, and an upper housing in press-swivel contact with an outer periphery of the lower housing in which 360 degrees of rotation of the upper housing relative to the lower housing is enabled. Also included is a flexible housing for an electrical cable in electrical communication with an opposite end of the cable, carrying the negative sides of the waveforms, and a negative electrode pad in electrical communication with the conductive plate. |
| US08688235B1 |
Lead with transition and methods of manufacture and use
A lead has a first lead section; a second lead section; and a transition member disposed between the first and second lead sections at a transition site. Material of at least one of the first lead section and the second lead section passes through openings in the transition member. |
| US08688233B2 |
System and method for spinal cord stimulation to treat motor disorders
A method for using spinal cord stimulation to treat symptoms of motor disorders includes implanting a stimulation lead within a ventral portion of the epidural space. The lead is implanted with at least a portion of the electrodes facing the spinal cord. In a method for providing therapy to a patient suffering from a motor disorder, electrical stimulation energy is applied to at least one ventral column nerve fiber through the implanted stimulation lead. A peripheral region of the patient's body exhibits the symptoms of the motor disorder, and the ventral column nerve fiber to which the stimulation is applied innervates that peripheral region. |
| US08688232B2 |
Multi-durometer reinforced suture sleeve
A suture anchor for securing a therapy delivery element in a desired location within a living body using a suture material. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve with a primary lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. The inner sleeve includes a compliant material having a first durometer. An anchor body extends around at least a portion of the inner sleeve and includes a portion of the primary lumen. The anchor body includes a compliant material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. At least one exterior suture groove is located on the anchor body to receive the suture material. The exterior suture groove extends substantially to the inner sleeve so the suture material engages directly with the inner sleeve. |
| US08688229B2 |
Alternating magnetic field application device for heating magnetic or magnetizable substances in biological tissue
The invention relates to an alternating magnetic field application device for heating magnetic or magnetizable substances in biological tissue, in particular for thermal therapy using magnetic nanoparticles, composed of a large applicator (1) having a magnetic yoke (2) and two oppositely situated pole shoes (7, 8) on the magnetic yoke (2) which are separated by an exposure gap (13), and having two magnetic coils (9, 10), which are respectively associated with a pole shoe (7, 8), for generating a substantially homogenous alternating magnetic field (12) of a given field strength in the exposure gap (13), wherein the biological tissue to be irradiated may be brought into the exposure gap (13) as an exposure target volume. According to the invention, in the exposure gap (13) a field concentrator (19) is situated in the immediate proximity of the biological tissue to be irradiated as the exposure target volume, in particular on or in a patient in the immediate proximity of a body part to be irradiated, such as a diseased prostate (23), the field concentrator concentrating the alternating magnetic field (12) of the large applicator (1) in the target volume and thereby locally enhancing the alternating magnetic field at that location. |
| US08688228B2 |
Systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue using microwave energy
The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue using microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention a medical device and associated apparatus and procedures are used to treat dermatological conditions using microwave energy. |
| US08688227B2 |
Suction electrode-based medical instrument and system including the medical instrument for therapeutic electrotherapy
A medical instrument for delivering electrotherapy is provided. The instrument includes an outer support member having an open distal end and a base wall portion within the support member arranged to form a cup-like volume at the distal end. The instrument also includes at least one aperture formed in the cup-like volume for applying a suction to the cup-like region. The instrument further includes a first and a second electrode having at least a portion within the cup region or proximate to the cup region for providing an electric field in the cup region when a bias signal is applied between the first and second electrodes. |
| US08688226B2 |
MRI-safe high impedance lead systems
Some embodiments are directed to MRI/RF compatible medical interventional devices. A plurality of spaced apart high impedance circuit segments are configured to have a high impedance at a high range of radiofrequencies and a low impedance at a low range of frequencies. The high impedance circuit segments may comprise co-wound coiled inductors and can reduce, block or inhibit RJ-transmission along the lead system (20) during exposure to RF associated with a high-Held magnet MRI systems, while permuting passage of low frequency physiologic signals, treatments and/or stimuli. The devices can include at least one electrode. |
| US08688225B2 |
Posture state detection using selectable system control parameters
Techniques for detecting and classifying a posture state of a patient are disclosed, wherein a posture state includes at least one of a posture and/or an activity state related to motion. In one embodiment, one or more signals indicative of at least one of posture and activity state of the patient may be sensed by a sensor. Control logic may be provided to process the one or more sensed signals in a selectable manner. This selectable manner may be based on current posture state data describing a posture state in which the patient has previously been classified. Alternatively or additionally, this current posture state data may describe a posture state transition previously undergone by the patient. The one or more signals that are so processed may then be used to classify a posture state of the patient. |
| US08688221B2 |
Collecting posture and activity information to evaluate therapy
A medical device, programmer, or other computing device may determine values of one or more activity and, in some embodiments, posture metrics for each therapy parameter set used by the medical device to deliver therapy. The metric values for a parameter set are determined based on signals generated by the sensors when that therapy parameter set was in use. Activity metric values may be associated with a postural category in addition to a therapy parameter set, and may indicate the duration and intensity of activity within one or more postural categories resulting from delivery of therapy according to a therapy parameter set. A posture metric for a therapy parameter set may indicate the fraction of time spent by the patient in various postures when the medical device used a therapy parameter set. The metric values may be used to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. |
| US08688215B2 |
Apparatus and method for programming a pacemaker
A pacemaker optimising apparatus comprising: a component (4) which noninvasively or invasively monitors a haemodynamic measurement continuously in an individual and a processor (15) for receiving the haemodynamic measure and generating a pacemaker programming signal in response to this. There is also provided a communication device (17) for sending the pacemaker programming signal to the control system of the pacemaker (2). There is also a method for an efficient process by which this apparatus can automatically use the haemodynamic measurements to determine the ideal settings for a particular pacemaker in a particular individual, and to updates the pacemaker's settings accordingly. |
| US08688211B2 |
Percutaneous neurostimulator for modulating cardiovascular function
A neurostimulation device includes an external neurostimulator worn by a patient using a bracing element that braces a portion of the patient's body. The external neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation to modulate a cardiovascular function of the patient. In one embodiment, the external stimulator delivers neurostimulation percutaneously to a stimulation target in the patient's body using at least one percutaneous stimulation electrode having a distal end lodged on or near the stimulation target. |
| US08688206B2 |
Visualization of myocardial infarct size in diagnostic ECG
The segments of an anatomically corresponding bull's eye graph familiar to echocardiologists is annotated by coloring those segments for which ECG data indicates the presence of myocardial infarction injury. In an illustrated example, segments are colored with a second color when the ECG data corresponding to those segments are indicated as being the site of a coronary occlusion. The segments of the bull's eye graph may be colored in a third color with the results of a diagnostic imaging exam, such as by coloring segments exhibiting wall motion abnormalities with a third color. |
| US08688204B2 |
Therapy delivery for identified tachyarrhythmia episode types
Methods and systems for identifying tachyarrhythmia episode types and delivering therapy to mitigate the identified tachyarrhythmia episode types are described. Electrogram signals of cardiac activity are sensed and stored by an implantable cardiac device. Tachyarrhythmia episodes are detected and tachyarrhythmia episode types are identified based on characteristics of the electrogram signals. In preparation for performing ablation, a tachyarrhythmia episode is induced. The features of the induced tachyarrhythmia episode are compared to characteristics of the identified episode types. A similarity between the induced tachyarrhythmia episode and at least one of the episode types identified from the stored electrogram signals is indicated to facilitate performing the ablation. |
| US08688202B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying cardiac risk
A cardiac-based metric is computed based upon characteristics of a subject's cardiac function. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the end of a mechanical systole is identified for each of a plurality of cardiac cycles of a subject, based upon an acoustical vibration associated with closure of an aortic valve during the cardiac cycle. The end of an electrical systole of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for each cardiac cycle is also identified. A cardiac-based metric is computed, based upon a time difference between the end of the electrical systole and the end of the mechanical systole, for the respective cardiac cycles. |
| US08688198B2 |
Surgical site marker delivery system
A site marker delivery system is provided. The site mark delivery system includes an outer cannula having an open distal end. The outer cannula defines an inner lumen in which an inner cannula may be received. A marker is also positioned within the inner lumen of the outer cannula. The inner cannula further includes a trigger mechanism that when actuated injects the marker through the open distal end of the outer cannula into a biopsy site. |
| US08688196B2 |
EM tracking systems for use with ultrasound and other imaging modalities
An EMT system for use in ultrasound and other imaging modality guided medical procedures. The system includes a tool set of various components to which EM sensors can be releasably secured. Thus, the sensors can be reused, notwithstanding the disposal of other components of the tool set. Various components of the tool set include keying elements to facilitate their registration to the anatomy of the patient undergoing the procedure via the EM sensors. |
| US08688187B2 |
Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter includes a housing defined by at least a first housing portion and a second housing portion wherein the second portion includes a passage. A sensor module disposed in the housing and proximate the passage includes at least one light emitting diode and at least one photodetector. A processing module also disposed in the housing and configured to communicate with the sensor module includes at least a processor, a network interface, and a power supply. The pulse oximeter further includes a pad having at least a bottom surface and a pad passage, as well as an adhesive configured to be disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the pad. The housing is configured to releasably engage the pad wherein the housing passage and the pad passage are substantially aligned with one another. |
| US08688186B1 |
Retractor device with oximeter sensor and force sensor
A retractor device has an oximeter sensor at its tip, which allows measuring of oxygen saturation of a tissue being retracted by the retractor. The retractor device also has a force sensor which can measure an amount of force that is applied to the retracted tissue by the tip of the retractor device. The tip includes one or more openings for at least one source and detector. A specific implementation is a spinal nerve root retractor with an oximeter sensor and a force sensor. |
| US08688183B2 |
Emitter driver for noninvasive patient monitor
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an emitter driver configured to be capable of addressing substantially 2N nodes with N cable conductors configured to carry activation instructions from a processor. In an embodiment, an address controller outputs an activation instruction to a latch decoder configured to supply switch controls to activate particular LEDs of a light source. |
| US08688181B1 |
Superconductive compounds having high transition temperature, and methods for their use and preparation
A new class of superconducting compositions, and methods for making and using them are described. These compositions exhibit superconductivity at temperatures in excess of 26° K. and are comprised of transition metal oxides having at least one additional element therein which may create a multivalent state of the transition metal oxide. The composition can be a ceramic-like material having a layer-like crystalline structure, where the structure is distorted having either an oxygen excess or deficiency. An example is RE-AE-TM-O, where RE is a rare earth or rare earth-like element, AE is an alkaline earth element, TM is a transition metal element (such as Cu) and O is oxygen. |
| US08688178B2 |
Mobile electronic apparatus
[Problems] A portable mobile apparatus where two magnetism detecting unit and a reduced number of magnets can specify in which of the following four states the housings of the apparatus are: an open state where the housings are opened, a closed state where the housings are closed, a reversed display state where the housings are closed with a display reversed to face the outside, and a 90-degree state where the display is turned 90 degrees in the reversed display state.[Means of Solving Problems] The portable mobile apparatus has a display housing (11), an operation housing (21), a universal hinge (30) that enables both housings (11, 21) to be opened and closed at a connection end and enables the display housing (11) to rotate about an axis (B) that is normal to a display surface (11A) and about an axis (C) that is in parallel with the display surface (11A), a first magnet (12) and a second magnet (13) that are installed at the display housing (11), a first Hall IC (22) and a second Hall IC (23) that are installed at the operation housing (21) so as to correspond to the magnets (12, 13), and state determination unit (35) for determining each of the open/close states of the display housing (11) and the operation housing (21) based on detection information from the Hall ICs (22, 23). |
| US08688173B2 |
Mobile phone, output control method, and recording medium
Provided is a mobile phone that comprises: a speaker; and an audio data storage unit configured to store therein a plurality of audio data pieces in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of levels of relative communication reception frequency, the relative communication reception frequency being calculated for each of a plurality of originators and indicating a ratio of frequency of receiving incoming communications from the originator to frequency of receiving incoming communications from a particular originator, specifies, when an incoming communication is received, from among the levels, a level of the relative communication reception frequency for an originator of the received incoming communication, and outputs a ringtone from the speaker based on one of the audio data pieces corresponding to the specified level. |
| US08688171B2 |
Method and device for operating telephone directory
The present invention discloses a method and device for operating telephone directories applied in a mobile terminal using a smart SIM card. The method comprising: after the mobile terminal is powered on, reading telephone directories in the mobile terminal and in the smart SIM card and constructing the first and second tables respectively; and when the mobile terminal detects that the first and second tables have been constructed, accomplishing a subscriber's operation on telephone directories in the first table and/or the second table, and after the first table is modified, using the modified first table to update the telephone directory in the mobile terminal, and after the second table is modified, using the modified second table to update the telephone directory in the smart SIM card. The device comprises a mobile terminal and a smart SIM card, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a processor, a storage, and a memory. |
| US08688170B2 |
Panoramic scene capture using a mobile wireless device
A device accessible via a wireless service network includes logic to receive digital frames from a wireless communication device, to identify digital frames that are suitable tiles for a digital panorama, to create a digital panorama from the identified frames, and to associate the panorama with one or more locations on a digital map. |
| US08688169B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting and storing data from subscriber identity module in a portable terminal
A portable terminal comprising first and second identity modules, the first module serving as a master module, wherein a processor of the portable terminal is arranged: at power up of the portable terminal, to read data from the first module and to store it in a memory; and to access, in the memory, the data from the first module, before data from the second identity module is read into the memory. |
| US08688167B2 |
Mobile phone device with several SIM cards
There is provided a mobile telephony device, comprising a mobile station that can be connected to a mobile telephony network by using a SIM card. A multiplexer can be connected to the mobile station, the multiplexer holding several SIM cards. An exemplary multiplexer may comprise a first switching component that is configured such that each one of the SIM cards can be connected to the mobile station. The exemplary multiplexer may comprise a second switching component that is configured to switch off the mobile station while one SIM card is being disconnected from the mobile station and another SIM card is being connected to the mobile station. |
| US08688166B2 |
Call establishment in highly congested network environment
A communication device establishes a connection in a congested wireless communications network environment by systematically reducing a probability of attempting to connect to a strongest, but overly-congested, cell. A transceiver of the communications device attempts at least one first Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure with a first cell that is currently designated as a serving cell. A RACH controller of the communications device detects a failure to successfully connect to the first cell via the at least one first RACH procedure, autonomously determines, based at least on a probability value, which is greater than 0% and less than 100%, whether to de-prioritize the first cell for a period of time, and, in response to determining to de-prioritize the first cell, reduces a priority value assigned at the UE to the first cell for cell selection/reselection, and assigns a selected time period during which the priority value remains reduced. |
| US08688164B2 |
Radio communication system, radio base station, and blockade control method
A radio base station (1), which is to be pre-blockaded, transmits a pre-blockade initiate notification to radio base stations (2A-2F) neighboring the radio base station (1). Further, the radio base station (1) reduces the transmission power thereof at a predetermined reduction rate at a initiation time of the pre-blockade. Meanwhile, each of the radio base stations (2A-2F) receives the pre-blockade initiate notification and increases the transmission power at a predetermined increase rate at the initiation time of the pre-blockade, the absolute value of predetermined increase rate being equal to that of the predetermined reduction rate at the radio base station (1). |
| US08688160B2 |
Single-radio device supporting coexistence between multiple radio access technologies
Electronic devices may be provided that contain wireless communication circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry coupled to antennas. An electronic device may include a baseband processor and other storage and processing circuitry that implements protocol stacks for handling multiple radio access technologies. The storage and processing circuitry may use the transceiver circuitry to convey data using a first radio access technology while periodically interrupting the conveying of the data to monitor a paging channel using a second radio access technology. In performing the paging channel monitoring operations, the storage and processing circuitry may enforce a time limit that ensures that operations using the first radio access technology are not disrupted more than desired. |
| US08688159B1 |
Method and apparatus for use of expected signal strength difference to improve channel selection
Disclosed is a mechanism for efficient channel selection in a wireless communication system. A wireless communication device (WCD) receives from a radio access network (RAN) a channel list message that specifies channels on which the RAN communicates in a coverage area. Further, the WCD receives from the RAN for at least a given one of the channels an expected delta value indicating an expected difference in signal strength between that channel and another channel. The WCD may then take an actual measurement of signal strength on the other channel and apply the expected delta to predict a signal strength of the given channel. Based on the predicted signal strength being threshold low, the WCD may then select a channel other than the given channel on which to communicate with the RAN, and the WCD may then communicate with the RAN on the selected channel. |
| US08688155B2 |
Synchronization methods for single-frequency simulcast mobile radio communication networks
What is described is a circuit arrangement and a method for synchronizing the communication signals between a repeater station (S) of a single-frequency simulcast radio communication network (N) and user terminals (T) with respect to a universal reference signal sent by a central station (M) of the network (N) communicating with the repeater station (S). A frequency offset is determined between a universal frequency reference signal received from the central station (M) and a local frequency reference signal of the repeater station (S), and in the repeater station (S) there are provided a first feedback control loop for supplying a signal for controlling a local oscillator of the repeater station (S) on the basis of the said determined frequency offset, and a second direct control loop for supplying a signal for compensating the residual synchronization difference of the local oscillator (16) to which the transmitter device of the station (S) is tuned. |
| US08688151B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting multimedia messages in mobile communication system
A method of processing a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) message in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed that includes checking in a media file in the MMS message for whether the message can be processed, when an MMS notification message is received; and retransmitting the MMS notification message to another receiver, when the media file in the MMS message cannot be processed. Even when the capabilities of the receiving terminal prevent viewing of the MMS message in the state that it was sent, the recipient is able to view the MMS message through another terminal or an e-mail address as it was compiled by the sender. |
| US08688149B2 |
Cordless telephone active-call enabled intercom
A method of using an intercom on a cordless telephone during an active call. The active call is put on hold while the intercom is in use. Once the call is re-activated, the intercom is shut off. This system may be designed for a cordless telephone with one handset or a plurality of handsets. |
| US08688148B2 |
Dynamic resource matching system
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for implementing resource and/or location-based matching services between a wireless terminal (e.g., mobile phone) user and one or more resources. A novel infrastructure supports resource and/or location based matching services over a wireless network. A back-end system includes a database, server, and match engine that are configured match a user with one or more resources based on the user's characteristics, preferences, and/or location. Such resources include (1) other users, (2) targeted advertising, (3) businesses/networking opportunities, and/or (4) locate a nearby service or store. A flexible database architecture supports application-specific resources which facilitate the deployment of various matching services. Application developers are thus able to implement different resource-matching applications for wireless devices through a common back-end infrastructure. Additionally, the match engine may include a feedback mechanism that permits the match engine to learn a user's preferences. |
| US08688145B2 |
Method of transmitting counting response message indicating service area at user equipment in wireless communication system and apparatus thereof
A method for a user equipment to transmit a message in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes the steps of receiving a first message containing an information on at least one service from a network and transmitting a second message indicating a specific area and a specific service to the network in response to the first message, if wishing to receive the specific service of the at least one service or being interested to receive the specific service of the at least one service. Preferably, the present invention further includes the step of receiving system information for providing information on at least one area. |
| US08688142B2 |
Cellular video, Wi-Fi and spread spectrum system and method
A modulated video signal, received from a satellite, in a transceiver of a ship and of other water based communication devices, is demodulated and processed in a processor into a baseband processed video signal. The baseband video signal is processed and modulated into a Gaussian Minimum Shift Keyed (GMSK) or a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or a Orthogonal Division Multiple Access (OFDM) modulated video signal. Receiving in a receiver a location finder information signal. Receiving and transmitting in a cellular phone one or more OFDM modulated signals in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system. Processing, cross-correlating and modulating, in a processor, a cross-correlator and a modulator of a cellular phone, an input signal into a processed, cross-correlated and modulated signal. |
| US08688141B2 |
System and method for providing communication services to mobile device users incorporating proximity determination
In certain embodiments, a method for proximity determination includes receiving one or more network identifiers, each associated with a corresponding network, from a first mobile device. The method further includes receiving one or more network identifiers, each associated with a corresponding network, from a second mobile device. The method further includes processing the network identifiers received from the first and second mobile devices to determine whether the first mobile device and the second mobile device are in proximity to one another. |
| US08688140B2 |
Radio frequency tag location system and method
Determination of the location and bearing of an asset having an RF-tag imbedded therein is accomplished through extended radio frequency triangulation. A beacon arrangement determines the direction of an RF tag from a specially designed beacon node. RF-tag localization is further improved by repeating this measurement from multiple spatially displaced beacon nodes. The beacon nodes are equipped with multiple strategically located antennas and transmit frames with each symbol cyclically switched to a different antenna. The symbols traveling different distances result in phase shifts within the frame received by the RF-tag. From the phase shifts and the known arrangements of the antennas the angle at which the RF-tag is RF visible from the specific beacon node can be estimated. Determination of the signal phase shifts are part of the baseband processing hardware, the rest of the location determination procedure may be realized in software. |
| US08688138B2 |
Method and apparatus for location determination in a wireless assisted hybrid positioning system
Methods and apparatuses for location determination in wireless assisted positioning systems. In one aspect of the disclosed method and apparatus, a method to determine a position of a mobile device in a positioning system includes: computing a second estimated position of a mobile device using a first assumed geometric relationship for a location of the mobile device in relation to a navigational transmitter (e.g., a basestation, a pseudolite, or a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) satellite). The first geometric relationship is linearly independent from the altitude of the mobile device (e.g., obtained from an altitude aiding) and a second geometric relationship based on range information (e.g., a range from the mobile device to the navigational transmitter, a pseudorange, an arrival time, or a round trip time) measured with respect to the navigational transmitter. In another embodiment of the disclosed method and apparatus, the method to determine a position of a mobile device in a positioning system includes: determining an estimated clock bias from a strength indicator of a signal transmitted from a navigational transmitter to the mobile device. |
| US08688137B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
A mobile communication system in which a mobile station apparatus transmits reception quality information to a base station apparatus, the reception quality information indicating quality of a signal received from the base station apparatus, characterized in that the base station apparatus transmits information for instructing transmission of reception quality information without uplink data included in an uplink data transmission permission signal, and the mobile station apparatus transmits reception quality information without uplink data according to the information for instructing transmission of reception quality information without uplink data. This allows a mobile station apparatus to transmit reception quality information including a large amount of information even if there is no uplink data between the mobile station apparatus and the base station apparatus, and the transmission control flexibly responding to the amount of information and the frequency of transmissions of the reception quality information transmitted from the mobile station apparatus is possible. Therefore, more efficient communication control (scheduling) between the base station apparatus and the mobile station apparatus can be achieved. |
| US08688136B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting frequency allocation of femto base station
A wireless communication network includes an apparatus and method for dynamically allocating frequencies of a femto Base Station (BS). An operation of the femto BS includes measuring received signal strength on system Frequency Allocations (FAs) of a plurality of macro BSs, determining maximum received signal strengths for the respective FAs, and determining an available FA set by using a result obtained from comparison between the maximum received signal strengths for the respective FAs with a first threshold. |
| US08688135B2 |
Method and base station for implementing carrier aggregation
The present invention discloses a method and base station for implementing a carrier aggregation. The method comprises: a base station determines predetermined information, wherein the predetermined information comprises reserved resources for the carrier aggregation and the capability of a user terminal; the base station selects a first carrier resource from the reserved resources according to the capability of the user terminal and selects, for the user terminal, a second carrier resource for bearing data from the resources except the reserved resources; and the base station aggregates the first and second carrier resources. On the premise of reducing the inter-cell interference, the present invention can increase the number of the carriers used by the user terminal to meet the various requirements of a new wireless communication network and guarantee the communication quality of the wireless communication network. |
| US08688130B2 |
Mobile station, base station, and area shaping method performed by specified base station
A disclosed base station includes a communication unit configured to receive from a mobile station a first report signal including base station specification information specifying a base station, reception quality information indicating reception quality of a signal received from the specified base station, and change request information requesting to change communication quality between the mobile station and the specified base station; and an automatic area control unit configured to determine whether the base station is specified by the base station specification information, to obtain location information indicating the location of the mobile station if the base station is specified by the base station specification information, and to change at least one base station parameter based on the reception quality information and the location information to change the reception quality at the location of the mobile station. |
| US08688122B2 |
Mobility detection and system acquisition in dual standby dual subscriber identity modules (DSDS)
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications and techniques for determining a power save duration for an out of service subscription based, at least in part, on a detected mobility status change of a mobile device. Aspects generally include a mobile device, that shares a single radio resource for establishing connections with a first and second subscription, using a detected mobility status change to determine a power saving duration for an out of service subscription. |
| US08688119B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for mobility enhancement in DRX
When a user equipment (UE) is in a CONNECTED state with a base station of a wireless network and is also in a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, a DRX parameter such as DRX period for the UE is compared with a threshold. If the DRX parameter is at or below the threshold, the UE applies a network controlled mobility mode with UE assist where the network controls handover of the UE to another cell. If the DRX parameter is above the threshold, the UE applies a UE controlled mobility mode in which the UE is free to select a best cell. In this way, DRX benefit of reduced power consumption is maintained while the time period in which the UE is unreachable is minimized. |
| US08688118B2 |
Access procedure for call re-establishment
An access procedure for call re-establishment is provided. In a first method, a mobile station, in at least some instances of detecting radio link failure, attempts call re-establishment on multiple cells concurrently. In a second method, a mobile station performs a first random access channel procedure when the mobile station is not aware of at least two cells with enabled call re-establishment, and performs a second random access channel procedure when the mobile station is aware of at least two cells with enabled call re-establishment. |
| US08688111B2 |
System, method, and device for providing communications using a distributed mobile architecture
A method includes receiving, at a first distributed mobile architecture (DMA) system, a call from a first mobile subscriber to a second mobile subscriber and determining whether the second mobile subscriber is registered with one of the first DMA system and a second DMA system based on information stored at an authentication, authorization, and accounting module. The information stored at the AAA module includes a first home location register storing information associated with mobile subscribers registered with the first DMA system and a first community location register storing information associated with a second HLR of the second DMA system. |
| US08688106B2 |
User equipment and method in mobile communication system
User equipment having operating modes of at least a connected mode (CONN) and an idle mode (IDLE) includes a measurement unit configured to measure radio quality in the idle mode in accordance with measurement target information indicating that the user equipment is preset to report a measurement value of the radio quality to a base station, a storage unit configured to store the measurement target information and the measurement value of the radio quality measured by the measurement unit and a transmitting unit configured to, if a predefined report condition (log exist condition, FIG. 3) is satisfied, transmit an indicator indicative of presence of the measurement value of the radio quality to the base station in the connected mode and in response to a request from the base station, transmit a report signal including the measurement value of the radio quality. |
| US08688104B2 |
Remote management over a wireless wide-area network using short message service
Illustrative embodiments of systems and methods providing remote management over a wireless wide-area network (WWAN) using short messages are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computing device may include an in-band processor, a wireless transceiver configured for communications over a WWAN, and an out-of-band (OOB) processor capable of communicating over the WWAN using the wireless transceiver irrespective of an operational state of the in-band processor. The OOB processor may be configured to receive a short message via the wireless transceiver, determine whether the short message originated from a trusted remote computing device, and execute at least one operation indicated by the short message in response to determining that the short message originated from a trusted remote computing device. |
| US08688103B2 |
Identifying and accessing a network device via wireless communication
One embodiment of the invention is a method that includes a mobile device receiving via a wireless communication channel a request for an identifier corresponding to a network device. The mobile device transmits the identifier. The mobile device receives a network identifier corresponding to the network device. The mobile device utilizes the network identifier to establish communication with the network device via the wireless communication channel. |
| US08688102B2 |
Method and configuring parameters of GPRS-type communication devices over a cellular phone network, and corresponding communications system
A method for remotely configuring parameters of GPRS-type communication devices (2, 3) within a communications system in which data are exchanged between said GPRS-type communication devices (2, 3) and a central communications system (1) over a cellular phone network (6). According to the invention, configuration parameters (Pn) are first set and then stored in a configuration instruction queue (10) of said central communications system (1). Upon initiation of a communication using the GPRS protocol from a transmitting GPRS-type communication device (Idm), corresponding configuration parameters, provided that they are stored in queue, are then sent to said transmitting GPRS-type device (Idm) using GPRS protocol. The method is applicable to remote configuration of utility metering data over a GSM type network. |
| US08688094B2 |
Point-to-multipoint mobile radio transmission
A method of operating a mobile communication system-supporting data transmission between a mobile station (MS) and a network in a number of different packet data protocols (PDPs) including a point-to-multipoint-multicast (PTM-M) protocol PDP data is formatted and unformatted by a sub-network dependent convergence protocol (SNDCP) according to the PDP of data. The PDP is identified to the SNDCP by a protocol identifier transmitted between the network and the mobile station. In order to allow a MS to receive a PTM-M in an IDLE state, a unique protocol identifier is permanently assigned to PTM-M transmissions while other identifiers are dynamically assigned to other PDPs by the network. |
| US08688092B1 |
Methods and systems for managing telecommunications and for translating voice messages to text messages
Systems and methods that can be utilized to convert a voice communication received over a telecommunication network to text are described. In an illustrative embodiment, a call processing system coupled to a telecommunications network receives a call from a caller intended for a first party, wherein the call is associated with call signaling information. At least a portion of the call signaling information is stored in a computer readable medium. A greeting is played the caller, and a voice communication from the caller is recorded. At least a portion of the voice communication is converted to text, which is analyzed to identify portions that are inferred to be relatively more important to communicate to the first party. A text communication is generated including at least some of the identified portions and including fewer words than the recorded voice communication. At least a portion of the text communication is made available to the first party over a data network. |
| US08688091B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing idle screen service
A method and apparatus for providing an idle screen service are disclosed. A mobile communication terminal receiving contents provided from at least one content provider server in a mobile communication system environment is also disclosed. The mobile communication terminal may include a content receiver module which receives contents provided through a mobile communication system by separating into layers, a handset operating system module which operates the terminal and runs an application and which has a user interface, and a content management application module which synthesizes the contents separated into layers received from the content receiver module into one idle screen layer and which provides it to the idle screen of the mobile communication terminal. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, several contents provided in a mobile communication system environment can be provided at once on a mobile communication terminal idle screen in an idle mode, to satisfy the demands of the user for DIY services and increase the content participation rate. |
| US08688089B2 |
Methods and systems for providing in-game hot spots
Systems and methods for providing hot spots for mobile video games on mobile communication devices that receive hot spot information for mobile video games that operate on the devices. The hot spots may be hidden aspects of the game and promotional in nature, allowing game companies to generate extra revenue through selling non-permanent advertisement space to third parties. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive hot spot information. After the hot spot information is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. In addition, the server may track what hot spot information has already been received by the mobile communication device. |
| US08688085B2 |
System and method to communicate targeted information
A method for targeted advertising is disclosed. The method includes accessing at least one piece of demographic information associated with a user of a portable device, selecting an advertisement to be delivered to the user based at least in part on the demographic information, and initiating communication of a version of the advertisement configured for presentation at the portable device. |
| US08688083B2 |
System and method for providing advertisement data or other content
A method includes providing advertisement data to a mobile device, receiving an input associated with the mobile device based on the advertisement data, and providing a credit based on the input. The input may be based on at least one of a location of the mobile device, a messaging communication initiated using the mobile device, an entry in an information management application, and a transaction executed using the mobile device. |
| US08688082B2 |
Systems and methods for consolidating wireline and wireless voicemail boxes
Voicemail systems can include a memory and a processor. The memory can store data relating to users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system, forwarded to another voicemail system, provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, and the like. The voicemail systems can include functionality to allow a user to consolidate voicemail messages and/or calls at one or more designated destinations, for example, a voicemail system and/or a mobile device. |
| US08688080B1 |
Visual voicemail client authentication
Visual voicemail enables a user to view a list of voicemail messages and caller information, and select which messages to hear. Currently, a handset accesses visual voicemail using a web interface over a point-to-point network connection with an intermediary gateway. The gateway initiates requests to the voicemail platform on behalf of the handset using a single generic password. There is no direct authentication between the handset client and the voicemail platform. In an embodiment of the invention, the handset requests a password from the voicemail platform using the web interface. The voicemail platform sends a password to the handset via a Short Message Service text message, which is an inherently secure means of communication. The handset then uses the password to request voicemail data from the voicemail platform via the web interface. |
| US08688077B2 |
Communication system and method for providing a mobile communications service
The invention relates to a communication system and a method for providing a mobile telecommunication service. A communication network transmits messages on the basis of at least one internet protocol. A network connection computer connects an access network for mobile computers and the communication network. The access network is equipped with several access points comprising corresponding access point connection computers, which are configured to create a communication connection between variable access points and the mobile computers. An authorization verification computer establishes and manages trusted relationships between several communication elements. The network connection computer and the access point connection computer are configured to execute packet filtering during the receipt and transmission of messages for the secure protection of the communication system. |
| US08688075B2 |
Handling insufficient account balance of subscribers
A system, method, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for handling insufficient account balance of subscribers in a mobile communications network is disclosed. A request for communication is received from a mobile station. A determination is made as to whether a subscriber of the mobile station has an insufficient account balance. If the subscriber has an insufficient account balance, the request is withheld and the mobile station is notified by a short message. |
| US08688074B2 |
Service classification of web traffic
A method for communication includes recording, at a gateway to a network, a generic definition of a service provided to clients of the gateway. The generic definition specifies a first Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) on the network that is associated with the service. At least a first communication between a client and the network is processed at the gateway in order to identify at least a second URI that is referenced from the first URI in a context of the service. Responsively to at least the first communication, an extended definition of the service for the client is automatically created by adding at least the second URI to the generic definition. Use of the service is monitored by applying the extended definition to second communications conveyed by the gateway between the client and the network. |
| US08688070B2 |
Location-based emergency information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for location-based emergency information. A current geographic location of a device is determined. One or more first contact information items based on the determined geographic location are received at the device. The first contact information items include one or more contact information items associated with emergency services. |
| US08688067B2 |
Sampling circuit and receiver using same
A sampling circuit and a receiver are provided having a high flexibility of filter design and excellent characteristics for removing an interfering wave. Provided also are a sampling circuit and a receiver having a low level of the higher harmonic spurious. The sampling circuit includes a charge sampling circuit, which executes sampling of an input signal, and a plurality of charge sharing circuits connected in parallel to the output stage of the charge sampling circuit. The charge sharing circuits include a charge sharing circuit group having transmission functions different from one another, a synthesis circuit, which is arranged at the output side of the charge sharing circuit group and synthesizes the outputs of the charge sharing circuits, and a digital control unit, which outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of the charge sharing circuit group and the synthesis circuit. |
| US08688066B2 |
RF peak detection scheme using baseband circuits
A receiver includes an antenna configured to receive a set of RF signals, and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) coupled to the antenna and amplify the set of RF signals to generate a set of amplified signals. The receiver further includes a down-conversion mixer configured to down convert the set of amplified signals to baseband frequencies. The receiver further includes a low-pass filter configured to filter from the set of amplified signals to baseband frequencies an out-of-band signal. The receiver further includes a high-pass filter configured to reverse the filtering of the low-pass filter. The receiver further includes a peak detector configured to determine whether the LNA is operating at saturation; and an automatic-gain controller configured to decrease a gain of the LNA based on the determination of the peak detector. |
| US08688064B2 |
Low-complexity diversity reception
A receiver may comprise a plurality of signal processing paths, a bin-wise combiner, and an inverse transformation block. Each signal processing path may comprise a transformation block that is operable to transform a time-domain digital signal to an associated frequency-domain signal having a plurality of subband signals. The bin-wise combiner may be operable to combine corresponding subband signals of the plurality of signal processing paths. The inverse transformation block may be operable to transform output of the bin-wise combiner to an associated time-domain signal. The transformation block in each said signal processing path may be a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block. The number of points used by the FFT block of any one of said plurality of signal processing paths may be based on the delay spread of a signal input to the one of the signal processing paths. |
| US08688063B2 |
Signal converting apparatus and receiving apparatus for supporting concurrent dual bands in wireless communication system
A receiving apparatus in a wireless communication system includes: an antenna configured to receive a wireless frequency signal including a first frequency band signal and a second frequency band signal; a low noise amplifier (LNA) configured to amplify the wireless frequency signal, output the first frequency band signal as a differential phase signal, and output the second frequency band signal as a common phase signal; a differentiator configured to pass only the differential phase signal between the signals outputted from the LNA; and a combiner configured to pass only the common phase signal between the signals outputted from the LNA. |
| US08688061B2 |
System and method for biasing a power amplifier
A system and method for biasing a power amplifier includes a power amplifier having a driver stage and an output stage, the driver stage having a plurality of driver devices, a bias current source configured to deliver a bias current to each of the plurality of driver devices, and a current directing element configured to receive the bias current and selectively bias each of the plurality of driver devices based on a reference voltage and a system voltage. |
| US08688060B2 |
Detection circuit for overdrive conditions in a wireless device
A detection circuit that can accurately detect signal peak is described. In an exemplary design, the detection circuit includes a bias voltage generator and a MOS transistor. The bias voltage generator provides a bias voltage as a function of temperature. The MOS transistor receives an input RF signal and the bias voltage and provides a rectified signal, which may be a linear function of the input RF signal and may have reduced deviation with temperature due to the bias voltage. The bias voltage generator may generate the bias voltage based on a temperature-dependent current having a slope selected to reduce deviation in the rectified signal with temperature. An offset canceller may cancel a reference voltage from the rectified signal and provide an output signal. A bulk bias generator may generate a bulk voltage for the bulk of the MOS transistor as a function of temperature to improve operating speed at higher temperature. |
| US08688057B2 |
Food/drink container
The present invention relates to the field of food/drink containers and multimedia systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination of a food/drink container. The present invention provides the user an immediate multimedia/communications sources while using the container wherein the container includes a body for accommodating food/drink, a closure for closing the container and a communications/multimedia module. |
| US08688056B2 |
Methods and apparatus for antenna isolation-dependent coexistence in wireless systems
Methods and apparatus for selectively switching one or more antennas in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array so as to mitigate interference with another RF interface within the same space-constrained device, based on radio frequency isolation. In one embodiment, the MIMO interface comprises a WLAN interface having a 2×2 or 3×3 array of antennae which are placed in a wireless device in an asymmetric fashion with respect to the antenna of the second interface, and the other interface comprises a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface operating in an overlapping frequency band (e.g., ISM band). When both interfaces are operating, interference is mitigated through selectively switching off one or more of the MIMO antennae, and using the remaining antenna(e) having the best isolation from the Bluetooth antennae. This approach allows simultaneous operation of both interferences without significant degradation to user experience or the operation of either interface, and may also provide power savings critical to mobile device battery longevity. |
| US08688053B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify wireless carrier performance effects
Example methods and apparatus to identify wireless carrier performance effects are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving an indication of media content presentation on a wireless communication device, monitoring a wireless carrier operating parameter in response to receiving the indication of media content presentation, and monitoring the wireless communication device for a media content presentation command. The example method also includes associating the media content presentation command and the wireless carrier operating parameter with a scoring factor indicative of subscriber preferences, and generating a report including the scoring factor. |
| US08688052B2 |
Apparatus and method for phase noise self-test
An integrated circuit (IC) having a radio receiver configured to perform a jitter self-test is disclosed. In one embodiment, an IC includes a radio receiver and a pulse generator. The pulse generator is configured to generate a pulse train based on a first periodic signal received from the radio receiver. The radio receiver is configured to use the pulse train to determine an amount of phase noise generated by a local oscillator of the radio receiver. The pulse generator and the radio receiver are implemented on the same IC die. |
| US08688048B2 |
RSSI slope calibration technique
A method of calibrating the slope of a received signal strength indicator circuit is disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may adjust for manufacturing process, power supply voltage, and ambient temperature variations by periodically calibrating the measurement of receive signal strength in a RF communication device, using the transmitter of the device. Various embodiments of the present invention may use a look-up table to convert unadjusted receive signal strength values to adjusted receive signal strength values, may adjust the operation of the circuitry generating an indication of receive signal strength, and may adjust thresholds in executable code used to manage the operation of the radio frequency communication system. |
| US08688047B2 |
Physical broadcast channel (PBCH) transmission for reliable detection of antenna configuration
Reliable detection of the configuration of transmit antennas includes obtaining a data for transmission, encoding the data, and modulating the data. During the modulating of the data, the data may be configured in such a way as to convey the configuration of the antennas through the modulation of the data. An antenna configuration is obtained by obtaining a representation of the antenna configuration, and masking the data with an error correcting code, where the mask corresponds to the antenna configuration. |
| US08688043B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device including NFC antenna scanning switch and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver, a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver, and a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled to the processor. The NFC device may include an NFC controller, an NFC transceiver coupled to the NFC controller, and spaced apart NFC antennas. The NFC device also includes a scanning switch coupled between the spaced apart NFC antennas and the NFC transceiver. The NFC controller may be configured to operate the scanning switch to successively couple each NFC antenna to the NFC transceiver, while attempting to establish NFC communication with an adjacent NFC device. The NFC device may also be configured to lock coupling to a corresponding NFC antenna upon establishing NFC communication with the adjacent NFC device. |
| US08688041B2 |
Methods and apparatus for secure, portable, wireless and multi-hop data networking
A mobile network solution provides secure and portable wireless networking service to mobile users with devices equipped with wireless network interfaces. The Secure Nomadic Wireless Network, or SNOWNET, follows a hierarchical approach. Special SNOWNET nodes are deployed in the area where networking service is needed and form a backbone network. At the same time, SNOWNET nodes provide local access service to regular mobile clients. SNOWNET provides security through authentication of the nodes and clients, as well as through encryption of the data. |
| US08688039B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing information using bluetooth and system therefor
A method for providing information by an information providing device with a Bluetooth module in an information broadcast service based on Bluetooth. The method includes broadcasting an inquiry signal to provide the information; receiving an inquiry response signal; determining if a broadcast request is included in the inquiry response signal; and delivering the information to a Bluetooth device that sent the inquiry response signal, when a broadcast request is included in the inquiry response signal. |
| US08688038B2 |
Mobile communications device providing enhanced near field communication (NFC) mode switching features and related methods
A mobile communications device may include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver switchable between a plurality of modes including a first NFC mode and a second NFC mode, wherein the second NFC mode has a lower power consumption level associated therewith than the first NFC mode. The mobile communications device may further include a processor coupled with the NFC transceiver and capable of activating an application, switching the NFC transceiver to operate in the first NFC mode in response to activating the application, and switching the NFC transceiver to the second NFC mode based upon a failure to establish NFC communications within a threshold time of switching the NFC transceiver to the first NFC mode. |
| US08688035B2 |
Radio communication system
A radio communication system includes: a first member; a second member; a transmitting apparatus provided on the first member; and a receiving apparatus provided on the second member, wherein the first member and the second member are provided such that they can move relative to each other; and radio communication is performed when the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus face each other as the first member and the second member move relative to each other. |
| US08688033B2 |
Antenna system, in particular mobile communication antenna system, and associated transmission and control device
An antenna transmission control device has a base-station-side and an antenna-side multiplexer circuit. There is an alternating protocol transfer between these two multiplexer circuits to control components close to the antenna. The current-alarmed or protocol-alarmed signals present at the antenna-side terminals of the multiplexer provided on the antenna side can be measured or detected by the multiplexer circuits and supplied to the transmission link together with a terminal-dependent or load-dependent protocol. |
| US08688030B2 |
System and method for reducing call latency in monitored calls
A service management platform for processing packet switched communications is provided. The service management platform has a component for handling voice calls. The component for handling voice calls comprises a first input/output for sending and receiving data packets associated with a first leg of a call, a second input/output for sending and receiving data packets associated with a second leg of the call, a monitoring component for monitoring copies of the data packets for commands contained within a payload of the data packets, and a relay component for directly relaying the data packets between the first input/output and the second input/output and for generating and forwarding copies of the data packets to the monitoring component. |
| US08688026B2 |
Essay writing system
A computer based system for composing an essay comprising at least one computer-readable medium having one or more executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processing system, causes the at least one processing system to implement one or more essay generation tools for assisting a user in generating at least one essay. |
| US08688025B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus having punch unit, and image forming apparatus
After a sheet has once passed through a punching position, a conveyance roller pair conveys the sheet backward to the punching position. A lateral registration detection sensor detects a side edge position of the sheet in a width direction. When a sheet processing apparatus corrects the side edge position of the sheet by controlling a shift unit for moving the sheet in the width direction so as to correct the side edge position of the sheet, the sheet processing apparatus sets a shifting amount of the sheet to a value that is a predetermined amount greater than a shifting amount required to correct the side edge position of the sheet according to the side edge position of the sheet detected by the lateral registration detection sensor. After the sheet has passed through the die hole the sheet processing apparatus sets the shifting amount to the required value. |
| US08688024B2 |
Cleaning device having magnetic brush roller and image forming apparatus provided therewith
A cleaning device of an image forming apparatus includes: a magnetic brush roller rubbing a surface of a photosensitive drum by a magnetic brush formed of a toner and carriers; a cleaning blade removing the toner remaining on a photosensitive drum; a toner concentration initialization control part, in order that toner-to-carrier ratio T/C of the magnetic brush formed on the magnetic brush roller falls within a predetermined range, controlling bias applied to the magnetic brush roller and an amount of the toner supplied from a developing device to the photosensitive drum. |
| US08688023B2 |
Pressing roller and image heating device using the pressing roller
A pressing roller includes a metal core and an elastic layer containing a needle-like filler which has an average length of 0.05 mm or more and 1 mm or less and a thermal conductivity of 500 W/(mK) or more. In the elastic layer, pore portions are dispersed. |
| US08688022B2 |
Heat fixing belt with metal mesh electrodes, a fixing device using the belt and a method for making the belt
Disclosed are a heating fixing belt and a fixing device by which good long-term durability is achieved, and a process for forming the heating fixing belt.The heating fixing belt comprises a resistance heating layer formed of a resin in which at least a conductive substance is dispersed, a parting layer laminated on the resistance heating layer and a pair of electrodes for supplying electric power to the resistance heating layer, which are respectively stacked and provided on both end portions of the resistance heating layer in such a manner that at least parts thereof come into contact with the resistance heating layer, wherein the electrodes are each composed of a metal mesh sheet. In the heating fixing belt, the metal mesh sheet forming the electrode preferably has an aperture ratio of 10 to 60. |
| US08688019B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of appropriately curing curl which is apt to be generated at a fixing-completed sheet.An intersection angle θ2 between respective axis lines 81c, 82c of an upper conveying roller 81 and a lower conveying roller 82 in a conveying apparatus 80 is set to be in the opposite direction to an intersection angle θ1 between respective axis lines 50c and 51c of a fixing roller 50 and a pressure roller 51 in the fixing apparatus 40. Accordingly, curl generated at a sheet S at the time of pressure fixing at the fixing apparatus 40 can be returned into a state before fixing as being appropriately corrected in the opposite direction by the upper conveying roller 81 and the lower conveying roller 82. |
| US08688018B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus including the same
A developing device includes a container, a toner holding member, a developing electric field forming unit, a layer forming unit, an electrode member, and a low-frequency electric field forming unit. The container accommodates toner. The toner holding member holds toner and transports the toner to a developing region where the toner holding member and the latent image holding member face. The developing electric field forming unit forms a developing electric field for developing a latent image held on a latent image holding member. The layer forming unit forms a toner layer on the toner holding member prior to the developing region. The electrode member faces the toner holding member. The low-frequency electric field forming unit forms a low-frequency electric field acting on residual toner between the electrode member and the toner holding member, and forms stripe-shaped projections in accordance with a period of the low-frequency electric field. |
| US08688014B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A temperature sensor detects information regarding humidity in an atmosphere of a developing container. A temperature sensor detects information regarding humidity in an atmosphere of a toner hopper. An inductance sensor detects information regarding a toner density within the developing container. A printer controller controls a replenishing operation of a replenishing screw member based on image information. The printer controller controls the replenishing operation of the replenishing screw member so that a toner density within the developing container is less than or equal to a predetermined value based on a detection result of the inductance sensor. The printer controller controls the predetermined value to be small when a difference between humidity detection results detected by each of the temperature sensors is large as compared to when the difference is small. |
| US08688012B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
In a disclosed developing device, a developing part includes a developer carrier for circulating a developer inside the developing part and for supplying the developer to an image carrier, a developer supply member for supplying the developer to the developer carrier, and a developer collection member for collecting the developer which is not used. A developer stirring part is arranged at a different position from a position of the developing part. A developer conveyance part carries the developer by an air conveyance in a developer conveyance path from the developer stirring part to the developing part. A developer detection part includes an opening which communicates between the developer supply member and the developer collection member, is arranged at a downstream side in a flow direction of the developer below and near the developer supply member, and detects whether the developer exists in a vicinity of the developer supply member. |
| US08688010B2 |
Developing cartridge
A developing cartridge having a first side plate and a second side plate spaced opposite from the first side plate, a developer carrying member rotatably supported between the side plates, a developer supplying member rotatably supported between the side plates, a input member to which driving force is input rotatably supported by the first side plate, a primary developing gear to which the driving force is transferred provided on the developer carrying member at the first side plate, a secondary developing gear to which the driving force is transferred provided on the developer carrying member at the second side plate, and a supply gear to which the driving force is transferred provided on the developer supplying member at the second side plate, wherein the input member and the supply gear are arranged so that their projections in the direction of the rotation axis of the developer supplying member overlap. |
| US08688008B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member
An image forming apparatus cartridge includes a casing and a developer roller having an axis L1, with the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis L1. The cartridge also includes a first gear connected to the developer roller and a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear. The cartridge further includes a coupling member having an axis L2, with the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the second gear and operatively connected with the developer roller so as to be capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developer roller via the first and second gears, (ii) a second end portion having a recess formed therein and including at least two projections provided at diametrically opposed positions, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. |
| US08688000B2 |
Image forming apparatus with movable exposure units
In an image forming apparatus, each of a plurality of exposure units provided at a drum supporting member is configured to be movable between an exposure position in which the exposure unit is located in proximity to a corresponding photoconductor drum supported by the drum supporting member and a retreating position in which the exposure unit retreated away from the corresponding photoconductor drum is positioned by a stopper, such that the exposure unit is located inside the drum supporting member regardless of whether the exposure unit is in the exposure position or in the retreating position. A motion-imparting member is provided at the drum supporting member, movably relative to the drum supporting member and is configured to act on an engageable portion of each exposure unit to thereby cause the exposure unit to move to the exposure position or to the retreating position. |
| US08687999B2 |
Cooling device and image forming apparatus
A liquid-cooling-type cooling device includes a circulatory path for coolant that cools a temperature rise portion; a heat absorbing unit that absorbs a heat from the temperature rise portion by the coolant; a heat radiating unit that radiate the heat from the coolant; a pump that circulates the coolant; and a plurality of liquid-contacting metal portions that comes into contact with the coolant, each of the liquid-contacting metal portions being made of a metal material. At least one of the liquid-contacting metal portions is grounded. |
| US08687996B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including an upper section including an image forming section to form an image on a recording sheet, a lower section arranged below the upper section including a sheet supplying tray to stack a plurality of recording sheets, a partitioning body to separate the upper section and the lower section in a vertical direction, wherein the lower section includes a dehumidification device to heat the inside of the lower section and to dehumidify the recording sheets stacked on the sheet supplying tray, the partitioning body includes a first shielding member to shield a bottom portion of the upper section, a second shielding member separated from the first shielding member to shield a top portion of the lower section, a clearance formed between the first shielding member and the second shielding member, and an air blowing section to blow air into the clearance. |
| US08687994B2 |
Cartridge with roller shaft having an exposed electroconductive portion
A cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the main assembly including a main assembly electrical contact, includes a roller including an electroconductive shaft, the roller being rotatable with the shaft; and a supporting member rotatably supporting the shaft and provided with a hole portion for exposing a part of a surface of a longitudinal end of the shaft to directly contact the part to the main assembly electrical contact and an end surface positioning portion for determining a position of the end surface with respect to a longitudinal direction of the shaft by contacting another part of the end surface. |
| US08687989B2 |
Transfer unit with compensation for variation
A transfer unit includes a rotatable static-dissipative member with a time-varying electrical property. A second member selectively transfers toner to or from the static-dissipative member. A power source selectively produces an electrostatic transfer field between the static-dissipative member and the second member, so that toner is transferred between the static-dissipative member and the second member. A charger spaced apart from the static-dissipative member selectively deposits charge thereon. A control system successively drives a plurality of different selected voltages or currents through the charger and measures a plurality of respective resulting charger currents or voltages. It uses the selected voltages or currents and the respective charger currents or voltages to automatically estimate a variation in the electrical property. It then causes the power source to produce an electric transfer field that transfers toner and compensates for the estimated variation. |
| US08687988B2 |
Image forming apparatus for retrying feed of transfer material
A detection unit is disposed between a feeding unit and a secondary transfer unit on a conveyance path, and detects a transfer material that is conveyed. A control unit, if the detection unit cannot detect the transfer material by a predetermined timing after a feeding operation by a feeding unit, moves the secondary transfer unit away from a intermediate transfer member, causes the intermediate transfer member to continue rotating, and causes the feeding unit to retry feeding of the transfer material. |
| US08687987B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; developing devices, each of which includes a developer carrying member, having an electrode member, for carrying a developer, and a developer feeding member, having a core metal and a surface foam layer, for supplying the developer to the developer carrying member; a supporting member, supporting the developing devices, for sequentially rotating the developing devices to a developing position; and a controller for executing an operation for reducing non-uniform distributions of the developers in the developing devices on the basis of electrostatic capacities between the electrode members and the core metals, respectively. |
| US08687986B2 |
Image forming apparatus with deflection amount detector and toner density detection means
The image forming apparatus includes a loop amount detection sensor, disposed between a secondary transfer part and a fixing part, for detecting a loop amount of a transfer material by detecting a reflection of light radiated on the transfer material, a density detection sensor for detecting a density of a toner image that is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt with the primary transfer roller, and a loop control part for controlling the loop amount of the transfer material based on the density of the toner image that is detected by the density detection sensor and the loop amount that is detected by the loop amount detection sensor. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus attains higher accuracy in the deflection amount detection by performing the deflection amount detection at least with the dependency of the image formed on the transfer material mitigated. |
| US08687983B2 |
Laser communication system
A laser communication system and method are disclosed. The laser communication system includes a laser receiver system to receive a frequency-shift keyed (FSK) optical signal encoded with a plurality of data signals. The laser receiver system including an FSK differential detection system that includes a plurality of differential detection filters that can each receive the FSK optical signal and generate an output. The FSK differential detection system can demodulate the FSK optical signal into a multi-bit digital code corresponding to a frequency of the FSK optical signal based on the output of each of the plurality of differential detection filters. |
| US08687981B2 |
Method and system for split voltage domain transmitter circuits
Methods and systems for split voltage domain transmitter circuits are disclosed and may include amplifying a received signal in a plurality of partial voltage domains. Each of the partial voltage domains may be offset by a DC voltage from the other partial voltage domains. A sum of the plurality of partial domains may be equal to a supply voltage of the integrated circuit. A series of diodes may be driven in differential mode via the amplified signals. An optical signal may be modulated via the diodes, which may be integrated in a Mach-Zehnder or a ring modulator. The amplified signals may be communicated to the diodes, connected in a distributed configuration, via even-mode coupled transmission lines. The partial voltage domains may be generated via stacked source follower or emitter follower circuits. The voltage domain boundary value may be at one half the supply voltage due to symmetric stacked circuits. |
| US08687977B2 |
Reading lamp
There is provided a reading lamp having a lighting unit (BE) which has at least first light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or second light emitting diodes (IR-LEDs) for the emission of IR radiation. The reading lamp further has a modulation unit (ME) for modulation of the light emission of the first and/or second light emitting diodes in dependence on an input signal (IN). |
| US08687972B2 |
Multiple star wavelength division multiplexing passive optical networks using a wavelength assignment method
The present invention discloses a multiple star wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network system using a wavelength assignment method.In a multiple star wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network system using a wavelength assignment method according to the present invention, only one WDM-PON system can provides services for a plurality of subscribers who is distributed in a wide range of area through multiple starring, by setting one or more band for transmitting up-stream signals as an up-stream basic band and one or more band for transmitting down-stream signals as a down-stream basic band, respectively, and by dividing each of the up-stream basic band and the down-stream basic band into a plurality of wavelength sub-bands and assigning the divided sub-bands to different areas using a wavelength division multiplexer/de-multiplexer which splits a band into two or more sub-bands. |
| US08687966B2 |
Fiber optic transceiver module with optical diagnostic data output
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relates to an optical transceiver module having a diagnostic assembly, wherein the diagnostic assembly is configured to visually display the operational status of the transceiver transmitter and receiver components while optically transmitting diagnostic information. The transceiver operational status is accessible while the transceiver operates in conjunction with an external host and may be ascertained in real time without interrupting normal transceiver operation or suspending the transmission of data over optical fibers. |
| US08687963B2 |
Method, system and device for optical network termination configuration
A method for optical network termination (ONT) configuration is provided. The method includes: obtaining, by an optical line terminal (OLT), service types supported by an ONT and management methods available for each of the service types; and negotiating, by the OLT, with the ONT according to the management methods available for each of the service types, so as to determine a management method to be adopted for each of the service types, and configuring the ONT according to the determined management method. |
| US08687954B2 |
Flash lens and flash module employing the same
A flash lens and a flash module employing the same. The flash lens includes a lens unit including an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and a light-emitting surface; and a lens seating portion disposed at a lower portion of an edge of the light-emitting surface, extending and protruding from the reflecting surface, and including a pattern formed in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the flash module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the flash lens and a light emitting diode (LED) chip integrally formed with the flash lens. |
| US08687953B2 |
Photographic optical device, photographic optical system and distance variation amount detecting device
A photographic optical device may include a reflection type optical sensor comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element; a support body to which the reflection type optical sensor is fixed; a camera module comprising a lens and an imaging element; a shake correction mechanism structured to swing the camera module; a resistor configured to convert an output current of the light receiving element to an output voltage; a home position voltage creating means configured to create a home position voltage; a comparator configured to compare the home position voltage with a predetermined reference voltage; and a variable current source configured to control an electric current supplied to the light emitting element based on an output signal from the comparator. A relative position of the camera module with respect to the support body may be detected by the reflection type optical sensor. |
| US08687950B2 |
Electronic apparatus and display control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus, which play 2D video data or 3D video data, includes a 2Dto3D converter and a display controller. The 2Dto3D converter generates 3D video frames corresponding to 2D video frames in the 2D video data. The display controller controls displaying the 3D video frames on a screen if 3D play of the 2D video data has been requested, and controls displaying 3D video frames in the 3D video data if play of the 3D video data has been requested. The display controller controls displaying the 2D video frames on the screen if a change of a play speed has been requested during the 3D play of the 2D video data. |
| US08687946B2 |
Method and apparatus for enriching media with meta-information
An approach is provided for enriching media with meta-information blocks. Specifically, one or more segments of one or more media files are processed to determine meta-information (e.g., topics, annotations, meta-data, etc.) related to the one or more segments. Based on the determined meta-information, other media or related meta-information is determined, analyzed, and appended to the original media as one or more meta-blocks. One or more relationships among the original and other media is then determined. Based on the determination of the one or more relationships, topic blocks (i.e., multi-topic links) are generated and associated with the original and other media. The addition of the meta-blocks and topic blocks to the original media enables either a renderer or a service to generate one or more composite media (e.g., a video mashup) based on the navigation and analysis of media determined as a result of traversing the one or more topic blocks. |
| US08687945B2 |
Export of playback logic to multiple playback formats
Methods and apparatus provide for an abstract model interpreter that defines an abstract model to represent an interactive video. The abstract model is defined independent of any export format. An interface for the abstract model is created to concurrently manage interpreting the abstract model according to a plurality of different export formats. For example, the abstract model interpreter can map a feature of the interactive video, which is described in the abstract model, to a corresponding feature supported by an export format. The interface is thereby utilized to interpret the abstract model to create a formatted interactive video, which is a version of the abstract model compliant with an export format from the plurality of different export formats. The interface further provides an edit capability that allows a user to modify how the feature of the interactive video is to be supported by any of the different export formats. |
| US08687943B2 |
Readout apparatus, readout method, and recording method
The application manager 37 conducts “application signaling” when a first disc is replaced with a second disc. At this point, an application is continued if it is written in an application management table assigned to a Title played last on a first disc and also written in an application management table assigned to a Title to be played first on a second disc. On the other hand, an application is ended is it is written in the application management table assigned to the Title played last on the first disc but not written in the application management table assigned to the Title to be played first on the second disc. |
| US08687941B2 |
Automatic static video summarization
Techniques are disclosed for automatic static summarization of videos. For example, a method of creating a static summary of a video comprises the following steps. Shots in the video are detected, wherein the detected shots are frames of the video having a correlation. The detected shots are clustered into clusters based on similarity. The clusters of shots are ranked. At least a portion of the shots are selected based on cluster ranking for inclusion in the static summary. The static summary is generated by combining thumbnail images of the selected shots. Prior to the ranking step, the method may further comprise detecting a presence of slides in any of the shots, and the ranking of a given shot is based in part on whether the shot is a slide. By way of example, such static summaries can be shared in emails and in calendar applications. |
| US08687935B2 |
Optical fiber module and method of making optical fiber module
There is provided an optical fiber module including a reel having a flange on one side of both sides thereof, a first optical fiber being wound around the reel, a first adhesive being applied to a roll of the first optical fiber so that lines of the first optical fiber are fixed to each other and the roll of the first optical fiber is fixed to the flange of the reel, and a first sheet member being fixed to the roll of the first optical fiber with the first adhesive. |
| US08687928B2 |
Optical characteristic measuring probe
Provided is an optical characteristic measuring probe which can detect the position and the direction of the leading end of the probe without affecting a monitoring image. The bendable optical characteristic measuring probe is provided with a light guide body (71), which transmits light emitted from a light source and irradiates a subject to be measured with light, and a guide tube (70), which holds the light guide body (71) such that the light guide body freely rotates about the axis and is freely displaced in the axis direction. The light guide body (71) guides at least two types of light, i.e., measuring light for measuring the optical characteristics of the subject to be measured, and position determining light for measuring the position of the light guide body. On the side surface of the guide tube (70), a mark (M) having the characteristics of transmitting the measuring light and returning only the position determining light to the light guide body is provided. |
| US08687927B2 |
Fiber bragg grating hydrophone comprising a diaphragm amplifier
A fiber Bragg grating hydrophone includes a fluid chamber (1) and an optical fiber (2) in which a Bragg grating (3) is integrated, the optical fiber extending through the fluid chamber such that the Bragg grating is positioned inside the latter. The fluid chamber is filled with a compressible fluid and is defined by a rigid casing (4) including two end surfaces (28a, 28b) that are rigidly connected to the optical fiber. At least one of the two end surfaces of the rigid casing includes an opening (5a, 5b) closed by a deformable diaphragm (6a, 6b) that is rigidly connected to the optical fiber and that can be deformed in reaction to a difference in the pressures applied to the surfaces thereof, thereby modifying the length of the optical fiber as measured by a variation in the wavelength of a luminous flux extracted from the optical fiber. |
| US08687925B2 |
Image storage processing apparatus, image search apparatus, image storage processing method, image search method and program
An image storage processing apparatus includes an image acquisition means for acquiring taken image data imaged at an imaging apparatus unit, a bio-information acquisition means for acquiring bio-information of a user of the imaging apparatus unit at the time of imaging the taken image data acquired by the image acquisition means, a subject information acquisition means for acquiring subject information as an image analysis result of the taken image data acquired by the image acquisition means and a storage processing means for performing processing of recording the taken image data acquired by the image acquisition means, the bio-information acquired by the bio-information acquisition means and the subject information acquired by the subject information acquisition means in a recording medium in a state in which they are associated with one another. |
| US08687923B2 |
Robust patch regression based on in-place self-similarity for image upscaling
Methods and systems for image upscaling are disclosed. In one embodiment, a low frequency band image intermediate is obtained from an input image. The input image is upsampled by a scale factor to obtain an upsampled image intermediate. A result image is estimated based at least in part on the upsampled image intermediate, the low frequency band image intermediate, and the input image, wherein the input image is of a smaller scale than the result image. |
| US08687921B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
It is an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing technique that can detect the rotation of an observation image of a specimen with high accuracy. An image processing apparatus according to the present invention indirectly corrects a rotation gap between measurement image data and reference image data through wide-angle image data including a measurement part of a specimen (FIG. 1). |
| US08687919B2 |
Image processing apparatus, computer readable medium, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an image output apparatus and an image reading apparatus. The image output apparatus includes an input object information receiving unit that receives first input object information, a first information image generating unit that generates a first information image, a second information image generating unit that generates a second information image, a first combining unit that combines the first information image with a document, a second combining unit that combines the second information image with a document, and a first output unit that outputs the document. The image reading apparatus includes a first reading unit that reads an information image including first input object information, a second reading unit that reads an information image including second input object information, an extracting unit that extracts the first and second input object information, and a determining unit that determines whether these pieces of information correspond to each other. |
| US08687918B2 |
Image processing method, image processing system, and computer program
Based on a difference image of three temporally consecutive frame images, a moving object region where a moving object is displayed and a background region are extracted from a central frame image. A processing of becoming a clear image such as contrast enhancement is performed on an image of the moving object region. On the other hand, a blurring processing such as an averaging processing is performed on an image of the background region. The image of the background region is blurred in this blurring processing so that the degree of blurring increases as the ratio of the moving object region in the frame image is high. |
| US08687916B2 |
Correcting page curl in scanned books
A computer implemented method for correcting distortion in an image of a page includes identifying a set of high quality (HQ) words in undistorted regions of one or more images of pages having content related to the content of the page. At least one distorted word in the image the page is identified such that each distorted word corresponds to a high quality word of the set. A global transformation function is generated for application to the image of the page so as to transform the distorted word into its corresponding high quality word. The global transformation function is applied to pixels of the image of the page. |
| US08687915B2 |
Image processing apparatus, system, method and program storage medium for generating a determination image for determining whether or not moiré will occur in image data for plate making
A determination image generator of an image processing apparatus compares, in pixel units, sixth image data with seventh image data or second image data. The sixth image data is obtained by selecting, in pixel units, a minimum value of a value of first image data and a value of fifth image data which is edge enhanced data of the first image data. The seventh image data is obtained by performing first processing to second image data. The generator sets in the determination image a third value for pixels where a value of the sixth image data is equal to or less than a value of the seventh image data or the second image data, or is equal to or less than a sum of the value of the seventh image data or the second image data and a first value, and sets a different value for all other pixels. |
| US08687914B2 |
Method of producing an image
A method of producing an image is disclosed. At least one symbol is received. A first image with at least one light spot is, optionally, captured by an image capturing apparatus. The performing order of receiving the symbol and capturing the first image may be reversed. The first image is duplicated to provide a plurality of duplicated first images, and the duplicated first images are shifted according to the symbol to obtain a plurality of shifted first images. The brightness values of corresponding pixels of the shifted first images are computed to produce a second image with a light track that traces the symbol. |
| US08687913B2 |
Methods and apparatus for image deblurring and sharpening using local patch self-similarity
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for image deblurring and sharpening using local patch self-similarity are disclosed. In some embodiments, an input blurred image is down-sampled to generate a downsized image. The downsized image is convolved with a blur kernel to obtain a smoothed image. For each of a plurality of patches of the input blurred image, a corresponding patch in the smoothed image is found. High frequency components between each of the plurality of corresponding patches in the smoothed image and corresponding patches of the downsized image are computed. The high frequency components are applied to the plurality of patches of the input blurred images to generate a deblurred version of the input blurred image. |
| US08687911B2 |
Adaptive method for processing digital images, and an image processing device
A method for providing an output image based on an input image, the method comprising determining a location of an output pixel with respect to an input image, determining values of elements of a filter array such that the effective width of the filter array depends on the density of exposed input pixels within the input image, and determining the value of the output pixel by performing a sum-of-products operation between non-zero values of the elements of the filter array and the values of input pixels of the input image located at respective positions, when the filter array is superimposed on the input image such that the center of the filter array corresponds to the location of the output pixel. |
| US08687908B2 |
Sample based tone mapping method for high dynamic range images
The disclosure relates to adjusting intensities of images. The method includes receiving information identifying of a plurality of regions within an image; receiving an intensity adjustment of at least one of the plurality of regions; adjusting the intensities of the at least one plurality of regions based on the received intensity adjustment; interconnecting at least two of the plurality of regions by applying a two-dimensional method; generating intensity adjustments for at least one pixel outside the plurality of regions based on the received intensity adjustment of at least one of the plurality of regions and the interconnection of at least two of the plurality of regions; and applying the generated intensity adjustments to the image. |
| US08687903B1 |
Depthmap compression using a primitive
Systems and methods for compressing a depthmap are provided. In some aspects, a system includes an encoding module configured to group a plurality of pixels of a depthmap. Each grouped pixel of the depthmap includes a depth value and is associated with an optic ray aligned with a camera capturing the depthmap. Each of the plurality of depth values is within a predetermined offset from one another. The encoding module is further configured to generate a primitive based on the grouped plurality of pixels. The primitive includes an identification value. Each of the plurality of optic rays intersects a corresponding portion of the primitive. The encoding module is further configured to transform the depthmap based on the primitive. Each grouped pixel of the transformed depthmap includes the identification value. The system also includes a compression module configured to compress the transformed depthmap. |
| US08687902B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for decompression of block compressed images
A system, method, and computer program product that may use a cache in the decompression of block compressed image data. Each data entry in the cache may represent decompressed image data corresponding to a compressed block of an image. The indices of the cache are keys, where each key is the output of a hash process that is performed on the corresponding compressed block. Decompression of a compressed block may be performed by hashing the compressed block to generate the key. The key may be used to access the cache. The decompressed data indexed by the key may be read and used as the decompressed version of the compressed block. If no data corresponds to the key, or if the cached data indexed by this key is otherwise invalid, then a conventional decompression process may be applied to the compressed block to yield the decompressed data. This decompressed data may then be written to the cache, at a location corresponding to the key. |
| US08687900B2 |
Image processing apparatus of robot system and method and computer-readable medium thereof
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus, method and computer-readable medium of a robot which efficiently manage a moving image acquired by the robot and reinforce security to prevent image leakage. In order to restore an object region within an original image photographed by the robot, a low-resolution image is generated using object password information and the original image to generate image information, and the image information is transmitted to a server over a network. The server detects the object password information and the low-resolution information from the image information and restores a high-resolution object image using the object password information and the low-resolution image. |
| US08687899B2 |
Assistance device for image recognition
The present disclosure relates to an assistance device for image recognition that comprises a memory storing sets of image descriptors, respectively associated with an image area and including first vector data, second angle data, and third scale data. A first operator receives a designation of two descriptors and establishes a Boolean representing a check of a similarity criterion of the descriptor vectors from a comparison among first data. A second operator receives a designation of two descriptors and establishes a rotation angle parameter from the second data. A third operator receives a designation of two descriptors and establishes a scale factor parameter from the third data. A controller receives the designations of first and second sets of descriptors and applies the first operator to each pair including a descriptor of the first set and a descriptor of the second set in order to derive a list of similar descriptor pairs, calls the second operator and the third operator for each of said pairs and for storing the group of parameters thus obtained, as well as an estimator of the resemblance of the images of the first and second sets using a statistic processing of said parameters. |
| US08687898B2 |
System and method for object recognition based on three-dimensional adaptive feature detectors
Method and system for imaging an object in three-dimensions, binning data of the imaged object into three dimensional bins, determining a density value p of the data in each bin, and creating receptive fields of three dimensional feature maps, including processing elements O, each processing element O of a same feature map having a same adjustable parameter, weight Wc1. The density values p are processed with the processing elements O to determine an output value o for at least each three dimensional location of the imaging of the object having a density value p above a predetermined threshold value. An object is classified by processing the output values o with a committee of classifiers, and the classification of the object is communicated. |
| US08687897B2 |
Method for detecting orientation of contours
A method for detecting orientation of the contours in an image, performs an initial transformation of the image using a non-decimated multi-resolution transform, segments the image into a plurality of blocks, determines the optimal resolution for each block, and detects the predominant direction of contour for each of the blocks. |
| US08687894B2 |
Continuous edge and detail mapping using a weighted monotony measurement
In an embodiment, a device comprises a plurality of elements configured to apply a filter to multiple groups of pixels in a neighborhood of pixels surrounding a particular pixel to generate a matrix of filtered values; compute, from the matrix of filtered values, a first set of gradients along a first direction and a second set of gradients along a second and different direction; determine how many directional changes are experienced by the gradients in the first set of gradients and the gradients in the second set of gradients; compute a first weighted value for a first direction and a second weighted value for a second direction; and based, at least in part, upon the first and second weighted values, compute an overall texture characterization value for the particular pixel, wherein the overall texture characterization value indicates a type of image environment in which the particular pixel is located. |
| US08687892B2 |
Generating a binary descriptor representing an image patch
Embodiments described herein provide a system and method for generating a binary descriptor representing an image patch (200). The method includes determining a first specified number of features within an image patch (200), performing mean intensity difference tests for the first specified number of features, and generating a binary string of the first specified number of features for the image patch (200) based on the mean intensity difference tests. The method includes dividing the image patch (200) into a number of sub-patches (204), and, for each sub-patch (204), determining a second specified number of features within the sub-patch (204), performing mean intensity difference tests for the second specified number of features, and generating a binary string of the second specified number of features. The method also includes transforming the binary strings for the image patch (200) and the sub-patches (204) into a binary descriptor representing the image patch (200). |
| US08687888B2 |
Region specification method, region specification apparatus, recording medium, server, and system
Disclosed is a region specification method of specifying a subject region including a subject from a subject exiting 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. |
| US08687876B2 |
Stereoscopic image pasting system, and method and program for controlling operation of same
It is arranged so that stereoscopic images will not overlap one another. A stereoscopic image to be pasted in a free-layout electronic album is selected. The amount of parallax of the stereoscopic image to be pasted in this electronic album is set. When this is done, the selected stereoscopic image is enlarged or reduced in size so as to take on the set amount of parallax. Automatic layout for pasting enlarged or reduced stereoscopic images on each page of the electronic album in such a manner that these stereoscopic images will not overlap one another is carried out. The result of the layout is displayed. |
| US08687875B2 |
Comparator based acceleration for media quantization
A method for comparator based quantization acceleration for an encoding process. The method includes computing coefficients for a discrete cosine transform encoding operation and determining a quantization step for use with a quantization operation for each of the coefficients. The method further includes determining each of the coefficients that are less than or equal to one half the quantization step by using a comparator configured in accordance with the quantization step. For the coefficients that are less than or equal to one half the quantization step, a quantized output value is transmitted to the encoding process. For the coefficients that are greater than one half the quantization step, the quantized output value is determined by executing multiplication logic to compute the quantized output value and transmit the computed quantized output value to the encoding process. |
| US08687872B2 |
Method for remote rework imaging for part inconsistencies
A method for remote rework imaging a part for an inconsistency is provided. The part is scanned with a nondestructive inspection device. An image of a part inconsistency is communicated from the nondestructive inspection device to a programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is viewed with the programmable device. The image of the part inconsistency is edited with the programmable device using an input device in communication with the programmable device. The edited image is communicated from the programmable device to a visible light projector. The edited image is projected onto the part inconsistency using the visible light projector. |
| US08687871B2 |
Image domain based noise reduction for low dose computed tomography fluoroscopy
A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus in which x-ray projection data is acquired at a number of views for a scan of an object. Partial images are created from data for a desired number of said views. Full scan images are created from plural ones of the partial images. Non-overlapping time images are created from the full-scan images. Gradient images are also created. An improved image is created by weighting respective ones of the full scan and non-overlapping time images using the gradient image. The improved image has increased sharpness with reduced noise. |
| US08687870B2 |
System and method for correcting inhomogeneity of spatial intensity in 3D MR image data
A system and method for correcting inhomogeneity of spatial intensity in 3D MR image data includes application of a 3D filter to the 3D MR image to generate a first set of data and a second set of data. The first set of data includes a high frequency component and a weak edge component, and the second set of data includes a low frequency component and a strong edge component. The system and method also include derivation of an inhomogeneity correction from the second set of data, application the inhomogeneity correction to the second set of data, and addition of the first set of data to the inhomogeneity corrected second set of data to create a corrected 3D MR image. |
| US08687866B2 |
Methods and systems for processing images of the anterior chamber angle of an eye
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the anterior chamber of an eye is processed to determine automatically a location in the image corresponding to Schwalbe's line. First, the method finds the location of the corneal endothelium. Then the method fits a model to the detected corneal endothelium. Then the method determines the location of Schwalbe's line based on the relationship between the detected corneal endothelium and the fitted model, such as where the detected corneal endothelium diverges most from the fitted model. The Schwalbe's line is used to obtain a numerical measure of the anterior chamber angle of the eye. The method can be used in a process for screening patients for glaucoma. In the case of patients found to be suffering from glaucoma, treatment can be performed. |
| US08687860B2 |
Mammography statistical diagnostic profiler and prediction system
A method and system for analyzing and retrieving breast tissue abnormality tracking data, providing a tool for a radiologist that includes a report summarizing the statistical frequency of diagnosed patients, both locally and nationally, with mammogram region-of-interest classifications similar to the mammogram images taken of the anatomy of an individual patient. In one embodiment, a computer aided diagnostic program can be tested or verified against the mammography images and the region-of-interest classifications that have been validated by definitive patient diagnosis. Another embodiment allows the efficient collection of all of the mammogram abnormalities for a given medical facility in order to provide trending data or radiologist performance analysis. In yet another embodiment, the region-of-interest abnormalities in a single location in a patient's tissue are correlated across a variety of imaging modalities including X-rays, mammogram, CT, ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging technologies. |
| US08687853B2 |
Method, system and computer-readable recording medium for providing service using electronic map
The present disclosure relates to a method, system and computer-readable recording medium for providing an electronic map-based service. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of recognizing a shape included in image data associated with an electronic map includes: acquiring region information corresponding to first image data; determining a candidate region on the electronic map using the region information; determining at least one candidate image using the candidate region; and recognizing a shape included in the first image data using the candidate image. |
| US08687851B2 |
Generic object-based image recognition apparatus with exclusive classifier, and method for the same
The present invention provides an image recognition apparatus with enhanced performance and robustness.In an image recognition apparatus 1, an image classification information accumulating unit 20 stores therein feature information defining visual features of various objects obtained through a learning process. For classification of input images, an image feature obtaining unit 18 extracts descriptors indicating features from each input image, image vocabularies corresponding to the descriptors are voted, and a classifying unit 19 calculates existence probabilities of one or more candidate objects, based on the result of the voting. According to the existence probabilities, objects contained in the image is identified. Through the calculation, the existence probabilities are adjusted by an exclusive classifier, based on exclusive relationship information defining exclusive object sets each containing different objects (object labels) predicted not to coexist in a same image. |
| US08687846B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer readable information recording medium
An image processing apparatus includes an obtaining part configured to obtain a plurality of images including a photographing object photographed by a photographing part; a determination part configured to detects a shift in position between a first image and a second image included in the plurality of images obtained by the obtaining part, and determine whether the first image is suitable for being superposed to the second image; a selection part configured to select a certain number of images from the plurality of images based on a determination result of the determination part; and a synthesis part configured to synthesize the certain number of images selected by the selection part. |
| US08687843B2 |
Method and system for restricting access to sensitive contents of digital images
The method for restricting access to sensitive contents of digital images using the digital watermarking technique for encoding and decoding sensitive contents of images is characterized in that the sensitive contents of an image are obscured, and the information necessary for the high quality reconstruction is encoded in the insensitive area of the transmitted image by modification of the DCT spectrum coefficients. The information concerning the obscured contents is retained by means of transform coefficients and processed independently. Noise with statistics identical to that of the digital watermark is inserted into the image after decoding. The system contains encoding unit including acquisition module connected with sensitive contents encoding module through sensitive patterns automatic detection module with attached memory buffer. Also, acquisition module is connected directly with sensitive contents encoding module and with compression module. In the decoding unit, stream decoding module is connected with image sensitive contents decoding module. |
| US08687841B2 |
Apparatus and method for embedding searchable information into a file, encryption, transmission, storage and retrieval
A cell phone is disclosed for acquiring information to be transmitted to a receiving facility and for transmitting such thereto. A capture device captures information from an external source. A processor is provided for associating with the captured information a representation of the date and time of the capture of the information, such that the representation of the date and time information in association with the captured information forms augmented captured information. The processing also places the augmented captured information in association with user information in a transmission of the augmented captured information to a receiving facility requiring such user information. A transmitter transmits the transmission including the augmented captured information and the user information to the receiving facility. An encryptor encrypts the augmented captured information for transmission to the receiving facility. |
| US08687836B2 |
Loudspeaker system
A loudspeaker system with an enclosure, an electro-acoustic transducer mounted in the enclosure so as to leave space inside of the enclosure that is unoccupied by the transducer, and an air-adsorbing material in the space inside of the enclosure that is unoccupied by the transducer. The air-adsorbing material includes a silicon-based zeolite with a small amount of a second metal. The mole ratio of silicon to the second metal is at least about 200 and is less than 400. |
| US08687835B2 |
Diaphragm for an electropneumatic horn system
The invention relates to an improved diaphragm securing mechanism in a sound wave generator system for an electric horn system that includes a monolithic rigid housing member having a receiving opening for fixably housing, in an non-removable and secure manner following assembly, a compressor member, thereby preventing unintended separation and improving a reliability of the electric horn system. |
| US08687831B2 |
Optimized energy and data transfer in hearing implant systems
An external device for a hearing implant system and a hearing implant system having an external device is described. An external transmitter generates a radio-frequency inductive link signal to an implanted receiver including a sequence of data word segments which communicate data to the implanted receiver, and a sequence of data word pause segments between each data word segment which communicate energy without data to the implanted receiver. A data word pause controller controls the inductive link signal during the data word pause segments according to an energy management rule. |
| US08687830B2 |
Television apparatus and electronic device
According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes a housing, a skeletal member, a speaker, a speaker holder, and a sound guiding mechanism. The housing is provided with an emission opening. The skeletal member is housed in the housing and fixed to the housing. The speaker is arranged inside the housing. The speaker holder is attached to the skeletal member with an engagement mechanism while holding the speaker. The sound guiding mechanism includes the speaker holder, and guides sound produced from the speaker to the emission opening. |
| US08687827B2 |
Micro-electro-mechanical system microphone chip with expanded back chamber
A MEMS microphone chip with an expanded back chamber includes a first chip unit and a second chip unit. The first chip unit has a first substrate, a vibration membrane layer is formed above an end of the first substrate, and a space is formed below the vibration membrane layer of the first substrate, so that the vibration membrane layer is suspended above the first substrate to vibrate. The second chip unit has a second substrate to couple with another end of the first substrate, and a groove is formed in the second substrate with a width larger than that of the space; when the first substrate and the second substrate are coupled together, the groove and the space are connected together to act as the back chamber of the vibration membrane layer. |
| US08687819B2 |
Method for monitoring the influence of ambient noise on stochastic gradient algorithms during identification of linear time-invariant systems
A hearing aid system and a method of estimating ambient noise in a listening device includes an input transducer and an output transducer, an electrical forward path between the input transducer and the output transducer providing a forward gain, an electrical feedback path comprising an adaptive filter for estimating the acoustic feedback gain from the output transducer to the input transducer. A method determines the quality of a critical gain measurement for a listening device. The method comprises a) monitoring the energy of the first-difference of the filter coefficients of the adaptive filter over time and b) applying a predefined threshold criterion to the change in energy content from one time instance to another to determine an acceptable impact of the ambient noise. This technique may e.g. be used for the fitting of hearing instruments where background noise is variable. |
| US08687818B2 |
Method for dynamically adjusting the spectral content of an audio signal
A method for dynamically adjusting the spectral content of an audio signal, which increases the harmonic content of said audio signal, said method comprising translating an encoded digital signal into data bands, creating a psychoacoustic model to identify sections of said data bands that are deficient in harmonic quality, analyzing the fundamental frequency and amplitude of said harmonically deficient data bands, creating additional higher order harmonics for said harmonically deficient data bands, adding said higher order harmonics back to said encoded digital signal to form a newly enhanced signal, inverse filtering said newly enhanced signal, and converting said inverse filtered signal to an analog waveform for consumption by the listener. |
| US08687806B2 |
Conditional access system employing constrained encryption keys
A method and apparatus is provided for decrypting an encrypted transport stream, comprising. The method includes receiving the encrypted transport stream over a content delivery network. The encrypted transport stream is encrypted using a first control word that serves as an encryption/decryption key. A variable control word is received over the content delivery network. The variable control word is mathematically constrained to create a second control word. The encrypted transport stream is decrypted using the second control word if the second control word is the same as the first control word. |
| US08687802B2 |
Method and system for accelerating the deterministic enciphering of data in a small domain
Conventional block ciphers that traffic in 128-bit block sizes are ill-suited for operating in small domains like credit card numbers. Some embodiments relate to techniques for constructing and speeding up practical and provably secure schemes for deterministically enciphering data from a small domain like credit card numbers using a conventional block cipher or other pseudorandom function. |
| US08687794B1 |
Methods and systems for processing and managing telephonic communications
The present invention relates to online and offline communication processing and tracking using data processing and data/voice networks. A phone address is automatically assigned to a first entity. A call quality rating is determined and recorded. A call from a caller directed to the phone address is received at a call bridging system coupled to at least one network, wherein the call is associated with call signaling information. Based at least in part on the call quality associated with the caller call, the caller call is assigned to a first location in a call queue. An outbound call is generated from the call bridging system and the inbound and the outbound calls are bridged. One or more parameters of the bridged call are compared to the call quality rating. An indication is recorded regarding the successful bridging of the calls in association with a first entity identifier. |
| US08687793B2 |
System and method for automatic selection of interfaces
The automatic selection of interfaces can result in the optimization of interaction between entities. Such selection of interfaces can be applied specifically in the context of interactive voice response systems, and can allow the interface presented to a caller to be optimized based on factors including the caller's usage of the system. |
| US08687783B2 |
Systems and methods to provide information via connections for real time communications between people
Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications to access diverse categories of information. One embodiment includes; storing data representing a privilege of a user during a predetermined period of time; responsive to a first request made via a presentation of a listing of the first entity for a service of the first entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the first entity to deliver the service of the first entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the first request; and responsive to a second request made via a presentation of a listing of the second entity for a service of the second entity, establishing a connection for real time communications between the user and the second entity to deliver the service of the second entity, if the user has the privilege at a time of the second request. |
| US08687778B2 |
Interactive property communication system
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs. |
| US08687777B1 |
Systems and methods for visual presentation and selection of IVR menu
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database, the system comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing IVR menus, wherein the one or more destinations are grouped based on a plurality of categories of the IVR menus. Further the memory includes instructions executable by said processor for automatically communicating with the one of more destinations, and receiving at least one customization record from said at least one destination to store in the IVR database. Further, a corresponding method for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database is also provided. |
| US08687776B1 |
System and method to analyze human voice conversations
A system and method for analyzing conversations is disclosed. The analysis can provide data to show behavioral trending. The system and method can be used to analyze telephonic conversations. The system and method can analyze both voice and data. The system and method can also be integrated with other systems, such as CRM databases. |
| US08687775B2 |
System and method for generating and facilitating comment on audio content
A computer-implemented system and method for generating audio content using a telephony system. The method includes receiving a telephone call initiation request through a computer implemented graphical interface, initiating a telephone call to a selected telephone number, recording at least a portion of the telephone call to generate audio content, and posting the generated audio content on the computer implemented graphical interface to allow one or more users to access the generated audio content. |
| US08687773B2 |
Method and system for interfacing systems unified messaging with legacy systems located behind corporate firewalls
A system and method for interfacing unified message processing systems with legacy voice mail, e-mail and facsimile systems, located behind corporate firewalls. The system includes a unified message server, a proxy interface and a message protocol convertor. The proxy interface is configured to access the legacy system in response to a request from a unified message server. Messages stored on the legacy system are converted by a protocol convertor to a predetermined format compatible with the unified message server. The converted messages are then transferred to a unified message server which is capable of providing messages from different messaging system, such as voice mail, e-mail and facsimile to users in a predetermined format. The invention permits enterprise wide communication systems to provide unified messaging without abandoning pre-existing legacy messaging system. |
| US08687766B2 |
Enhancing accuracy of fast high-resolution X-ray diffractometry
A method for analysis includes directing a converging beam of X-rays toward a surface of a sample and sensing the X-rays that are diffracted from the sample while resolving the sensed X-rays as a function of angle so as to generate a diffraction spectrum of the sample. The diffraction spectrum is corrected to compensate for a non-uniform property of the converging beam. |
| US08687764B2 |
Robotic sensor
A contraband detection system includes one or more detection devices operatively coupled to a spreader beam of a cargo container crane system. Detection devices may include an X-ray scanner, a detection apparatus, and a sensor array. The X-ray scanner is operative for outputting high-energy X-rays capable of penetrating through the contents of the cargo container. The X-ray scanner is movable from an inactive first position that facilitates engagement of the spreader beam with the cargo container to an active second position that facilitates the scanning of the contents of the cargo container. The detection apparatus is similarly deployable from a first position to a second position and includes a plurality of limbs capable of rotation about a plurality of axes. The detection apparatus further includes a radiation source and a receptor plate. |
| US08687761B2 |
Shift register circuit using a switch device
A shift register circuit includes plural shift register stages for providing plural gate signals. Each shift register stage includes an input unit and a pull-up unit. The pull-up unit is utilized for pulling up a gate signal according to a system clock and a driving control voltage. The input unit is employed for outputting the driving control voltage according to a control signal and an input signal. The input unit includes a switch device having a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor has a first end for receiving the input signal, a gate end for receiving the control signal, and a second end. The second transistor has a first end electrically connected to the second end of the first transistor, a gate end electrically connected to the first end of the first transistor, and a second end for outputting the driving control voltage. |
| US08687756B2 |
CDR with digitally controlled lock to reference
In described embodiments, a receiver includes a clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit with a voltage control oscillator (VCO) having proportional and integral loop control, and a Lock to Reference (L2R) mode circuit using Phase and Frequency Detector (PFD) control of the VCO during the absence of input data to the CDR. A regular CDR second order loop incorporating PFD control of the VCO during the absence of input data to the CDR achieves relatively rapid lock to reference when compared to counter-based lock to reference mode of operation. |
| US08687755B1 |
Interpolator-based clock and data recovery with reduced quantization error
One embodiment relates to an interpolator-based clock and data recovery (iCDR) circuit. The iCDR circuit includes an automatic gain control circuit arranged to generate an interpolation jump size signal when a targeted sampling detection signal is asserted. The targeted sampling detection signal may be asserted when sampling by the phase detector of the iCDR circuit is within a targeted range. The interpolation jump size signal may indicate a number of phase steps to shift an interpolation state signal if a jump is indicated by a filtered feedback signal. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed. |
| US08687752B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiver adaptive phase clocked low power serial link
A serial bit stream having a given bit per second rate is received and distributed to a plurality of phase shifted samplers. A multi-phase sampling trigger is generated at a rate lower than the given bit per second rate, and each of the phase shifted samplers is controlled by one of the phases of the multi-phase sampling trigger. The time spacing between phases of the multi-phase sampling trigger is the inverse of the given bit per second rate. The phase of the multi-phase sampling trigger is aligned with the phase of the serial bit, to collectively recover by the plurality of phase shifted samplers a plurality of consecutive bits from the serial bit stream. |
| US08687750B1 |
Signal detection with adjustable number of interfering signals
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with signal detection with an adjustable number of interfering signals. According to one embodiment an apparatus includes an interferer counter, a detection method selector, and a signal detector. The interferer counter is configured to identify a number of active interfering signals in a received signal. The detection method selector is configured to select a signal detection method based, at least in part, on the number of active interfering signals identified by the interferer counter. The signal detector is configured to process the received signal according to the signal detection method selected by the detection method selector to detect an intended signal in the received signal. |
| US08687748B2 |
Radio frequency control for communication systems
An electronic device capable of performing automatic frequency control (AFC) to maintain frequency and timing without good received bursts, in which an oscillation unit and a baseband processing unit are provided. Wherein, the baseband processing unit computes a compensation adjustment according to a prediction model and stored information regarding a previous digital value adjustment when detecting that the baseband processing unit is incapable of controlling the oscillation unit according to received bursts from the remote communication unit, and adjusts the oscillation unit according to the determined compensation adjustment. |
| US08687746B2 |
SMU architecture for turbo decoder
Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are described for Turbo decoding in a wireless communication system. Turbo encoded wireless signals may be received and demodulated, and forwarded to a branch metric calculator. The branch metric calculator may calculate a set of branch metrics for the demodulated signal. A state metric unit may receive the set of branch metrics and a previously calculated set of state metrics. The state metric unit may perform various comparisons of the set of state metrics before the received set of branch metrics is added to a portion of the state metrics identified through the comparisons. |
| US08687744B2 |
Method and system for an improved cellular diversity receiver
Aspects of a method and system for an improved cellular diversity receiver are described. Aspects of the system may include circuitry that enables generation of an initially decoded output bit sequence by a first frame process for a received bit sequence for a plurality of received multipath signals. The first frame process may utilize redundancy based decoding, which imposes at least one physical constraint during the decoding, which may be performed by a decoding algorithm. |
| US08687740B2 |
Receiver and reception method for layered modulation
A receiver for receiving a layer-modulated signal includes: a base layer decoding unit configured to calculate a bit metric including code bit information of a base layer based on the reception signal and decode an information bit of the base layer; and at least one enhancement layer decoding unit configured to decode an information bit of an upper layer of a lower layer based on the decoding results of the lower layer, wherein the base layer decoding unit and the at least one enhancement layer decoding unit are sequentially connected according to the order of the corresponding layers. |
| US08687737B2 |
System and method for anticipatory receiver switching based on signal quality estimation
In various embodiments, a first and second complex multiplier may be configured to receive an input signal and provide a baseband I component signal and a baseband Q component signal, respectively. A first and second filter may be configured to filter the baseband I component signal and the baseband Q component signal, respectively. An equalizer may be configured to equalize the filtered baseband I component signal and the filtered baseband Q component signal. A carrier recovery portion may be configured to generate a reference signal based on the equalized filtered baseband I component signal and the equalized filtered baseband Q component signal. A first and second multilevel comparator may be configured to receive the equalized filtered baseband I component signal from the carrier recovery portion and provide an output I and receive the equalized filtered baseband Q component signal and provide an output Q signal for further modulation. |
| US08687735B2 |
Wireless communication system, transmitter and receiver
According to the present invention, a transmitter includes: multiple antennas 15-1, 15-2; a DFT unit 04 configured to transform a time domain signal into a frequency domain signal; a cluster mapping unit 05 configured to divide the frequency domain signal into clusters and to assign the clusters to frequencies on the basis of cluster assignment information; an IDFT unit 06 configured to transform a mapped frequency domain signal into a time domain signal; and cyclic delay setting units 11-1, 11-2 configured to set, for the respective multiple antennas, a cyclic delay amount to the IDFT-transformed time domain signal. |
| US08687732B2 |
Architecture and methods for coexistence of wireless radios having differing protocols
Embodiments of systems and methods for the coexistence of wireless radios having differing protocols are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments systems and methods for synchronizing clocks between two radios, and using a signal to notify one of the radios to refrain from transmitting for a timeperiod are described. |
| US08687730B2 |
Wireless device and communication control program
A wireless device includes a channel covariance matrix calculating unit that calculates a covariance matrix based on a channel matrix estimated based on radio signal transmitted from a transmitting station. The wireless device further includes a first metric calculating unit that calculates a first metric based on the calculated covariance matrix. The wireless device further includes a W1 determining unit that calculates a first precoding matrix common to a plurality of bands based on the calculated first metric. The wireless device further includes second metric calculating units that calculate a second metric using the calculated first precoding matrix. The wireless device further includes an optimal CQI/PMI/RI determining unit that calculates a second precoding matrix of each band based on the calculated second metric. |
| US08687728B2 |
Cubic-metric based frequency selective precoding for uplink in MIMO communication system
A method of wireless communication is disclosed which includes acquiring a first set of precoding matrices for a set of frequency bands and generating a second set of precoding matrices for the set of frequency bands based on the first set of precoding matrices. The second set of precoding matrices enables a transmission that satisfies a cubic metric criteria in multiple-in multiple-out communication mode in the uplink. In some designs, generating the second set of precoding matrices can be based on restricting the first set of precoding matrices for a set of frequency bands and transmission rank, rotating the first set of precoding matrices based for a predetermined transmission rank, or a combination thereof. |
| US08687727B2 |
Coordinated multi-point transmission using interference feedback
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for wirelessly receiving, by a user equipment (UE), interference signal from a first enhanced Node B (eNB) while the UE is communicating with a second eNB; generating interference feedback information that is associated with an interference channel between the first eNB and the UE; and transmitting the interference feedback information to the first eNB via the second eNB are disclosed. Additional variants and embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08687721B2 |
Method for selecting user
Disclosed herein is a method for selecting a user. A method for selecting a user in a communication system including a base station having M antennas and K users having one receive antenna includes: (a) calculating channel orthogonality between each of the possible users and previously selected users; and (b) selecting users having the largest channel orthogonality calculated at the step (a) among the possible users. |
| US08687720B2 |
Treatment process of a multicarrier signal with filter banks for synchronisation by preamble
The invention relates to a treatment process of a signal received from a multi-carrier transmitter (1) with filter banks by a multi-carrier receiver (2) with filter banks, to perform synchronization from a preamble. |
| US08687719B2 |
Method and apparatus for OFDM spectral diversity using guard bands
An OFDM modulation process and means for transmitting multiple carriers through a communication channel having a bandwidth arranged ion chunks with further subcarriers being allocated to form at least one guard band, comprising automatically and periodically shifting said chunks to the left or to the side in order to overlap said guard band and increase spectral diversity. |
| US08687718B2 |
Multiple-input multiple-output OFDM systems
Disclosed is a method of processing a series of data bits for transmission on a transmit link, the method comprising mapping the series of data bits to a series of data symbols; demultiplexing the series of data symbols to a plurality of substreams of symbols; modulating each substream of symbols to a corresponding series of OFDM symbols; and space precoding the plurality of series of OFDM symbols to form one or more series of space precoded OFDM symbols, wherein the demultiplexing is dependent on channel state information for the transmit link. |
| US08687716B2 |
Digital signal transmission and reception
A digital signal transmitter in which multiple data streams are each transmitted by modulation of a respective frequency band within one of a group of frequency channels, the frequency bands each occupying no more than a predetermined maximum bandwidth less than or equal to the channel width; comprises means for transmitting at respective frequency positions within each frequency channel, one or more instances of band information defining the frequency bands corresponding to all of the data streams carried within that frequency channel, the one or more instances being arranged so that any portion of the frequency channel equal in extent to the predetermined maximum bandwidth includes at least one instance of the band information. |
| US08687713B2 |
Optimum radio communication method with radio frame variable control and radio communication system using the same
A radio communication system includes a transmission apparatus configured to transmit data using a radio frame formed in one time block, to which a plurality of continuous or discontinuous frequency areas are assigned, and a reception apparatus configured to receive the data transmitted from the transmission apparatus by using the radio frame. The transmission apparatus transmits to the reception apparatus a radio frame provided in the beginning of the radio frame with a pilot which is a known signal used for measurement of reception quality and a control signal used for the control of demodulation at the reception apparatus. The reception apparatus transmits reception quality information concerning reception quality measured by the pilot, and the transmission apparatus performs a transmission process by using a radio frame format which does not include control information for the reception apparatus which has transmitted the reception quality information. |
| US08687708B2 |
Method and apparatus for rate distortion optimisation
There is provided a method of optimizing Rate Distortion Optimization candidate assessment in hardware apparatus, comprising determining which Rate Distortion Optimization candidates out of a plurality of candidates are separately processable, determining a processing delay of critical portions of candidate assessment hardware, determining a rule set governing how the separately processable candidates may be ordered for processing, determining an optimized processing order for processing the separately processable candidate assessments, dependent on the processing delay of critical portions of the candidate assessment hardware and the determined rule set, and processing the candidates according to the determined processing order. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the improved Rate Distortion Optimization method. |
| US08687707B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding using extended macro-block skip mode
A method is provided for encoding a multi-layer video signal by using an extended macro-block skip mode. The method includes generating a bit stream of a base layer; generating a bit stream of an enhanced layer by referring to a frame of the base layer; setting a syntax item for an extended macro-block skip mode in an area of the bit stream of the enhanced layer, wherein the syntax item indicates if information of the base layer is used as it is while a frame of the enhanced layer is skipped. |
| US08687705B2 |
Moving picture decoding device and moving picture decoding method
One embodiment provides a moving picture decoding device for decoding a compression-coded video stream, including: an inverse-quadrature-transformer/dequantizer configured to perform inverse-quadrature-transformation/dequantization processing on each frame to be decoded; a load detector configured to detect a magnitude of an apparatus processing load including a processing load for decoding; a judging module configured to judge whether the magnitude of the apparatus processing load detected by the load detecting module is small; and a controller configured to control the inverse-quadrature-transformer/dequantizer so as to skip at least part of the inverse-quadrature-transformation/dequantization processing if the judging module judges that the magnitude of the apparatus processing load is not small. |
| US08687704B2 |
Bitstream decoding device and method
A bitstream decoding apparatus and a method thereof, where the bitstream decoding apparatus includes: a decoder forming unit, configured to generate and output CSCI control information and connection control information by using partial decoder descriptions stored in a description storing unit; and a decoding unit, which selectively loads a plurality of functional units included in a toolbox by using the CSCI control information and the connection control information to decode a bitstream to video data. |
| US08687700B1 |
Method and/or apparatus for object detection utilizing cached and compressed classifier information
An apparatus comprising a classifier cache, a plurality of variable length decoder circuits and a core engine circuit. The classifier cache may be configured to store one or more compressed classifier streams. The plurality of variable length decoder circuits may each be configured to generate one or more uncompressed classifier streams in response to a respective one of the compressed classifier streams received from the classifier cache. The core engine circuit may be configured to detect one or more objects in a video signal by checking a portion of the video signal using the uncompressed classifier streams. |
| US08687692B2 |
Method of processing a video signal
A method of processing a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining a DC (discrete cosine) transform coefficient for a current macroblock and partition information of a DC (direct current) component block from a bitstream, obtaining transform size information of each partition of the DC component block based on the partition information of the DC component block, performing an inverse DC transform or a Hadamard transform based on the transform size information of the partition of the DC component block, performing inverse quantization on a result value from the transform and an AC (alternating current) component, and reconstructing a residual block by performing an inverse DC transform on a result value from the inverse quantization, wherein the residual block includes a block indicating a pixel value difference between an original picture and a predicted picture. |
| US08687691B1 |
Image sliced high definition scalable array encoding system and method
An array encoding system and method for use with high definition digital video data streams includes method and means for analyzing the incoming data stream, splitting the data stream in accordance with video complexity or other criteria, encoding each of the subsidiary data streams in accordance with a desired encoding standard, and combining the data streams to generate an output. The encoding system and method is particularly suited to encoding data streams to provide an output with is substantially consistent with the H.264 video communications standard. The system and method are scalable. |
| US08687689B2 |
Method and apparatus for on-line compressed sensing
A typical data acquisition system takes periodic samples of a signal, image, or other data, often at the so-called Nyquist/Shannon sampling rate of two times the data bandwidth in order to ensure that no information is lost. In applications involving wideband signals, the Nyquist/Shannon sampling rate is very high, even though the signals may have a simple underlying structure. Recent developments in mathematics and signal processing have uncovered a solution to this Nyquist/Shannon sampling rate bottlenck for signals that are sparse or compressible in some representation. We demonstrate and reduce to practice methods to extract information directly from an analog or digital signal based on altering our notion of sampling to replace uniform time samples with more general linear functionals. One embodiment of our invention is a low-rate analog-to-information converter that can replace the high-rate analog-to-digital converter in certain applications involving wideband signals. Another embodiment is an encoding scheme for wideband discrete-time signals that condenses their information content. |
| US08687679B2 |
Datalink system architecture using OTS/COTS modem for MIMO multipath sensing networks
An apparatus interfaces a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)/off-the-shelf (OTS) modem for pulsed data communication using existing sensor aperture among radar platforms. The apparatus includes a demodulator for receiving a sequence of first pulse signals, at least one first pulse signal of the sequence of first pulse signals being modulated with an input signal. The demodulator includes a pulse regeneration module for regenerating a pulse timing of the sequence of first pulse signals and a pulse demodulation module for demodulating the sequence of first pulse signals to recover the input signal in synchronization with the pulse timing of the sequence of first pulse signals. |
| US08687678B2 |
Parameterized codebook with subset restrictions for use with precoding MIMO transmissions
One aspect of the teachings herein relates to signaling codebook restrictions, to restrict the precoder recommendations being fed back from a remote transceiver, so that precoder selections made by the remote receiver are restricted to permitted subsets of overall precoders within a defined set of overall precoders, or to permitted subsets within larger sets of conversion precoders and tuning precoders, for the case where the overall precoders are represented in factorized form by conversion and tuning precoders. As a non-limiting example, these teachings advantageously provide for precoder restrictions in LTE or LTE-Advanced networks, where ongoing development targets the use of larger, richer sets of precoders, and where the disclosed mechanisms for determining, signaling, and responding to subset restrictions provide significant operational advantages. |
| US08687677B2 |
Method for digital wireless communications
In a multivalue modulation type with one pilot symbol inserted for every 3 or more symbols, signal points of each one symbol immediately before and after a pilot symbol are modulated using a modulation type different from that for pilot symbols. In this way, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the accuracy in estimating the reference phase and amount of frequency offset by pilot symbols and improve the bit error rate characteristic in the signal to noise ratio in quasi-coherent detection with symbols whose symbol synchronization is not completely established. |
| US08687672B2 |
Narrowband interference rejection for ultra-wideband systems
A technique for reducing interference between a direct-sequence ultra-wideband communications system and a narrowband communications system uses interference-rejecting spreading codes to reduce signal power in a frequency band associated with the narrowband communications system. A method of operating an ultra-wideband communications system includes applying an interference-rejecting spreading code to a signal for transmission. The interference-rejecting spreading code is configured to reduce power in a particular frequency band of a transmit or receive power spectral density associated with the ultra-wideband signal without substantially reducing power outside that particular frequency band of the transmit or receive power spectral density associated with the ultra-wideband signal. |
| US08687657B2 |
Base station apparatus and method in mobile communication system
A base station apparatus determines which mode of a subframe bundling mode (second mode) and a non-bundling mode (first mode) should be used by a user apparatus for communication, and reports a determination result. In the first mode, RTT period is a first period, and each of transmission and retransmission of the signal is performed every 1 TTI. In the second mode, RTT period is a second period that is longer than the first period, and each of transmission and retransmission of the signal is performed every plurality of TTIs. A radio resource to be used for retransmission is determined according to a first frequency hopping pattern in the first mode, and is determined according to a second frequency hopping pattern that is different from the first frequency hopping pattern in the second mode. |
| US08687656B2 |
Method and system for providing faster channel switching in a digital broadcast system
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for switching between channels of encoded media data involving receiving encoded media data including reference frames and dependent frames for a plurality of channels, wherein each dependent frame refers to at least one reference frame. Frames associated with a first channel from the plurality of channels are decoded to generate a decoded signal for the first channel. While decoding frames associated with the first channel, data corresponding to at least one reference frame associated with a second channel from the plurality of channels are stored. In response to a control signal for switching from the first to the second channel, at least one dependent frame associated with the second channel is decoded by utilizing the stored data corresponding to the at least one reference frame associated with the second channel, to generate a decoded signal for the second channel. |
| US08687653B2 |
Tunnel path MTU discovery
A solution for tunnel path MTU discovery includes, at a first network device configured as an origination endpoint for a tunnel, storing a keep-alive packet having a size of an interface maximum transmission unit (MTU), the keep-alive packet indicating the packet should not be fragmented, the second network device configured as a termination endpoint for the tunnel. If the sending fails, the size of the keep-alive packet is iteratively changed to converge upon a path MTU, where the path MTU is the size of a largest keep-alive packet that can be sent from the first network device to the second network device without fragmentation. |
| US08687651B2 |
Method and apparatus for interfacing synchronous core network with asynchronous radio network
A method and apparatus for interfacing a synchronous core network with an asynchronous radio network in a next-generation mobile telecommunications system is disclosed. The method includes: a) selecting a function necessary to map a synchronous message to an asynchronous message; b) determining whether the synchronous message is to be transmitted to the mobile station or not; c) storing information necessary to map the synchronous message to the asynchronous message if the synchronous message is to transmitted to the mobile station, d) mapping parameters in the synchronous message to those in the asynchronous message, thereby generating the asynchronous message; e) discarding the message not to be transmitted to the mobile station after storing parameters included in the message not to be transmitted onto a predetermined device; and f) transmitting the asynchronous message to the radio resource controller. |
| US08687649B2 |
Message forwarding toward a source end node in a converged network environment
A network node that forwards traffic of a converged network received from a source end node receives a second message addressed to the network node, but intended for the source end node. The second message includes at least a portion of a first message originated by the source end node and previously forwarded by the network node. The network node extracts from the first message a source identifier of the source end node in a first communication protocol and determines by reference to a data structure a destination address of the second message in a second communication protocol. The network node modifies the second message to include the destination address and forwards the second message toward the source end node in accordance with the destination address. |
| US08687645B2 |
Wireless communications device providing temperature-compensated clock correction features and related methods
A wireless communications device may include a portable housing and a temperature-compensated clock circuit carried by the portable housing. The device may further include a wireless receiver carried by the portable housing for receiving timing signals, when available, from a wireless network, and a satellite positioning clock circuit carried by the portable housing. A clock correction circuit may be carried by the portable housing for correcting the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon timing signals from the wireless network when available, and storing historical correction values for corresponding temperatures. The clock correction circuit may also correct the temperature-compensated clock circuit based upon the stored historical correction values when timing signals are unavailable from the wireless network, and correct the satellite positioning clock based upon the temperature-compensated clock circuit. |
| US08687643B2 |
Data transmission device
A data transmission device includes a unit that changes the number and combination of optical communication paths forming a virtual communication path. The data transmission device has functions of forming a virtual communication path by connecting only the number of optical communication paths satisfying a required bandwidth and of turning off operation circuits forming unconnected optical communication paths. |
| US08687639B2 |
Method and system for ordering posted packets and non-posted packets transfer
A system for ordering packets. The system includes a first memory, e.g., FIFO, storing transition information for posted packets, e.g., 1 when a posted packet transitions from a non-posted packet and 0 otherwise. A second memory stores transition information for non-posted packets, e.g., 1 when a non-posted packet transitions from a posted packet and 0 otherwise. A counter increments responsive to detecting a transition in the first memory and decrements responsive to detecting a transition in the second memory. A controller orders a posted packet for transmission prior to a non-posted packet if a value of the counter is negative and when a transitional value associated with the non-posted packet is 1, and wherein the controller orders either a posted packet or a non-posted packet otherwise. The first and the second memory may be within a same memory component. |
| US08687638B2 |
Methods and apparatus to distribute network IP traffic
Example methods disclosed herein include, in response to receiving, at a server, a first control packet from a first router, selecting a first auxiliary router to forward the first control packet, and updating a forwarding table in the first router to associate a destination address of the first control packet with a first control path from the first router to the first auxiliary router, the forwarding table initially causing the first control packet to be routed from the physical router to the server, the first control path being determined by routing the first control packet from the first router to the first auxiliary router through the server, the updating of the forwarding table to cause subsequent data packets associated with the first control packet to be forwarded from the first router to the first auxiliary router via the first control path without being routed through the server. |
| US08687637B2 |
Communication control method and relay device
A communication control method for controlling communication between a first node and a second node via a relay device, the method includes transmitting a control packet from the first node to the second node before transmitting a first packet which is a higher priority than another packet to be relayed, stopping a packet from being output from a packet storage device for the another packet by the relay device, for a period indicated by the control packet, the packet storage device being included in one of a plurality of output ports of the relay device from which the first packet is to be output, and transmitting the first packet from the first node to the second node or from the second node to the first node during the period. |
| US08687634B2 |
Method for diverting packet multiple times, apparatus and system
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for diverting a packet multiple times between a master network device and multiple slave devices. The method includes: receiving a packet sent by a first slave device, where the packet includes an MPLS header that carries multi-diversion information, the multi-diversion information includes a multi-diversion identifier field, and the multi-diversion identifier field is used to indicate a slave device to which the packet needs to be diverted; determining, according to the multi-diversion identifier field, a second slave device to which the packet needs to be diverted; and sending the packet to the second slave device. |
| US08687632B2 |
System and method for local packet transport services within distributed routers
A system and method for routing packets within a router having a plurality of loosely-coupled route processors, including a first route processor, and a line card operably coupled to the plurality of distributed-route-processors. Each route processor includes an internal forwarding information base (IFIB). Each IFIB includes information that is used to route packets addressed to elements within the router. |
| US08687630B2 |
Emergency alerting device
A communication device for transmitting and receiving messages via an emergency notification network. The communication device includes a receiver configured to receive a data packet from a data broadcasting system, a processor operably connected to the receiver and configured to process the data packet, a memory operably connected to the processor and configured to store data, a mesh network transceiver operably connected to the processor and configured to transmit the received data packet via a mesh network to at least a second communication device, and an output device operably connected to the processor and configured to present an alert corresponding to the data packet. |
| US08687629B1 |
Fabric virtualization for packet and circuit switching
A network device includes a hybrid switch fabric configured for switching packets and circuits that includes a packet switching portion that distributes packets across a plurality of packet ports of fabric chips within the hybrid switch fabric and operates in accordance with packet switching behavior requirements, and a circuit switching portion for switching circuits, wherein the circuit switching portion of the hybrid switch fabric directly connects a single input of the hybrid switch fabric to a single output of the hybrid switch fabric via a pre-determined path through the fabric chips and operates in accordance with circuit switching behavior requirements. The packet switching portion and the circuit switching portion include one or more fabric chips, wherein the fabric chips each include a plurality of ports each dynamically configurable as one of a packet port for receiving and outputting packet-switched data and a circuit port for receiving and outputting circuit-switched data. |
| US08687628B2 |
Scalable balanced switches
A balanced, bufferless switch scalable to high capacities and requiring less processing effort with less internal fabric expansion in comparison with prior-art switches. The balanced, bufferless switch employs a pre-switching or post-switching balanced-connector. |
| US08687627B2 |
Communication apparatus
One embodiment provides a communication apparatus including: a first storage which stores connection information and an address; a connection information reading portion which reads connection information from the first storage upon reception of a packet transmission start instruction; a header generating portion which generates a header of a packet from the read connection information; a second storage which stores data at the address; and a data reading portion which reads data corresponding to the read connection information from the second storage, wherein the connection information reading portion is constituted by a first hardware, wherein the header generating and data reading portions are constituted by a second hardware, and wherein, while the data reading portion is reading data of a first packet or while the header generating portion is generating a header of the first packet, the connection information reading portion reads connection information of a second packet. |
| US08687623B2 |
Method and system of centralized control and management for Fiber Channel over Ethernet networks
A first fiber channel over Ethernet (FCoE) data forwarder (FDF), comprising a memory coupled to a processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions that cause the processor to receive a base forwarding table from an FCoE controller and manager (FCM), wherein the FDF comprise a plurality of ports, and wherein the first FDF uses the base forwarding table to determine which of the ports to send a first FCoE data frame comprising fiber channel (FC) data, receive a second FCoE data frame comprising a media access control (MAC) address, a port identifier, and FC data, and update the base forwarding table using the MAC address and the port identifier. |
| US08687622B2 |
Systems and methods for discovering SCTP associations in a network
Systems and methods for discovering SCTP associations between devices communicating in a network are described. A method comprises monitoring packets communicated among a plurality of source and destination devices, determining a combination of source EP address, source port number, destination IP address, and destination port number that defines an association between a source device and a destination device, and resolving a combination of source and destination verification tags that further defines the association based upon the combination of EP addresses and port numbers. The method further comprises ascertaining whether a subsequently monitored packet belongs to the association based at least in part upon an element of the combination of verification tags after at least one element of the combination of EP addresses and port numbers has changed during the ongoing communication. |
| US08687621B2 |
Dynamically right-sizing prefixes for network and application performance
In one embodiment, performance parameters may be determined for each of a plurality of network address prefixes in a computer network. Based on the respective performance parameters, the prefixes may be resized through at least one of consolidation of adjacent prefixes and splitting of prefixes, and traffic may then be routed in the computer network based on the resized prefixes. |
| US08687612B2 |
IP communication architecture between the ground and a vehicle
An IP communication architecture between a ground computer connected to a main router and a mobile computer which is located on board a train and which is connected to a mobile router on the train. The architecture includes at least one infrastructure having base stations equipped with radio communication devices and base routers on the ground which are connected to the infrastructure. Each mobile router has a radio communication device suitable for establishing a wireless link with one of the base stations of the infrastructure, a storage device means comprising having the IP address of the base routers connected to the infrastructure, and a connection device for initiating a connection with a base router on the basis of the list of base routers, after a wireless link has been established. |
| US08687610B2 |
Infrastructure for wireless LANS
A wireless data communications system includes simplified access points which are connected to ports of an intelligent switching hub. The switching hub relays data packets to the access points in accordance with destination address data in the data communications. In a preferred arrangement the access points are provided with power over the data cable from the switching hub location. |
| US08687609B2 |
Managing router advertisement messages to support roaming of wireless mobile client devices
Techniques are provided to manage how router advertisement messages are forwarded for ultimate wireless transmission in a wireless network. In one embodiment, a multicast router advertisement message intended for a virtual local area network is converted into individual unicast router advertisement messages directed to specific wireless mobile client devices that are part of that virtual local area network. In another embodiment, router advertisement messages are routed between controllers according to the current location of a wireless mobile client device. In still other embodiments, techniques are provided to minimize the volume of the router advertisement messages sent over a wireless network, and to proactively send a unicast router advertisement message to a mobile client device that has performed a handoff, without waiting for a router solicitation message. |
| US08687605B2 |
System and method for adjusting monitoring of timeslots during data transmission
A method for coordinating communications between a user equipment and a base station is presented. The method includes receiving an assignment of timeslots within each of a plurality of contiguous radio blocks for at least one of uplink and downlink communications between the user equipment and the base station. After receiving the assignment of timeslots within each of a plurality of contiguous radio blocks, the method includes reducing a number of radio blocks and associated timeslots monitored by the user equipment. |
| US08687600B2 |
Signal quality determination methods and apparatus suitable for use in WLAN-to-WWAN transitioning
A mobile terminal operates to switch communications from a first wireless network to a second wireless network. The mobile terminal determines a transmission error value for transmissions to the first wireless network based on a count of data packet errors of the transmissions identified over a predetermined time period. The mobile terminal then calculates a transmission error percentage value based on the transmission error value and a total number of attempted data packet transmissions over the predetermined time period. When the transmission error percentage error value is greater than a predetermined error percentage value, the mobile terminal provides an indication to switch the communication operations from the first wireless network to the second wireless network. |
| US08687599B2 |
Method and device for measuring a received signal power in a mobile communication system
In a method and a mobile communications receiver for performing signal measurements, signal measurement data is received from at least one base station during at least part of a measurement period. Each measurement period comprises a number of non-equidistant snapshot measurement windows during which the receiver receives signal measurement data. At least one average signal strength value of the signal measurement data received during the measurement period is computed. |
| US08687598B1 |
Method for managing handoff in a wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method the present method may help to minimize or avoid ping-ponging between coverage areas of a wireless communication system, by having a radio access network (RAN) give special consideration to power control commands after receipt of a wireless communication device's (WCD's) handoff request. After the RAN receives the WCD's request for handoff from a first coverage area to a second coverage area, the RAN evaluates power control commands from the WCD for the first coverage area for a time period after the handoff request and, based on the evaluation, determines whether the WCD continues to experience poor RF conditions in the first coverage area 22. If so, the RAN may then allow the handoff (e.g., if other conditions such as channel resource availability are met). And otherwise, the RAN may abort the handoff. |
| US08687597B2 |
Auto-discovery and management of base station neighbors in wireless networks
Systems and methods are disclosed that include determining a local node configuration for a local network node. The local network node configuration can include a local range and a local location. In addition, these systems and methods can include receiving a remote network node configuration for a remote network node via a communications link. The remote network node configuration can include a remote range and a remote location. Also these systems and methods can further include generating a neighbor list that includes the remote network node and the local network node. The neighbor list can be determined using the local network node configuration and the remote network node configuration. |
| US08687594B2 |
Method and apparatus for power and handover management in a multiple wireless technology communication device
Method and apparatuses for power and handoff management in a multiple wireless technology communication device are disclosed. One method includes a wireless device communicating using a first technology, and detecting availability of a second technology. Logic control of the wireless device receives a power level indicator of communication signals of the first technology, and determining an acceptable power level of communication signals of the second technology based on the power level indicator. The logic control determines a requested power level of communication signals of the second technology based on a request from a base station. The logic control provides a modified link quality representation to the base station if the requested power level is greater than the acceptable power level. The wireless device transmits to the base station with the second technology at the acceptable power level. |
| US08687590B2 |
System and method for handover between relays
A method is provided for handing over a user equipment (UE). The method includes a donor access node with which the UE is in communication via a serving relay node receiving UE context information. The method further includes the donor access node using the UE context information to identify data packets that belong to the UE, wherein the data packets are forwarded from the serving relay node to a target relay node. |
| US08687587B2 |
Inter-subsystem transfers
In general, the present invention provides for a direct inter-subsystem transfer of an active communication session, such as a call, between a packet subsystem (PS) and a circuit-switched subsystem (CS) in an efficient and effective manner while maintaining service control and continuity. Further, the inter-subsystem transfer may take place between a PS of one generation and a CS of another generation. |
| US08687585B2 |
Advanced technology frame structure with backward compatibility
An advanced technology frame structure is described herein. The advanced technology frame structure can enhance a first technology frame structure in dimensions of time, frequency, or a combination of time and frequency. A second technology frame structure time division multiplexes second technology subframes with the first technology downlink and uplink subframes. The first technology downlink subframe can be divided into a first technology downlink subframe and one or more second technology downlink subframes. Similarly, the first technology uplink subframe can be divided into a first uplink subframe and one or more second technology uplink subframes. These principles can be expanded upon and can be applied in many communication systems. |
| US08687584B2 |
Control channel allocation method, and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for performing processes in which a terminal determines control channel allocation, as well as to an apparatus for the method. The method comprises the following steps: monitoring, on a first carrier, a first search space, containing a control channel candidate set, for control channels having no carrier indication information; and monitoring, on a second carrier, a second search space, containing a control channel candidate set, for control channels having carrier indication information. If the terminal is set to monitor a plurality of control channel candidates which have the same radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), the same information size, and the same first control channel element (CCE) in the first search space and in the second search space, the control channels are received only in the first search space on the first carrier. |
| US08687583B2 |
Method and apparatus for communication in a wireless LAN system
A communication method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system is provided. The communication method includes: configuring, by a first access point (AP), a first basic service set (BSS) which uses a first primary channel (P-CH) and a first secondary channel (S-CH); and configuring, by a second AP, a second BSS which uses a second P-CH, a second S-CH, a second tertiary channel (T-CH), and a second quaternary channel (Q-CH), wherein a band of the first P-CH overlaps with a band of the second P-CH, and the second P-CH is a common channel which is used in an operation of a member station of the second BSS. |
| US08687580B2 |
Method and system for minimizing latencies for content protection in audio/video networks
Reducing latencies for content protection in audio/video networks includes reserving a wireless channel for a time period to accommodate control message exchange for content protection in data communication between a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver over a wireless channel. The control message exchange includes wirelessly transmitting a control request message from the transmitter for content protection to the receiver, and transmitting a control response message from the receiver to the transmitter in reply. Reserving the wireless channel includes reserving the wireless channel for a time period that accommodates the control message exchange. The time period includes a single transmission opportunity period for communication on the wireless channel, to reduce latency for the control message exchange between the transmitter and receiver. |
| US08687577B2 |
Method for transmitting MAC PDUs
With respect to generating and sending a MAC PDU by using the radio resources allocated to the mobile terminal, the level of priority between the buffer status report (BSR) and the established logical channels are defined such that the data of each logical channel and buffer status report can be more effectively, efficiently and quickly transmitted. |
| US08687573B2 |
Allocating resources within communication system
The present invention is related to a method for allocating resources in a communications system. The method includes receiving a matrix of priorities assigned to a plurality of services at a plurality of user levels; and allocating resources to a bearer for a station of the communication system based at least in part upon the priority assigned to a service provided over the bearer at the user level associated with a subscriber. |
| US08687572B2 |
Techniques for primary channel selection for an 802.11AC wireless network operating adajacent to an 802.11N wireless network
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a transceiver capable of communicating in a first basic service set (BSS) of a wireless network that is operable adjacent to a second basic service set (BSS) of wireless network, wherein when the first BSS and the second BSS operate such that the first BSS and the second BSS contain channels that at least partially overlap, the transceiver selects a primary channel of the first BSS to be next to a primary channel of the second BSS so that the first and the second BSSs avoid collisions with each other due to the at least partial overlapping. |
| US08687563B2 |
Simultaneous sensing and data transmission
In order to satisfy the conflicting requirements for spectrum sensing and QoS of data transmission, it is highly desirable for a cognitive radio system, e.g. IEEE 802.22 WRAN, to perform spectrum sensing and data transmission simultaneously. Embodiments of the invention address critical issues of self-interference generated from a transmission unit to the co-located sensing unit when the simultaneous sensing and data transmission technique is applied. A number of interference mitigation techniques are described and analysis are given. |
| US08687560B2 |
Unsynchronized time-of-flight-based wireless positioning system using network broadcasts
In a positioning system, each network access device in a first subset of N1 network access devices transmits a wireless location beacon signal, producing N1 wireless location beacon signals that are transmitted by the first subset. Each network access device in a second subset of N2 network access devices receives the Ni wireless location beacon signals from the first subset and calculates N1 TOAs from each of the N1 received wireless location beacon signals, producing N1×N2 calculated TOAs by the second subset. Using one or more wireless transmissions, one or more network access devices transmits the location coordinates of the network access devices and transmits the N1×N2 calculated TOAs, differences calculated among the N1×N2 calculated TOAs, or a combination of one or more of the N1×N2 calculated TOAs and one or more of the differences calculated among the N1×N2 calculated TOAs. |
| US08687557B2 |
Managing user registrations of roaming IMS users
Techniques for managing a registration of a roaming user terminal (116) in its IMS home network (102) based on a roaming agreement between the visited IMS network (104) and the home IMS network (102) are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for managing user registrations in the first IMS network (102) is provided. The method may be performed in an I-CSCF (106) of the first IMS network and comprises the steps of determining a status change in an automatically established roaming agreement with the second IMS network; and sending, based on the determination result, roaming status update information (204) to an HSS (110) associated with the first IMS network for initiating a registration update of the user. |
| US08687549B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing location service messages in a satellite position location system
Method and apparatus for processing location service messages in a satellite position location system is described. In one example, a mobile receiver includes a satellite signal receiver, wireless circuitry, and at least one module. The satellite signal receiver is configured to receive satellite positioning system signals, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. The wireless circuitry is configured to communicate location service messages between the mobile receiver and a server through a cellular communication network. The location service messages may include any type of data related to A-GPS operation, such as assistance data, position data, request and response data, and the like. The at least one module is configured to provide a user-plane interface and a control-plane interface between the satellite signal receiver and the wireless transceiver. The at least one module is capable of processing location service messages communicated using either the control-plane signaling or user-plane signaling mechanisms. |
| US08687546B2 |
Efficient uplink SDMA operation
According to various embodiments, a computer-implemented method is disclosed that allows an AP to efficiently poll various information from STAs belonging to a SDMA group. Each STA may transmit uplink frames using uplink SDMA mechanism. |
| US08687545B2 |
Anchor carrier in a multiple carrier wireless communication system
Multiple downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) carriers can enhance wireless communication between nodes and user equipment (UE). Among the carriers, it is beneficial to have some special, by configuration designated carriers to provide synchronization, system information, paging, data and control for multi-carrier enabled UEs. Thereby, overhead system information can be reduced. For instance, synchronization and paging for a certain cell are not provided on all carriers. A carrier can provide backward compatibility for single carrier UEs for access, synchronization, broadcast, and new control region within the data region of the legacy terminals. Coordination between nodes for selecting anchor carriers that mitigate interference and for transmit power control for non-anchor carriers provide further network performance advantages. |
| US08687542B2 |
Method of improving throughput in a system including sticky assignments
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide conditional assignments to access terminals over resources assigned to other access terminals. Further, methods and apparatuses are disclosed for processing resources to determine whether an access terminal should utilize resources that have bee conditionally assigned. |
| US08687539B2 |
Method of relayed wireless transmission
A light-weight relay selection mechanism selects the most likely “best” relay station for data transmission from a given source station S to an access point AP using the Initial Receive Signal Strength (IRSS) to infer the future data transmission rate. In the initialization stage, the access point AP constructs a table mapping the IRSSs of receivers to eight levels of transmission rate. In the relay selection stage, relay candidates R measure the IRSSs for the source station S and access point AP and report their IRSS levels to the AP. A contention-based mechanism is dedicated to enabling the candidate with higher IRSS levels to report earlier. With this mechanism, the access point AP is able to select the station with the highest estimated data transmission rate. |
| US08687537B2 |
Communication system, reception device, and communication method
A communication system includes a reception device and at least one transmission device. The transmission device includes: a signal transmission unit which transmits at least one unicast signals and a multicast signal to the reception device. The reception device includes: a plurality of signal reception units which receive at least one the unicast signals and the multicast signal from the transmission device; a first control unit which receives the unicast signals from the transmission device using all of the plurality of signal reception units when only the unicast signals are received; and a second control unit which receives the unicast signals from the transmission device using some of the plurality of signal reception units, and simultaneously receives the multicast signal from the transmission device using another signal reception unit of the plurality of signal reception units, when the unicast signals and the multicast signal are received. |
| US08687534B2 |
Method and system for managing an inactive interval of a base station
A method and system for managing an inactive interval of a Base Station (BS) are provided, in which the BS transmits a preferred Low-Duty Mode (LDM) pattern to a coordination server that manages LDM patterns of BSs, receives an LDM pattern from the coordination server, the LDM pattern being determined for the BS by the coordination server, taking into account the preferred LDM pattern and LDM patterns of neighbor BSs, and operates in an active interval and an inactive interval according to the received LDM pattern. |
| US08687527B2 |
Low complexity link adaptatation for LTE/LTE-A uplink with a turbo receiver
An inventive method for link adaptation for an LTE/LTE-A uplink with a turbo SIC receiver includes the steps of determining a precoding matrix index PMI and rank index RI selection for an LTE/LTE-A uplink when precoding of the uplink is enabled, responsive to channel state information of a subcarrier in the uplink; determining a decoding order for codewords in the uplink i) when the precoding of the uplink is not enabled and ii) if needed when the precoding of the uplink is enabled; performing modulation and coding scheme MCS assignment for the uplink based on a hard decision successive interference cancellation SIC rule (without intra-CW cancellation) or a partial hard decision successive interference cancellation SIC rule (with intra-CW cancellation), responsive to the determined PMI and RI selection; and influencing data transmission in the uplink responsive to the MCS assignment for detection by a turbo SIC receiver. |
| US08687523B2 |
System and method for integrating ring-protocol-compatible devices into network configurations that also include non-ring-protocol compatible devices
Various systems and methods for integrating ring-protocol-compatible devices into network configurations that also include non-ring-protocol-compatible devices are disclosed. One such method, which can be performed by a network node that supports a ring protocol, involves generating a ring protocol packet and sending that ring protocol packet to a neighboring node. The ring protocol packet includes information, and the presence of this information within the packet causes a network device that receives the ring protocol packet to drop the ring protocol packet unless the network device supports a ring protocol. The information can include a reserved address (e.g., in the destination address field of the packet) as well as a ring protocol identifier. |
| US08687522B2 |
Distributed storage of routing information in a link state protocol controlled network
A distributed hash table is implemented to store routing information on a network. Node IDs exchanged in connection with implementation of a link state routing protocol are used as keys in the distributed hash table, and routes are stored at one or more nodes on the network. When a route is learned, the route is processed against the set of keys to determine which nodes should store the route. When a route is needed, the route is processed against the set of keys to determine which nodes should have the route information. The manner in which the route is processed against the set of keys is the same in both instances, so that the DHT may be used to store and retrieve route information on the network. |
| US08687519B2 |
Forced medium access control (MAC) learning in bridged ethernet networks
A system, method, and Ethernet bridge utilizing forced MAC learning to set up a path from an originating node, PON (23) to one or more terminating nodes, PTN (12) through intermediate bridge nodes (14, 21). In the point-to-point case, a Previous Hop Bridge (PHB) list defines the links in the path. Each link includes a destination address, source address, port number, and VID. A path learning frame (13, 19, 22) containing the list is sent in reverse order from the PTN through the intermediate bridge nodes to the PON. Each node in the path saves the received frame's header information as learned path information using standard MAC learning functionality, removes the node's own information from the list, and forwards the frame with the remainder of the list to the next node using the port specified by the port number for that link. When the frame arrives at the PON, all nodes have saved the learned path information. |
| US08687517B2 |
Method and system for identifying degradation of a media service
A method and device for identifying degradation in service quality for a wireless media service. The wireless media service has a known expected packet generation rate, which may be determined by the device based upon the codec and payload size selected on initiating the media service. At a receiving device, the packets actually received by the device from the other termination point are counted over a time period, and this number is compared with the number of packets that were expected based upon the known packet generation rate. From this comparison a packet loss rate may be determined. If the packet loss rate exceeds a threshold level, then the device may issue a user alert, terminate the service, or take other action. The threshold level may be established based upon a packet loss rate corresponding to a significant degree of service quality degradation. |
| US08687516B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for spectrum prediction
Method, system and apparatus for spectrum prediction are provided. The method includes: obtaining the first sampling data of target spectrum, wherein the first sampling data including existing service information, channel information and channel state information of the target spectrum; extracting channel state information of all channels of the same service in each timeslot from the first sampling data, and generating a sampling matrix; extracting a spectrum resource occupancy mode combination of the target spectrum from the sampling matrix; obtaining the second sampling data of the target spectrum, matching the spectrum resource occupancy mode combination according to the second sampling data of the target spectrum, and predicting the channel state of the target spectrum in a future timeslot according to the matching result. |
| US08687512B2 |
Signal strength aware band steering
A system or method that receives a current request from a client, and responds to the current request based on signal strength associated with a previous request. If the current request is received on a non-preferred communication band, and a previous request was received on a preferred communication band within a pre-determined time, the system determines whether the signal strength associated with the previous request is weaker than a pre-determined threshold signal strength level for the preferred communication band. If so, the system responds to the current request. Otherwise, the system ignores the current request. If no recent request on the preferred communication band is received, and the signal strength associated with the current request is weaker than a pre-determined threshold signal strength level for the non-preferred communication band, the system responds to the current request on the non-preferred communication band. Otherwise, the system ignores the current request. |
| US08687508B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically allocating HARQ processes in the uplink
In a wireless communication system including at least one wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and at least one Node-B (NB), an activation or deactivation state is determined for each of a plurality of HARQ processes. A signal that includes the activation or deactivation state for each of the HARQ processes is transmitted to the WTRU. In response to receiving the signal, the WTRU activates or deactivates a particular HARQ process in accordance with the activation or deactivation state for each of the HARQ processes contained in the received signal. |
| US08687507B2 |
Method, arrangement and system for monitoring a data path in a communication network
A probing method, arrangement, and system for estimating a condition, such as available bandwidth, of a data path in a communication network including multiple nodes are described. A probe-packet sender node transmits probe packets with a sent inter-packet separation and a time-to-live towards an intermediate node. Control message packets are generated by the intermediate node when the time-to-live expires. The probe-packet sender node receives the control message packets and calculates a received inter-packet separation. An estimate of the data path condition can be generated based on the sent inter-packet separation and the received inter-packet separation. |
| US08687503B2 |
Technique for identifying a failed network interface card within a team of network interface cards
A method for identifying a failed network interface card in a system having two NICs configured as a team includes the steps of transmitting a first data packet from the first NIC to a third NIC, wherein the third NIC is not a member of the team, and transmitting a second data packet from the first NIC to the second NIC or from the second NIC to the third NIC, depending on whether the third NIC responds to the transmission of the first data packet. One advantage of the disclosed method is that it specifically identifies which NIC within the team has failed, which is something that cannot be determined by simply exchanging packets between the two NICs. |
| US08687498B2 |
Routing device, method, and program
A routing apparatus that determines a path for a flow in a network including a plurality of data links, the routing apparatus including: a constraint condition setting unit configured to generate a constraint condition that has a requirement that an end-to-end quality requirement of the flow is satisfied based on a quality variation occurring in each of the data links owing to the allocation of the flow to each of the data links and another requirement that an end-to-end quality requirement of another flow existing in each of the data links is satisfied based on a quality variation occurring in the another flow owing to the allocation of the flow to each of the data links; and a routing unit configured to determine the path for the flow from among a plurality of paths including the data links within a range satisfying the constraint condition. |
| US08687494B2 |
System and method for Ec/Io access screening in a CDMA network
Provided are system and method for performing access screening in a CDMA network. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing a strength of a reference pilot specified in an origination message (“ORM”) received from the mobile unit to at least one of an upper pilot strength threshold (“UPST”) and a lower pilot strength threshold (“LPST”); responsive to the reference pilot strength failing to exceed the LPST, redirecting the mobile unit; responsive to the reference pilot strength exceeding the LPST but failing to exceed the UPST, determining whether an additional pilot is reported having a strength greater than that of the reference pilot; and responsive to a determination that no additional pilot is reported having a strength greater than that of the reference pilot, redirecting the mobile unit. |
| US08687492B2 |
Traffic control by IP multimedia subsystem
Apparatus configured to implement a Proxy Call Session Control Function for use within an IP Multimedia Subsystem core network. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving a session initiation request in respect of an IP Multimedia Subsystem service, and a threshold determiner for determining a threshold applicable to user traffic associated with said service. The apparatus further comprises a sender for sending a session authorization request to a policy decision function, the request including said threshold and a service data flow identifier identifying the user plane flow for said session. |
| US08687491B2 |
Systems, apparatus, and methods for managing an overflow of data packets received by a switch
Systems, apparatus, and methods for managing an overflow of data packets received by a switch are disclosed. A traffic flow of data packets may be transmitted to a switch and it may be determined whether the switch has sufficient input capacity available to enable receipt of the transmitted data packets. When the input capacity of the switch is insufficient, a traffic flow control measure may be implemented to, for example, pause, limit, filter, or otherwise modify the traffic flow of data packets so that any overflowing data packets will not be lost or otherwise compromised due to the switch's inability to accept the data packets. |
| US08687490B2 |
Electronic message delivery system including a network device
In a computer network system based on an open system interconnection model, where the computer network system includes at least a network layer (Layer 3) and an application layer (Layer 7), a system and a method for managing electronic message traffic into and out of the computer network system including defining a communication channel between Layer 3 and Layer 7 for exchanging data directly therebetween for use in enhancing flow of the electronic message traffic. |
| US08687484B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing communication in relay system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for efficiently using a resource in a relay system. In detail, the present invention relates to a method for controlling an uplink signal transmission of user equipment in a wireless communication system, and to an apparatus for same. The method comprises the following steps: checking a cell-specific first SRS transmission subframe set; checking a relay-specific second SRS transmission subframe set; and allocating a resource for the uplink signal transmission. The uplink signal is transmitted to a relay via a backhaul subframe in the event the backhaul subframe falls within the first SRS transmission subframe set but does not fall within the second SRS transmission subframe set. The uplink signal transmission is dropped from the backhaul subframe in the event the backhaul subframe falls within the second SRS transmission subframe set. |
| US08687482B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling traffic flow in backhaul link in wireless communication network
A method, system, and apparatus for controlling traffic flow in one or more backhaul links in a wireless communication network is provided. Each backhaul link of the one or more backhaul link includes a backhaul uplink and a backhaul downlink. The method includes analyzing one or more backhaul uplinks and one or more backhaul downlinks between a controller and one or more Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs). The method further includes communicating one or more messages between the controller and the one or more BTSs. The one or more messages include analysis of the one or more analysis of one of the one or more backhaul uplinks and the one or more backhaul downlinks. The method further includes controlling the traffic flow in at least one of the one or more backhaul uplinks and the one or more backhaul downlinks based on the one or more messages. |
| US08687480B2 |
Systems and methods for SC-FDMA transmission diversity
The present application provides methods, devices and transmitters that mitigate increases in peak to average power ratio (PAPR) from transmission diversity in a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) modulated uplink A PAPR preserving precode matrix hopping method that utilizes cyclic shift delays is provided, as well as a sub-band based transmit diversity scheme. The present application also provides methods, devices and transmitters that relax the scheduling restrictions associated with uplink scheduling in the LTE standard. |
| US08687473B2 |
Overwrite control for data in tape recording apparatus
A tape recording apparatus in communication with a tape medium, and includes a head and a controlling unit to control the head to read and write data to the tape medium, wherein the controlling unit performs operations, comprising: determining an overwrite starting position by skipping data units whose beginning position cannot be determined until a data unit is reached having a beginning position that can be determined; and performing an overwrite operation at the overwrite starting position at the data unit whose beginning position can be determined. |
| US08687472B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining the cleanliness of a lens in an optical disc drive
Apparatus having corresponding methods comprise: a light source configured to produce light; a lens configured to focus the light on an optical disc; a photo detector configured to obtain a measurement of the light reflected by the optical disc; and a controller configured to determine a cleanliness of the lens based on the measurement of the light reflected by the optical disc responsive to the lens focusing the light on a surface of the optical disc. |
| US08687471B2 |
Method and apparatus for offset and gain correction
Aspects of the disclosure provide a signal processing circuit that includes a signal processing circuit includes a processing path configured to process an electrical signal to produce input data samples, and a feed-forward correction module configured to delay the input data samples to produce delayed data samples, to apply the delayed data samples to a timing loop during periods when a profile variation of the data samples is not detected, and to apply the input data sample to the timing loop during periods when a profile variation of the data samples is detected. |
| US08687469B1 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic device including a light absorption layer
A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes a first bonding step of bonding an electronic component and a first member together via a first bonding layer and a second bonding step of bonding the first member and a second member together via a second bonding layer after the first bonding step. The second bonding layer includes a bonding material layer made of a bonding material. In the second bonding step, with the bonding material interposed between the first and second members before being bonded together, the bonding material is heated and melted using light traveling through the first member. The first member is made of Si. The light has a wavelength in the range of 1100 to 15000 nm. |
| US08687467B2 |
System and method for displaying time
A visual display and device and method for producing the display may indicate the time or other data in a bold, elegant, intuitive, and stylistic manner that is easily legible despite obscured vision, viewing distances, or the user's inattentiveness. A minimalistic display may include a shape such as a geometric shape that presents the time by connecting the distal ends of the hour and minute indicators with a possibly time-varying curve. This curve aids in the interpretation of the time. Another embodiment of the invention displays, using a polar coordinate system, two physical parameters on single similar display in an aesthetically-pleasing, elegant, and intuitive method. |
| US08687455B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A hot electron (BBHE) is generated close to a drain by tunneling between bands, and it data writing is performed by injecting the hot electron into a charge storage layer. When Vg is a gate voltage, Vsub is a cell well voltage, Vs is a source voltage and Vd is a drain voltage, a relation of Vg>Vsub>Vs>Vd is satisfied, Vg−Vd is a value of a potential difference required for generating a tunnel current between the bands or higher, and Vsub−Vd is substantially equivalent to a barrier potential of the tunnel insulating film or higher. |
| US08687453B2 |
Energy efficient processor having heterogeneous cache
A heterogeneous cache structure provides several memory cells into different ways each associated with different minimum voltages below which the memory cells produce substantial state errors. Reduced voltage operation of the cache may be accompanied by deactivating different ways according to the voltage reduction. The differentiation between the memory cells in the ways may be implemented by devoting different amounts of integrated circuit area to each memory cell either by changing the size of the transistors comprising the memory cell or devoting additional transistors to each memory cell in the form of shared error correcting codes or backup memory cells. |
| US08687452B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device pertaining to the present invention includes a plurality of memory macros having memory cells and memory peripheral circuits which drive the memory cells; first power supply switches which control power supply to the memory cells; and a second power supply switch which controls power supply to the memory peripheral circuits. The first power supply switches are located within the memory macros, respectively, and provided between a power supply line feeding power to the memory cells and the memory cells. The second power supply switch is located outside the memory macros and provided between the power supply line and a common power supply wiring for the memory peripheral circuits in the plurality of memory macros. |
| US08687448B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and sense amplifier
A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell; a first bit line and a second bit line connected to the memory cell; and a sense amplifier operative to amplify the voltage between the first and second bit lines. The sense amplifier includes a first and a second drive transistor configuring a transistor pair for differential amplification, and a first and a second capacitor connected between the sources of the first and second drive transistors and a source control terminal, respectively. The sense amplifier precharges the first and second drive transistors on the drain side prior to sensing, thereby holding the threshold information on the first and second drive transistors in the first and second capacitors, and compensates for the source voltages on the first and second drive transistors by the threshold information held in the first and second capacitors at the time of sensing. |
| US08687444B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A plurality of memory cells are tested in order. Each time a defective memory cell is detected by the test, error pattern information is updated based on a relative arrangement relationship between a plurality of defective memory cells, and error address information is updated based on the addresses of at least part of the plurality of defective memory cells. According to the present invention, it is possible to significantly reduce the storage capacity of the analysis memory. This allows the implementation of the analysis memory itself in the semiconductor device, in which case external testers need not include the analysis memory. |
| US08687443B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
Various embodiments of a semiconductor apparatus are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor apparatus may include a memory block chip and a signal input/output chip. The memory block chip is configured to control a data access size according to specifications. The signal input/output chip is configured to transmit input data from an external device to the memory block chip or transmit output data from the memory block chip to an external device and process the input data or the output data by selectively enabling a clock phase control unit and a signal processing unit according to the specifications. |
| US08687442B1 |
Delay matching across semiconductor devices using input/output pads
A data signal is sampled by generating a read enable signal at a first semiconductor device which is intended for a second semiconductor device. A read enable signal with at least some I/O pad delay included is obtained, including by passing the read enable signal intended for the second semiconductor device at least partially through an input/output (I/O) pad on the first semiconductor device. At the first semiconductor device, a data signal from the second semiconductor is sampled using the read enable signal with at least some I/O pad delay included. |
| US08687434B2 |
Circuits, devices, systems, and methods of operation for capturing data signals
Embodiments of the invention describe driving data onto a bus. The embodiments include a data driver circuit having a data capture circuit coupled to the bus. The data capture circuit receives data relative to a write strobe signal and captures a first digit of the data responsive to a first edge of the write strobe signal and at least a second digit responsive to a second edge of the write strobe signal. The data driver circuit includes a feedback capture circuit that captures each digit in substantially the same manner as the data capture circuit, and generates a latch control signal indicative of when each digit is latched. The latch control signal is provided to a write control circuit that determines which digit was latched first relative to a timing, and generates a select control signal to drive captured digits onto the bus in the order the digits were received. |
| US08687431B2 |
Programming methods and memories
Methods of programming a memory and memories are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a memory is programmed by determining a pretarget threshold voltage for a selected cell, wherein the pretarget threshold voltage is determined using pretarget threshold voltage values for at least one neighbor cell of the selected cell. |
| US08687429B2 |
Semiconductor device and methods of operating the same
A method of operating a semiconductor device includes programming selected memory cells by supplying a selected word line with a program voltage which increases and supplying the remaining unselected word lines with a first pass voltage which is substantially constant; and programming the selected memory cells while supplying first unselected word lines adjacent to the selected word line with a second pass voltage increasing in proportion to the program voltage, when a difference between the program voltage and the first pass voltage reaches a critical voltage difference. |
| US08687427B2 |
Programming rate identification and control in a solid state memory
Memory devices adapted to receive and transmit analog data signals representative of bit patterns of two or more bits facilitate increases in data transfer rates relative to devices communicating data signals indicative of individual bits. Programming of such memory devices includes determining a rate of programming (i.e., rate of movement of the respective threshold voltage) of the memory cells and biasing the corresponding bit line with a programming rate control voltage that is greater than the bit line enable voltage and less than the inhibit voltage. This voltage can be adjusted to change the speed of programming. A capacitor coupled to the bit line stores the programming rate control voltage in order to maintain the proper bit line bias for the duration of the programming operation or until it is desired to change the programming rate. |
| US08687425B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device, method for operating the same, and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of channel structures formed over a substrate and including a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers alternately stacked with a plurality of channel layers; first and second vertical gates alternately disposed between the channel structures along one direction crossing with the channel structure and adjoining the plurality of channel layers with a memory layer interposed therebetween; and a pair of first and second word lines disposed over or under the channel structures and extending along the one direction in such a way as to overlap with the first and second vertical gates. The first word line is connected with the first vertical gates and the second word line is connected with the second vertical gates. |
| US08687418B1 |
Flash memory with nano-pillar charge trap
An embodiment of the present invention includes a non-volatile storage unit comprising a first and second N-diffusion well separated by a distance of P-substrate. A first isolation layer is formed upon the first and second N-diffusion wells and the P-substrate. A nano-pillar charge trap layer is formed upon the first isolation layer and includes conductive nano-pillars interspersed between non-conducting regions. The storage unit further includes a second isolation layer formed upon the nano-pillar charge trap layer; and at least one word line formed upon the second isolation layer and above a region of nano-pillar charge trap layer. The nano-pillar charge trap layer is operative to trap charge upon application of a threshold voltage. Subsequently, the charge trap layer may be read to determine any charge stored in the non-volatile storage unit, where presence or absence of stored charge in the charge trap layer corresponds to a bit value. |
| US08687411B2 |
Memory device, semiconductor device, and detecting method for defective memory cell in memory device
To provide a memory device which can perform verification operation for detecting a memory cell whose data holding time is shorter than a predetermined length, accurately in a short time. Each memory cell includes at least a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a transistor which functions as a switching element for controlling supply, storage, and release of charge in the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The capacitance of the first capacitor is thousand or more times the capacitance of the second capacitor, preferably ten thousand or more times the capacitance of the second capacitor. In normal operation, charge is stored using the first capacitor and the second capacitor. In performing verification operation for detecting a memory cell whose data holding time is shorter than a predetermined length, charge is stored using the second capacitor. |
| US08687410B2 |
Nonvolatile memory cell comprising a diode and a resistance-switching material
A method is provided for programming a memory cell in a memory array. The memory cell includes a resistivity-switching layer of a metal oxide or nitride compound, and the metal oxide or nitride compound includes exactly one metal. The method includes programming the memory cell by changing the resistivity-switching layer from a first resistivity state to a second programmed resistivity state, wherein the second programmed resistivity state stores a data state of the memory cell. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08687409B2 |
Variable resistance nonvolatile memory device
A variable resistance nonvolatile memory device including memory cells provided at cross-points of first signal lines and second signal lines, each memory cell including a variable resistance element and a current steering element connected to the variable resistance element in series, the variable resistance nonvolatile memory device including a write circuit, a row selection circuit, and a column selection circuit, wherein the write circuit: sequentially selects blocks in an order starting from a block farthest from at least one of the row selection circuit and the column selection circuit and finishing with a block closest to the at least one of the row selection circuit and the column selection circuit; and performs, for each of the selected blocks, initial breakdown on each memory cell included in the selected block. |
| US08687408B2 |
Highly integrated programmable non-volatile memory and manufacturing method thereof
A highly integrated programmable non-volatile memory and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. More particularly, a memory device including an antifuse and a diode, or a variable resistor and a diode, an operation method thereof, and a manufacturing method of a plurality of memory cells capable of increasing the integration density by utilizing a vertical space are provided. The highly integrated programmable non-volatile memory includes first stepped cells and second stepped cells formed to have different heights. The first stepped cells are formed on a horizontal plane with a high height, and the second stepped cells are formed on a horizontal plane with a low height. |
| US08687406B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises: a memory cell array configured having a plurality of memory cell mats, the memory cell mats including a plurality of first lines, second lines, and memory cells, and the memory cell mats being stacked such that the first and second lines are shared alternately by each of the memory cell mats; and a peripheral circuit. Each of the memory cells has a variable resistance characteristic and a current rectifying characteristic. An orientation from an anode toward a cathode of all the memory cells is identical. The peripheral circuit applies to one of the first line and the second line connected to an anode side of the selected memory cell a selected bit line voltage, and applies to the other a selected word line voltage. |
| US08687401B2 |
Ferro-resistive random access memory (Ferro-RRAM), operation method and manufacturing method thereof
The invention provides a Ferro-RRAM, a method of operating the Ferro-RRAM, and a method of fabricating the Ferro-RRAM, and pertains to the technical field of memory. The Ferro-RRAM comprises an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a ferroelectric semiconducting thin-film layer provided between the upper electrode and the lower electrode and serving as a storage function layer; wherein the ferroelectric semiconducting thin-film layer is operable to generate a diode conduction characteristic by ferroelectric domain reorientation, and is operable to modulate the diode conduction characteristic by variation of the ferroelectric domain orientation; the Ferro-RRAM stores information according to variation of modulation of the diode conduction characteristic. The Ferro-RRAM has such characteristics of being simple in structure and fabrication, non-destructive readout and nonvolatile storage. |
| US08687399B2 |
Semiconductor device and structure
An Integrated device comprising a first monocrystalline layer comprising logic circuit regions and a second monocrystalline layer comprising memory regions constructed above first monocrystalline layer, wherein the memory regions comprise second transistors, wherein said second transistors comprise drain and source that are horizontally oriented with respect to the second monocrystalline layer, and a multiplicity of vias through the second monocrystalline layer providing connections between the memory regions and the logic circuit regions, wherein at least one of the multiplicity of vias have a radius of less than 100 nm. |
| US08687398B2 |
Sense scheme for phase change material content addressable memory
A sensing circuit and method for sensing match lines in content addressable memory. The sensing circuit includes an inverter electrically coupled in a feedback loop to a match line. The inverter includes an inverting threshold of the match line. The match line is charged to substantially a first voltage threshold during a pre-charge phase. An evaluation phase occurs when the match line voltage drops from substantially the first voltage threshold to substantially the second voltage threshold. |
| US08687396B2 |
Static conversion method and system for the regulation of power in an alternating current electrical network
The method can be used for the regulation of power in an alternating current electrical network (ACNW; ACNW1, ACNW2), using a conversion system (PCS) having at least two terminals (1,2; 1,2,3; 1,2,3,N) for connection to the network, wherein each of said terminals has a corresponding electrical potential. Each of the potentials of these terminals has an upper and a lower envelope, the difference between which, or envelope voltage (VEP,EN), is a variable positive continuous quantity having a maximum value (VEA) called the envelope amplitude.The method comprises the operations of: defining at least an upper range (ER) of voltage values, comprising said maximum value or envelope amplitude (VEA) and having a width (VE; VEE) which is substantially smaller than the envelope amplitude (VEA); using a structure (PCS) including at least a first static converter (ES) capable of regulating the electrical power by the regulation of the envelope voltage (VE; VEE) in the aforesaid upper range (ER); this upper range (ER) having a width determined in such a way that the at least one static converter (ES) regulates more than one half of the mean active electrical power exchanged with the network (ACNW; ACNW1, ACNW2). |
| US08687395B2 |
Rectifier and high efficiency charge pump for RFID
It is described a high efficiency rectification stage using dynamic threshold MOSFET. The idea is to use the input signal to reduce the threshold voltage when the transistor has to be on, and to increase the threshold when the transistor has to be off. This allows reducing both the resistive losses and the leakage current. A matching network allows the generation of a second higher voltage signal to drive the control gates and the bulk, i.e. the wells, of the transistors. Further, a self-tuned front-end is provided to extend the bandwidth of the high-Q charge pump. |
| US08687393B2 |
Power converter module
A power converter module is disclosed, which is an all-digital module. The power converter module includes a reference voltage generation unit, a voltage loop control unit, a current loop control unit, an input voltage compensation unit, and a pulse width modulation generation unit, to transfer input power to stable output power for providing power to an external loading device through driving bridge switch unit with external driver. The voltage loop control unit and the current loop control unit contain a proportion-integral-differentiation controller for receiving signal related to voltage and current of loading device to form voltage control loop and current control loop. The pulse width modulation generation unit contains function of deciding necessary stop time to improve quality of output power and decrease the effect of input power and loading variation, and to provide stable sine-waveform output power to the external loading device. |
| US08687392B2 |
Power converter with automatic mode switching
A power converter is provided that has an alternating-current (AC) to direct-current (DC) switched-mode power converter circuit that converts alternating-current power into direct-current power for powering an attached electronic device. Power can be conserved by automatically placing the power converter circuit in a low-power standby mode of operation whenever the electronic device is detached from the power converter. A monitoring circuit can be powered by a capacitor or other energy storage element while the power converter is operating in the standby mode. If the monitoring circuit detects an output voltage change that is indicative of attachment of the electronic device or if the storage element needs to be replenished, the monitoring circuit can place the power converter circuit in an active mode of operation. |
| US08687389B2 |
Apparatus having a converter
A device has a converter which is connected to a direct voltage circuit through a short-circuit protection unit. The short-circuit protection unit is arranged at least partially in the direct voltage circuit and is provided in the direct voltage circuit to suppress short-circuit current flowing through the converter. The device contains one or more controllable power semiconductors, wherein a protection element is arranged in parallel to at least one of the controllable power semiconductors. The device prevents the negative effects of a short circuit occurring in the direct voltage network in a particularly reliable manner. For this purpose, the protection element is an energy store. |
| US08687387B2 |
Quasi-resonant controlled switching regulator and the method thereof
A frequency limitation method used in a quasi-resonant controlled switching regulator is disclosed. The switching frequency is limited by setting a minimum time period, such as a minimum switching period or a minimum OFF time period. The minimum time period is varying according to the difference between the minimum time period of the previous cycle and an offset value, so as to eliminate the audible noise caused by the frequency hopping when the minimum OFF time period is close to the valley of a quasi-resonant signal. |
| US08687385B2 |
Low power converter
An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with an enabling circuit designed for sensing and output parameter indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The enabling circuit is configured to operate using low power. |
| US08687383B2 |
Inverter and active power filter system utlizing an auxiliary capacitor module
An inverter and an active power filter system have been disclosed in the invention, so that the application range of the inverter under the occasions of different capacitor requirement can be widened, the cost can be decreased, and the efficiency can be improved. The technical scheme is: an auxiliary capacitor module can be added on the traditional inverter structure and connected in parallel selectively with the capacitor in the inverter. In a system without connecting an external auxiliary capacitor module, the value of capacitance can be designed to be smaller to satisfy the application under normal occasions. If the device operates under the occasions having large harmonic current or having large neutral line current, the ripple current on the capacitor will be larger so that large capacitance will be required to satisfy the life requirement, therefore, the problem can be solved by a method of installing an auxiliary capacitor module. |
| US08687382B2 |
High efficiency and fast response AC-DC voltage converters
The present invention discloses circuits and methods for high efficiency and fast response AC-DC voltage converters. In one embodiment, an AC-DC voltage converter can include: (i) a first stage voltage converter having an isolated topology with a power factor correction function, where the first stage voltage converter is configured to convert an AC input voltage to a series-connected N branches of first stage voltages, where N is a positive integer of at least two; (ii) a second stage voltage converter having a non-isolated topology, where the second stage voltage converter is configured to convert one of the N branches of the first stage voltages to a second stage voltage; and (iii) where the second stage voltage and a remaining of the N branches of the first stage voltages are configured to be series-connected and converted to a DC output voltage. |
| US08687381B2 |
Wiring structure for electronic apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A wiring structure for an electronic apparatus has a structure in which a first wiring path where a first harness that is used for transmitting a primary power is wired and a second wiring path where a second harness that is used for transmitting a secondary power is wired are formed, and a structure related to the first wiring path is formed so that, in a case where the first harness is wired, the first harness is integrated with the structure related to the first wiring path. |
| US08687379B2 |
Signal conversion device with dual chip
The present invention provides a dual chip signal conversion device, comprising: a carrier, one side surface thereof being provided with at least a first contact and a second contact while the other side surface thereof being provided with at least a third contact and a fourth contact; a first chip disposed at one side surface of the carrier and electrically connected to the second and fourth contacts; a second chip disposed at one side surface of the carrier and electrically connected to the first chip; and an antenna disposed within the carrier and electrically connected to the second chip. |
| US08687378B2 |
High-frequency module
A high-frequency module includes first and second switch IC elements and a substrate. The first and second switch IC elements are the same or substantially the same IC chips, and are mounted in the same or substantially the same orientation. The first switch IC element is mounted on the substrate. The second switch IC element is mounted above the first switch IC element. Due to wire bonding, the individual pad electrodes of the first and second switch IC elements are connected to the land electrodes of the substrate, which are to be connected to the individual pad electrodes. Between a pad electrode and a land electrode connected to each other, another land electrode is not provided. |
| US08687377B2 |
Storage device, electronic device, and circuit board assembly
According to one embodiment, a storage device includes a housing, a circuit board, and a module. The circuit board is located in the housing, and includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface. The module is provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board. The circuit board is provided with a first notch and a connection portion to be connected to the housing at the periphery. The first notch is provided with a second notch extending toward an area between the connection portion and a module fixation area where the module is fixed on the circuit board. |
| US08687375B2 |
Automated distress locator transmission system
The present invention relates to an automated distress locator transmitter assembly adapted to be installed on transportation means such as aircrafts and the like comprising: a base member having a primary enclosure downwardly formed from the surface thereof and defining a first peripheral flange thereon; a secondary enclosure having a second peripheral flange formed at the upper portion thereof, said secondary enclosure being enclosed within said primary enclosure and being provided with an ejector means; a locator transmitter member being provided within said secondary enclosure and secured on said ejector means; an associated cover being provided on said secondary enclosure, said associated cover being secured on said second peripheral flange; and means to secure and automatically detached said associated cover from said second peripheral flange to release and eject said locator transmitter member to a substantial distance away from said second enclosure at a predetermined switching command. |
| US08687369B2 |
Apparatus for creating resistive pathways
An apparatus configured to create a resistive pathway for an electronic assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pathway can be formed with a resistive film in conjunction with a conductive adhesive and a coverlay. In another embodiment, the resistive film, the conductive adhesive and the coverlay can be relatively transparent. In yet another embodiment, the resistive pathway can couple directly with traces on an electronic assembly saving space and easing assembly. |