| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08713711B2 |
Cantilevered probe detector with piezoelectric element
A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system. |
| US08713710B2 |
Cantilever of scanning probe microscope and method for manufacturing the same, method for inspecting thermal assist type magnetic head device and its apparatus
To detect both of near-field light and magnetic field generated by a thermal assist type magnetic head and to perform inspection of the head, a cantilever of a scanning probe microscope has a lever in which a probe is formed, a thin magnetic film formed on a surface of the probe, and fine particles or thin film of noble metal or an alloy including noble metal formed on a surface of the magnetic film. An inspection apparatus has the cantilever, a displacement detection unit to detect vibration of the cantilever, a near-field light detection unit to detect scattered light caused by near-field light generated from a near-field light emitter and enhanced on the surface of the probe of the cantilever, and a processing unit to process signals obtained by detection with the displacement detection unit and the near-field light detection unit. |
| US08713707B2 |
Methods and arrangements for realising betting with off-line terminal
Methods and arrangements are provided for handling, within a communications system comprising a distributed domain (301) and a central domain (303), electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of a certain incident. Within the distributed domain (301) there is generated (304), before the outcome of the incident is known, a multitude of electronic records that contain predictions of the outcome of the incident. The electronic records are conveyed (305) from the distributed domain (301) to the central domain (303). After the outcome of the incident is known, the central domain (303) finds out (306) which of the electronic records, if any, contain correct predictions of the outcome of the incident. Each of the electronic records is furnished (304, 401, 502, 902, 1202, 1911), within the distributed domain (301), with a cryptographically protected proof of a certain moment of time associated with the generation of the electronic record. The central domain (303) accepts (306, 1430, 2011) only those of the electronic records conveyed thereto as valid for which the cryptographically protected proof of a certain moment of time associated with the generation of the electronic record shows that said certain moment of time was not later in time than a certain time limit. |
| US08713705B2 |
Application authentication system and method
A system and method are provided for validating executable program code operating on at least one computing device. Program instructions that include a request for access to sensitive information are executed on a first computing device. An authentication request for access to the electronic information is sent from the first computing device to a second computing device. In response to the authorization request, a challenge is sent from the second computing device to the first computing device. The first computing device executes the challenge and generates an authentication response that includes at least one memory object associated with the program instructions. The response is sent to the second computing device from the first computing device, and the second computing device generates and sends a verification to the first computing device confirming that at least some of the first program instructions have not been altered or tampered with, and further grants the first computing device access to at least some of the electronic information. |
| US08713700B2 |
Access control method, information display device using the same, and information display system
When a user carries a mobile terminal with confidential information, such as customer information, stored therein, it is required to maintain information confidentiality and to prevent an unauthorized third party from accessing the confidential information even if the mobile terminal is stolen. According to the disclosed access control method, an encryption key is generated based on a planned route and the information is encrypted. When the user accesses the information, a decryption key is generated based on the actual movement route that is regularly acquired. The encrypted information can be decrypted if the planned route and the movement route match. |
| US08713695B2 |
Processing data using information embedded in a data request
A data transfer method performed at a proxy server includes intercepting a data request from a client computer that is directed to a target server, encrypting profile information, augmenting the data request by adding the encrypted profile information to the data request, and sending the augmented data request to the target server. A data transfer method that is performed at an information server includes receiving a data request from a proxy server, extracting profile information added to the data request by the proxy server, using the extracted profile information to generate a response, and sending the response to the proxy server. |
| US08713694B2 |
Secure data exchange for processing requests
A data transfer method performed at a proxy server includes intercepting a data request from a client computer that is directed to a target server, encrypting profile information, augmenting the data request by adding the encrypted profile information to the data request, and sending the augmented data request to the target server. A data transfer method that is performed at an information server includes receiving a data request from a proxy server, extracting profile information added to the data request by the proxy server, using the extracted profile information to generate a response, and sending the response to the proxy server. |
| US08713692B2 |
Crowd validated internet document witnessing system
A system and method that accepts material from the Internet, computes and maintains a computationally unique representation of the received material in a database, computes a computationally unique representation of the updated database state as a whole, publishes material and database representations in various forms for the global Internet audience to witness, and returns a time stamped attestation to the submitter of material as proof of the material being witnessed on the Internet along with unique database state and revenue generating advertisements. Published representations may include pictures, common words, or hexadecimal character string to facilitate Internet searching mechanisms. |
| US08713691B2 |
Attribute information providing system
A system which implements a method for providing attribute data. A request is received from a user device via a network for a virtual ID token relating to attribute information pertaining to a subscriber associated with the user device. A data record including L attributes of the subscriber is read from a database, L being at least 2. The data record is provided to the user device via the network. A selection of M attributes of the L attributes is received from the user device via the network, M being less than L. A virtual record including the M attributes selected from the data record is generated, the virtual record including a virtual ID (VID) for identifying the virtual record. The generated virtual record is stored in the database. The virtual ID token is provided to the user device via the network, wherein the virtual ID token includes the VID. |
| US08713687B2 |
Methods and systems for enabling community-tested security features for legacy applications
A computer-implemented method for enabling community-tested security features for legacy applications may include: 1) identifying a plurality of client systems, 2) identifying a legacy application on a client system within the plurality of client systems, 3) identifying a security-feature-enablement rule for the legacy application, 4) enabling at least one security feature for the legacy application by executing the security-feature-enablement rule, 5) determining the impact of the security-feature-enablement rule on the health of the legacy application, and then 6) relaying the impact of the security-feature-enablement rule on the health of the legacy application to a server. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08713685B2 |
PC secure video path
A system and method are disclosed for creating a secure video content path, or a protected media content bus, within an unsecure personal computer. A portable security module, or electronic key safe, may be inserted into a personal computer that has different internal components for processing secure and unsecured content. The security module may establish a secure encrypted link with a secure video processor of the personal computer, and may use the personal computer's network interface to request authority to receive secured content. The security module may provide content keys to the secure video processor to access secured content received over an external network. |
| US08713678B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for identifying unwanted data communicated via a session initiation protocol
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying unwanted data communicated via a session initiation protocol. In use, packets associated with an electronic message communicated over a network utilizing a session initiation protocol are identified. Additionally, it is determined whether the packets include unwanted data. Furthermore, a reaction is performed, based on the determination. |
| US08713677B2 |
Anti-phishing system and method
Systems and methods for anti-phishing are disclosed. At a computing device: identifying, from a user input data stream, a first set of one or more characters, and a second set of one or more characters. The first set of characters represents a portion of first private information, and the second set of characters represents a portion of second private information. In accordance with a determination that the first set of characters and second set of characters are identified in accordance with a predefined sequential relationship, taking a protective action, prior to transmitting at least a subset of the characters of the first or second private information to a server remotely located from the computing device, to protect the first or second private information. In some implementations, the first private information includes a username, and the second private information includes a password corresponding to the username. |
| US08713675B2 |
Method and apparatus for the prevention of a service degradation attack
In a wireless communication system where the data transmission is optimized with respect to the channel state information fed back by the users, a service degradation attack can be made by feeding back faked channel state information. A method for preventing a service degradation attack on a first wireless communication device by a second wireless communication device in a wireless communication system, said method comprising: verifying by a base station whether the channel state information sent to the base station by the second wireless communication device corresponds to its real channel. |
| US08713674B1 |
Systems and methods for excluding undesirable network transactions
Cloud based security is the common core of any cloud based service offering and includes in-line inspection of transaction for its customers, meaning that transactions are analyzed in real-time and a decision is made on the spot whether to allow or block the transaction based on a variety of criteria. In depth content analysis for illicit activities does not scale well to in-line transaction review. The present application discloses systems, methods and computer programs to conduct content analysis based upon a fixed time periods worth of in-line transactions, where the results of the content analysis can identify malicious sites and incorporate the identified sites into subsequent in-transaction review. |
| US08713673B2 |
Qualification screening system and screening method thereof, qualification screening device and device under qualification screening
The present invention provides a qualification screening system which is capable of performing qualification screening on a device under qualification screening using a status of information to be updated that is retained by the device under qualification screening without having to know concrete procedures or methods for updating such information. A qualification screening device estimates the status of information to be updated that is retained by the device under qualification screening from a time at which an information update program that updates the information to be updated, which is independent of update procedures or methods, was activated and update processing was last updated, and compares the information with a time of a scheduled issuance of information to be updated, retained in qualification screening condition information of the qualification screening device itself, to perform qualification screening. A common time at which information exchange was performed between the qualification screening device and the device under qualification screening is used as reference in order to perform an effective comparison using time information among devices that are not synchronized. |
| US08713670B2 |
Ascertaining presentation format based on device primary control determination
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining which of a plurality of users detected in proximate vicinity of a computing device has primary control of the computing device, the computing device designed for presenting one or more items; ascertaining one or more particular formats for formatting the one or more items based, at least in part, on said determining; and presenting, via the computing device, the one or more items in the one or more particular formats. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08713666B2 |
Methods and devices for enforcing network access control utilizing secure packet tagging
Disclosed are methods, devices, and media for enforcing network access control, the method including the steps of: extracting a packet signature from a packet (or packet fragment) received from a network; storing the packet signature and the packet in a buffer; computing a buffer signature using a per-endpoint secret key; determining whether the packet signature and the buffer signature are identical; and upon determining the packet signature and the buffer signature are identical, transmitting the packet to a protocol stack. Preferably, the step of extracting includes extracting the packet signature from a field (e.g. identification field) of a header of the packet. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: upon determining the packet signature and the buffer signature are not identical, discarding the packet. Methods for receiving a packet from a protocol stack, and transmitting the packet to a network are disclosed as well. |
| US08713656B2 |
Authentication method
A system and method whereby the identity of a person, entity, device or the like attempting to gain access to a secured resource may be securely authenticated includes a means for receiving from a requester purporting to be an authorized user of a secured resource a request for access by an unauthorized user (such as, for example, a retail store, a service station, an on-line service provider or merchandiser, a healthcare provider, a medical insurer, an information consumer or the like) to the secured resource; a means for generating and communicating to the purported authorized user a challenge string adapted to provide a basis for authenticating the identity of the requester; a means for receiving a response string corresponding to the challenge string; and a means for evaluating the response string to authenticate the identity of the requester. |
| US08713653B2 |
Data processing apparatus, activation control method, and computer-readable storage medium
According to one embodiment, a storage stores secret data, first identification data, and a first random key. A generation module generates first authentication data from the secret data, first identification data, and second identification data of a removable medium. A first verification module determines whether the first authentication data and second authentication in the removable medium are identical. A second verification module determines whether the first random key and a second random key in the removable medium are identical, if the first and second authentication data are identical. An activation module activates the data processing apparatus if the first and second random keys are identical. |
| US08713646B2 |
Controlling access to resources on a network
Disclosed are various embodiments for controlling access to data on a network. In one embodiment, a proxy service receives a request from a user on a client device to access a quantity of enterprise resources served up by an enterprise device. In response, the proxy service determines whether the user on the client device has been authenticated to access the enterprise resources. The proxy service also determines whether the client device from which the user requested the access is authorized to access the enterprise resources. Responsive to the determination that the user is authentic and that the client device is authorized, the proxy service associates a set of approved enterprise access credentials with the request and facilitates the transmission of the requested enterprise resources to the client device. |
| US08713644B2 |
System and method for providing security in browser-based access to smart cards
A method of operating a host computer having a web-browser with the capability of executing at least one web-browser add-on to provide a web application access to a smart card to protect the smart card from security threats associated with being connected to the Internet. Prior to establishing a connection between a web application executing in the web browser, verifying that the web application has been authorized to connect to a smart care using the web-browser add-on to provide a web application access to a smart card. |
| US08713642B2 |
Collaborative computing community role mapping system and method
A role mapping method and system for a collaborative computing environment in provided. A set of permissions defining access to a generic business component for a named permission set is stored in a database. The set of permissions for the named permission set are mapped to an abstract role. Based on these mappings, access permissions to a business component instance within a community can be set. |
| US08713641B1 |
Systems and methods for authorizing, authenticating and accounting users having transparent computer access to a network using a gateway device
A system and method for authorizing, authenticating and accounting users having transparent access to a destination network, wherein the users otherwise have access to a home network through home network settings resident on the user's computers, and wherein the users can access the destination network without altering the home network settings and without installing software on the user's computer. The system includes a gateway device for receiving a request from a user for access to the destination network, and means for identifying an attribute associated with the user based upon a packet received by the gateway device, wherein the packet is transmitted from the user's computer, and wherein the user's computer is configured for accessing the home network. |
| US08713636B2 |
Computer network running a distributed application
A computer network is disclosed in which a group of computers co-operate to perform a distributed application. In order to ensure that only members of that group of computers are able to carry out certain operations, messages sent in the performance of the distributed application are checked by the recipient for the presence of a group membership token. The inclusion of a group membership token is controlled by one or more group membership handlers which intercept messages from local components and only include a group membership token with the message if they list the sending local component as being entitled to include the group membership token in the message. Furthermore, by operating the group membership token on a separate machine, or preferably a separate virtual machine from the local component, security is further improved. In the most preferred embodiments, the group token handler and/or the local component are hosted on virtual machines which provide virtualised cryptographic functionality. |
| US08713634B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products supporting provision of web services using IMS
A web service request from a device is received at a web service provider. The web service request is authenticated at the web service provider using the IMS network. A requested web service is provided to the device responsive to the authentication of the web service request. The web service request may be received via a path outside of the IMS network, e.g., over a network using HTTP or other non-IMS protocol. The requested web service may also be provided using a web service response communicated to the device via a path outside of the IMS network. |
| US08713633B2 |
Security access protection for user data stored in a cloud computing facility
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method and system including storing a plurality of proxy access credentials for a user to securely access each of a plurality of cloud computing facilities; receiving a request from a client device for access to one of the plurality of cloud computing facilities; securing a communication link to the client device, thereby providing a secure link; receiving access credentials from the user through the secure link; verifying an identity of the user with the access credentials; assessing a security state of the client device to determine if the client is in compliance with a security policy; and if the client is in compliance with the security policy, coupling the client to one of the plurality of cloud computing facilities through a second secure link using a corresponding one of the plurality of proxy access credentials for the user. |
| US08713632B2 |
Method for restricting the use of an application program, system for authenticating the user of a measuring apparatus, authentication server, client apparatus and storage medium
A user authentication system is provided with a client apparatus and an authentication server. An application program used for processing the measurement results of the measuring apparatus is installed on the client apparatus. Databases for storing use authority information of the application program are provided on the authentication server. A user inputs authentication information when operating the client apparatus and the application program is started. The client apparatus sends the authentication information to the authentication server, and an authentication process is performed by the authentication server. When authentication is successful, the use authority information of this user is sent from the authentication server to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus sets the application use restrictions according to the use authority information. |
| US08713631B1 |
System and method for detecting malicious code executed by virtual machine
Protection against a malicious set of program instructions (e.g., a malicious program) executable by a process virtual machine. The program instructions of process virtual machine are augmented to establish an exception monitoring module within the process virtual machine. When the process virtual machine executes a subject set of program instructions, the exception monitoring module detects a security policy violation exception occurring as a result. In response thereto, the exception monitoring module gathers context information representing circumstances surrounding the occurrence of the exception, and provides the context information for analysis of a presence of malicious code. The exception monitoring module determines, based on a result of the analysis, whether to permit further execution of the subject set of program instructions by the process virtual machine. |
| US08713629B2 |
Method for accessing wireless network
A wireless network accessing method adaptable to a portable electronic device is provided. The wireless network accessing method includes following steps. A wireless access point (WAP) is connected. An authentication webpage is received from the WAP. A layout of the authentication webpage is analyzed by using a database to find out an account field and a password field of the authentication webpage. An account and a password input by a user are received. The account field filled with the account and the password field filled with the password are sent to the WAP. |
| US08713628B2 |
Method and system for providing cloud based network security services
An approach is provided for performing cloud based computer network security services. Data traffic from a plurality of networks corresponding to a plurality of subscribers are received. Data traffic is routed to a security platform over a communication path to one or more service aggregators to process the data traffic according to one or more security services performed by the security platform. The security services are provided as a managed service by a service provider. The processed data are received from the one or more service aggregators, and routed to the corresponding one of the networks. |
| US08713627B2 |
Scalable security services for multicast in a router having integrated zone-based firewall
A multicast-capable firewall allows firewall security policies to be applied to multicast traffic. The multicast-capable firewall may be integrated within a routing device, thus allowing a single device to provide both routing functionality, including multicast support, as well as firewall services. The routing device provides a user interface by which a user specifies one or more zones to be recognized by the integrated firewall when applying stateful firewall services to multicast packets. The user interface supports a syntax that allows the user to define subsets of the plurality of interfaces associated with the zones, and define a single multicast policy to be applied to multicast sessions associated with a multicast group. The multicast policy identifies common services to be applied pre-replication, and exceptions specifying additional services to be applied post-replication to copies of the multicast packets for the one or more zones. |
| US08713624B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US08713621B2 |
System and method of error reporting in a video distribution network
Method, systems and devices for error reporting in a video distribution network are disclosed. A method may include determining that a network communication error has occurred in a video distribution network. The method may also include sending an error reporting interface to a video display. The method may also include receiving a send error report selection via the error reporting interface. In response to receiving the send error report selection, the method may perform at least one action. |
| US08713617B2 |
Systems and methods for providing television signals using a network interface device
An isolation device isolates a transport medium internal to a customer premises from a transport medium external to the customer premises such that operational changes to one of the internal and external transport media do not affect the other of the internal and external transport media. A first interface communicates with the external transport medium and a second interface communicates with the internal transport medium. An addressable set-top box external to the customer premises receives encoded telecommunication information from the external transport medium and generates television signals from the encoded telecommunication information for transmission over the internal transport medium. |
| US08713615B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a shared folder via television
An enhanced television service provides a shared folder over a television network, such as a fiber optic network. Users, the service provider, or trusted sources, share use of a program folder via television. A user recommends content, such as a program listing, to other geographically dispersed subscribers, by sending the content to the subscribers' shared folder. Users may create a personal content guide for use instead of a standard program guide that contains identical listings for all subscribers. The shared folder may consist of programs from a variety of channels as well as other content and may be populated by trusted sources in remote locations. Users may search for content that matches search criteria and may delete or edit listings from the shared folder. The contents of the folder may not only include program listings, but also other content such as movies, television shows, web sites, photos, home videos, etc. |
| US08713611B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08713608B2 |
System for presenting media services
A system for presenting media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a portal having a controller element to detect an installation of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media receiver in an IPTV media system and adapt at least a portion of the portal according to the installation. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08713599B2 |
Content display system
A portable device includes solid-state memory, an Ethernet and/or wireless network connection, and an HDMI. The portable device receives content guide data from a first server and displays a content guide on a display. In response to a user's selection of a content item, the portable device requests the content item over the Internet from a second server. The portable device receives the content item, stores the content item in solid-state memory, generates display signals that represent the content item, and sends the display signals to a display. The second server may match the content item with relevant advertisements based on keywords associated with the content item and the advertisements. The second server may send selected advertisement URLs to the portable device. Using the URLs, the portable device may obtain the advertisements over the Internet and cause the display to display the advertisements in conjunction with the content item. |
| US08713598B2 |
Electronic device and control method therein
An electronic device is disclosed. A signal transmission section transmits a video signal to an external device in a differential signal via a transmission path over a plurality of channels. A communication section executes bidirectional communication using a predetermined line constituting the transmission path. A signal reception section receives stream data received from the external device through the communication section, the stream data having been obtained by a broadcast reception section of the external device. An image analysis section executes image analysis on the stream data received by the signal reception section. A control section controls an operation of at least one of own electronic device and the external device based on a result of analysis obtained by the image analysis section. |
| US08713595B2 |
Interactive program guide systems and processes
Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. |
| US08713593B2 |
Detection system and method for mobile device application
A system and method for detecting a non-visual code using an application on a mobile device, where the application is capable of associating the non-visual code with at least one item contained in a transmitted presentation and connecting the mobile device to information about the item in a database associated with the transmitted presentation. The non-visual code may comprise a high frequency signal played alone or with another audio or video signal. A mobile device application executing on a processor of the mobile device performs signal processing on the audio signal of the presentation to extract the high frequency signal. Also contemplated is obtaining information about the visual content and presenting the information on the personal device. |
| US08713590B2 |
Methods and apparatus to identify exposure to 3D media presentations
Methods and apparatus to identify exposure to three dimensional media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a first brightness level with a first sensor and a second brightness level with a second sensor at a first time. A third brightness level is detected with the first sensor and a fourth brightness level is detected with the second sensor at a second time later than the first time. A 3D media counter is incremented when either: the first brightness is greater than the second brightness and the third brightness is less than the fourth brightness, or the first brightness is less than the second brightness and the third brightness is greater than the fourth brightness. The media is identified as 3D media when the 3D media counter exceeds a threshold. |
| US08713583B2 |
Systems and methods for managing policies on a computer
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing policies on a computer having a foreign operating system. Policies may specify hardware or software configuration information. Policies on a first computer with a native operating system are translated into configuration information usable on a second computer having a foreign operating system. In an embodiment, a translator manager manages the association between the policy on the first computer and the translator on the second computer. Computer management complexity and information technology management costs are reduced by centralizing computer management on the native operating system. Further reductions in management complexity are realized when the present invention is used in conjunction with network directory services. |
| US08713577B2 |
Storage apparatus and storage apparatus management method performing data I/O processing using a plurality of microprocessors
The storage apparatus includes a plurality of microprocessors; a plurality of storage areas formed in a drive group configured from a plurality of physical drives; and a management unit which manages microprocessors which handle data I/Os to/from one or more storage areas among the plurality of storage areas. The management unit detects variations in the processing loads of the plurality of microprocessors, generates load balancing target information which includes information on the storage areas to which the ownership is migrated, information on the migration-source microprocessor serving as the migration source of the ownership, and information on the migration-destination microprocessor serving as the migration destination of the ownership, and migrates the ownership to the storage areas with timing such that there is no drop in the processing load of the migration-destination microprocessor contained in the load balancing target information. |
| US08713575B2 |
Scalable packet processing systems and methods
A data processing architecture includes multiple processors connected in series between a load balancer and reorder logic. The load balancer is configured to receive data and distribute the data across the processors. Appropriate ones of the processors are configured to process the data. The reorder logic is configured to receive the data processed by the processors, reorder the data, and output the reordered data. |
| US08713573B2 |
Synchronization scheduling apparatus and method in real-time multi-core system
A synchronization scheduling apparatus and method in a real-time multi-core system are described. The synchronization scheduling apparatus may include a plurality of cores, each having at least one wait queue, a storage unit to store information regarding a first core receiving a wake-up signal in a previous cycle among the plurality of cores, and a scheduling processor to schedule tasks stored in the at least one wait queue, based on the information regarding the first core. |
| US08713571B2 |
Asynchronous task execution
Techniques for asynchronous task execution are described. In an implementation, tasks may be initiated and executed asynchronously, thereby allowing a plurality of calls to be made in parallel. Each task may be associated with a respective timeout that triggers an end to execution of the task. If a timeout for a low priority task expires without completing both the low priority task and a relatively higher priority task, then the low priority task may use the relatively higher priority task to extend execution time of the low priority task in order to allow additional time to perform the low priority task. |
| US08713570B2 |
Electronic device, information processing method, and storage medium
An electronic device includes a control information storing unit; a setting unit configured to request a user to specify, for each first program in the electronic device, a reception setting indicating whether to allow reception of a second program to be applied to the first program and to store the reception setting as control information for the first program in the control information storing unit, the second program being configured to insert a process in a process of the first program; a reception determining unit configured to determine whether to allow reception of the second program based on the control information for the first program; and a receiving unit configured to receive or refuse to receive the second program according to the determination result of the reception determining unit. |
| US08713569B2 |
Dynamic association and disassociation of threads to device functions based on requestor identification
A system apparatus and method for supporting one or more functions in an IO virtualization environment. One or more threads are dynamically associated with, and executing on behalf of, one or more functions in a device. |
| US08713566B2 |
Method and system for delivering and executing virtual container on logical partition of target computing device
A virtual container includes an application computer program and metadata representing the operating system requirements. The virtual container is stored on a computer-readable storage medium for delivery to an end user for copying to a target computing device. The virtual container is equivalent to a virtual appliance minus an operating system. The virtual container is executable on an existing logical partition (LPAR) of the target computing device that provides a virtual operating system for the application of the virtual container, where the virtual container is specifically executable within a workload partition (WPAR) of the LPAR. The virtual container is also executable on a new LPAR of the target computing device, where the end user provides a guest operating system to run within the new partition for the virtual container, such that addition of the guest operating system to the virtual container renders the virtual container as a virtual appliance. |
| US08713564B2 |
Method and apparatus for using virtual machine technology for managing parallel communicating applications
A method (and system) for managing a distributed-memory parallel application running on multiple servers, includes dynamically moving a plurality of executable program components, where each of the plurality of executable program components are running on one of a plurality of virtual machines, using migration of the virtual machines between physical servers. The load balancing is operated based on a workload of each of the virtual machines and servers, where a virtual machine, or a plurality of virtual machines, are transferred to balance the workload between each of the servers. |
| US08713556B2 |
Virtual appliance update method
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for updating virtual appliances. In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may include receiving, under the control of a first update manager of a first virtual appliance, a second virtual appliance including a second update manager. The second virtual appliance may be received as an update to replace the first virtual appliance. Control of the update may be transferred from the first update manager to the second update manager, when the first update manager receives an indication representing completion of the update. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US08713555B1 |
Security patch update processor
A method, system, and program product are provided for updating software deployed on computers in an enterprise computer network wherein each computer has a software update agent installed to enable the computer to receive software patch updates. The method includes determining a required software component and updates based upon a location in a configuration file; determining a version of the agent and updating the agent if required; selecting a server from which required updates are to be downloaded; scanning a plurality of software components on a selected computer and comparing the components with updates available on the server to determine required updates; downloading the required patches from the server; and installing the patches on the selected computer. The system includes components that perform the method steps when operated on a computer in the network. A computer readable medium implements the method for updating software deployed on computers in a network. |
| US08713554B1 |
Automated hotfix handling model
This disclosure relates to a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for automated handling of a hotfix. In some embodiments, this includes obtaining defects submitted to a defect repository, querying the defect repository to obtain a defect, permitting the users to approve the defect as a cumulative hotfix candidate, receiving and storing check-in data corresponding to the cumulative hotfix candidate to a source code repository, approving the check-in data, triggering an automated compiling of a build of the version of the software, examining the build, triggering an automated testing of the build based on a determination that the build is clean, storing the build in a build repository when the automated testing of the build completes without error, and publishing the build. |
| US08713548B2 |
Rewriting branch instructions using branch stubs
Mechanisms are provided for rewriting branch instructions in a portion of code. The mechanisms receive a portion of source code having an original branch instruction. The mechanisms generate a branch stub for the original branch instruction. The branch stub stores information about the original branch instruction including an original target address of the original branch instruction. Moreover, the mechanisms rewrite the original branch instruction so that a target of the rewritten branch instruction references the branch stub. In addition, the mechanisms output compiled code including the rewritten branch instruction and the branch stub for execution by a computing device. The branch stub is utilized by the computing device at runtime to determine if execution of the rewritten branch instruction can be redirected directly to a target instruction corresponding to the original target address in an instruction cache of the computing device without intervention by an instruction cache runtime system. |
| US08713546B2 |
System and method for redundant array copy removal in a pointer-free language
A system and method for redundant array copy removal in a virtual machine (VM), or other runtime environment, and particularly for use in a system that includes a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). In pointer free languages array copy operations are common and time consuming. Embodiments of the present invention enable the compiler to detect situations where the compiled code can safely use the source array as the destination array without performing any copy operation. By avoiding array copy operations, the performance of the application is improved. |
| US08713545B2 |
Architecture for accelerated computer processing
A data processing system includes a host computer, an additional computer, an application module including a first executable code, a module for analyzing said first executable code and a module for generating a second executable code segmented notably into code blocks which are executed in a preferential manner on one of the two computers. The second executable code includes a sub-module for managing the distribution of the processing operations between the host computer and the additional computer and a sub-module for managing the additional computer as a virtual machine which executes the blocks allocated to the additional computer. |
| US08713544B1 |
Universal data-driven computer proxy
Methods, apparati, and computer-readable media for updating proxy executable code. An apparatus embodiment of the present invention comprises generic universal proxy executable code that can be instantiated multiple times, with each instance being driven by a different set of files comprising a protocol specification file and a proxy activity code file, to control protocol decomposition and proxy functions, respectively. In a method embodiment of the present invention, a protocol specification is created or updated; proxy activity code, separate from the protocol specification, is created or updated; and the proxy executable code is executed using the protocol specification and the proxy activity code. |
| US08713536B2 |
Method and system for constructing a customized web analytics application
A method for constructing a customized web analytics application comprises providing a base analytics code, including a base data mining code and a plurality of tokens corresponding to unincorporated code snippets, and incorporating code snippets as selected to create the application where each code snippet is configured to track a different custom web analytic. The system displays a selection of at least one web analytic to track and receives user selection of at least one displayed web analytic to track over a wide area network. Once selected, an unincorporated code snippet corresponding to each selected displayed web analytic is retrieved from a library of such code snippets. The code snippet is then substituted in place of its corresponding token within the base analytics code to create a customized analytics code. The customized code is finalized by removing the remaining tokens and the finalized code transmitted to the user for incorporation into their web pages. |
| US08713532B2 |
Debugging using code analysis
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing a code analysis debugger. A code analysis process is performed to identify possible program defects that are present in particular source code. The results of the code analysis are stored in a results file in a structured format. The structured format contains sections that describe details about the one or more portions of source code that have been identified as possibly having the program defects. The analysis results are retrieved for display. A debugger-like feature allows a user to review a representation of the program defects identified during the code analysis. The debugger-like feature has a graphical user interface that can display at least some of the possible program defects in a call stack for further review. |
| US08713526B2 |
Assigning runtime artifacts to software components
A method for assigning runtime artifacts to software components. Source code and metadata are extracted from a library, where the metadata includes a component membership for the source code. A compile unit is formed from the extracted source code and metadata. Runtime artifacts are produced from the compile unit or an element derived from the compile unit. Each runtime artifact is interrogated to determine the defined component for each runtime artifact. The determined component is recorded. |
| US08713522B2 |
Validating the configuration of distributed systems
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for validations the configuration of distributed systems. Validation can include a collection of utilities that are systematically deployed across the nodes of an appliance. The utilities execute specified tasks, that when completed, validate the proper functioning state of hardware and/or software components of the appliance. The utilities generate logs, which can be aggregated to present a global view of the appliance. |
| US08713513B2 |
Evaluating programmer efficiency in maintaining software systems
Quality of modularization of source code is tested using different perspectives such as a structural modularity perspective, an architectural modularity perspective, a size perspective, and a similarity of purpose perspective. A history of changes in modularization may be kept such that the degree to which given source code is well-modularized can be determined over time. The changes made to the code by individual programmers may be kept, such that the degree to which their coding enhanced or harmed modularization may be tracked. |
| US08713510B2 |
Analysis of stress impact on transistor performance
Roughly described, a method for approximating stress-induced mobility enhancement in a channel region in an integrated circuit layout, including approximating the stress at each of a plurality of sample points in the channel, converting the stress approximation at each of the sample points to a respective mobility enhancement value, and averaging the mobility enhancement values at all the sample points. The method enables integrated circuit stress analysis that takes into account stresses contributed by multiple stress generation mechanisms, stresses having vector components other than along the length of the channel, and stress contributions (including mitigations) due to the presence of other structures in the neighborhood of the channel region under study, other than the nearest STI interfaces. The method also enables stress analysis of large layout regions and even full-chip layouts, without incurring the computation costs of a full TCAD simulation. |
| US08713505B2 |
Pattern generation method and pattern generation program
In a first process of a pattern generation method, a first segment to be handled which is not on a grid is extracted. In a second process, a second segment opposite to the first segment is extracted. In a third process, whether the second segment is on the grid is determined. In FIG. 1A, the second segment is not on the grid. Therefore, in a fourth process the first segment is shifted onto the grid under a determined condition. In addition, the second segment is shifted onto the grid so that line width between the first segment and the second segment is closest to target line width. |
| US08713503B2 |
Assisting apparatus, method, and program for checking crosstalk noise between hierarchized modules in a semiconductor circuit
A design assisting apparatus includes a memory configured to store routing information representing first wire line from wire lines of a module belonging to a first layer of a semiconductor circuit having a plurality of layers, the first wire line likely to become either one of an aggressor net and a victim net in a crosstalk noise check performed on wire lines of a module belonging to a second layer hierarchically higher than the first layer, and a processor configured to perform a wire line identifying operation identifying second wire line within the module belonging to the second layer, and likely to become either one of an aggressor net and a victim net in the crosstalk noise check performed on the first wire line represented by the routing information stored on the memory. |
| US08713502B1 |
Methods and systems to reduce a number of simulations in a timing analysis
Methods and systems for determining timing constraint analysis of an integrated circuit (IC) may include defining a sequence of sample points for timing constraint analysis of an n×n matrix, each sample point corresponding to a timing arc of the IC that includes data and reference slews; initially simulating extreme sample points of the matrix, according to the sequence, by substituting timing constraints from liberty files of the IC type for time values of the data slews and conducting a binary search for optimized timing constraints; and interpolating other sample points, according to the sequence, each of the other sample points having a starting bisection point that results from linear interpolation of the timing constraint analysis from adjoining sample points, which were simulated. |
| US08713497B2 |
Method of generating integrated circuit model
An integrated circuit test model is generated according to a circuit connection net-list, an isolation cell topology, and a pin voltage information spec file, so that the procedure of generating the integrated circuit test model can be time-saving, efficient, and fool-proof. Besides, while tracing a current path of a node of the circuit connection net-list, the generated integrated circuit test model can be more precise if certain limitations are added. |
| US08713493B2 |
System and method for solving connection violations
The present invention provides a method for resolving a circuit connection violation that comprises categorizing a circuit chain with the connection violation into a class, and performing one or more transformation algorithms on the circuit chain from the group consisting of a chain mirror, a cascade mirror, a cascade mirror permute, and a cut chain mirror algorithm based on the class of the circuit chain. |
| US08713483B2 |
IC layout parsing for multiple masks
A method for separating features in a target layout into different mask layouts for use in a photolithographic process. Features of a target layer are searched for features having a predefined shape. In one embodiment, portions of the feature having the predefined shape divided into two or more sub-features and at least one sub-feature are not considered when separating the features into two or more mask layouts. In another embodiment, features having a predefined shape are cut to form two or more sub-features and all features and sub-features are considered when separating the features of the target layout into the two or more mask layouts. |
| US08713480B2 |
Extensible, filtered lists for mobile device user interface
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for providing an improved user interface for mobile devices. Access to data and services from multiple software applications can be provided through a group or list of items. Each group or list can include multiple items, which can be associated with data or tasks from multiple applications. The set of groups of items can be both customizable and extensible to allow users to locate and utilize data and tasks relevant to the particular user. The set of item groups can provide users with a filtered view of content available through the mobile device, enhancing access to subset of data and tasks available on the mobile device. |
| US08713478B2 |
System and method for displaying a constant time selection context menu interface
A system and method are provided for a context menu pop-up interface. In one embodiment, the context menu interface may be activated in relation to a second interface, and may include a plurality of selection areas organized around a central selection area. In a preferred embodiment, the sizes of each of the plurality of selection areas increase as a distance to each selection area increases from the central selection area, and the sizes are selected such that the plurality of selection areas can be selected in approximately the same time. |
| US08713472B2 |
Display apparatus, a method for a display control, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a display control unit configured to scroll a plurality of pieces of content data, a prediction unit configured to predict which content data among the plurality of pieces of content data moves from a hidden area to a display area according to a scroll display control condition controlled by the display control unit, and a decoding unit configured to decode the content data predicted by the prediction unit before the predicted content data moves to the display area. |
| US08713471B1 |
Method and system for providing an intelligent visual scrollbar position indicator
A system and method for providing an intelligent visual data scrollbar position indicator whereby data is organized into a data table of two or more data entries with each data entry having one or more data fields. The data table is displayed to a user in a data table user interface display and a scrolling capability is provided whereby a user can scroll through the data entries in the data table via the data table user interface display and one or more user interface devices. At least one data field of the one or more data fields associated with the two or more data entries is selected as a “data display field” and a portion of the data in the selected data display field is selected as “display data” based, at least in part, on the data display field selected and the rate of change of the data in the selected data display field. Then as the data entries are being scrolled through, the selected display data for each data entry is displayed to the user as each data entry is scrolled through. |
| US08713470B2 |
Automated user interface adjustment
An event associated with a viewable area of an encapsulated component that represents at least a portion of content associated with a user interface component is detected. A determination is made that the event will result in at least a portion of the viewable area of the encapsulated component being outside of a viewable area of the user interface component. The content associated with the user interface component is adjusted automatically to display at least the portion of the viewable area of the encapsulated component within the viewable area of the user interface component. |
| US08713469B2 |
Terminal and method of controlling the same
A terminal and method of controlling the same are presented. The terminal includes a touchscreen for displaying a list of items and a controller for controlling a scroll of a first list of items in a first direction and a scroll of a second list of items in a second direction, wherein the second list of items is related to an item selected from the first list of items, wherein the second list of items is scrolled in the second direction while the first list of items is displayed. |
| US08713464B2 |
System and method for text input with a multi-touch screen
A method of inputting a text word in a computerized system using a virtual keyboard, including, recording two or more strokes; wherein each stroke forms contact with the virtual keyboard and maintains contact forming a trace path as it traverses through multiple keyboard keys, each key representing a letter; identifying the word based on the recording; and wherein every distinct letter in the word is represented by a key in one of the trace paths. |
| US08713461B2 |
Detection of procedural deficiency across multiple business applications
A method includes retrieving a plurality of data extractors to extract data across a plurality of business applications. The plurality data extractors are executed to generate a plurality of individual results sets. The plurality of individual results sets are combined into a combined result set. A rule is applied to the combined result set to detect a procedural deficiency across the plurality of business application. |
| US08713459B2 |
Graphical planner
A graphical planner allows a user to create or select, and then display, images that represent tasks and events to be completed by the user, as well as corresponding images that represent tasks and events that the user has already completed. The graphical planner allows a user to plan and schedule events and tasks by indicating an event or task in a non-textual (i.e., graphic or symbolic) manner. Completion of the events and tasks by the user can also be signaled or otherwise indicated in a non-textual (e.g., visual, audible) manner. |
| US08713455B2 |
Techniques for generating and displaying a visual flow of user content through a social network
A computer-implemented technique for generating a visual display illustrating the flow of user content in a social network is described. The technique can include determining a user content associated with a plurality of users. The technique can further include generating a visual display that includes a region for each user of the plurality of users. The technique can also include generating arranging the regions in the visual display according to a set of layout rules, and aligning a directional indicator in the visual display. The technique can include providing the visual display to a user via a display. |
| US08713453B2 |
Progressively discovering and integrating services
Tools and techniques related to progressively discovering and integrating services are provided. These tools may receive electronic communications addressed to users of communications platform software. In turn, these tools may analyze the electronic communications, and generate upsells for presentation to the users. These upsells may relate to updating profile records associated with the users. |
| US08713448B2 |
Portable communication terminal, communication method and control program
A portable communication terminal includes a display unit, a memory that stores content information and community information, an identifier display unit that displays on the display unit a content identifier capable of identifying the content and a community identifier capable of identifying a community, a first identifier reception unit that receives a designation of the content identifier, an upload determination unit that determines whether upload of content to a community is possible based on the content information and the community information, and an upload display unit that displays the community identifier of a community determined as being uploadable to be distinguishable from another community identifier. |
| US08713447B2 |
Apparatus and method for information display of portable device
Provided is a method of displaying information of a portable device, which includes receiving a signal of booting or termination of the portable device; and displaying a valid information which is previously set while the booting or termination process is performing. |
| US08713445B2 |
Systems and methods for generating customized user interfaces
Systems and methods consistent with the invention may include receiving, over an electronic network, a contract description message including description information corresponding to a computer device being used to display the contract to a user, retrieving, by using a processor, the description information from the contract description message, comparing the description information with information stored in a template library and adaptor library to identify a generic user interface and a corresponding adaptor module, and generating a contract response message based on a result of the comparison, the response message including an instruction to generate, on the computer device, a customized user interface based on the identified generic user interface and corresponding adaptor module when the generic user interface and the corresponding adaptor module are identified. |
| US08713443B2 |
Active and progressive targeted advertising
Methods and computer-readable media for presenting a user with advertising content, such as an advertisement or coupon, based on the user's responses to one or more questions are provided. A user may view a web page that includes one or more thumbnails, where each thumbnail represents a media, such as a video clip, an audio clip, or an image. Once a user selects a thumbnail, by hovering a cursor over the thumbnail, for example, a question may appear over the thumbnail. The user may respond to the question, and based on the response, may be provided with some form of relevant advertising content. Subsequent questions may be presented to the user if the user selects more than one thumbnail in a session, and thus the user may be provided with highly relevant advertising content that is based on responses to more than one question. |
| US08713442B2 |
Method and apparatus for information exchange over a web based environment
Sharing and exchanging information via world wide web is a way of life in modern society. The dynamic workspace technology together with customized posting and removing operations provide people a much efficiently and flexibly communication platform for sharing and exchanging information across a global environment. |
| US08713436B2 |
Reusing data in user run book automation
Reusing data in user run book automation. An application engages a teaching mode in a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), wherein a collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI is accentuated. The application records a sequence of selections made among the collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI as well as data entered within the GUI, where the sequence of selections represent a repeatable user-defined procedure for interacting with the web-based GUI. The application exports and imports data from the sequence of selections made among the collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI to facilitate replay of the sequence of selections without requiring repeated entry of said data by a user. The application replays the sequence of selections with the web-based GUI. |
| US08713431B2 |
Altering a view of a document on a display of a computing device
A document authoring program provides different views of a document opened by a user. In the editing view, the user can view the document contents and edit the contents in using a menu bar. In the semantic zoom view, the user is presented with a heading pane and a thumbnail pane and the menu bar is removed. The user can toggle from the editing view to the semantic zoom view by zooming out past a defined threshold using various user interface controls. Once the threshold is exceeded, the semantic view is presented. The editing view is returned to by selecting a heading or a thumbnail page, which respectively returns the user the page incorporating the selected heading or to the page incorporating the selected heading. This page will be displayed in the editing view at the same zoom level prior to toggling to the semantic zoom view. |
| US08713429B2 |
Generating wiki pages from content and transformation objects
Collaborative web pages are enabled which allow every page on a website to be editable by an author and by others the author lets access the site. Web pages can send and receive email messages. Users can attach files to pages. Structure queries and page-building are enabled by use of various forms and form elements. |
| US08713428B2 |
Content display monitor
The invention can enable monitoring of the display of content by a computer system. Moreover, the invention can enable monitoring of the displayed content to produce monitoring information from which conclusions may be deduced regarding the observation of the displayed content by an observer. The invention can also enable monitoring of the display at a content display site of content that is provided by a content provider site over a network to the content display site. Additionally, the invention can enable the expeditious provision of updated and/or tailored content over a network from a content provider site to a content display site so that the content provider's current and appropriately tailored content is always displayed at the content display site. Aspects of the invention related to transfer of content over a network are generally applicable to any type of network. However, it is contemplated that the invention can be particularly useful with a computer network, including private computer networks (e.g., America Online™) and public computer networks (e.g., the Internet). In particular, the invention can be advantageously used with computer networks or portions of computer networks over which video and/or audio content are transferred from one network site to another network site for observation, such as the World Wide Web portion of the Internet. |
| US08713426B2 |
Technique for skipping irrelevant portions of documents during streaming XPath evaluation
A method and apparatus are described for summarizing a document. For each node in the document that satisfies a marking criteria, a start and end mark pair is stored in a summary in document order. The start mark specifies a location in the document where the node starts, and the end mark specifies a location in the document where the node ends. When evaluating a query for a hierarchical path, the document is streamed into memory until the mark of a tag matches a start mark in the summary. If that tag does not fit within the path, then streaming of the document may resume at the end mark, thereby skipping the node during streaming evaluation. Translation information may be used to indicate a logical position relative to the marks in the summary when the document is modified. |
| US08713424B1 |
Asynchronous loading of scripts in web pages
A method of rendering a web page at a client computer identifies a web page selected by a user. The web page references a loadable script that is separate from the web page. The script includes executable code and function definitions. While rendering the web page in a browser or other client resident application, a variable is instantiated to retain information on web page events occurring at the client computer. The script loads asynchronously so that the web page is operable within the client computer system while the script is being loaded. Before the script is fully loaded, one or more command strings representing functions defined in the script are inserted into the variable. After the plurality of function definitions in the script are loaded, one or more functions in the script corresponding to the one or more command strings that were inserted into the variable are executed. |
| US08713422B2 |
For a given cell in a spreadsheet, evaluating an unlimited number of conditional formatting rules and applying multiple corresponding formats to the cell
Generally described, embodiments of the present invention relate to applying and evaluating conditional formatting rules to a given range of cells. Additionally, multiple conditional formatting rules may be evaluated to TRUE for the same cell contained in a user interface and multiple formats applied to that cell. |
| US08713419B2 |
Electronic product design
Automated electronic document design systems and method for designing and modifying product templates. When a user initiates a product design session, a product template is presented for user editing and a product description identifier is assigned to the product being designed. Document templates are assembled from individual composite elements. The individual identifiers of the component elements that make up the template being viewed by the user are associated with the description identifier. Tools are provided to allow a user to change one or more of the composite elements of the template. When a user changes an element, the identifier of the newly selected element is associated with the description identifier. Component elements of one template can be individually used, as appropriate, to prepare customized templates for another part of the same document or for different documents. |
| US08713418B2 |
Adding value to a rendered document
A system for processing data captured from rendered documents is described. |
| US08713416B2 |
Performing a cyclic redundancy checksum operation responsive to a user-level instruction
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving incoming data in a processor and performing a checksum operation on the incoming data in the processor pursuant to a user-level instruction for the checksum operation. For example, a cyclic redundancy checksum may be computed in the processor itself responsive to the user-level instruction. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08713414B2 |
Method and apparatus for soft information transfer between constituent processor circuits in a soft-value processing apparatus
In one or more aspects, the present invention improves the efficiency of soft information transfer within a soft-value processing apparatus, by reducing in some sense the “amount” of soft information transferred between constituent processor circuits within the apparatus, without forfeiting or otherwise compromising the transfer of “valuable” soft information. In one example, the soft values produced by a constituent processor circuit are identified as being reliable or unreliable according to a reliability threshold. Some or all of the unreliable values are omitted from a soft value information transfer to another constituent processor circuit, or they are quantized for such transfer. The reduction in memory requirements for soft information transfer advantageously allows the use of lower power, less complex, and less expensive circuitry than would otherwise be required in the apparatus, which may be, as a non-limiting example, a Turbo receiver in a wireless communication device. |
| US08713411B2 |
Encoding and/or decoding memory devices and methods thereof
Encoding/decoding memory devices and methods thereof may be provided. A memory device according to example embodiments may include a memory cell array and a processor including at least one of a decoder and an encoder. The processor may be configured to adjust a redundant information rate of each channel, where each of the channels is a path of the memory cell array from which data is at least one of stored and read. The redundant information rate may be adjusted by generating at least one codeword based on information from a previous codeword. Therefore, example embodiments may reduce an error rate when data is read from and written to the memory device. |
| US08713410B2 |
Data storage apparatus, memory control apparatus and method for controlling flash memories
According to one embodiment, a data storage apparatus includes a channel controller, an error correction controller, and an additional correction module. The channel controller is configured to control writing to and reading from the nonvolatile memories of respective channels. The error correction controller is configured to use inter-channel error correction codes during any read process, performing inter-channel correction process on those of the data items read under the control of the channel controller, which have been designated. The additional correction module is configured to designate, in accordance with errors detected by the channel controller, data items to additionally correct, and to notify the data items so designated to the error correction controller while the channel controller is reading the data necessary in the inter-channel correction process. |
| US08713405B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating erasure coded data to disk storage
Allocation process that allows erasure coded data to be stored on any of a plurality of disk drives, in a pool of drives, so that the allocation is not tied to a fixed group of drives. Still further, the encoded data can be generated by any of multiple different erasure coding algorithms, where again storage of the encoded data is not restricted to a single group of drives based on the erasure algorithm being utilized to encode the data. In another embodiment, the encoded data can be “stacked” (aligned) on select drives to reduce the number of head seeks required to access the data. As a result of these improvements, the system can dynamically determine which one of multiple erasure coding algorithms to utilize for a given incoming data block, without being tied to one particular algorithm and one particular group of storage devices as in the prior art. |
| US08713403B2 |
Method and apparatus for map transmission in wireless communication system
An operating method of a base station for transmitting MAP information in a wireless communication system includes determining a seed value for randomizing MAP information bits, generating a Media Access Control (MAC) control message including the seed value and a Station IDentifier (STID), and transmitting the MAC control message to a mobile station. Hence, the assignment A-MAP IE can be transmitted more safely. |
| US08713400B2 |
Method and system for reduction of decoding complexity in a communication system
Method and System for Utilization of an Outer Decoder in a Broadcast Services Communication System is described. Information to be transmitted is provided to a systematic portion of a plurality of transmit buffers and encoded by an outer decoder communicatively coupled to the transmit buffer. The resulting redundant bits are provided to a parity portion of each transmit buffer. The content of the transmit buffers, is multiplexed and encoded by an inner decoder to improve protection by adding redundancy. The receiving station recovers the transmitted information by an inverse process. Because a decoding complexity depends on the size of a systematic portion of the transmit buffer, reasoned compromise between a systematic portion size and number of transmit buffers yields decreased decoding complexity. |
| US08713397B2 |
Apparatus and method for layered decoding in a communication system using low-density parity-check codes
A channel decoding apparatus and method in a communication system using Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes are provided in which an encoded signal is received from a transmitter and decoded using a parity-check matrix. At least one of input orders and output orders of the parity-check matrix are determined so that same values are not overlapped in a column direction between the at least one of the input orders and the output orders. |
| US08713394B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting HARQ
Provided is a method for supporting retransmission in a wireless communication system by user equipment. The method may determine a transmission parameter for initial transmission of uplink data, transmit the uplink data on an uplink channel using the determined transmission parameter, and, for retransmission of the uplink data, perform multiplexing of retransmission data of the uplink data with a channel quality indicator (CQI). A radio resource for the CQI may be determined based on the transmission parameter used in an initial transmission. The method may transmit the multiplexed data on a physical uplink shared channel. |
| US08713390B2 |
JTAG multiplexer with clock/mode input, mode/clock input, and clock output
The present disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for directly accessing JTAG Tap domains that exist in a scan path of many serially connected JTAG Tap domains. Direct scan access to a selected Tap domain by a JTAG controller is achieved using auxiliary digital or analog terminals associated with the Tap domain and connected to the JTAG controller. During direct scan access, the auxiliary digital or analog terminals serve as serial data input and serial data output paths between the selected Tap domain and the JTAG controller. |
| US08713389B2 |
Tap and linking module TDO register, gating for TCK and TMS
An architecture for testing a plurality of circuits on an integrated circuit is described. The architecture includes a TAP Linking Module located between test pins on the integrated circuit and 1149.1 Test Access Ports (TAP) of the plurality of circuits to be tested. The TAP Linking Module operates in response to 1149.1 scan operations from a tester connected to the test pins to selectively switch between 1149.1 TAPs to enable test access between the tester and plurality of circuits. The TAP Linking Module's 1149.1 TAP switching operation is based upon augmenting 1149.1 instruction patterns to affix an additional bit or bits of information which is used by the TAP Linking Module for performing the TAP switching operation. |
| US08713388B2 |
Integrated circuit testing with power collapsed
In examples, apparatus and methods are provided for an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a first integrated circuit portion having a main power domain and a second integrated circuit portion having a collapsible power domain. The integrated circuit also has a level shifter having an input coupled to the second circuit portion and an output coupled to the first integrated circuit portion. The level shifter is configured to hold constant the level shifter output when power to the collapsible power domain is collapsed. A quiescent drain current measurement circuit can be coupled to test at least a part of the second integrated circuit portion. A boundary scan register can be coupled between the level shifter output and the first integrated circuit portion. The integrated circuit can also include a power management circuit. |
| US08713384B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes first and second chips sharing first and second data channels. The first and second chips output normal data of the respective chips through the first and second data channels in a normal operation, and the first chip outputs test data of the first chip through the first data channel, and the second chip outputs test data of the second chip through the second data channel in a test operation. |
| US08713383B2 |
Semiconductor memory device, test circuit, and test operation method thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of banks, each including a plurality of first memory cells and a plurality of second memory cells; a first input/output unit configured to transfer first data between the first memory cells and a plurality of first data pads; a second input/output unit configured to transfer second data between the second memory cells and a plurality of second data pads; a path selection unit configured to transfer the first data, which are input through the first data pads, to both the first and second memory cells during a test mode; and a test mode control unit configured to compare the first data of the first and second memory cells, and to control at least one of the first data pads to denote a fail status based on a comparison result, during the test mode. |
| US08713382B2 |
Control apparatus and control method
A control apparatus controlling testing of a memory under test that includes one or more row repair memory blocks and column repair memory blocks. The control apparatus comprises a counting section that sequentially receives test results respectively indicating pass/fail of a plurality of test blocks of the memory under test, and sequentially counts, for each first-type memory block, which is a row-oriented memory block or a column-oriented memory block, a fail memory block number among second-type memory blocks; a selecting section that selects memory blocks first-type memory blocks for which the fail memory block number exceeds a reference value, such that the number of selected memory blocks is no greater than the number of first-type repair memory blocks of the memory under test; and a test control section that masks test blocks among the memory blocks selected by the selecting section and causes further testing of the memory under test. |
| US08713380B2 |
Non-volatile memory and method having efficient on-chip block-copying with controlled error rate
A non-volatile memory chip having SLC blocks acting as a write cache for MLC blocks for high density storage requires constant copying or folding of SLC blocks into MLC blocks. To avoid the time-consuming toggling out and in of the pages of the entire SLC block for ECC checking by a controller chip, only a small sample is checked. An optimal read point for reading the memory cells in the sample of the SLC block is dynamically determined by trying different read points so that the data is read within an error budget. Once the optimal read point is determined, it is used to read the entire SLC block without further error checking. Then the SLC block can be copied (blind folded) to the MLC block with the confidence of being within the error budget. |
| US08713378B2 |
Health monitoring of applications in a guest partition
A health monitoring technique monitors the health and performance of applications executing in a guest partition in a virtualized environment. In an embodiment, a guest integration component interacts with an application through an application programming interface in order for the virtualization platform to monitor the health and performance of the application. In another embodiment, the guest integration component may include a monitoring agent that accesses an event log and/or a performance monitor log to access the health and performance of the application. The health and performance of the application may then be analyzed by the virtualization platform to determine an appropriate remedial action. |
| US08713377B2 |
System and method to assess serviceability of device
A system and method to assess a serviceability of a machine having a field replaceable unit (FRU) is provided. A controller can perform the steps of tracking performance parameters of the machine; calculating and comparing a performance index; generating requests for service of the FRU of the machine based on the performance index, the requests for service not including replacement of the FRU; detecting completion of a events to service the FRU of the machine; calculating an asset healability index representative of a trend in the performance index over time between each of the events to service the FRU; and generating a request for replacement of the FRU instead of another request to service the FRU based on a comparison of the asset healability index relative to a second predetermined threshold. |
| US08713374B2 |
Memory device and method for repairing a semiconductor memory
A block repair device is used in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) having a primary array with a defective cell and a redundant array with a redundant row. The block repair device stores a block repair configuration that determines the dimensions (e.g., the number of rows and columns spanned) of a repair block. Routing circuitry is configured by the stored block repair configuration to output some row and column address bits from received row and column addresses in a selected ratio. Comparison circuitry compares the row and column address bits output by the routing circuitry with the address of the defective cell that defines the repair block. When a match occurs, the comparison circuitry implements a block repair by activating the redundant row and by causing data to be written to or read from the activated redundant row instead of the primary array. |
| US08713371B2 |
Controlling generation of debug exceptions
A data processing apparatus for performing data processing operations in response to execution of program instructions and debug circuitry for performing operations. The data processing apparatus includes a data store for storing a current debug exception mask value. The data processing circuitry is configured to set the mask value to a first value in the data store in response to executing critical code and on termination of execution of the critical code to reset the mask value to not store the first value. The data processing circuitry is configured, in response to receipt of a control signal indicating a debug exception is to be taken, to allow the exception to be taken if the mask value is not set to the first value and not to allow said exception to be taken if the mask value is set to the first value. |
| US08713369B2 |
Hardware/software debugging using memory access parameters
Debug circuitry is operated in a manner that facilitates debugging one or more hardware and/or software components that are included in a system that includes a system memory. The debug circuitry receives information from one of the hardware and/or software components and/or from the system memory, and ascertains whether the received information includes memory address parameters. If the received information includes memory address parameters, then the memory address parameters are used to retrieve data from the system memory. The retrieved data is supplied at an output port of the debug circuitry. |
| US08713366B2 |
Restarting event and alert analysis after a shutdown in a distributed processing system
Restarting event and alert analysis after a shutdown in a distributed processing system include identifying a shutdown condition of the distributed processing system; and determining whether the shutdown was a planned shutdown or an unplanned shutdown; if the shutdown was planned, storing an identification of the last event in an event log that was injected in an event queue at the time of the planned shutdown and restarting event and alert analysis using the next event identified in the event log; if the shutdown was unplanned, identifying a previously configured restart mode; selecting an identification of a restart event in the event log according to the previously configured restart mode; and restarting event and alert analysis using the restart event identified in the event log. |
| US08713362B2 |
Obviation of recovery of data store consistency for application I/O errors
Embodiments comprise a plurality of computing devices that dynamically intercept process application I/O errors. Various embodiments comprise two or more computing devices, such as two or more servers, each having access to a shared data storage system. An application may be executing on the first computing device and performing an I/O operation when an I/O error occurs. The first computing device may intercept the I/O error, rather than passing it back to the application, and prevent the error from affecting the application. The first computing device may complete the I/O operation, and any other pending I/O operations not written to disk, via an alternate path, perform a checkpoint operation to capture the state of the set of processes associated with the application, and transfer the checkpoint image to the second computing device. The second computing device may resume operation of the application from the checkpoint image. |
| US08713361B2 |
Error protection for pipeline resources
At an instruction pipeline of a data processor, pipeline resource conflicts are detected by setting, for each executing instruction, one or more assignment indicators to indicate which pipeline resources are to be utilized for executing the instruction. The instruction pipeline detects a pipeline resource conflict if an instruction is assigned a pipeline resource for which the assignment indicator is set. In addition, for selected pipeline resources, such as registers in a register file, the instruction pipeline can detect a pipeline resource conflict if more than one instruction attempts to access the pipeline resource when the assignment indicator for the resource is set. In response to detecting a pipeline resource conflict, the instruction pipeline is flushed and returned to a checkpointed state, thereby protecting the instruction pipeline from architectural state errors. |
| US08713352B2 |
Method, system and program for securing redundancy in parallel computing system
In a parallel computing system having a plurality of computing node groups including at least one spare computing node group, a plurality of managing nodes for allocating jobs to the computing node groups and an information management server having respective computing node group status information are associated with the computing node groups, and the respective managing nodes update respective in-use computing node group status information by accessing the information management server. Furthermore, when the managing node detects an occurrence of a failure, the managing node having used then the computing node group disabled due to the failure identifies a spare computing node group by accessing the computing node group status information in the information management server. Then, the managing node having used then the disabled computing node group obtains the computing node group information of the identified spare computing node group. Furthermore, since the managing node having used then the disabled computing node group can continue processing by switching the disabled computing node group to the identified spare computing node group as a computing node group to be used, on the basis of the computing node group information of the identified spare computing node group, the redundancy in the parallel computing system can be secured. |
| US08713343B2 |
Electronic control apparatus
In an electronic control apparatus, a microcomputer stops its operation when a power voltage supplied from a regulator starts to fall. When a low voltage detection circuit detects fall of the power voltage, the microcomputer is reset immediately and a communication start detection circuit is permitted to output a communication start signal. It is also possible to maintain the microcomputer in a wait state until proceeding to a sleep mode, and proceed to a normal operation mode when a power-on start signal is changed to be active in a period of the wait state. |
| US08713342B2 |
System and method for efficient association of a power outlet and device
A system and method for providing automatic or semi-automatic identity association between an outlet of an intelligent power distribution unit and a target device, such as a computer server, which is powered by that outlet. The association is accomplished by enabling identification information to be transmitted between a memory device near or within the target device and the intelligent power distribution unit via a power cable. The power cable may include a specialized interface for mating with the power distribution unit and/or providing the identification information. |
| US08713341B2 |
Selecting from a plural of energy saving modes
An image processing apparatus includes an energy saving mode entering process part configured to associate each of plural functions and a minimum necessary energy saving mode of plural energy saving modes to perform the function as first information; and a counting process part configured to count a usage period of time for a used function of the plural functions for each unit period of time. The energy saving mode entering process part is configured to determine which of the plural energy saving modes to enter based on the counted usage periods of time for a present unit period of time and cause the image processing apparatus to enter the determined energy saving mode. |
| US08713338B2 |
Methods and apparatus for low power out-of-band communications
A signal generator circuit for reducing power consumption of out-of-band message communications between a first device including the signal generator circuit and a second device coupled to the first device comprises a switching circuit and a controller coupled to the switching circuit. The controller is operative to receive a reference clock signal and at least a first control signal indicative of a request for the first device to send a message to the second device when the first device is in a first mode of operation. The controller generates an output control signal and an output data signal. The output control signal is operative as a function of the first control signal to selectively power up the switching circuit and a transmitter driver during the first mode. The output data signal includes the message supplied to the transmitter driver for transmission to the second device during the first mode. |
| US08713336B2 |
Communication apparatus, power supply control method, display apparatus, communication method, and computer program product
The detecting unit detects a disconnection of communications that have been established with a display apparatus. When the disconnection of the communications is detected, the message generating unit generates a confirmation message that confirms whether the communications should be reestablished. The transmitting unit transmits the confirmation message to the display apparatus. The receiving unit receives a reply message that indicates whether the communications should be reestablished from the display apparatus. The main power supply controlling unit shuts down the main power supply when the reply message indicates that the communications should not be reestablished, or when no reply message is received. |
| US08713332B2 |
System and method of supplying an electrical system with direct current
A system for supplying an electrical system with direct current, the system including at least two direct current power supply devices each having means of electrical connection to an alternating current power supply source and an AC/DC converter of alternating current into direct current, a module for managing the power supply of the electrical system which, after reception of an information of failure of a first active power supply device, transmits a command to start up a second inactive power supply device and a back up electrical energy storage device electrically by-pass connected between the power supply devices and the electrical system. The management module also receives the information of failure from the back up device and/or from the electrical system and transmits the command to start up the second power supply device during a discharge phase of the back up device. |
| US08713331B2 |
Semiconductor device including a clock generating circuit for generating an internal signal having a coarse delay line, a fine delay line and a selector circuit
A semiconductor device includes a data input/output circuit that has an ODT function and a DLL circuit that generates an internal clock for determining an operation timing of the data input/output circuit. The DLL circuit has a first mode for controlling a phase of the internal clock in a precise manner and a second mode for operating with low power consumption. When the data input/output circuit does not perform an ODT operation, the DLL circuit operates in the first mode, and when the data input/output circuit performs the ODT operation, the DLL circuit operates in the second mode. In this manner, the operation mode of the DLL circuit is switched over depending on the ODT operation, so that the power consumption in the CDT operation in which strict phase control is not required can be reduced. |
| US08713329B2 |
Authenticated secret sharing
A method and system distributes N shares of a secret among cooperating entities by forming a mathematical construct that has an embedded internal structure to allow authentication of a reconstructed secret. The mathematical construct can be a splitting polynomial constructed using the secret, a key and a message authentication code (MAC) as coefficients. The splitting polynomial is evaluated at N random evaluation points to obtain N result values. N shares of the secret are generated and distributed among the cooperating entities for storage. A reconstructed secret can be authenticated by computing the MAC of the reconstructed secret and verifying a relationship among the coefficients of a reconstructed splitting polynomial using the MAC. If the coefficients do not satisfy the relationship, one or more additional shares of the secret can be used to reconstruct the splitting polynomial and the secret. |
| US08713328B2 |
Code conversion apparatus, code conversion method, and computer product
A code conversion apparatus, a disk drive, a code buffer, and an encryption buffer are included in a storage. The code buffer stores therein first encrypted data present in the disk drive, and the encryption buffer stores therein first unencrypted data present in the disk drive. An encrypting unit encrypts the first unencrypted data present in the encryption buffer to predetermined encrypted data, and a decrypting unit decrypts the first encrypted data present in the code buffer to second unencrypted data. Moreover, a re-encrypting unit decrypts the first encrypted data present in the code buffer to third unencrypted data and encrypts the third unencrypted data to second encrypted data different from the first encrypted data. |
| US08713325B2 |
Key management using quasi out of band authentication architecture
To provide key management layered on a quasi-out-of-band authentication system, a security server receives a request for activation of a user interface window for a particular user from a network device via a communication channel. It then transmits an activation PIN to an out of band authentication system for forwarding to the user's telephone via a voice or text message. It next receives the previously transmitted PIN from the network device via the communication channel, and authenticates the user based on the received PIN. After authenticating the user, it establishes a secure, independent, encrypted communication channel between the user interface window and the security server on top of the original communication channel. It then generates and transmits to the user interface window and/or receives from the user interface window via the secure communication channel, key material and certificate material for public key and/or symmetric key cryptography based operations. |
| US08713323B2 |
Codeword-enhanced peer-to-peer authentication
Peer-to-peer authentication may be accomplished by sending a digital certificate to a responder, receiving a randomized codeword in response to the sending, creating a secure fingerprint based at least in part on the digital certificate and randomized codeword, creating a first bit sequence based at least in part on a first portion of the secure fingerprint and a second portion of the randomized codeword and indicating the first digital certificate is authenticated based upon whether the first bit sequence matches a second bit sequence received from the responder via an out-of-band communication in response to the sending. The size of the first bit sequence is less than the size of the secure fingerprint. According to another aspect, the first bit sequence is compared with a rendering of the second bit sequence, using an out-of-band communication, by associating the first bit sequence with one or more indices into an array of representations. |
| US08713321B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifiable generation of public keys
The invention provides a method of verifiable generation of public keys. According to the method, a self-signed signature is first generated and then used as input to the generation of a pair of private and public keys. Verification of the signature proves that the keys are generated from a key generation process utilizing the signature. A certification authority can validate and verify a public key generated from a verifiable key generation process. |
| US08713320B2 |
Security authentication method, apparatus, and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a security authentication method, apparatus, and system, where the method includes: verifying a feature identifier for identifying terminal equipment, where the terminal equipment is machine-to-machine equipment; and obtaining a key corresponding to the feature identifier, so as to perform secure communication with the terminal equipment according to the key. In the embodiments of the present invention, after terminal equipment, a mobility management entity, and a home subscriber system successfully perform authentication and key agreement, it is verified whether a feature identifier of the terminal is legal, and when the feature identifier of the terminal is a legal identifier, a key is obtained according to the feature identifier, so that the mobility management entity and the terminal equipment perform secure communication according to the key, thereby implementing secure communication between M2M equipment and a network side. |
| US08713314B2 |
Reoccuring keying system
A secure communication system or method are disclosed that may employ a constant level of trust between participants and a security management entity. As part of the constant level of trust, a communication policy may cause participants to request key validation every time the participant wishes to take an action that requires use of a key. In this manner, the participant may regularly communicate with the security management, and this regular communication can be further used to implement key renewal and/or rollover procedures. |
| US08713313B2 |
Terminal device, system and computer readable medium
A second terminal device is used in a system including a server, a first terminal device, and the second terminal device. The second terminal device includes: a first command transmission unit configured to transmit a first command to the first terminal device via the server; a storage control unit configured to hold a first address and first authentication information of the first terminal device; a second command transmission unit configured to transmit a second command to the first address; a determination unit configured to determine whether a terminal device as a destination of the second command is the first terminal device, by using first response data from the terminal device and the first authentication information; and a third command transmission unit configured to transmit a third command to the first address if the terminal device is determined to be the first terminal device. |
| US08713312B2 |
Method and system for detecting data modification within computing device
A method and apparatus for detecting data modification in a layered operating system is disclosed. Outbound content indicators at different layers are compared to detect potential outbound data modifications. Likewise, inbound content indicators at different layers are compared to detect potential inbound data modifications. Content indicators include checksum, cryptographic hash, signature, and fingerprint indicators. Embodiments of the present invention enable detection of data modifications across an operating system's kernel and user mode spaces, prevention of modified outbound data from reaching a network, prevention of modified input data from reaching a user application, and detection of malware and faults within an operating system. |
| US08713307B2 |
Computer system and volume migration control method using the same
A computer system regarding which there is no possibility that data loss or data leakage will occur caused by volume migration is provided.The computer system includes: a memory resource to be accessed by a host computer; a storage system for providing a volume, which logicizes the memory resource, to the host computer; and a management device for managing migration of the volume. When detecting a task of migration of the volume based on a request from a first administrator, the management device compares an encryption function setting status of the volume with the encryption function setting status of a migration destination object of the volume; and sends notice of this comparison result to a second administrator, who is different from the first administrator, for security management of the storage system. |
| US08713306B1 |
Network decoys
A technique for providing computer security is described. The technique comprises providing network configuration information on a dynamic network; determining whether the network configuration information meets a criterion; and in the event the configuration information meets the criterion, configuring a decoy associated with the network. |
| US08713305B2 |
Packet transmission method, apparatus, and network system
Embodiment of the present invention provides a packet transmission method. The method includes: receiving an encrypted packet sent by a client by using a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel, wherein the encrypted packet is sent by the client after the client determines, according to a preset control policy, that the control policy comprises an Internet Protocol (IP) address and a port number that are the same as a destination IP address and a destination port number of a packet to be sent and encrypts the packet to be sent, and the control policy comprises information about an IP address and a port number of an intranet server that can exchange a packet with a security socket layer protocol (SSL) VPN server; decrypting the encrypted packet; and sending the decrypted packet to a corresponding intranet server, wherein a source IP address of the decrypted packet is an external network IP address. |
| US08713298B2 |
Fast and compact circuit for bus inversion
A processor based system with at least one processor, at least one memory controller and optionally other devices having bussed system with a fast and compact majority voter in the circuitry responsible for the bus inversion decision. The majority voter is implemented in analog circuitry having two branches. One branch sums the advantage of transmitting the bits without inversion, the other sums the advantage of transmitting the bits with inversion. The majority voter computes the bus inversion decision in slightly more than one gate delay by simultaneously comparing current drive in each branch. |
| US08713297B2 |
Decrementing settings for a range of power caps when a power cap is exceeded
When the maximum power consumption of a computer exceeds a currently selected power-consumption cap, a cap setting corresponding to the currently selected power-consumption cap is reduced. In addition, power-cap settings corresponding to power-consumption caps between said currently selected power-consumption cap and said maximum power consumption are reduced. |
| US08713290B2 |
Scaleable status tracking of multiple assist hardware threads
A processor includes an initiating hardware thread, which initiates a first assist hardware thread to execute a first code segment. Next, the initiating hardware thread sets an assist thread executing indicator in response to initiating the first assist hardware thread. The set assist thread executing indicator indicates whether assist hardware threads are executing. A second assist hardware thread initiates and begins executing a second code segment. In turn, the initiating hardware thread detects a change in the assist thread executing indicator, which signifies that both the first assist hardware thread and the second assist hardware thread terminated. As such, the initiating hardware thread evaluates assist hardware thread results in response to both of the assist hardware threads terminating. |
| US08713289B2 |
Efficiently emulating computer architecture condition code settings without executing branch instructions
Emulation of source machine instructions is provided in which target machine CPU condition codes are employed to produce emulated condition code settings without the use, encoding or generation of branching instructions. |
| US08713287B2 |
Off-loading of processing from a processor blade to storage blades based on processing activity, availability of cache, and other status indicators
A processor blade determines whether a selected processing task is to be off-loaded to a storage blade for processing. The selected processing task is off-loaded to the storage blade via a planar bus communication path, in response to determining that the selected processing task is to be off-loaded to the storage blade. The off-loaded selected processing task is processed in the storage blade. The storage blade communicates the results of the processing of the off-loaded selected processing task to the processor blade. |
| US08713284B1 |
Methods and apparatus for address translation functions
Techniques are described for efficient reordering of data and performing data exchanges within a register file or memory, or in general, any device storing data that is accessible through a set of addressable locations. An address translator is placed in the path of all or a selected set of address busses to a storage device to provide a programmable and selectable means of translating the storage device addresses. An effect of this translation is that the data stored in one pattern may be accessed and stored in another pattern or accessed, processed and stored in another pattern. The address translation operation may be carried out in a single cycle, does not involve the physical movement of data in swap operations, allows data to effectively be ordered more efficiently for algorithmic processing and therefore saves power. |
| US08713278B2 |
System and method for stranded file opens during disk compression utility requests
A technique for handling stranded file opens for DCOM utility requests in a NSK. In one example embodiment, this is achieved by selecting a source file to be compressed in a disk by the DCOM utility. The source file includes one or more non-contiguous disk file extents and each non-contiguous disk file extent includes multiple blocks. A temporary file is then crated to copy the source file. The multiple blocks in a current non-contiguous disk file extent are then copied from the source file by the DCOM utility by transferring data to the disk as a function of a NSK net transfer data limit size. A current file descriptor of the source file is then stored in an offset field of the temporary file and a current value is then set in the offset field of a source file control block of the source file as a function of whether all of the multiple blocks in the current non-contiguous disk file extent were copied to the disk. |
| US08713277B2 |
Critical word forwarding with adaptive prediction
In an embodiment, a system includes a memory controller, processors and corresponding caches. The system may include sources of uncertainty that prevent the precise scheduling of data forwarding for a load operation that misses in the processor caches. The memory controller may provide an early response that indicates that data should be provided in a subsequent clock cycle. An interface unit between the memory controller and the caches/processors may predict a delay from a currently-received early response to the corresponding data, and may speculatively prepare to forward the data assuming that it will be available as predicted. The interface unit may monitor the delays between the early response and the forwarding of the data, or at least the portion of the delay that may vary. Based on the measured delays, the interface unit may modify the subsequently predicted delays. |
| US08713271B2 |
Methods and systems for automated backups and recovery on multi-os platforms using controller-based snapshots
A method for backing up and restoring data across multiple operating systems executed by a computing product executing computer implemented instructions, wherein each operating system includes a daemon. Embodiments may include receiving a backup initiation trigger from an initial daemon on an initial operating system. This method may include relaying the backup initiation trigger to other daemons on other operating systems. This method may also include receiving snapshot requests from the other daemons, wherein each of the snapshot requests are requests for snapshots of storage associated with an operating system of one of the other operating systems. This method may further include sending received snapshot requests from the other daemons to a storage controller. |
| US08713263B2 |
Out-of-order load/store queue structure
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for supporting embodiments of an out-of-order load/store queue structure. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a first queue for storing memory operations adapted to be executed out-of-order with respect to other memory operations. The apparatus also includes one or more additional queues for storing memory operation in response to completion of a memory operation. The embodiment of the apparatus is configured to remove the memory operation from the first queue in response to the completion. |
| US08713260B2 |
Adaptive block pre-fetching method and system
A method and system may include fetching a first pre-fetched data block having a first length greater than the length of a first requested data block, storing the first pre-fetched data block in a cache, and then fetching a second pre-fetched data block having a second length, greater than the length of a second requested data block, if data in the second requested data block is not entirely stored in a valid part of the cache. The first and second pre-fetched data blocks may be associated with a storage device over a channel. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08713259B2 |
Method and apparatus for reacquiring lines in a cache
A method and apparatus for controlling re-acquiring lines of memory in a cache is provided. The method comprises storing at least one atomic instruction in a queue in response to the atomic instruction being retired, and identifying a target memory location associated with load and store portions of the atomic instruction. A line of memory associated with the target memory location is acquired and stored in a cache. Subsequently, if the line of acquired memory is evicted, then it is re-acquired in response to the atomic instruction becoming the oldest instruction stored in the queue. The apparatus comprises a queue and a cache. The queue is adapted for storing at least one atomic instruction in response to the atomic instruction being retired. A target memory location is associated with load and store portions of the atomic instruction. The cache is adapted for acquiring a line of memory associated with the target memory location, storing the line of acquired memory in a cache, evicting the acquired line of memory from the cache in response to detecting a conflict regarding the acquired line of memory, and re-acquiring the line of memory in response to the atomic instruction becoming the oldest instruction stored in the queue. |
| US08713256B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for energy efficiency and energy conservation including dynamic cache sizing and cache operating voltage management for optimal power performance
Embodiments described herein vary an amount of cache available for use by a processor, and an amount of power supplied to the cache and to the processor, based on the amount of cache actually being used by the processor to process data. For example, a power control unit (PCU) may monitor a last level cache (LLC) to identify if the size or amount of the cache being used by a processor to process data and to determine heuristics based on that amount. Based on the monitored amount of cache being used and the heuristics, the PCU causes a corresponding decrease or increase in an amount of the cache available for use by the processor, and a corresponding decrease or increase in an amount of power supplied to the cache and to the processor. |
| US08713253B1 |
Modular storage system
A modular storage system includes a modular storage system module, or “brick,” housing a disk drive array containing computer data. Each brick includes a backplane, fan(s) and a skin and has self-describing attributes that allow external control logic to auto-configure for each brick. The brick backplane includes a non-volatile memory device, such as a serial EEPROM, that can maintain and provide static and dynamic information regarding the brick and any disk drives in the disk drive array housed in the brick. The bricks can be attached to one or more base stations implementing and/or incorporating application-specific features and/or functions. Each base station also includes means for supplying power to the bricks and the disk drives contained in the bricks, RAID or other disk drive array control logic. Mounting apparatus ensures that a brick mounted to a base station, is immobilized, thus protecting the brick and electrical connection between the brick and the base station. |
| US08713248B2 |
Memory device and method for dynamic random access memory having serial interface and integral instruction buffer
A dynamic random access memory integrated circuit includes an interface to a serial interconnect, where the interface is configured to receive a plurality of memory access instructions over the serial interconnect, and a buffer configured to store the plurality of memory access instructions prior to execution of the buffered memory access instructions by the dynamic random access memory integrated circuit. The memory access instructions are received over at least one serial link that forms the serial interconnect, and the at least one serial link may be a shared bi-directional serial link or a uni-directional serial link. |
| US08713245B2 |
Secure Flash-based memory system with fast wipe feature
A Flash-based storage system, card, and/or module comprises a Flash controller configured to encrypt the data pages of a page stripe by shuffling the data pages, including loading each data page into a data shuffling buffer in a sequential order relative to other data pages in the page stripe, and thereafter unloading each data page in a non-sequential order relative to other data pages in the page stripe. The Flash controller is also configured to scramble the data pages of the page stripe by performing a bitwise logical operation on the data pages that are unloaded from the data shuffling buffer. A user key and one or more system keys are used to perform the shuffling and scrambling. The Flash controller is further configured to flush the user key by bypassing the system's backup power supply and performing an emergency system shutdown without backing up system data. |
| US08713242B2 |
Control method and allocation structure for flash memory device
A control method and an allocation structure for a flash memory device are provided herein. The flash memory device has a first memory module and a second memory module. Physical blocks of the first memory module and physical blocks of the second memory module are respectively divided into a plurality of groups, each of which has a plurality of the physical blocks. A first subunit and a second subunit of a first allocation unit are interleavingly written into a first group of the groups of the first memory module and a second group of the groups of the second memory chip respectively. Additionally, a first subunit and a second subunit of a second allocation unit are interleavingly written into a third group of the groups of the first memory module and the second group, respectively. |
| US08713241B2 |
Method and apparatus for an active low power mode of a portable computing device
The present invention discloses a portable computing device (100) including a processor (102), alternate memory (106), and a DRAM memory (108). Under normal operating conditions, providing full functionality of the device, a full code instantiation in the DRAM is executed, providing operating system, user interface and application execution functionality. A reduced code instantiation (114) which duplicates certain elements of the operating system, user interface, and application code is maintained in the low power memory. When a condition occurs that dictates or allows, execution is switched from the full code instantiation to the reduced code instantiation, and the DRAM is shut off. |
| US08713240B2 |
Providing multiple decode options for a system-on-chip (SoC) fabric
In one embodiment, a system-on-chip (SoC) can be configured to receive a request from a master agent in a fabric coupled to the master agent, send a show command grant to the master agent responsive to selection of the request by the fabric, receive a command portion of a transaction corresponding to the request in the fabric and determine a target agent to receive the transaction based on the command portion, and thereafter send a transaction grant to the master agent for the transaction. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08713239B2 |
Bus controller for handling split transactions
A host controller is suitable for transferring data in transactions, each transaction being described by a transfer descriptor, and the transactions include split transactions. The transfer descriptor for a split transaction includes a bit which may be set to indicate whether the split transaction is a start split or a complete split transaction, and, once a transaction comprising split transactions has been started by a first split transaction, subsequent split transactions are generated automatically until the transaction is complete. |
| US08713238B1 |
Recovery of a hot-pluggable serial communication link
A communication circuit includes a communication port, a receiver an aligner, and a link recovery circuit. The communication port is configured to connect to a communication link and to disconnect from the communication link. The receiver is configured to generate, while the communication link is connected to the communication port, a serial sequence of received bits recovered from the communication link. The aligner is configured to decode a received sequence of blocks from the serial sequence of received bits. The blocks of the received sequence include data blocks and control blocks. The link recovery circuit is configured to reset the receiver in response to the blocks, in the received sequence after a first one of the control blocks and before a next one of the control blocks, numbering greater than a threshold number. |
| US08713236B2 |
Maintenance guidance display device, maintenance guidance display method, and maintenance guidance display program
Maintenance guidance is provided so that maintenance work is carried out without distinguishing operating state replacement/non-operating state replacement, faulty component replacement/preventive maintenance replacement, or replacement/expansion, and that an operator can carry out maintenance work without operation errors. To achieve such maintenance guidance, there are included: a component selection screen display unit that displays a plurality of components which can be maintenance targets, to allow the operator to select a maintenance target component; a state determination unit that determines a power state or an installation state of the maintenance target component selected by the selection screen display unit; and an instruction screen display unit that gives an instruction to carry out maintenance work in accordance with the determination state determined by the state determination unit. |
| US08713230B2 |
Method for adjusting link speed and computer system using the same
A method for adjusting a link speed and a computer system using the same are provided. The method is used after executing a boot block code and before executing a bus enumeration procedure. A testing step is executed using a maximum link speed supported by both a bridge and a peripheral device. If the test fails, the link speed is adjusted down until the test succeeds, thus automatically adjusting the link speed of the bridge. |
| US08713225B2 |
Control unit including a computing device and a peripheral module which are interconnected via a serial multiwire bus
A control unit includes at least one computing device and at least one separate peripheral module which is connected to the computing device via a serial multiwire bus, the peripheral module including at least one output stage for transferring serial data to means outside of the control unit. In order to keep the number of pins required on a peripheral module to a minimum, thereby reducing costs for the entire control unit, the peripheral module has an asynchronous single-wire interface between one interface for the serial multiwire bus and the output stage. The asynchronous single-wire interface is preferably a UART (universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter) interface. The serial multiwire bus is preferably a microsecond bus. |
| US08713224B2 |
System and method for transferring data in storage controllers
A method and system for processing data by a storage controller with a buffer controller coupled to a buffer memory is provided. The method includes, evaluating incoming data block size; determining if the incoming data requires padding; and padding incoming data such that the incoming data can be processed by the buffer controller. The method also includes determining if any pads need to be removed from data that is read from the buffer memory; and removing pads from the data read from the buffer memory. The buffer controller can be set in a mode to receive any MOD size data and includes a first channel with a FIFO for receiving incoming data via a first interface. The buffer controller mode for receiving incoming data can be set by firmware. |
| US08713222B2 |
Information processing apparatus and power supply controlling method
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a first controller configured to control a first external device; a second controller configured to control a second external device; a combo connector configured to connect the first external device to the first controller or to connect the second external device to the second controller alternatively; a first power controller configured to turn OFF buffer power supply of the second controller when the first external device is connected to the combo connector and the second external device is not connected to the combo connector; and a second power controller configured to turn OFF buffer power supply of the first controller when the second external device is connected to the combo connector and the first external device is not connected to the combo connector. |
| US08713220B2 |
Multi-bank queuing architecture for higher bandwidth on-chip memory buffer
A network device includes a main storage memory and a queue handling component. The main storage memory includes multiple memory banks which store a plurality of packets for multiple output queues. The queue handling component controls write operations to the multiple memory banks and controls read operations from the multiple memory banks, where the read operations for at least one of the multiple output queues alternates sequentially between the each of the multiple memory banks, and where the read operations and the write operations occur during a same clock period on different ones of the multiple memory banks. |
| US08713219B2 |
Switching device, switch control method, and storage system
A queue number acquiring unit acquires a command queuing number that is the upper limit of the number of process-waiting instructions that can be stored in each of storages that make up a virtual disk for each storage. A minimum queue number selecting unit selects the minimum value of the command queuing numbers of the storages that make up the virtual disk as a minimum queue number. A queue number setting unit sets the selected minimum queue number as the command queuing number of the virtual disk that includes the storage device of which the command queuing number is selected as the minimum queue number for each virtual disk. |
| US08713218B2 |
Non-disruptive configuration of a virtualization controller in a data storage system
Embodiments of the invention relate to configuring a virtualization controller in SAN data storage system without disrupting I/O operations. One aspect of the invention concerns a method that comprises establishing a first data path between a host and a storage controller in the same communication zone wherein the storage controller comprises disks for storing data; adding a virtualization controller to the zone wherein the virtualization controller maps the disks to virtual volumes and establishes a second data path between the host and the disks through the virtual volumes; removing the first data path in response to the host detecting the second data path; and performing I/O operations between the host and the disks through the second data path. |
| US08713217B2 |
Permitting access of slave device from master device based on process ID's
A computer system has a master device having a first register for storing a first process ID associated with a software process number. The master device transmits the first process ID onto a system bus when it generates a transaction. The computer system has a slave device holding a second process ID for permitting access. The slave device accepts the transaction when the first process ID and the second process ID meet a predetermined condition. |
| US08713215B2 |
Systems and methods for image stream processing
Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for simultaneously switching input image streams to output devices, while providing optional image processing functions on the image streams. Certain embodiments may provide vision systems and methods suitable for use in vehicles, particularly windowless vehicles, such as armored ground vehicles, submerged watercraft, and spacecraft. Some embodiments may enable sharing of image streams (e.g., with one or more other vehicles), generation of panoramic views (e.g., from various camera feeds), intelligent encoding of image streams, and implementation of security features based on image streams. |
| US08713209B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for fast startup of USB devices
Exemplary embodiments are directed to fast enumeration of a device in a USB system including a USB device and a USB host. The USB device includes two device descriptors, a memory for holding firmware for operation of the USB device, and a controller for executing the firmware. A first device descriptor is for enumerating the USB device in a firmware-loading mode and a second device descriptor is for enumerating the USB device in an operational mode. The USB host controls a first enumeration of the USB device using the first device descriptor. After the first enumeration, the USB host receives a re-enumerate indicator from the USB device and controls a second enumeration of the USB device using the second device descriptor. |
| US08713208B2 |
Image display device and method of changing first EDID with second EDID wherein the second EDID information is compatible with image display device
A display apparatus connected to a video/audio output device includes at least two connecting portions to connect with the video/audio output device, a first storage unit to store extended display identification data (EDID) information to be provided to the video/audio output device, a second storage unit to store EDID information corresponding to the two connecting portions respectively, and a controller to change the EDID information stored in the first storage unit into one information of a currently connected connecting portion among the EDID information stored in the second storage unit when the connecting portion connected with the video/audio output device is changed. |
| US08713207B2 |
Instrumenting configuration and system settings
Described are systems and methods for instrumenting configuration and system settings based on targeting configuration settings at dynamically populated groups, groups with varied membership, and objects defined in a class. The systems and methods provide for attributing a configuration setting or policy to one or more objects and then targeting the object at one or more scopes. |
| US08713206B2 |
Display apparatus, control method thereof, and program
A display apparatus includes a USB connector used to connect an external device so as to be able to communicate with that device. The display apparatus also includes a CPU which controls to make a display based on data received from the external device with which a communication connection is established via the USB connector. The CPU acquires class information indicating a class of the external device, the communication connection of which is established. When the communication connection with the external device is disconnected, if the acquired class information indicates a predetermined class, the CPU controls to continue the display based on the received data, and if the class information does not indicate the predetermined class, the CPU controls to end the display. |
| US08713203B2 |
Statistical information collection from one or more device(s) in storage communication with a computing platform
A method includes addressing, through a command generated by an application executing on a computing platform, one or more device(s) in storage communication with the computing platform based on an appropriate communication link. The method also includes accessing, based on the addressing, a physical register of the one or more device(s) through an appropriate interface therein. Further, the method includes obtaining statistical information associated with a performance of the one or more device(s) at the computing platform through the access of the physical register. |
| US08713197B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing network traffic
A system, apparatus, and method for managing the flow of data on a network. A plurality of processors are used to implement a virtual queue, for controlling a rate of flow of data on the network. Each of the processors has a member queue, the combination of member queues combining to form the virtual queue. Aspects of the invention use messages to communicate among the processors, to properly control the rate of flow. |
| US08713195B2 |
Method and system for streaming digital video content to a client in a digital video network
A technique for streaming digital video content to a client involves providing a new stream of digital video content to the client using forward error correction (FEC) for a limited initial period and then ending the use of FEC after the limited initial period has ended. In an embodiment, during the limited initial period, the digital video content is provided to the client at a rate that is slightly higher than the playout rate in order to allow a client buffer to accumulate digital video content. FEC continues to be used until the client buffer is sufficiently populated such that lost or damaged frames can be retransmitted to the client before the corresponding digital video content is needed for playout. Once the client buffer is sufficiently populated, FEC is ended and retransmission is used to maintain the quality of the streamed digital video content. |
| US08713193B1 |
Pausing multimedia data streams
A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for pausing a multimedia data stream. Techniques are disclosed that include receiving a pause request message, wherein the pause request message includes a sequence number of a last processed media frame within a multimedia data stream when a pause command was issued from a user. Techniques disclosed further include pausing a transmission of the multimedia data stream to a client device. Moreover, the techniques disclosed include determining a time-out value based on one or more local resources of a server, wherein the time-out value corresponds to a length of time the media stream can be paused. Furthermore, the techniques disclosed include creating a timestamp of when the transmission of the media stream was paused. Additionally, the techniques disclosed include sending the time-out value and the timestamp to the client device. |
| US08713191B1 |
Method and apparatus for establishing a media clip
A method and apparatus for establishing a media clip for such uses as a ring tone at a client station and a ring-back tone by a cellular wireless network. A client station receives streaming media from a network system. During presentation of the streaming media at the client station, the client station receives user input identifying a first portion of the streaming media as a media clip start point (MCSP) and a second portion of the streaming media as a media clip end point (MCEP). The client station establishes a message indicating the identified MCSP and MCEP and transmits the message to the network system. In response to receiving the message, the network system establishes a media clip defined as a portion of the streaming media extending from the MCSP to the MCEP. The network system may transmit the media clip to the client station and/or the cellular wireless network. |
| US08713188B2 |
Per-request control of DNS behavior
In various embodiments, a user or subscriber of a domain name system (DNS) service that provides various DNS resolution options or features, such as misspelling redirection, parental filters, domain blocking, or phishing protection through the DNS process, can influence how requests for domain name (DNS) information are handled on a per-request basis. The user or subscriber may configure the DNS client software of their personal computer or configure their broadband router to provide control information to a DNS server with DNS resolution options that enables the DNS server to resolve DNS queries with the DNS resolution options on a per-request basis. As a result, the user can mitigate exposure to pop-ups, pop-unders, banner ads, fraudulent offers, malware, viruses, or the like, from websites using the domain name system. |
| US08713187B2 |
Mobile interactive kiosk method
To regulate information exchanges, provide personal security and enhance personal privacy inside and outside a network and to regulate devices. Provided is a personal bio-data mining and pairing method of a human user to one or more communications devices capable of functioning in a network cloud environment and, where the rules governing cloud organization and communications are based in part upon a human user bio-data and real world information exchanges commonly occurring at specific geographical locations. |
| US08713183B2 |
Resource compatability for data centers
Systems and methods of resource compatibility for data centers are disclosed. In an example, the method may include accessing a condition for utilizing resources. The method may also include comparing the condition to compatibility information for the resources in a data center. The method may also include using the comparison to identify a supported configuration for the resources in the data center satisfying the condition. |
| US08713180B2 |
Zero-copy network and file offload for web and application servers
Methods and apparatus for transferring data from an application server are provided. By offloading network and file system stacks to a common stack accessible by multiple operating systems in a virtual computing system, embodiments of the present invention may achieve data transfer support for web and application servers without the data needing to be copied to or reside in the address space of the server operating systems. |
| US08713170B2 |
Server-side web analytics system and method
There is provided a server-side web analytics computer implemented system and method. In an embodiment the system has at least one computer server for receiving an electronic request from a web enabled source. The computer server has a web application for creating a log message from the electronic request. The computer server further has an automated server-side web analytics system for processing the log message into an action message and for processing the action message into a reporting message. The server-side web analytics computer implemented system generates asynchronously and in near real-time web analytics data from the reporting message. |
| US08713167B1 |
Distributive data capture
Included are systems and methods for capturing screen data. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving an indication of a communications session, wherein the communication session is associated with screen data and determining screen data to capture. Some embodiments include capturing data related to the screen data and uploading the captured data to a remote location. |
| US08713163B2 |
Monitoring cloud-runtime operations
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring cloud-runtime operations. Embodiments of the invention include an infrastructure for initiating and monitoring (e.g., asynchronous) cloud-runtime operations. In some embodiments, cloud-runtime operations are included in a sequence of operations (e.g., in a workflow) for deploying or purging cloud based resources for a customer premises. Accordingly, monitored operations include creating cloud deployments, growing cloud deployments, shrinking cloud deployments, and deleting cloud deployments. Cloud deployments can be reliably deleted when a workflow is aborted, to prevent accrual of unexpected charges. |
| US08713162B2 |
Direct mode adapter based shortcut for FCoE data transfer
This invention permits all FCoE (Fiber Channel over Ethernet) frames to be transferred from one FCoE network adapter to another without having to traverse through a Fiber Channel Forwarder (FCF) device. After the FCF is determined not to be present, a logical End-To-End connection is established between Peer FCoE Adapters. This invention permits an FCoE message originating at an FCoE network adapter to be sent to an FCoE receiving adapter across “Ethernet” links and switches, or via a single “Ethernet” link (Point-To-Point) but without having to pass through FCF devices. |
| US08713161B2 |
Image processing apparatus, remote management system, license update method, and computer program product
An image processing apparatus includes an HDD that stores therein a license file containing an expiration date of a license of an application and a class of the license, a detecting unit that acquires the expiration date from the license file and detects whether the expiration date has passed, a class identifying unit that identifies a class of the license whose expiration date is detected as having passed, based on the license file, an update-process determining unit that determines a method of performing an update process based on the class, a license-file acquiring unit that acquires a license file from the license file management server based on the method of performing the update process, and a replacing unit that replaces the license file stored in the HDD with the license file acquired by the license-file acquiring unit. |
| US08713160B1 |
Automated top-down multi-abstraction infrastructure performance analytics -network infrastructure-as-a-service perspective
A method, system, and program, product for analyzing a computer network comprising one or more domains, each of the one or more domains comprising a plurality of nodes and one or more links, the method comprising calculating the health of the computer network, determining, based on the computer network health, if an infrastructure problem exists, identifying, based on the determination, a domain of the one or more domains of the computer network, further identifying, based on the identified domain, an infrastructure problem selected from the group comprising the plurality of nodes and the one or more links of the identified domain, determining an origin of the cause of the infrastructure problem based on the identified infrastructure problem. |
| US08713156B2 |
Request routing based on class
A system and method for management and processing of resource requests is provided. A content delivery network service provider receives a DNS query from a client computing device. The DNS query corresponds to a requested resource from the client computing device. The content delivery network service provider associates the client computing device with a cluster of other client computing devices. Based on routing information for the cluster, the content delivery network service provider routes the DNS query. The process can further include monitoring performance data associated with the delivery of the requested resource and updating the routing information for the cluster based on the performance data for use in processing subsequent requests from client computing devices in the cluster. |
| US08713147B2 |
Matching a usage history to a new cloud
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for identifying usage histories and end users that may benefit from being redeployed to a new cloud-based network. In particular, a new cloud can receive usage histories corresponding to end user usage in a respective set of other pre-existing clouds. In embodiments, the new cloud can determine whether the new cloud provides sufficient resources to properly host each end user recorded in the usage histories. Further, the new cloud can determine whether there is a cost benefit or other advantage for a user to move to the new cloud. In embodiments, a deployment recommendation may be sent to an administrator of the cloud associated with the desirable usage history. |
| US08713140B2 |
Method and system for modifying satellite radio program subscriptions in a mobile vehicle
A system and method is directed to modifying a satellite radio subscription in a mobile vehicle. The method provides for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification. The system further provides means for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, means for retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, means for determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and means for sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification. |
| US08713139B1 |
Automatic fixup of network configuration on system image move
A method and device provide for automatically reconfiguring a computer network in response to an operating system image migration from a first hardware platform to a second hardware platform. The method includes detecting a boot up command and in response, initializing a fix up utility, creating a new network configuration for the migrated operating system image and storing the new network configuration information; reading the new network configuration information and old network configuration information corresponding to the first hardware platform; determining if any of the new network configuration information corresponds to a new network interface controller and if any of the old network information corresponds to a non-assigned network interface controller; and if any of the old network configuration information corresponds to a non-assigned network interface controller, reassigning network interface controller identifiers from the old network configuration information to the new network interface controller. |
| US08713137B2 |
Fail-safe upgrading of portable electronic device software
A portable communication device is provided that receives upgrade files via at least one wireless coupling. The contents of the upgrade file include information to repair errors in software components of the portable communication device and/or information to upgrade functions of the portable communication device. The portable communication device automatically upgrades the software components using the upgrade file contents. The portable communication device automatically recovers to an operational state when detecting an error or failure during the automatic upgrade. Further, the portable communication device resumes or reinitiates the automatic upgrade following the error or failure. |
| US08713134B2 |
System and method for managing content on a network interface
The disclosed invention is a system and method (collectively the “system”) for the automated management of content on a network interface. The network interface can be a web site on the World Wide Web, an Internet location, an intranet location, an extranet location, or some other form of network interface (collectively “web site”). The system can automatically create applications and links to those applications without human intervention. Examples of automated applications include newsroom applications, calendar of events, employment opportunities, project portfolio, biographies, frequently asked questions, document library, category management, product catalogs, e-mail broadcasts, surveys, and newsletters. Fully normalized hierarchies of business rules and user profiles can be supported by the system to facilitate automation and configurability. Multiple content providers can manage a single web site in a simultaneous or substantially simultaneous manner. In ASP embodiments, multiple organizations can use the system to manage multiple web sites in a substantially simultaneous manner. |
| US08713132B2 |
Device for data routing in networks
An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network having remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal or other client device. Camera management enables automatic configuration and management of cameras in the premise network. The camera management extends to remote control and monitoring from outside the firewall of the premise network to include routing of images or video from a streaming source device to a requesting client device. |
| US08713127B2 |
Techniques for distributed storage aggregation
Techniques for distributed storage aggregation are presented. A storage aggregation server interacts over a network with a plurality of contributing servers to organize and partition excess storage on each of the contributing servers as a logical Random Array of Independent Disks (RAID). Network resource can process Input/Output (I/O) operations over the network against the RAID using an Internet Small Computers Systems Interface (iSCSI) protocol. |
| US08713123B2 |
Method of sending CTI messages in a communication system
There is described a method of sending CTI messages in a communications system. The method comprises assigning to each of a plurality of CTI messages a priority indicator selected from a plurality of different priority indicators, sending the plurality of CTI messages from a queue formed by the CTI messages such that the time interval between two messages sent from the queue depends upon the priority indicator assigned to the first of the two messages to be sent, whereby the time interval between messages being sent from the queue may vary. |
| US08713121B1 |
Inter vehicle communication system
A method and network for transmitting a message from a sender to a recipient wherein the sender has no previous knowledge of the recipient's identity. A method is provided for registering a user with a web-enabled database service by providing correlating data on the user's identity and vehicle license plate number and/or other vehicle identifying information. A sender observing a vehicle can send a message to the recipient by logging onto the service and sending a message including the license plate number of the vehicle or other vehicle identifying information. The service will forward the message to the recipient by looking up the vehicle information, discerning the most appropriate communications method(s), and causing the message to be transmitted to the recipient or stored for later delivery. |
| US08713117B2 |
Systems and methods for performing live chat functionality via a mobile device
Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for extending chat capabilities of traditional computer-to-computer chat systems to mobile devices. As will be generally understood, chat sessions typically allow users and chat agents to type and send/receive messages through a chat system. According to one aspect, such a mobile consumer messaging system (MCMS) utilizes existing mobile communication channels to interface with existing traditional chat systems. Specifically, in various embodiments of the MCMS, chat agents using existing, traditional chat systems are able to participate in chat sessions with end users through the users' mobile devices without specific modifications to the existing chat system. Further, according to one embodiment, chat agents utilize a single chat platform to participate in chat sessions with end users through the end users' mobile devices as well as with various other users utilizing a traditional chat system on a computer. |
| US08713113B2 |
Communication terminal device, and recording medium
When a user selects an image, a control unit detects a face image from the selected image and acquires person data corresponding to the face image. Moreover, the control unit specifies address book data of the person and acquires an e-mail address from the address book data. When the user inputs an e-mail address, the control unit also has a function of detecting an image in which a person having the input e-mail address as a destination is an imaged object and creating an e-mail attached with the image. |
| US08713112B2 |
Managing and collaborating with digital content
A universal digital content system provides a dynamic user interface having a viewing area, an action menu area, and an organizing area. A user can create, organize, send, receive, access, collaborate with and otherwise manage digital content through a single user interface. The universal digital content system provides multiple ways of viewing and organizing all of the digital content accessible through the dynamic user interface. In addition, a user can create a collaboration session with one or more contacts using one or more digital content files. |
| US08713111B2 |
Providing a web page to a client
To display pieces of data provided by different servers in one page, a providing apparatus provides a page to a client terminal, the page including data retrieved from a server. The providing apparatus includes a) a page return unit for, upon receipt of a page retrieval request from the client terminal, returning a page including code to the client terminal, the code to be executed on the client terminal, the code causing the client terminal to transmit a data transmission instruction to the server, the data transmission instruction instructing the server to transmit the data to the providing apparatus, b) a data reception unit for receiving the data transmitted by the server, the server having received the data transmission instruction from the client terminal, and c) a transfer unit for transferring the data received from the server, to the client terminal. |
| US08713109B1 |
Method and apparatus for storing email messages
A method for saving an email to an electronic storage location is disclosed. A topic identifier located in the email is used to locate a storage location on the electronic storage device for saving the email message. Emails relating to the same topics of interest may be stored in the same storage location. |
| US08713106B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a collaboration place interface including data that is persistent after a client is longer in the collaboration place among a plurality of clients
In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods provide a client-server infrastructure capable of supporting a variety of asynchronous and synchronous collaboration activities in a so-called collaboration place. Some of these activities include chatting, viewing and/or editing one or more data files, and sharing one or more applications, data files, and/or displays. The client-server infrastructure supports seamless navigation between the supported asynchronous and synchronous activities in the collaboration place. Additionally, the client-server architecture supports data persistence, so that data files associated with the collaboration place can be stored for subsequent access. |
| US08713100B1 |
Hybrid asynchronous transmission process
The present invention is a hybrid asynchronous transmission process capable of reducing multiple asynchronous requests and responses to a single asynchronous request or response while reducing the amount of data being transferred. The hybrid transmission process utilizes data store, referred to as a transition state store (TSS), to locally store name/value pairs as strings in the web browser. The TSS stores both the current and future states of the webpage, based on user interaction. The utilization of the API's and data store in the transmission process allow updates to the desktop state without transmitting mass amounts of data between the server and web browser. |
| US08713094B2 |
Event-associating software application for accessing digital media
The Event-Associating Software Application for Accessing Digital Media (the “Software Application”) consists of a Software Application designed to receive messages and digital media files from external sources, then to read and categorize each file's metadata based on events of which the person submitting the file has taken a photograph or a video, or recorded audio. The Software Application parses each file's metadata, looks up events in the System database to match with the digital media file, and associates those events with the message. The Application's parsing function generally comprises reading the metadata, splitting it up into component parts, and categorizing it in databases together with the message data, which consists of EXIF data (Exchangeable Image File Format data, such as time, location, and other related tags) encoded in photograph and audio files and user-generated text and tags that accompany the files. |
| US08713091B2 |
Network based JIT on a priori knowledge of a set of disparate clients
Network based just-in-time compilation based on A Priori knowledge of a set of disparate clients is disclosed. One embodiment comprises using a web service to register a device and store a device profile containing the capabilities of the device, receiving a request from the device to subscribe to a content service, and to create a client runtime for the device for a requested service corresponding to the device capabilities. In this way, the embodiment may send the client runtime to the device to allow the device to communicate with the content service through the web service. |
| US08713088B2 |
Identifying users of remote sessions
Systems and methods of identifying users of remote sessions are disclosed. In an example, a method includes establishing a remote session in a virtual machine. The method also includes identifying a user of the remote session. The method also includes identifying information of the user in an outgoing request by the virtual machine for access to an application on a backend server during the remote session. |
| US08713081B2 |
Look up table (LUT) structure supporting exclusive OR (XOR) circuitry configured to allow for generation of a result using quaternary adders
A lookup table structure having multiple lookup tables is configured to include a quaternary adder. In particular examples, an adaptive logic module (ALM) including a fracturable lookup table (LUT) is configured to include a quaternary (4-1) adder. In some examples, only an XOR gate, an AND gate, two single bit 2-1 multiplexers, and minor connectivity changes to a LUT structure supporting a ternary (3-1) adder are needed to support 4-1 adders. Binary (2-1) and ternary adders are still supported using the original signal flows, as the ternary adder feature can be easily multiplexed out. |
| US08713080B2 |
Circuit for compressing data and a processor employing same
The present application addresses a fundamental problem in the design of computing systems, that of minimizing the cost of memory access. This is a fundamental limitation on the design of computer systems as regardless of the memory technology or manner of connection to the processor, there is a maximum limitation on how much data can be transferred between processor and memory in a given time, this is the available memory bandwidth and the limitation of compute power by available memory bandwidth is often referred to as the memory-wall. The solution provided creates a map of a data structure to be compressed, the map representing the locations of non-trivial data values in the structure (e.g. non-zero values) and deleting the trivial data values from the structure to provide a compressed structure. |
| US08713076B2 |
Providing a multi-tenant knowledge network
Business intelligence, decision support and knowledge management network systems and methods provide efficient, robust, and business-friendly services for the rapid analysis of massive amounts of business, electronic, and other disparate data into actionable intelligence. An advantageous element of the multi-party knowledge network allows the aggregation of common data formats in order to analyze a combined dataset consisting of information from multiple parties, thereby providing additional business intelligence than with a single set of data alone. |
| US08713075B1 |
Inter-carrier communications for multimedia-message delivery
A method, system, and medium are provided for causing a first multimedia messaging service center (MMSC) on a home network to communicate a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message to a second MMSC on a foreign network, the MMS message being modified to conform to multimedia-messaging parameters of a recipient mobile device. A query is issued by the first MMSC to the second MMSC to obtain one or more multimedia-messaging parameters of the recipient mobile device. The parameters include characteristics of the recipient mobile device and subscription details as well as parameters set by the foreign network. The first MMSC modifies the MMS message to conform to the parameters and communicates the modified MMS message to the second MMSC. The second MMSC delivers the MMS message to the recipient or provides a failed-delivery notification to the first MMSC. A reason for the failed delivery might also be indicated. |
| US08713070B2 |
Business flow processing method and apparatus
In order to identify a parallel-executed portion of processes included in a business flow, following stages are executed: obtaining transaction records including a processing time, a process type and an identifier from a database; grouping the transaction records based on the identifier and sorting the transaction records within a group based on the processing time; in case where the processing time included in the transaction record represents only one time, calculating a processing period of each transaction record based on a sequence of the processing times in the transaction records in the group; identifying a transaction record relating to a process executed in parallel based on the distribution of the calculated processing periods for each process type; and identifying, for each group, a business flow of the group based on the processing result of the identifying the transaction record and the transaction records in the group. |
| US08713068B2 |
Media identification system with fingerprint database balanced according to search loads
A media identification system generates reference fingerprints for known media samples and stores the reference fingerprints in a reference database. The media identification system uses the reference fingerprints to match a fingerprint generated from an unknown media sample to identify that unknown sample. When storing new reference fingerprints in the reference database, partitions of the database are selected to balance the search loads on the database when it is used by the media identification system. For example, the selected partitions may be determined based at least in part on the access rates of the partitions by the media identification system. New reference fingerprints will tend to be placed in partitions that have relatively lower access rates that the other partitions, which will tend to balance the search loads on the partitions by the media identification system. |
| US08713067B1 |
Stable file system
One or more embodiments of the present invention include a memory and a processor. The memory includes a plurality of files, a master cluster record, and an operating system. The processor is configured to execute the operating system in order to locate and load each cluster of a file. Each file includes a plurality of clusters and each cluster includes a first pointer and a second pointer. The first pointer is linked to a previous cluster of a file and second pointer is linked to a subsequent cluster of the file using a double linked list data structure. |
| US08713062B2 |
Server system and method for discovering digital assets in enterprise information systems
Member object(s) of a computer system part(s) in an Enterprise Information System (EIS) are identified (discovered) and topographical relationship(s) are established among them to create digital assets by traversing computer file system(s) to find member object(s). For each member object found, a digital asset identifier thereof is placed in an intermediate representation, such as a graph with nodes and edges. Each digital asset identifier corresponds to a node. The edges represent the topographical relationship. A digital asset is created by placing the member object in a logic/data section of the digital asset, attaching an extended environment data structure to the logic/data section and storing the digital asset in an asset inventory container object. This is repeated for each found member object until the intermediate representation fully describes the computer system part and the asset inventory container object is a complete inventory of the digital assets in the computer system part. |
| US08713060B2 |
Control service for relational data management
Aspects of a data environment, such as the creation, provisioning, and management of data stores and instances, are managed using a separate control environment. A user can call into an externally-facing interface of the control environment, the call being analyzed to determine actions to be performed in the data environment. A monitoring component of the control plane also can periodically communicate with the data environment to determine any necessary actions to be performed, such as to recover from faults or events in the data environment. A workflow can be instantiated that includes tasks necessary to perform the action. For each task, state information can be passed to a component in the data environment operable to perform the task, until all tasks for an action are completed. Data in the data environment can be accessed directly using an externally-facing interface of the data environment, without accessing the control plane. |
| US08713059B2 |
Management of computer-file sharing between at least two devices
A method for managing computer files in a first device storing the files according to a first file tree, comprising the following steps: for a current level of the first file tree, receiving data representing a level of the same rank of a second data structure representing a second file tree of a second device communicating with the first device; comparing the current level with the level of the same rank of the second file tree, in order to determine the presence in the second file tree, at the rank level of the current level, of an element that is not found in the first file tree at the current level; and, in the event that an element of the second file tree is not found in the first file tree, adding a descriptor of said element to the first file tree at the current level, wherein the descriptor enables access to said element from the first file tree. |
| US08713054B2 |
System or method to assist and automate an information security classification and marking process for government and non-government organizations for information of an electronic document
A software engine runs in a compatible mode with off-the-shelf word processors, e-mail programs and presentation development software and other document development software. The software engine is used for the security classification of sensitive or national security classified information in electronic and resultant hard copy document formats. The software engine ensures that the individual considers all informational portions of a document, that appropriate document marks are employed, that document marks in their electronic format are persistent and that all necessary information, such as classification guides, standards and security regulations, provided by the organization to classify information is at hand and immediately available. In addition to the document sensitivity or classification determination and marking support, the software engine tracks and controls documents and the electronic media storing documents. It also provides warnings and alarms, ad hoc document security analysis and reporting capability to system security administrators with respect to document or network events or captured information that may be indicative of risk to the information requiring protection. The software also provides the ability for an organization to centrally establish and control a security classification or sensitivity marking hierarchy for automated security classification support. |
| US08713051B2 |
System and method for data preservation and retrieval
A system and method for searching for computer environments, authenticating the computer environments, and copying data from the authenticated computer environments to a memory location. The data is marked or bound to the computer system it was copied from which provides a user with assurance that the data was obtained from a specific, authenticated source. The computer environments and the memory location may be coupled over a network. |
| US08713046B2 |
Snapshot isolation support for distributed query processing in a shared disk database cluster
System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub-combinations thereof for snapshot isolation support for distributed query processing in a shared disk database cluster are provided. The embodiments include the forming of object identification data in a leader node of query execution in the shared disk database cluster. At least one fragment of the query execution is distributed to at least one worker node in the shared disk database cluster, and the object identification data is utilized for multiversion concurrency control during query execution by the leader node and at least one worker node. |
| US08713045B2 |
Location-type tagging using collected traveler data
A method and system are disclosed for automatically tagging locations using collected traveler information. Traveler information, including a time/date stamp and a unique identification associated with the traveler are collected and stored in a database with locations corresponding to transportation stops. A location query, which includes a location type, an analysis period, optionally, an analysis approach, and a user selected threshold are received and a number of time/location stamps for each location is determined based upon an interval associated with the selected type. The maximum number of time/location stamps for that location is determined, and using the selected threshold, a minimum number of stamps required to designate a location as the selected type is determined. When the number of time/location stamps within the time interval for the selected type is greater than or equal to the minimum number calculated, the location is tagged as the selected location type. |
| US08713044B2 |
Data management tool
A data management system includes a record database, an account database, a scenario database, and a computing device. The computing device includes a data management tool that is configured to identify scenarios based on information stored in the record database and store the identified scenarios in the scenario database. Further, the data management tool may associate identified scenarios with customer records stored in the account database. Upon receipt of a scenario selected by a user, the data management tool may automatically generate a query that identifies at least one customer record associated with the selected scenario, execute the query, and create a sample billing record for each customer record identified. |
| US08713041B2 |
Peer to peer (P2P) missing fields and field valuation feedback
Methods, systems, and apparatus for processing data, and more specifically to retrieving results for a query from one or more devices coupled to a network. A first device may receive an abstract query including logical fields defined by a first data abstraction model and retrieve query results stored in the first device. The query may be sent to one or more other devices via the network. The one or more other devices may be configured to convert the abstract query to local abstract queries including logical fields defined in local data abstraction models. The local queries may be issued against local databases to retrieve additional results for the query. The local queries may not include all the fields of the abstract query. |
| US08713040B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing query traffic to a web site
In one embodiment, a method for increasing query traffic to a web site includes providing initial information pertaining to an initial object for presentation to a user, and providing connection information identifying a logical connection between the initial object and one or more additional objects for presentation to the user. The connection information contains data prompting the user to submit a new query concerning one of the additional objects. The method may further include receiving the new query concerning one of the additional objects, and providing a result of the new query to the user. |
| US08713038B2 |
Integrating map-reduce into a distributed relational database
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to define a map-reduce document that coordinates processing of data in a distributed database. The map-reduce document complies with a map-reduce specification that integrates map-reduce functions with queries in a query language. The operations specified by the map-reduce document are executed in the distributed database. |
| US08713031B1 |
Method and system for checking citations
A method lexically analyzes and parses a citation. The method may identify errors in the citation. The method may optionally interpret and display semantic information. The method may optionally suggest corrections to errors. |
| US08713029B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing auto-completion of information
An approach is provided for auto-completion functions. Textual input is received from a user via an application, a profile metadata is retrieved based on the textual input, a script is generated based on the profile metadata, and the script is transmitted to the application, wherein the script provides auto-completion of information corresponding to the textual input using the profile metadata. |
| US08713028B2 |
Related news articles
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing internet content, such as related news articles. One method includes an operation for defining a plurality of candidates based on a seed. For each candidate, scores are calculated for relevance, novelty, connection clarity, and transition smoothness. The score for connection clarity is based on a relevance score of the intersection between the words in the seed and the words in each of the candidates. Further, the score for transition smoothness measures the interest in reading each candidate when transitioning from the seed to the candidate. For each candidate, a relatedness score is calculated based on the calculated scores for relevance, novelty, connection clarity, and transition smoothness. In addition, at least one of the candidates is selected based on their relatedness scores for presentation to the user. |
| US08713027B2 |
Methods and systems for managing electronic messages
Methods and systems provide tools that enable users to manage electronic messages by obtaining additional information about senders, receivers or entities mentioned in messages. A computing device may identify a sender or recipient of an electronic message and search a database to obtain additional data about the sender or recipient. The additional data may be displayed with the electronic message. The additional data may also be used to calculate importance values that the computing device can use to highlight, preferentially display, or sort the electronic messages. The importance values may be calculated by applying sorting algorithms to the retrieved additional data based on user defined criteria. Importance values may also be based upon information obtained from messages. A graphical user interface may be implemented to enable users to specify criteria and weighting factors to apply in sorting electronic messages. |
| US08713026B2 |
Method for playing digital media files with a digital media player using a plurality of playlists
A method for playing digital media files with a digital media player using a plurality of playlists is disclosed. One embodiment uses a plurality of playlists—instead of a single playlist—to reference a given pool of digital media files. After the songs of one playlist have been played, another playlist is selected, and songs from that playlist are played. Since the playlist selection is automatically made by the digital media player while it is offline, a fresh listening experience is created without requiring the user to connect the digital media player to the Internet. Preferably, each playlist is purposefully curated to ensure that the play order keeps the experience commensurate with a particular brand message. |
| US08713018B2 |
System and method for displaying relationships between electronically stored information to provide classification suggestions via inclusion
A system and for providing reference documents as a suggestion for classifying uncoded documents is provided. A set of reference electronically stored information items, each associated with a classification code, is designated. One or more of the reference electronically stored information items is combined with a set of uncoded electronically stored information items. Clusters of the uncoded electronically stored information items and the one or more reference electronically stored information items are generated. Relationships between the uncoded electronically stored information items and the one or more reference electronically stored information items in at least one cluster are visually depicted as suggestions for classifying the uncoded electronically stored information items in that cluster. |
| US08713015B2 |
Expressive grouping for language integrated queries
Standard group operators afford expressive grouping across collections of various types for employment by a number of programming languages. The operators can leverage positional information to facilitate grouping of sequential/ordered input data. Groups can also include more than one input element. Additionally or alternatively, the operators can enable multi-level grouping such as nested or hierarchical grouping. In accordance with one aspect, the group operators can be employed in conjunction with language-integrated queries. |
| US08713014B1 |
Simplifying lexicon creation in hybrid duplicate detection and inductive classifier systems
A classification system includes a signature-based duplicate detector and an inductive classifier that share attribute information. To perform the duplicate detection and the classification, the duplicate detector and inductive classifier are first initialized by generating a lexicon of attributes for the duplicate detector and a classification model for the classifier. To develop a classification model, a training set of documents of known class are used by the classifier to determine the attributes of the documents that are most useful in classifying an unknown document. The model is developed from these attributes. Attribute information containing the attributes determined by the classifier is then passed to the duplicate detector and the duplicate detector uses the attribute information to generate the lexicon of attributes. |
| US08713013B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for searching interactive menu prompting systems
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for searching a searchable listing of an interactive menu prompting system. A search request is received, and the search request includes a search term. A query is sent to determine whether the search term occurs within in the searchable listing. A search result is received and communicated to a client. |
| US08713012B2 |
Modular authoring and visualization of rules using trees
The system and method in one aspect provide a set of extended Boolean operators and a tree visual paradigm that enable business users to modularize the construction of a rule and visualize it as the rules is being built. |
| US08713004B1 |
Method and system for prioritizing points of interest for display in a map using category score
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for prioritizing points of interest for display in a map based on the categories associated with each of the points of interest have been described. In certain aspects, the system may include a logging module, a category module, and a ranking module. The logging module may be configured to obtain a plurality of user interactions associated with a one or more categories. The category module may be configured to increment a category count for each category associated with the user interaction for each user interaction of the plurality of user interactions and calculate a category score for the each category of one or more categories based on the category count for each category of the one or more categories. The ranking module may be configured to calculate a priority score for each of the points of interest based on category scores for the one or more categories associated with each of the points of interest. |
| US08713003B2 |
System and method for ranking content and applications through human assistance
Embodiments of a system and method are provided for ranking the contents of one or more documents, applications, sound or visual media through human assistance. The system includes one or more search engines configured to provide one or more documents, applications, sound or visual media based on a search query sent by a user. Further, the system includes a client application configured to capture the query sent by the user and the keyword tags provided by the documents, applications, sound or visual media author. The client application monitors one or more interactions of the user with the one or more documents, applications, sound or visual media for one or more events and provides a relevance measure to the one or more documents, applications, sound or visual media based on the captured query or tags, and the one or more events. |
| US08713001B2 |
Systems and related methods of user-guided searching
Systems and related methods of user-guided searching using preference feedback from user searching to arrive at user-preferred ordered results from a large collection of objects. |
| US08712997B2 |
Methods and systems for optimizing data accesses
A method for optimizing data types includes the step of generating a data structure providing access to at least one data element, the data structure associated with a first representation of the at least one data element. A user is provided with a plurality of data types for accessing the at least one data element. A request for access to the at least one data element is received, the request including at least one of the plurality of data types. The request is responded to with a second representation of the at least one data element, the second representation generated responsive to the at least one of the plurality of data types. |
| US08712994B2 |
Techniques for accessing a parallel database system via external programs using vertical and/or horizontal partitioning
Techniques for accessing a parallel database system via an external program using vertical and/or horizontal partitioning are provided. An external program to a database management system (DBMS) configures external mappers to process a specific portion of query results on specific access module processors of the DBMS that are to house query results. The query is submitted by the external program to the DBMS and the DBMS is directed to organize the query results in a vertical or horizontal manner. Each external mapper accesses its portion of the query results for processing in parallel on its designated AMP or set of AMPS to process the query results. |
| US08712993B1 |
Horizontal aggregations in a relational database management system
A database system is able to receive a query containing a horizontal aggregate function. In response to the query containing the horizontal aggregate function, aggregate values are produced in a horizontal format. In general, the query can contain both horizontal (new) aggregate functions and vertical (standard) aggregate functions. |
| US08712989B2 |
Wild card auto completion
Described herein is a technology that facilitates efficient wild card auto completion of an input term. The technology supports the input term including multiple, predefined, distinct wild card characters, escape characters, special characters with language specific functionality, delimiters, and context designation. Wild card auto completion is based on a regular expression engine that supports the multiple, predefined, wild card characters. In addition, the technology supports a single input that may include multiple parts including context, domain, parts of speech, and a number of words in a result phrase. In various embodiments the technology facilitates pattern optimization to merge a subset of consecutive homogenous wild card characters and provides a selection of matching tools based on criteria including the type of wild card character included in the input term and where the wild card character appears in the input term as well as context. |
| US08712981B2 |
Mechanism for visible users and groups
Various embodiments described herein provide systems, methods, software, and data structures to allow or prevent viewing of users and groups of users by other users and groups of users. Some such embodiments include retrieving a listing of members from a member database, defining a first subset of one or more members selected from the retrieved member listing, and designating the first member subset as visible to a second subset of one or more members when a member of the second member subset retrieves a member listing. |
| US08712978B1 |
Preferential selection of candidates for delta compression
A computer-implemented method and system for improving efficiency in a delta compression process in a data storage system selects a data chunk to delta compress and selects a set of candidate data chunks using a first selection mechanism. Throughput or resource utilization is monitored. A change is made to a second selection mechanism that increases similarity of the set of candidates with the selected data chunk to improve compression in response to determining high resource availability or high throughput level. A change is made to a third selection mechanism that increases throughput of the delta compression process in response to determining low resources availability or low throughput. |
| US08712977B2 |
Computer product, information retrieval method, and information retrieval apparatus
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein an information retrieval program that causes a computer to execute a retrieval process in which files to be retrieved are narrowed down by using a bit string for each character in the files to find characters making up a retrieval keyword to retrieve a keyword identical to or related to the retrieval keyword in the files to be retrieved. The bit strings indicate the presence of the characters in the files. The information retrieval program causes the computer to execute extracting, from among the bit strings, a bit string of an arbitrary character; and compressing the extracted bit string, by using a special Huffman tree having leaves of plural types of symbol strings covering patterns represented by a predetermined number of bits and a special symbol string having a number of bits greater than the predetermined number of bits. |
| US08712976B1 |
Managing deduplication density
A method is used in managing deduplication density. A deduplication density of a data object is determined. The deduplication density is indicated by a number of deduplicated data objects represented by the data object. Based on the deduplication density of the data object, the data object is skipped for applying a deduplicating technique to the data object. An association is created between the data object and another data object. The other data object is used for applying the deduplicating technique where contents of the other data object are identical to contents of the data object. |
| US08712968B1 |
Systems and methods for restoring images
A computer-implemented method may include identifying a request to restore an image to a target disk while a first operating system is running on the target disk and creating a file in a first file system of the first operating system. The method may also include mapping a position in the file to a location on the target disk to provide a map that associates the position in the file with the location on the target disk. The method may further include using the map to write at least a portion of the image to the target disk to provide a restored operating system on the target disk. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08712967B1 |
Systems and methods for simultaneously configuring multiple independent backups
A method for simultaneously configuring multiple independent backups. The method may include (1) identifying a backup environment managed by a backup system, (2) identifying a request from a user to configure a plurality of backups within the backup environment, wherein each backup within the plurality of backups specifies, independent of any other backup, a backup operation to be performed by the backup system on a computing resource within the backup environment, (3) providing a graphical user interface that allows the user to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, (4) receiving a request, from the user via the graphical user interface, to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, and (5) in response to the request to simultaneously configure each backup within the plurality of backups, independently configuring each backup within the plurality of backups so as to maintain the independence of each backup. |
| US08712962B1 |
Snapshots in de-duplication
In a first embodiment, a method and computer program product for use in replication comprising pushing a point in time (PIT) to a de-duplication device, creating a virtual LUN based on the PIT pushed to the de-duplication device, and exposing, via a Data Protection Appliance (DPA), the virtual LUN. In a second embodiment, a method and computer program product for use in replication comprising choosing an object to be recovered at a point in time (PI), spawning a virtual machine, creating a virtual LUN based on the PIT, exposing the virtual LUN to the virtual machine, recovering the object from the PIT mounted to the virtual machine, and un-exposing the virtual LUN to the virtual machine. |
| US08712954B2 |
Image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, an operation result output part outputs a result of operation of a component. An operation result information creation part creates operation result information by giving information identification character information, which is determined by the component or the result of operation of the component, to the result of operation of the component. An identifier table stores the information identification character information and a unique identifier related to each other and the result of operation of the component and a unique identifier related to each other. An operation result information conversion part reads the identifier related to the information identification character information from the identifier table and converts the operation result information into after conversion operation result information in which at least the information identification character information is replaced by the identifier. An operation result information storage part stores the after conversion operation result information. |
| US08712951B2 |
Determination of statistical upper bound for estimate of noise power spectral density
Systems/methods for computing a power spectral density estimate for a noise signal. Where the noise signal appears in two channels (a single channel), n successive data acquisitions from the two channels (the single channel) are used to compute n respective cross (power) spectral densities, which are then averaged. The averaged cross (power) spectral density may then be smoothed in the spectral domain. The magnitude of the smoothed cross (power) spectral density comprises an estimate for the noise power spectral density. An effective number of independent averages may be computed based on the number n, the time-domain window applied to the acquired sample sets, the amount of overlap between successive sample sets, and the shape of the frequency-domain smoothing function. A statistical error bound (or uncertainty measure) may be determined for the power spectral density estimate based on the effective number of averages and the averaged single-channel and cross-channel spectral estimates. |
| US08712949B2 |
Multi-dimensional tuple support in rule engines
A method to support multi-dimensional tuples in rule engines having rule engine executed by a processing device can evaluate facts in a working memory stored on a data storage device against a rule with repetitions. The rule engine may create a multi-dimensional tuple to hold a set of the facts that matches the rule. The multi-dimensional tuple has a set of elements and an index for each of the elements. Each element of the multi-dimensional tuple is a single fact or a tree structure for holding a set of facts of a repetition group that matches the rule with repetitions. |
| US08712948B2 |
Methods and systems for adapting a user environment
A method of adapting an environment of a terminal (2) includes: —receiving data (27) from an external source at the terminal (2); —receiving monitoring data from a system for monitoring at least one user in the environment; and —controlling at least one output device for providing an output perceptible in the environment, the output being adjusted in dependence on the monitoring data. At least one segment including data pertaining to at least one mental state is retrieved from the data (27) from the external source, and the adjustment in dependence on the monitoring data is effected at least partly on the basis of the data pertaining to the at least one mental state. |
| US08712947B2 |
Collaborative system for capture and reuse of software application knowledge and a method of realizing same
A method and system for generating an information template from a domain ontology, where the information template is specific to a content management system (CMS). After a domain ontology specification is received, a platform independent model (PIM) is generated that includes elements that represent knowledge in the CMS. The PIM is converted to a platform specific model (PSM) that is based on the CMS. The information template specific to the CMS is generated based on the PSM. A result of generating the information template is a documentation of content for the CMS in a format specified by the information template. An existing CMS is reverse engineered to interoperable forms by retrieving content of the information template in the existing CMS, transforming the content to the PIM, and transforming the PIM to a domain ontology model. |
| US08712945B2 |
System and method for optimizing teams
A system, method and program product for optimizing a team to solve a problem. The system includes: a team building system for building a fundamental analytic team from a database of analysts to solve an inputted problem, wherein the fundamental analytic team includes at least one cluster of analysts characterized with specificity and at least one cluster of analysts characterized with sensitivity; and a problem analysis system that collects sensor data from the fundamental analytic team operating within an immersive environment, wherein the problem analysis system includes a system for evaluating the sensor data to identify a bias condition from the fundamental analytic team, and includes a system for altering variables in the immersive environment in response to a detected bias condition. |
| US08712941B2 |
Elementary network description for efficient link between neuronal models and neuromorphic systems
A simple format is disclosed and referred to as Elementary Network Description (END). The format can fully describe a large-scale neuronal model and embodiments of software or hardware engines to simulate such a model efficiently. The architecture of such neuromorphic engines is optimal for high-performance parallel processing of spiking networks with spike-timing dependent plasticity. The format is specifically tuned for neural systems and specialized neuromorphic hardware, thereby serving as a bridge between developers of brain models and neuromorphic hardware manufactures. |
| US08712937B1 |
Predicting popularity of electronic publications
A popularity prediction module receives an electronic media item and identifies a feature of the electronic media item. The popularity prediction module applies the feature of the electronic media item to a learned function, where the learned function is determined from a plurality of features from one or more other electronic media items that meet a popularity classification. The popularity prediction module predicts a popularity of the electronic media item based on the comparing, before providing the electronic media item to a user. |
| US08712929B1 |
Dynamic data filtering system and method
A computer-implemented dynamic data filtering system and method for selectively choosing operating data of a monitored asset that modifies or expands a learned scope of an empirical model of normal operation of the monitored asset while simultaneously rejecting operating data of the monitored asset that is indicative of excessive degradation or impending failure of the monitored asset, and utilizing the selectively chosen data for adaptively recalibrating the empirical model to more accurately monitor asset aging changes or operating condition changes of the monitored asset. |
| US08712928B2 |
Information processing apparatus and update information obtainment method
An information processing apparatus includes an obtainment section that obtains, via a network, information updated at a distribution origin on the network; and a determination section that determines an obtainment rule relating to a timing of the obtainment by the obtainment section of update information for the distribution origin, wherein the obtainment section obtains update information based on a predetermined learning rule for a first distribution origin for which obtainment rule has not been determined by the determination section, the determination section determines an obtainment rule for the first distribution origin based on a result of the obtainment by the obtainment section of update information from the distribution origin based on the learning rule, and the obtainment section, in response to the determination of the obtainment rule by the determination section, obtains update information from the first distribution origin based on the obtainment rule. |
| US08712924B2 |
Real-time pricing of shipping vendors
Systems and methods for real-time pricing of shipping vendors are provided. Various shipping vendors may be queried concerning shipping specifications. Some embodiments provide for a query to be transmitted to a shipping vendor through an interface associated with the particular shipping vendor. In response to the query, real-time pricing information associated with the shipping specifications is received and displayed to a user. Upon the user designating a shipping vendor, customized shipping labels for each shipping vendor may be generated. |
| US08712920B2 |
Method and apparatus for a cryptographically assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate buyer-driven conditional purchase offers
The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven commerce. The present invention allows prospective buyers of goods and services to communicate a binding purchase offer globally to potential sellers, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a contract based on the buyer's purchase offer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller which receives binding purchase offers from prospective buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to potential sellers. Potential sellers then have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the corresponding buyer to a contract. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony. |
| US08712918B2 |
Electronic currency, electronic wallet therefor and electronic payment systems employing them
Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described. |
| US08712916B2 |
Creating and manufacturing documents that initially exceed equipment finishing capacity
Techniques described herein overcome many of the issues that have previously made the printing of a single copy of a book from a digital version unattractive and infeasible. According to one embodiment of the invention, an automated mechanism such as a computer program automatically determines whether the spine thickness of a to-be-printed copy of a digital version of a book will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness that a specified binding or other finishing device can handle. In response to determining that the spine thickness will exceed the specified maximum spine thickness, the automated mechanism automatically splits the digital version of the book into two or more volumes such that, for each volume, the spine thickness of the printed version of that volume will be no greater than the specified maximum spine thickness that the specified binding or other finishing device can handle. |
| US08712915B2 |
System and method for providing private demand-driven pricing
A system and method for providing private demand-driven pricing for fixed cost digital goods are described. Symmetric private information retrieval is engaged on a table that includes public key encryptions of prices for digital goods stored in a database by a seller system, wherein a desired marginal pricing level has not been realized. The price of one digital good is decrypted with a private key for pricing by a purchaser system. A purchasing decision based upon the decrypted price is sent to the seller system without revealing the particular digital good being purchased. A conditionally disclosed symmetric key for goods is received under which the digital goods in the database have been encrypted. Symmetric private information retrieval is engaged on the database and the digital good purchased with the symmetric key is decrypted. The encrypted prices of the digital goods are privately updated based upon the desired marginal pricing level. |
| US08712908B2 |
Home appreciation participation notes
A method, computer program product and computer system for issuing and servicing a Home Appreciation Participation Note (HAPN) for a real estate property, which includes issuing an Participation Contract (PC) for the property to PC investors, where the PC has a value derived from a sharing formula based on a change of a proxy for the value of the property relative to an initial value of the proxy, and the proxy is independent of an actual current condition of the property (after the initial valuation); and issuing a HAPN Bond for the property to HAPN Bond investors, where the HAPN Bond has an initial value set as a sum of an amount paid for the PC and an amount paid for the HAPN Bond. Both the PC and the HAPN Bond represent claims on the property, and the HAPN Bond is a performance bond for the PC if the value of the PC is negative. |
| US08712907B1 |
Multi-dimensional credibility scoring
A credibility scoring system produces a multi-dimensional entity credibility score that is derived from multiple dimensional component scores. The credibility scoring system derives each dimensional component score from a different set of credibility data pertaining to different dimensional aspect of overall credibility. The different dimensional aspects factoring into the overall credibility determination include a stability dimension, transparency dimension, trustworthiness dimension, and sentiment dimension. |
| US08712906B1 |
Prioritizing data clusters with customizable scoring strategies
Techniques are disclosed for prioritizing a plurality of clusters. Prioritizing clusters may generally include identifying a scoring strategy for prioritizing the plurality of clusters. Each cluster is generated from a seed and stores a collection of data retrieved using the seed. For each cluster, elements of the collection of data stored by the cluster are evaluated according to the scoring strategy and a score is assigned to the cluster based on the evaluation. The clusters may be ranked according to the respective scores assigned to the plurality of clusters. The collection of data stored by each cluster may include financial data evaluated by the scoring strategy for a risk of fraud. The score assigned to each cluster may correspond to an amount at risk. |
| US08712903B2 |
Trading related to fund compositions
An electronic marketplace uses a fund composition to guide trading opportunities. Mutual funds typically have a target composition of financial instruments. When prices change for constituents of such a mutual fund, the fund typically needs to rebalance in order to maintain a desired composition. A marketplace that understands the target composition and the movement in prices targets trading opportunities to a fund in a more tailored manner than a traditional marketplace. |
| US08712897B2 |
Stock analysis method, computer program product, and computer-readable recording medium
In a stock analysis method for performing an analysis on stocks to select target ones to be bought/sold from the stocks, each stock is grouped into a corresponding group based on stock return data thereof, market return data and industry return data of each corresponding classified industry. Clustering data for each stock corresponding to each time interval and associated with the groups is obtained based a clustering mode. Analysis data for each stock corresponding to a coming time interval is estimated based on the corresponding clustering data. Any ones of the stocks, whose analysis data matches predetermined selection criteria, are determined as the target stocks. |
| US08712896B2 |
Target trading system and method
A method of reaching one or more target positions in a user-directed trading system includes the steps of: identifying target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifying a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and triggering the trading system to identify orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. A user-directed trading system includes: a user interface through which a user identifies target positions, wherein each target position includes a tradable instrument identifier and a target quantity; for at least one of the target positions, identifies a corresponding initial position including a current quantity associated with the tradable instrument identifier; and identifies orders required to reach at least one target position from at least one initial position. |
| US08712895B1 |
System and method for creating, managing and trading hedge portfolios
The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems and methods for providing optimal hedge portfolios that minimize single stock idiosyncratic risk for a given level of transactional costs. This is accomplished by deriving hedge portfolios with the maximum effective n for various levels of transaction costs. In one exemplary embodiment the maximum effective n portfolios are derived by starting with a sample portfolio, such as a capital weighted index, and using a hill climbing algorithm to iteratively modify the sample portfolio to map out the optimal effective n portfolios. |
| US08712894B2 |
Method and system for evaluating/analyzing patent portfolio using patent priority approach
A method and a system for evaluating/analyzing patent portfolio using patent priorities are provided for selecting a patent family to establish a data set based on members of the patent family and priorities claimed by the members, forming a relationship matrix based on the members and the priorities claimed by the members in the data set and at last, and analyzing a relationship between the members of the patent family and the priorities claimed by the members of the patent family through the relationship matrix to form an analysis result and then, performing patent evaluation patent portfolio according to the analysis result. Accordingly, a patentee having numerous patents may quickly know what patents have high importance, high value and high techniques and the patentee or his competitor is facilitated to perform patent evaluation, patent portfolio, patent application and patent maintenance. |
| US08712893B1 |
Enhanced claims damage estimation using aggregate display
Systems and methods provide for an automated system for analyzing damage to process claims associated with an insured item, such as a vehicle. An enhanced claims processing server may analyze damage associated with the insured item using photos/video transmitted to the server from a user device (e.g., a mobile device). The enhanced claims processing server may submit a signal that locks one or more portions of an application on the mobile device used to submit the photos/videos. The mobile device may receive feedback from the server regarding the acceptability of submitted photos/video. The photos may further be annotated using, for example, a touch screen display. An estimate, such as a cost estimate, may be determined for the damage associated with the insured item based on the photos and/or annotations. |
| US08712891B1 |
Methods and systems for creating a tail risk hedge index and trading derivative products based thereon
A method and system for calculating a tail risk hedge index is disclosed where the tail risk hedge index is associated with a portfolio having an underlying asset and a volatility index option based on the underlying asset. The method includes, with a processor in a trading platform, calculating a tail risk hedge index (VXTH) associated with the portfolio having an underlying asset and a volatility index (VIX) option based on the underlying asset, and displaying the VXTH. The VXTH is calculated by compounding its value based on the equation: VXTHt=VXTHt-1*(1+RVXTH), where t is the close date and RVXTH is the daily net rate of return of the index. A trading platform for creating and disseminating the index, and for creating and trading a derivative based on the index, is also disclosed. |
| US08712890B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing capital structure of a financial institution
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for optimizing the capital structure of a financial institution. A system may include an optimization engine stored on a computer readable medium and executable by one or more processors, when executed the optimization engine being configured to: receive information identifying available capital of the financial institution for each of a plurality of capital instruments; receive information classifying each of the plurality of capital instruments within one of a plurality of risk levels; receive an overall target capital value for the plurality of capital instruments; and determine an optimum capital value for each of the plurality of capital instruments, the optimal capital values being determined using an optimization algorithm that relates the available capital for the plurality of capital instruments to the overall target capital value subject to a plurality of constraints, the plurality of constraints relating to the capital held by the financial institution at each of the plurality of risk levels. |
| US08712889B2 |
Alterable account number
Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that allow for personalized data to be embedded in a primary account number associated with a consumer device. In one embodiment, a consumer device comprises a body and personalized data embedded into a primary account number, associated with the body. The primary account number includes a bank identification number and the bank identification number and the personalized data overlap. |
| US08712887B2 |
Electronic multiparty accounts receivable and accounts payable system
The invention concerns a multiparty accounts receivable and accounts payable system that allows business trading partners to use a single, shared system for both accounts receivable and accounts payable management. The system allows participants to use the substantial amount of financial and cash flow information captured by the system to borrow more efficiently by permitting lenders to view this information. Furthermore, the system provides a confirmation process to convert existing debt obligations into a new, independent payment obligation due on a date certain and free of any defenses to the underlying contract. The confirmed debt obligations provide a better source of working capital for the participants, or can be converted into electronic promissory notes. The system provides an electronic exchange for electronic promissory notes, allowing participants to raise working capital in various ways, for example, by selling them. |
| US08712886B2 |
Apparatus and method for categorizing services using canonical service descriptions
An apparatus and method for service classification are provided. The apparatus and method make use of canonical service descriptions which designate minimum requirements for a service to be classified into a corresponding classification. Based on the canonical service description, it can be determined whether a service that wishes to be classified into a particular classification of a taxonomy on a service broker meets the minimum requirements for that classification. Furthermore, the use of canonical service descriptions ensures that all services classified into a particular classification have a minimum level of functionality that will allow them to function properly when invoked. |
| US08712883B1 |
System and method for dynamic quality-of-service-based billing in a peer-to-peer network
A system and method facilitate dynamic QoS-based billing in a P2P network. According to one embodiment, a peer node identifies a plurality of partner peer nodes that transiently stage streaming media data the peer node requests and receives from the partner peer nodes. The peer node further collects QoS information for the received data and communicates a QoS information report to a remote node to facilitate QoS-based billing. |
| US08712879B2 |
Data portal for concurrent assessment
A method of concurrently assessing a closure status for multiple ledgers may comprise accessing a general ledger and a plurality of subledgers including a first subledger and a second subledger, having first and second close periods, respectively. The method may also include translating the second subledger such that the second subledger has the first close period, and determining a closure status for each subledger over the first period. The method may additionally include determining a status for the general ledger indicating a closure status over the first period, and concurrently displaying an indication for each of the plurality of subledgers and the general ledger. The method may further include displaying the status of each of the plurality of subledgers next to the indication for each, and displaying the status of the general ledger next to the indication for the general ledger. |
| US08712877B2 |
Philanthropy management apparatus, system, and methods of use and doing business
A philanthropic donation management system and methods of use and doing business. The system includes a computing server in communication with a communications network, such as the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN. The computing server maintains information about charitable projects and provides remote users and others with management tools for inputting information about charitable projects, pre-approving or otherwise assessing them, and accessing and managing charitable project information, portfolios, user team member information and access. The system can provide a business based on, for example, providing system, access, charitable fund management, and charitable donation transaction fees. |
| US08712875B2 |
System and method for associating financial transaction data with user's project data
This invention relates to a system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data using a portable electronic device. |
| US08712870B2 |
Products for animal use including humans having a certificate verifying at least one of efficacy or safety, and methods of providing such certificates
Provided are products for animal use including humans having a certificate verifying at least one of efficacy or safety and methods of providing such certificates. |
| US08712868B2 |
Listing recommendation using generation of a user-specific query in a network-based commerce system
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to facilitate generating listing recommendations to a user of a network-based commerce system. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a term associated with a user interaction in a network-based commerce system. The method further includes generating a recommendation query including the identified term. In addition, the method includes running the recommendation query against a plurality of listings hosted by the network-based commerce system to identify a recommendation. Moreover, the method includes presenting the recommendation to a user of the network-based commerce system. |
| US08712867B2 |
System for providing access to playable media
A network based distribution system is disclosed for distributing/temporarily renting playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The distribution system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of tides is made available to the subscriber. |
| US08712865B2 |
Method for exchanging data concerning an electronic transaction
A method for exchanging data concerning an electronic transaction between two entities, includes: a step which consists in determining and booking an origin address (TPOA) in conformity with a bidirectional mobile telephony (GSM) digital messaging service protocol (SMS); a step which consists in sending in accordance with the protocol (SMS), an offer message (OFFRE_SMS) of the transaction (TR), the offer message (OFFRE_SMS) being sent from the first entity (MW) and addressed to the second entity (CL); and a step which consists in sending, from the second entity (CL) and addressed to the first entity (MW), a reply message comprising an information (REP) representing acceptance or rejection of the transaction. |
| US08712860B2 |
Determination and presentation of package pricing offers in response to customer interest in a product
A system and method for determination and presentation of package offers. A package offer is an offer for sale by a retailer of a package of products at a package price. A retailer may offer products for sale in an on-line retail environment or in a physical retail environment. A determination is made that a primary product is of interest to a customer. This determination may involve detecting and interpreting input signals transmitted from a customer device. In response to detecting that the primary product is of interest to the customer, a package is determined that may comprise the primary product and at least one secondary product. A package may be determined by accessing a database to locate a pre-determined package or to select the secondary products ad hoc. A package price is determined that is less than the sum of the corresponding retail prices of the primary product and secondary products in the package. A package price may be based on a profit margin of the primary product and/or a profit margin of at least one of the secondary products. A package offer for the sale of the package at the package price is then presented to the customer. The customer may indicate an acceptance of the package offer and authorize a financial account to be charged for the amount of the package price. The package products may be shipped to the customer or may be picked up at a retail establishment. |
| US08712857B1 |
Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in mobile commerce
Methods for providing an offer of an upsell item to users of a given self-service device, and systems and computer-readable media suitable for practicing the methods. The method can comprise enabling initiation of a given primary transaction between a given user and the given self-service device, with the given primary transaction involving a specific good and/or a specific service that is obtained using the given self-service device. The given user is identified, and the geographic location of the given user when initiating the given primary transaction is established. A second data element relating to the given user is obtained utilizing data representing the identity of the given user. The upsell item is determined utilizing, at least in part, the second data element and data representing the geographic position of the given user. The upsell item is then offered to the given user. Illustrative self-service devices can include devices that enable the user to obtain commodities such as gasoline, cash, snacks, drinks, paper items, or the like. Further aspects of the invention project the user's future position, arrival times, and anticipated needs based on primary transaction data and further data related to the user. |
| US08712855B1 |
Transaction cost recovery queue management
Apparatus and methods for determining a transaction cost recovery amount are provided. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined for each of a plurality of locations. The locations may include point-of-sale terminals and/or checkout lanes. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) information. When a customer leaves a first location associated with a first MCC, the customer may be informed of a transaction cost recovery amount at a second location. The second location may be associated with a second MCC. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on a product inventory. The transaction cost recovery amount may be imposed to maintain an inventory level above a critical level. The transaction cost recovery amount may be based on a decrease and/or increase in an inventory level. |
| US08712851B2 |
Diagnostic data interchange
The present invention provides a bi-directional communication network which provides monitoring, data collection, and control of food service industry operations. The system includes a computer and control logic implemented by the computer which may be configured to perform various tasks. A communication network may be provided linking the computer with equipment and appliances having a microprocessor based controller capable of communicating with the system. In one embodiment, the system automatically verifies the performance of equipment-related manual tasks in food preparation. In another embodiment, the system schedules the maintenance of a plurality of kitchen appliances. In another embodiment, the system provides a hold timer for tracking the hold time of cooked food products and determines when the hold time elapses. In yet another embodiment, the system manages the inventory of cooked food products in a food preparation establishment. |
| US08712847B2 |
Systems and methods for advertising on content-screened web pages
Systems and methods are provided for advertising on content-screened web pages. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving an impression request for which an advertising impression is desired, screening HTML content of a web page identified by the impression request, generating a rating based on the HTML content of the web page, and assigning the rating to the impression request. |
| US08712840B2 |
Portable hand-held multi-function device for storing, managing and combining rewards
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card. |
| US08712838B2 |
Dynamic web page construction based on determination of client device location
A method for serving a web page begins by storing a set of location-specific page elements. In response to a request for the web page from a client browser, a control routine parses the request to locate a geographic location data string identifying a location of the client browser that has made the request. The geographic location data string may be generated at the client browser in a number of different ways, e.g., by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver coupled to the client computer. At the server, the web page is built dynamically using the geographic location data string to select a given one of the set of location-specific page elements and, preferably, an element having content associated with a physical location in proximity to the location of the client browser. The web page is then served in response to the request. In this way, targeted advertising or other page content is included in the web page as a function of the client browser location. |
| US08712834B2 |
Economic filtering system for delivery of permission based, targeted, incentivized advertising
A method to control advertising messages directed at a user is provided. Such control might include setting a filter to control advertisements directed at a user. Advertisements are sent to a user based on the filter settings. The user may accept the advertisements. If the user accepts the advertisements, the user is provided with a reward. In addition, a method using a quiz to determine if a user is human or an automated respondent is provided. The user is presented with a quiz. The user is advised of the acceptable manner for responding to the quiz. The user's response to the quiz is received. A determination based on the user's response as to whether the user is a human or an automated respondent is made. |
| US08712832B2 |
Bid optimization in search engine marketing
Methods and apparatus are described for optimally allocating an online advertising budget for a search engine marketing (SEM) campaign among a fixed set of keywords. |
| US08712831B2 |
Method and system for quantifying viewer awareness of advertising images in a video source
Methods and media are provided for quantifying viewer awareness of advertising images in a video source is provided. According to one embodiment, a media source is segmented into a set of frames, which are annotated with attributes based on the images that appear within each frame. The attribute data is analyzed to determine detections that meet provided criteria. The detections are indexed based on the attributes, which are then supplemented with additional attributes to create one or more valuation factors. The valuation factors can be used to derive a discount factor that can be applied against a benchmark, such as the 30-second spot rate, to determine a value associated with the video source. |
| US08712830B2 |
Method and system for electronic distribution of product redemption coupons
Provided is a method and system for the electronic distribution of product redemption coupons to remote personal computers located at users' homes. A centrally located repository, such as an online service provider or web site on the Internet, stores packages of coupon data for downloading on demand to the user's computer. The user may view, select, sort and print desired coupons from the downloaded package. The user's demographic as well as coupon selection data is provided back to the online service and coupon distributor and issuers for subsequent marketing analysis. The online service can perform subsequent coupon processing on previously downloaded coupon packages such as variation of discount amounts. The online service provider can also determine how many times a particular coupon was viewed. When the printed coupons are presented at a retail store, the discount is provided to the user. Upon redemption by the store via a coupon redeeming center, transaction data is also supplied to the coupon issuers and distributor for integration into marketing analysis. The electronic coupon system is secure due to the inclusion of user-specific identification indicia printed thereon. |
| US08712829B2 |
Method of operating an election ballot printing system
A method includes receiving a voter list, and receiving a plurality of different types of ballot images. The method includes using a control program to form a side file which associates the ballot images with the voter list, wherein the control program selects a ballot image which corresponds to a selected voter of the voter list. The method includes forming a print job which includes the selected ballot image, and printing the print job to form an unused ballot which includes the selected ballot image. The method includes comparing an image of the unused ballot with the selected ballot image. |
| US08712828B2 |
Churn prediction and management system
A system and method for managing churn among the customers of a business is provided. The system and method provide for an analysis of the causes of customer churn and identifies customers who are most likely to churn in the future. Identifying likely churners allows appropriate steps to be taken to prevent customers who are likely to churn from actually churning. The system included a dedicated data mart, a population architecture, a data manipulation module, a data mining tool and an end user access module for accessing results and preparing preconfigured reports. The method includes adopting an appropriate definition of churn, analyzing historical customer to identify significant trends and variables, preparing data for data mining, training a prediction model, verifying the results, deploying the model, defining retention targets, and identifying the most responsive targets. |
| US08712827B2 |
Normalized contextual performance metric for the assessment of fatigue-related incidents
A normalized contextual performance metric quantifies the susceptibility of fatigue-related risk in a fatigue environment with activities conducted within a fatigue level range of interest. Fatigue incidents are quantified by one of a plurality of values associated with fatigue-incident measurement. Activities are quantified by one of a plurality of values associated with activity measurement. A normalized contextual performance metric is determined by identifying a fatigue level range of interest, summing all values of incidents occurring at the fatigue level range of interest, summing all values for relevant activities occurring at the fatigue level range of interest, and then dividing the first sum by the second. The normalized contextual performance metric thereby allows operational managers to assess risk of fatigue incidents by monitoring activities and fatigue levels within the fatigue environment. |
| US08712825B1 |
Web-based royalty system and user interface
Web-based royalty system and user interface is described. In one embodiment, for example, a Web-based royalty system of the present invention is described that comprises: an interface for receiving product information comprising products subject to royalties; an interface for receiving sales data comprising sales records for the products; an interface for receiving royalty terms for the products; a calculation engine for calculating royalties due for the sales data, by matching each sales record with a given product listed in the product information, and determining for each matched product royalties due based on royalty terms applicable to sales of that product; and a statement generator for generating royalty reports of the calculated royalties. |
| US08712824B1 |
System and method for self service marketing research
A method and system is presented for the creation, delivery, processing, and overall management of surveys across and on sites and applications that display online and mobile content that is tracked using an audience validation system. Improvements on the functionality of an audience validation system include creating a marketplace for content and application publishers to make their audiences available for general market research surveys. In one embodiment, the system significantly reduces the overheads involved in market research for all parties concerned including publishers, the consumers of the publishers' content, and market researchers wishing to survey the consumers of the publishers' content. In one embodiment the invention affords both publishers and marketers access to self-service portals to make their audiences available and to survey them respectively. Other embodiments afford a number of optimizations that minimize survey fatigue among potential survey respondents and minimize the repetition of both surveys and individual questions being presented to individual users through the use of cached answers. |
| US08712818B2 |
Machine shop including computer system that interfaces with different legacy servers
A machine shop comprises a computer system programmed to automatically determine an access role for a worker in response to a log-in; automatically determine at least one task for the worker based on the access role; and automatically interface with different legacy servers to order, subject to the access role, at least one of machine tooling for the machining of the part, product materials to be machined, and distributed numerical control (DNC) data for the machining of the part. |
| US08712816B2 |
Computerized apparatus for identifying industries for potential transfer of a job function
Methods for identifying industries for potential transfer of a job function capability involve the use of a database that correlates, for a job function in a first industry, the first industry with a set of second industries with respect to which a job function capability of the job function is potentially transferable. The database can be accessed to identify the second set of industries. A symbolic representation of a job transfer between the first industry and a second industry or a symbolic representation that categorizes a subject of a user's job transferability query may be used to access the database. |
| US08712814B1 |
Systems and methods for economic retirement analysis
Systems and methods for economic retirement analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises identifying an existing component and at least one potential replacement component, estimating costs associated with the existing component and the at least one potential replacement component, calculating an economic retirement date for the existing component and an acquisition cost recovery date for the at least one potential replacement component, and storing the economic retirement date and the acquisition cost recovery date. Some system embodiments comprise a first memory that stores economic retirement software, a second memory that stores cost data in association with a component, and a processor that executes the economic retirement software. The economic retirement software configures the processor to calculate an economic retirement date of the existing component and store the economic retirement date. |
| US08712813B2 |
Audit planning
An audit planning system enables users to plan effective audits by identifying audit units having potentially large impacts and risks on an enterprise and enabling users to select audit units to include in audits based on a variety of different criteria. The audit planning system displays the audit units of the enterprise and a visual indicator of the impact and risk associated with each audit unit. The audit planning system enables users to select the displayed audit units to plan an audit. The audit planning system may display audit units in an impacted financial statement, a tree map, a graph, and/or a table. The audit planning system may sort and/or display audit units with visual indicators specifying associated risks, impacts, materiality values, exposures, coverages, and/or audit costs. The audit planning system can further display visual indications of the changes in audit units' associated attributes over time. |
| US08712807B2 |
System and method for determining payroll related insurance premiums
A computer-implemented method for determining payroll related insurance premiums includes receiving at a server computer first payroll data relating to a first employer in a first data format from a first source and second payroll data in a second data format from a second source. At least one of the first source and the second source includes an employer payroll computer system at an employer location. The received data is read and extracted by a utility program at the employer location. The method further includes conditioning the received payroll data into uniform format payroll data; filtering by at least one of the utility program and the server computer the payroll data to remove non-premium related data; applying by inclusion and exclusion rules from a rules engine to determine payroll data items to consider in calculating a payroll-based insurance premium; and calculating payroll-based insurance premiums. |
| US08712806B1 |
Systems and methods for automobile accident claims initiation
Automobile accident claims initiation systems and methods are described. An insured driver may initiate a claim by operating a mobile device. The system provides automated inquiries to the driver through the mobile device. The driver provides responses to the inquiries using the mobile device. The driver may provide images and audio data, as well as personal information and information on the parties and vehicles involved in the accident. The system may automatically arrange for services such as a rental car or a tow truck. The system may provide claim information, such as a claim number to the driver by transmitting information to the mobile device. |
| US08712805B1 |
Method and system for providing geohazard information to customers
A method of displaying geohazard information to a user includes providing a computer having a processor and receiving a search query from the user. The method also includes accessing, using the processor, a real estate database, determining, using the processor, a plurality of homes in the real estate database matching the search query, and displaying information related to the plurality of homes to the user. The method further includes accessing, using the processor, a geohazard database, determining, using the processor, one or more geohazards for one or more of the plurality of homes, and displaying information related to the one or more geohazards to the user. |
| US08712804B2 |
Account and customer creation in an on-line banking model
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for account and customer creation in an online banking model. An application is received from a customer. The application includes information relating to the user and also documentation relating to the user. A first computer is utilized to create a profile for the customer based on the application received from the customer. The first computer is also utilized to create an account for the customer. Information relating to the created profile and account is transmitted from the first computer to a second computer where a notification is generated. The notification indicates that the account has been created. The notification is transmitted from the second computer to the customer utilizing a network. |
| US08712803B1 |
Systems and methods for electronic verification of vehicle insurance coverage
Systems, methods and apparatus for electronically verifying vehicle insurance coverage. A plurality of identifiers may be stored along with corresponding vehicle insurance coverage information for each of the identifiers. A query may be received requesting verification whether a vehicle operator has current vehicle insurance coverage. The query may include an identifier associated with the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator's identifier may be compared to the stored identifiers to verify whether the vehicle operator has current automobile insurance coverage. A signal may be communicated to a source of the query indicating a result of the comparison. |
| US08712800B2 |
System of providing an internet web site that assists medical professionals draft a letter of medical necessity or other documentation for transmission to a third party payer on behalf of a patient and method of use
The systems disclosed is an internet based application that allows clinical professionals to write letters of medical necessity to justify therapeutic services and devices recommended by physicians and/or clinicians. The letters of medical necessity are intended to be read by reviewers who determine whether or not a service or deice is medically necessary. The system herein requires that either a clinician or vendor begin the process by logging on the internet web site and agree to the user agreements as well as HIPAA compliance measures. Upon all information being entered into the system and justifications from a physician for the services and/or devices, the letter of medical necessity is then generated, signed by the clinician and sent to the third party payer for payment consideration. |
| US08712798B2 |
Workflow optimization for high throughput imaging environments
A medical diagnostic imaging system (10) is coupled to a hospital network (14) to optimize a throughput of a scanner (24). The hospital network includes a hospital records database (18) and a plurality of hospital computers and remote means (20). A workstation (12) is coupled to the scanner (24) and the hospital network (14) and is used to control a scanning process. The workstation (12) includes a display (44), an applications database (52), which is configurable by a user, and an interface means (48) for displaying interactive user interface screens (46) on the display (44). The interface screens (46) allow the user to configure the applications database (52) and interactively control the scanning process. |
| US08712795B1 |
Method and apparatus for internet on-line insurance policy service
An Internet on-line insurance policy service system that facilitates real-time automated communication of policy information, adjustment of policy parameters, calculation and communication of resulting policy quotes, and implementation of policy changes, while obviating insurer personnel involvement and supervision of the communication. The system comprises a plurality of software modules relating to on-line real-time communication of existing policy information, testing of a wide range of variations in policy parameters, computing and communicating changes in policy premiums that would result from such variations, communicating desired changes in policy parameters and implementing desired policy changes. Other modules relate to communication of claims information and the providing of on-line forms. |
| US08712783B2 |
Entropy encoding and decoding using direct level and run-length/level context-adaptive arithmetic coding/decoding modes
An encoder performs context-adaptive arithmetic encoding of transform coefficient data. For example, an encoder switches between coding of direct levels of quantized transform coefficient data and run-level coding of run lengths and levels of quantized transform coefficient data. The encoder can determine when to switch between coding modes based on a pre-determined switch point or by counting consecutive coefficients having a predominant value (e.g., zero). A decoder performs corresponding context-adaptive arithmetic decoding. |
| US08712782B2 |
Method and apparatus to determine encoding mode of audio signal and method and apparatus to encode and/or decode audio signal using the encoding mode determination method and apparatus
A method and apparatus to determine an encoding mode of an audio signal, and a method and apparatus to encode an audio signal according to the encoding mode. In the encoding mode determination method, a mode determination threshold for the current frame that is subject to encoding mode determination is adaptively adjusted according to a long-term feature of the audio signal for a frame (the current frame) that is subject to encoding mode determination, thereby improving the hit rate of encoding mode determination and signal classification, suppressing frequent oscillation of an encoding mode in frame units, improving noise tolerance, and improving smoothness of a reconstructed audio signal. |
| US08712781B2 |
System and method for customized prompting
A method for providing an audible prompt to a user within a vehicle. The method includes retrieving one or more data files from a memory device. The data files define certain characteristics of an audio prompt. The method also includes creating the audio prompt from the data files and outputting the audio prompt as an audio signal. |
| US08712775B1 |
Method and system to generate finite state grammars using sample phrases
A method and system for generating a finite state grammar is provided. The method comprises receiving user input of at least two sample phrases; analyzing the sample phrases to determine common words that occur in each of the sample phrases and optional words that occur in only some of the sample phrases; creating a mathematical expression representing the sample phrases, the expression including each word found in the sample phrases and an indication of whether a word is a common word or an optional word; displaying the mathematical expression to a user; allowing the user to alter the mathematical expression; generating a finite state grammar corresponding to the altered mathematical expression; and displaying the finite state grammar to the user. |
| US08712767B2 |
Scalable encoding apparatus, scalable decoding apparatus, scalable encoding method, scalable decoding method, communication terminal apparatus, and base station apparatus
A scalable encoding apparatus, a scalable decoding apparatus and the like are disclosed which can achieve a band scalable LSP encoding that exhibits both a high quantization efficiency and a high performance. In these apparatuses, a narrow band-to-wide band converter receives and converts a quantized narrow band LSP to a wide band, and then outputs the quantized narrow band LSP as converted (i.e., a converted wide band LSP parameter) to an LSP-to-LPC converter. The LSP-to-LPC converter converts the quantized narrow band LSP as converted to a linear prediction coefficient and then outputs it to a pre-emphasizer. The pre-emphasizer calculates and outputs the pre-emphasized linear prediction coefficient to an LPC-to-LSP converter. The LPC-to-LSP converter converts the pre-emphasized linear prediction coefficient to a pre-emphasized quantized narrow band LSP as wide band converted, and then outputs it to a prediction quantizer. |
| US08712764B2 |
Device and method for quantizing and inverse quantizing LPC filters in a super-frame
A device and a method for quantizing, in a super-frame including a sequence of frames, LPC filters calculated during the frames of the sequence. The LPC filter quantizing device and method comprises: an absolute quantizer for first quantizing one of the LPC filters using absolute quantization; and at least one quantizer of the other LPC filters using a quantization mode selected from the group consisting of absolute quantization and differential quantization relative to at least one previously quantized filter amongst the LPC filters. For inverse quantizing, at least the first quantized LPC filter is received and an inverse quantizer inverse quantizes the first quantized LPC filter using absolute inverse quantization. If any quantized LPC filter other than the first quantized LPC filter is received, an inverse quantizer inverse quantizes this quantized LPC filter using one of absolute inverse quantization and differential inverse quantization relative to at least one previously received quantized LPC filter. |
| US08712763B2 |
Method for encoding signal, and method for decoding signal
The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for encoding and decoding signals. The encoding method includes: converting a first-domain signal into a second-domain signal; performing Linear Prediction (LP) processing and Long-Term Prediction (LTP) processing for the second-domain signal; obtaining a long-term flag value according to a decision criterion; obtaining a second-domain predictive signal according to the LP processing result and the LTP processing result when the long-term flag value is a first value; obtaining a second-domain predictive signal according to the LP processing result when the long-term flag value is a second value; converting the second-domain predictive signal into a first-domain predictive signal, and calculating a first-domain predictive residual signal; and outputting a bit stream that includes the first-domain predictive residual signal. |
| US08712759B2 |
Specializing disambiguation of a natural language expression
Disambiguation of the meaning of a natural language expression proceeds by constructing a natural language expression, and then incrementally specializing the meaning representation to more specific meanings as more information and constraints are obtained, in accordance with one or more specialization hierarchies between semantic descriptors. The method is generalized to disjunctive sets of interpretations that can be specialized hierarchically. |
| US08712755B2 |
System and method for improving text input in a shorthand-on-keyboard interface
A word pattern recognition system improves text input entered via a shorthand-on-keyboard interface. A core lexicon comprises commonly used words in a language; an extended lexicon comprises words not included in the core lexicon. The system only directly outputs words from the core lexicon. Candidate words from the extended lexicon can be outputted and simultaneously admitted to the core lexicon upon user selection. A concatenation module enables a user to input parts of a long word separately. A compound word module combines two common shorter words whose concatenation forms a long word. |
| US08712753B1 |
Method for modeling and analyzing linear time invariant systems with time delays
A method and apparatus are provided to model, analyze, and build linear time invariant systems with delays. The method and apparatus model a linear time invariant system as a linear fractional transformation of matrices of a delay free linear time invariant model with a bank of pure delays. The method and apparatus of the present invention can further accommodate input delays and output delays associated with the linear time invariant system with delays. |
| US08712738B2 |
Determining ill conditioning in square linear system of equations
Determining ill conditioning in square linear systems of equations is disclosed. Specifically, a method, system and computer program product for determining ill conditioning in square linear systems of equations is disclosed, the method including sampling condition numbers in the square linear systems of equations, and classifying the condition numbers sampled from the square linear systems of equations. |
| US08712737B1 |
Use of physical deformation during scanning of an object to generate views of the object
Disclosed are methods and systems for determining and displaying a simulated deformation of a 3D object data model. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes causing a force to be applied to an object to cause a deformation of the object and causing a plurality of reference scans of the object to be captured. The method further includes, based on the plurality of reference scans, generating a 3D object data model representing the object and, further based on the plurality of reference scans, identifying a constraint point of the 3D object data model, where the constraint point represents a point of minimum deformation of the object. The method still further includes selecting a predefined deformation model, where the predefined deformation model defines a simulated deformation, and where the simulated deformation simulates at least a portion of the deformation of the object proximate to the point of minimum deformation. |
| US08712735B2 |
System and method for evaluating equipment rack cooling performance
Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for designing and analyzing data centers. One aspect is directed to a method of determining cooling characteristics of a data center. The method includes receiving data related to a configuration of equipment in the data center, identifying rack clusters in the configuration of equipment, and determining a cooling metric for at least one equipment rack of at least one rack cluster. |
| US08712731B2 |
Simplified algorithm for abnormal situation prevention in load following applications including plugged line diagnostics in a dynamic process
Systems and methods are provided for detecting abnormal conditions and preventing abnormal situations from occurring in controlled processes. Statistical signatures of a monitored variable are modeled as a function of the statistical signatures of a load variable. The statistical signatures of the monitored variable may be modeled according to an extensible regression model or a simplified load following algorithm. The systems and methods may be advantageously applied to detect plugged impulse lines in a differential pressure flow measuring device. |
| US08712730B2 |
Control system of substrate processing apparatus, collecting unit, substrate processing apparatus and control method of the substrate processing apparatus
There is provided a control system of a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a collecting unit for collecting data from each component that constitutes a substrate processing apparatus, the collecting unit further comprising at least: a buffer for temporarily storing collected data; and a sorting part for rearranging the collected data, based on time data attached to the collected data. |
| US08712729B2 |
Anomalous data detection method
An example data assessment method for a diagnostic system includes receiving a set of initialization data, analyzing the set of initialization data to identify a data outlier in the set of initialization data, and determining whether the set of initialization data is bimodal. The method further includes establishing a set of cleaned data based on the analysis and establishing a baseline operating condition for the device using the set of cleaned data. |
| US08712728B2 |
Method and device for monitoring and analyzing signals
A method and system for monitoring and analyzing at least one signal are disclosed. An abstract of at least one reference signal is generated and stored in a reference database. An abstract of a query signal to be analyzed is then generated so that the abstract of the query signal can be compared to the abstracts stored in the reference database for a match. The method and system may optionally be used to record information about the query signals, the number of matches recorded, and other useful information about the query signals. Moreover, the method by which abstracts are generated can be programmable based upon selectable criteria. The system can also be programmed with error control software so as to avoid the re-occurrence of a query signal that matches more than one signal stored in the reference database. |
| US08712727B2 |
Field device for determining or monitoring a physical or chemical process variable
A field device is composed of a sensor, which works according to a defined measuring principle, and a control/evaluation unit, for a particular safety-critical application, conditions and evaluates, along at least two equivalent measuring paths, measurement data delivered by the sensor. The control/evaluation unit is implemented on an FPGA, provided with at least a first section and a second section. In each section, a digital measuring path, is dynamically reconfigurable. The sections are isolated from one another by permanently configured spacer regions, wherein the spacer regions are embodied in such a way, that a temperature and/or a voltage change in one of the sections has no influence on the other section or other sections, and, in the case of malfunction, no connection occurs between the sections. The control/evaluation unit, as a function of the particular defined safety-critical application, partially dynamically reconfigures the function modules in the measuring paths in such a manner, that the field device fulfills the required safety standard. |
| US08712718B1 |
Predicting performance of an integrated circuit
A method of characterizing a die can include correlating, using a processor, a static voltage profile of a die under test in wafer form with a plurality of test static voltage profiles. The plurality of test static voltage profiles can be associated with dynamic performance profiles. The method further can include predicting dynamic performance of the die under test according to the dynamic performance profile associated with a test static voltage profile that is correlated with the static voltage profile. |
| US08712714B2 |
Measurement protocol for a medical technology apparatus
In a method and a computer-readable storage medium to optimize protocol parameters for an MR measurement protocol, the user can configure conditions for selected physical parameters in advance. Moreover, it is possible to configure rules for these parameters and/or for the conditions. In a next step physical values regarding the selected parameters are measured. The measured values are then applied to the configured conditions and/or rules in order to optimize the protocol parameters. |
| US08712711B2 |
Identification of electrical grid phase information for end-points in a grid network
In one embodiment, a requesting device (e.g., head-end application) requests a phase-related response from an end-point that does not know its phase in a polyphase power source system. In response, the requesting device receives the phase-related response from the end-point, where the response relays an identification of the end-point and related phase information without indicating an actual phase of the end-point, e.g., on which power-line is a response generated or at which time is a zero-crossing of the power source's waveform. The phase information of the phase-related response may then be correlated to a known phase of a known-phase device, such that the actual phase of the end-point may be identified based on the correlation. |
| US08712710B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of LVDT core fallout condition
A method includes measuring a first voltage (VA) across a first sensing coil of a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and measuring a second voltage (VB) across a second sensing coil of the LVDT. The method also includes signaling a core fallout condition in response to (i) determining that a ratio of VA and VB is within a specified range of a value of one and (ii) determining that a sum of VA and VB is less than a sum of VA0 and VB0 by more than a specified amount. VA0 and VB0 are minimum voltages across the first and second sensing coils of the LVDT, respectively, when a core of the LVDT is in the LVDT. |
| US08712705B2 |
Field device configuration system
A system to configure a field device of the type used to calculate a flow of a process fluid. The system includes a flow repository comprising a list of process fluids with which the field device can be used, fluid equation data which provides information related to fluid equations for calculating fluid parameters of the process fluid, a list of primary elements, and primary element equation data which provides information related to primary element equations and fluid equations for calculating flow of the process fluid. The flow application is adapted to retrieve data from the flow repository and to generate information which is used by field device to calculate the flow of the process fluid. |
| US08712704B2 |
Defect detection system and method
A defect detection system and method enable a fastened crystalline silicon product to generate micro-vibration by a micro-vibration excitation device, so as to enable the crystalline silicon product to generate an excitation signal, then to acquire the excitation signal by a acquisition device, so as to analyze the excitation signal acquired by the acquisition device in the time and frequency domain by an analysis detection device with a specific analysis, and to obtain an analysis result, at last, determine a defect state of the crystalline silicon product according to the analysis result. |
| US08712702B2 |
Measuring apparatus for measuring a physical property of a sample
A measuring apparatus for measuring a predetermined physical property of a liquid measuring sample comprises a preparing unit in which a plurality of materials including at least a liquid material are mixed; a supply route which supplies the liquid material to the preparing unit; a withdrawing unit which withdraws the measuring sample from the preparing unit into the supply route, the measuring sample being prepared to contain the liquid material supplied to the preparing unit via the supply route; and a measuring unit which measures the predetermined physical property of the measuring sample withdrawn into the supply route by the withdrawing unit. |
| US08712701B2 |
Potentiometric-sensor chip, potentiometric assay, and assay kit
Provided is a potentiometric sensor chip in which the positional relationship among a reference electrode, a measurement electrode, and a sample inlet which enables measurement from the start of a reaction is defined, and further provided is a method for detecting the start time of the reaction. A very small amount of sample is measured with high accuracy. The very small quantity of sample is measured by a rate assay. When a reference electrode (103) is disposed between a sample inlet (102) and a measurement electrode (104), a sample solution arrives at the reference electrode (103) earlier than at the measurement electrode (104), whereby the surface potential of the measurement electrode (104) can be measured simultaneously when the sample solution arrives at the measurement electrode (104) and dissolves a reagent and thereby a reaction starts. The arrival of the sample solution at the measurement electrode (104) can be sensed by detecting the discontinuous change of the voltage observed by a voltmeter (106) at this time. |
| US08712692B2 |
Method of measuring the flux of a soil gas
A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval Δt and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ΔC is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval Δt. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor. F = ( D ∂ C ( z , t ) ∂ z ) z = 0 = D Δ C πΔ t ( I ) |
| US08712688B2 |
Method for providing interactive site map
A system for providing navigation information to a user in a region, the system including: a plurality of navigation stations disposed throughout the region and coupled to a communications network, each station having a wireless interface configured to communicate interactively with a mobile device carried by the user; wherein the system is configured to receive a destination at a selected navigation station using the wireless interface, to provide directions from the selected navigation station to the destination using the mobile device, and to track movement of the user throughout the region using interaction between the mobile device and a navigation station in range of the mobile device or interaction between the user and one of the navigation stations selected by the user. |
| US08712687B2 |
Determining system for localization methods combination
A determining system for localization methods combination which determines a combination of a plurality of localization methods used in a vehicle includes: a unit that stores therein a localization accuracy influence parameter which is determined for each position in a travel environment; a unit that stores therein a relation between the localization accuracy influence parameter and a localization accuracy of each of a plurality of the localization methods; a unit that stores therein correspondence information between the localization accuracy influence parameter and each of the localization methods; a unit that acquires the localization accuracy influence parameter in the travel environment; and a unit that acquires the correspondence information on the localization accuracy influence parameter, references the relation based on the correspondence information, and thereby predicts a localization accuracy of each of the localization methods at each position in the travel environment. |
| US08712685B2 |
Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, and information processing method
An information processing apparatus includes a position detecting unit detecting a position, an explanation information storage unit storing explanation position information and explanation information, a generation unit extracting the explanation information corresponding to a first explanation position from the explanation information storage unit and generating the extracted explanation information with a sound when the first explanation position is detected within a first distance from the detected position, and a group determining unit determining whether or not the first explanation position belongs to the same group as a second explanation position when the second explanation position is detected within the first distance from the detected position after the generation unit starts the generating of the explanation information corresponding to the first explanation position with a sound, wherein the generation unit continues to reproduce the explanation information with a sound when both explanation positions belong to the same group. |
| US08712681B2 |
High safety vehicular transportation system and operational method thereof
A high safety vehicular transportation system is used in an individual carpool car with at least one user and comprises a user module, a rescue unit and a server center. The user module stores and provides carpool data, stores and provides states of individual carpool car, submits a carpool request and comprises a save our soul (SOS) system. The SOS system transmits a distress signal. The rescue unit provides emergency rescue assistance if any user is in a dangerous situation. The server center receives, stores and provides carpool data, has an instantaneous tracking capability, provides carpool service to at least one user, calls the rescue unit if the server center receives the distress signal, receives the carpool request and generates at least one carpool mission to fulfill the carpool request. An operational method for a high safety vehicular transportation system is also disclosed. |
| US08712677B2 |
Navigation device, navigation method, and navigation program
Navigation devices, methods, and programs acquire a reference position related to the traveling of a host vehicle and acquire a host vehicle condition at the reference position. The devices, methods, and programs accesses a travel information storage unit that stores travel sequences. The stored data for each travel sequences includes at least one position along the travel sequence, operation information that specifies a vehicle operation at each stored position, and vehicle condition information that specifies a vehicle condition at each stored position. The devices, methods, and programs identify a stored sequence of travel having a stored position that corresponds to the acquired host vehicle reference position and stored vehicle condition information that corresponds to the acquired host vehicle condition, acquire the stored operation information of the identified stored sequence of travel, generate display information based on the acquired operation information, and display the generated display information. |
| US08712674B2 |
Vehicle running control system
At least a follow-up target inter-vehicle distance is set on the basis of information about a preceding vehicle recognized by a forward-environment recognition device mounted in a subject vehicle and including a stereo camera, and it is determined whether or not the preceding vehicle is making a right/left turn. When a right/left turn of the preceding vehicle is detected, the follow-up target inter-vehicle distance is multiplied by a correction coefficient so as to set a different follow-up target inter-vehicle distance for the right/left turn. |
| US08712668B2 |
Control system for an internal combustion engine
A control system for a direct-injection four-stroke internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, an intake passage supplying air to the cylinder, and an exhaust passage removing exhaust gas from the cylinder, the control system including a mass air flow meter configured to detect a mass air flow upstream of the cylinder and a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect an intake air density in the cylinder, calculate an in-cylinder trapped intake air amount based on a cylinder volume and the detected intake air density, and estimate a difference between the intake air amount detected by the mass air flow meter and the in-cylinder trapped intake air amount, the estimated difference being an estimated scavenging amount representing a fresh air blowby amount passing from the intake passage into the exhaust passage. |
| US08712662B2 |
Vehicle motion control device
The vehicle motion control device performs anti-lateral overturn control for increasing a brake force to be generated at a front inside wheel of a vehicle in order to cause skidding at the front inside wheel when a condition for increasing a brake force to be generated at an outside wheel is satisfied, wherein the condition is that the vehicle motion control device is in the anti-lateral overturn mode and the vehicle is turning. |
| US08712660B2 |
Method for maintaining a driver-independent braking intervention after a collision
In a method for maintaining a driver-independent braking intervention in a motor vehicle after a collision accelerator operation by the driver is detected; it is ascertained whether an engine torque influence via the accelerator can in fact be carried out; and when it is ascertained that the engine torque influence cannot be carried out, the driver-independent braking intervention is not broken off. |
| US08712657B2 |
Method and device for operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive
A method and a device for operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive are described, in which a first drive unit and a second drive unit contribute jointly or individually to the drive of the vehicle, the first drive unit driving the second drive unit in the manner of a generator for charging an energy storage device, the first drive unit and the second drive unit being separable by a drive train element transferring a torque of the first drive unit. In a method in which it is ensured that the vehicle may continue to drive safely even in the event of a defect in a drive train element between the first drive unit and the second drive unit, the torque portion used for charging the energy storage device is reduced to a minimum torque, while the torque excess, which is reduced in the event of a defect in the drive train element but still exceeds the minimum torque, is utilized to propel the vehicle. |
| US08712656B2 |
Bicycle shifting method
A bicycle shifting method suitable for controlling a gear ratio of a front chain ring and a rear chain ring of the bicycle is provided. The bicycle has a front electronic derailleur, a rear electronic derailleur, a controller, and a controlling switch, and the controller stores a gear-ratio table. The bicycle shifting method includes following steps. The controlling switch is triggered to generate a corresponding signal. One or both of the electronic derailleurs are controlled by the controller according the signal. When the signal is a speed-increasing signal, the controller controls the electronic derailleurs to increase the gear ratio along a speed-increasing path of the gear-ratio table. When the signal is a laborsaving signal, the controller controls the electronic derailleurs to decrease the gear ratio along a laborsaving path of the gear-ratio table. The speed-increasing path is different from the laborsaving path. |
| US08712653B2 |
Deceleration dependent shift control
A transmission control system for regulating operation of an automatic transmission of a vehicle includes a first module that provides a predetermined shift schedule including upshift and downshift lines and a second module that offsets each of the upshift and downshift lines by an offset amount to provide modified upshift and downshift lines when a deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a threshold deceleration. A third module regulates operation of the automatic transmission based on the modified upshift and downshift lines. |
| US08712652B2 |
Control device of hybrid vehicle
Providing a control device of a hybrid vehicle capable of reducing a rattling noise without changing an engine rotation speed.If the second electric motor torque TM2 is within the rattling noise occurrence region G, the engine rotation fluctuation suppression control (at least one of the EGR amount suppression control, the self-EGR amount suppression control, the lean-burn control, and the ignition delay control) is provided to suppress the engine rotation fluctuations as compared to during normal running while the second electric motor torque TM2 is out of the rattling noise occurrence region G and, therefore, the engine rotation fluctuations can be suppressed to reduce the a rattling noise without changing an engine rotation speed NE. Thus, the rattling noise can be reduced without giving an uncomfortable feeling to a user due to a change in the engine rotation speed NE. |
| US08712649B2 |
Continuously variable transmission and control method thereof
A transmission controller permits a 2-1 shift, in which a gear position of a subtransmission mechanism is changed from a second speed to a first speed, when an accelerator pedal has been depressed to or above a predetermined opening. The gear position of the subtransmission mechanism is changed from the second speed to the first speed when an actual through speed ratio passes a mode switch line from a High side to a Low side while the 2-1 shift is permitted in the subtransmission mechanism. |
| US08712646B2 |
Device for determining the absolute angular position of the steering wheel of an electric power-assisted steering column of a motor vehicle using weighted dynamic parameters of the vehicle
A method for determining the absolute angular position of a steering wheel of an electric power-assisted steering column of a motor vehicle, including a means for measuring a dynamic parameter while the vehicle is running and including among others, the steps of periodically determining a multi-turn relative angular position, determining at least one dynamic parameter relating to the running conditions of the vehicle using the means for measuring said parameter, determining an absolute steering-wheel angle calculated according to at least one dynamic parameter, and weighting the calculated value of the absolute steering-wheel angle according to a test of the validity of the calculated value of the absolute steering-wheel angle and the origin of said value, in other words, the measurement means used to determine said at least one dynamic parameter. |
| US08712645B2 |
Method and device for managing a turning setpoint applied to at least one turning actuator for the rear wheels of an automobile
A method for managing a turning setpoint applied to at least one turning actuator for rear wheels of an automobile including four steering wheels, the turning setpoint being generated by a turning control unit upon a braking situation with asymmetrical adhesion. The method calculates an intermediate turning setpoint of the rear wheels for compensating a yaw torque generated by a braking with asymmetrical adhesion of the four wheels, transmits an intermediate turning setpoint to the at least one turning actuator for the rear wheels, monitors the value of the intermediate turning setpoint using an acceptation module, and transmits to a braking control unit information generated by the acceptation module of the intermediate turning setpoint. |
| US08712643B2 |
Device for maneuvering a vehicle using maneuvering moves using at least one trajectory
A device and a method for maneuvering a vehicle using maneuvering moves using at least one trajectory along which the vehicle is movable. Maneuvering moves have at least one reversing clothoid which borders on at least one trajectory and which is designed so that a steering motion of the vehicle is avoidable at standstill. |
| US08712641B2 |
Stability control system with body-force-disturbance heading correction
A yaw stability control system for a vehicle detects and eliminates the vehicle yaw angle resulting from a body-force-disturbance and returns the vehicle to a pre disturbance heading. A yaw rate module generates a signal indicative of the vehicle yaw rate error. A yaw angle error module is triggered in response to a body-force-disturbance being detected by a body-force-disturbance detection unit, and performs integrations of the yaw rate signals to calculate a yaw angle error in order to obtain a correction of the vehicle yaw angle resulting from the body-force-disturbance. A yaw control module uses the yaw angle error in combination with the yaw rate error for a limited time period to generate yaw control signals that are sent to the vehicle brakes and/or active steering system for performing vehicle yaw stability control operations a signal to perform a body-force-disturbance yaw stability control operation for. |
| US08712639B2 |
Integrated control system for stability control of yaw, roll and lateral motion of a driving vehicle using an integrated sensing system to determine longitudinal velocity
A method of controlling a vehicle includes determining an acceleration-based longitudinal velocity, determining a wheel speed-based longitudinal velocity from a plurality of wheel speed sensors, combining the acceleration-based longitudinal velocity and the wheel speed-based longitudinal velocity to obtain a final longitudinal velocity and controlling vehicle with the final longitudinal velocity. |
| US08712637B2 |
Method for determining an object class of an object, from which light is emitted and/or reflected to a vehicle
A method is provided for determining an object class of an object, from which light is emitted and/or reflected to a vehicle. The method has a step of reading in a first brightness value at a first image position in a first image taken using a first vehicle camera and a second brightness value at a second image position in a second image taken using a second vehicle camera. The first and the second image positions represent an identical position associated with the object in the surroundings of the vehicle. The method further has a step of determining the object class of the object, based on a comparison while using the first brightness value and the second brightness value. |
| US08712635B2 |
In-vehicle electronic control apparatus having monitoring control circuit
A main control circuit unit 20A and a monitoring control circuit unit 30A are connected in series; the main control circuit unit 20A and an external control apparatus 40 are connected in series. When the monitoring control circuit unit 30A generates concurrent question information, the main control circuit unit 20A generates main-machine answer information A1n, and the external control apparatus 40 generates supplementary-apparatus answer information. The main control circuit unit 20A combines these answer information items and transmits the combined answer information items to the monitoring control circuit unit 30A; the monitoring control circuit unit 30A compares the combined answer information items with synthesis correct-solution information items stored in a correct-solution information storage memory 35A so as to perform a total abnormality determination. The main control circuit unit 20A performs an abnormality determination on the external control apparatus 40, based on correct-solution information for the external control apparatus 40; the main control circuit unit 20A generates synthesis answer information by use of the correct-solution information. |
| US08712634B2 |
System and method to assess and report the health of landing gear related components
The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a number of landing gear components for a vehicle, a number of systems, and a number of processor units. The number of systems is configured to generate data about the number of landing gear components and the vehicle. The number of processor units is configured to monitor the data and manage health of the number of landing gear components. |
| US08712631B2 |
System and method for access of user accounts on remote servers
In certain embodiments, the system of the invention automatically replicates a user's personal computing environment and provides associated remote server access using authentication credentials and data files supplied by a local handheld device as coordinated by session level software common to the handheld device, the replicated system, the system on which the replication occurs, and the remote servers. The application enables a handheld computing device to transfer a user's various online account credentials to a user's other computing devices securely and automatically. Thereafter the other computing device accesses a user's cloud-based storage and various on-line accounts and also pulls selected documents, bookmarks and related information directly from a user's handheld. The other computing device thereby essentially becomes a clone of a user's primary personal computer, complete with bookmarks, email account access, documents in a user's desktop and My Documents folder, pictures, music, and on-line content subscription access. |
| US08712630B2 |
Mobile advertising and compensation-verification system
A mobile advertising and performance-verification system comprising a flexible adhesive display with embedded self-contained power source and global positioning system (GPS) device to allow for tracking driver performance from a single source that calculates and disburses payment. The display is tamper-proof via perforations or other means so that its attempted relocation or removal following installation will result in disconnection of the GPS device from its power source, thus preventing fraudulent compensation. The peelable adhesive backing allows for easy installation, and its interior reveals a printed code that is sent electronically via cell phone or other electronic means along with a digital image of the installation to the single source to commence and track compensation. |
| US08712626B2 |
Autobrake and decel control built-in test equipment
A system, apparatus and method provide a means for testing operation of a vehicle brake system. More particularly, a brake controller for controlling operation of the brake system includes a signal generator that can generate data indicative of wheel speed. Based on a user command, the controller uses either actual wheel speed data or simulated wheel speed data as inputs for controlling brake operation. The controller also includes logic for exercising various braking functions so as to enable maintenance personal to determine operational systems of the brake system. |
| US08712625B2 |
Automatic search system and method
An automatic search system and a method for assisting a mobile apparatus to search for a matching device are provided. The automatic search method includes the following steps. First, N sets of consecutive images are captured at N time points respectively when the mobile apparatus moves along a first direction. The N is a positive integer greater than 1. Next, the N sets of consecutive images are received, and several image features of the N sets of images are compared, so as to determine accordingly whether the matching device exists in the first direction. If it is determined that the matching device exists, a route signal and an adjustment signal are generated. Next, according to the route signal, the mobile apparatus is controlled to move to an adjacent position of the matching device. Also, according to the adjustment signal, the mobile apparatus is controlled to be combined with the matching device. |
| US08712623B2 |
Control apparatus for autonomous operating vehicle
In an apparatus for controlling an autonomous operating vehicle having a prime mover and operating machine, it is configured to have a geomagnetic sensor responsive to magnets embedded in the area, detect angular velocity generated about z-axis in center of gravity of the vehicle, detect a wheel speed of the driven wheel, store map information including magnet embedded positions, detect a primary reference direction, detect a vehicle position relative to the magnet, and detect a vehicle position in the area, calculate a traveling direction and traveled distance of the vehicle, and control the operation performed through the operating machine in the area in accordance with a preset operation program based on the detected direction, the detected position of the vehicle in the area, the calculated traveling direction and the calculated traveled distance. |
| US08712621B2 |
Vehicle having power supply apparatus
A vehicle having a power supply apparatus which is configured to supply an electric power to an external apparatus outside the vehicle, includes: a detecting unit which is configured to detect a state where a cable is pinched between an opening and closing member of the vehicle and an opening edge of an opening for the opening and closing member, the cable connecting the power supply apparatus to the external apparatus and being arranged in an interior of the vehicle; and an inhibiting unit which, when the detecting unit detects that the cable is pinched between the opening and closing member and the opening edge, is configured to inhibit running of the vehicle. |
| US08712614B2 |
System, method, and computer readable medium for a force-based wheelchair joystick
An interface for use with a pressure-based wheelchair joystick, which enables highly sensitive calibration of the pressure-based joystick, and allows the user to control the wheelchair. |
| US08712613B2 |
Control device
A control device controlling a hybrid vehicle drive apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary electric machine drivingly connected to a wheel and a clutch selectively drivingly connecting the internal combustion engine with the rotary electric machine. The control device performs control such that, when a start request of the internal combustion engine is issued in the state in which the clutch is released and combustion of the internal combustion engine is stopped, a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is raised to a rotational speed of the rotary electric machine by transmitting driving torque of the rotary electric machine to the internal combustion engine by increasing a torque transfer capacity of the clutch, and, after the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine is synchronized with the rotational speed of the rotary electric machine, the combustion of the internal combustion engine is started. |
| US08712611B2 |
Computerized on-board system for controlling a train
A computerized on-board system for controlling a train or rail vehicle is provided. The computerized on-board system includes a train control and monitoring system (TCMS) having a main processor unit (MPU) for controlling the train and electronic control, command and monitoring equipment for providing control data for the train. The computerized on-board system also includes at least one display unit for making the control data of the train provided by the main processor unit (MPU) or by the electronic equipment available and a main data transfer network. The electronic equipment includes at least one additional item of equipment, the at least one additional item of equipment being electronic equipment for automatic train control (ATC) or video surveillance equipment (CCTV). The display unit processes the data and displays data produced by one of the at least one additional items of equipment. |
| US08712609B2 |
Methods and systems for representing missed approach information in perspective view on a cockpit display
A method is provided for displaying information on a display device of an aircraft. The method comprises determining graphics data for visual aids that represent missed approach data; incorporating the graphics data into a user interface that is in perspective view; and generating the user interface for display on the display device of the aircraft. |
| US08712608B2 |
System and method of automatic piloting for in-flight refuelling of aircraft, and aircraft comprising said system
An automatic-piloting system configured for being set on a receiver aircraft and for controlling operations of in-flight refuelling of said receiver aircraft, comprising: first detection means, set on the receiver aircraft and configured for acquiring first geometrical information associated to a first detection area and a second detection area belonging to a tanker aircraft, the first and second detection areas being linked together by a geometrical relation known to the automatic-piloting system; processing means, configured for determining, on the basis of the first geometrical information acquired, first position information associated to a relative position of the receiver aircraft with respect to the tanker aircraft; and an automatic-pilot device coupled to the processing means and configured for varying flight parameters of the receiver aircraft on the basis of the first position information. |
| US08712607B2 |
Systems and methods for velocity profile based approach to point control
A method for velocity profile based approach to point control for an aircraft includes determining a distance from the aircraft to a target point; determining a velocity command based on the distance to the target point and a desired acceleration; and issuing the velocity command. A velocity profile based approach to point control module for an aircraft and a computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium containing computer code that, when executed by a computer, implements a method for velocity profile based approach to point control are also provided. |
| US08712599B1 |
Vehicle inertial sensor systems
Integrated crash and vehicle movement sensing by use of distributed new multi-axis satellite sensors combines side and/or front/rear crash sensing with other applications requiring dynamic vehicle movement data like (but not limited to) roll and/or pitch detection as well as active suspension, head light beam leveling, etc. Depending on the required functionality, two or more satellite sensor modules are used, which measure multi-axis high-g and low-g acceleration, without needing any further sensor inputs like gyroscopes while achieving a high level of failsafe and redundancy. |
| US08712596B2 |
Malicious attack detection and analysis
A system for characterizing malicious activity in an intelligent utility grid system includes a system storage in which to store a database including a plurality of rules. A collector is operable to collect and store in the system storage information-technology (IT) data including IT-related activity from the intelligent grid system. A complex event processing (CEP) bus is operable to receive non-IT data including location-specific event data from a plurality of electronic sources, the CEP bus further operable to disregard the non-IT data failing to meet a predetermined level of relevance to one of a plurality of risk-related events. A processor is operable to apply the plurality of rules to the relevant non-IT data to: associate an undesired event with reference to the IT-related activity; and determine a probability that the undesired event is indicative of malicious activity. The processor further applies a risk characterization to the undesired event based on the probability and the IT-related activity. |
| US08712595B2 |
Dynamic load profiling in a power network
A method for dynamic load profiling in a power network can include receiving static load data in the power network, generating a load forecast from the static load data, generating dynamic load data from data related to distributed assets in the power network and modifying the load forecast based on the dynamic load data for profiling the dynamic load data. |
| US08712589B2 |
System and method for judging success or failure of work of robot
A system for judging success or failure of a work of a robot includes a position command generating unit, a contact position detecting unit, and a work success/failure judging unit. The position command generating unit generates a position command enabling movement of a fingertip of the robot so that a position and posture detecting unit, which is attached to the fingertip of the robot and has an elastic transformation area, is brought into contact with a predetermined position relating to a work target after the predetermined work is performed for the work target by the robot. The contact position detecting unit calculates a contact position that is a position of a tip end of the position and posture detecting unit at the time of being in contact with the predetermined position based on a value of an external force applied to the fingertip and the position of the tip end of the position and posture detecting unit. The work success/failure judging unit judges the predetermined work to be successful when the calculated contact position is within a predetermined range and judges the predetermined work to be failed when the calculated contact position is not within the predetermined range. |
| US08712583B2 |
Automatic pill dispenser
A pill dispensing device includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a transfer tray assembly coupled to the top surface of the base, a controller, and a plurality of vibrating tray assemblies. Each vibrating tray assembly couples to the top surface of the base and includes a pill tray, at least one spring support, a pill tray electric motor, and at least one optical sensor. The pill tray has an open end which is positioned above the transfer tray assembly. The at least one spring support is coupled between the top surface of the base and the pill tray. The pill tray electric motor couples to the pill tray and an offset weight. Each pill tray electric motor electrically couples to the controller. An optical sensor couples to the pill tray. |
| US08712580B2 |
Transferring storage devices within storage device testing systems
A method of transferring storage devices within a storage device testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple storage devices presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved storage device to a respective test slot of the storage device testing system and insert each storage device in the respective test slot. |
| US08712579B1 |
Optimization of packaging sizes
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for determining optimum sizes of packaging in a packaging suite employed in a materials handling facility. The packaging may be used, for example, in the shipping of items from the materials handling facility to various destinations. The sizes of the packaging in the packaging suite are determined based upon the shipping volumes associated with packages or shipments shipped from the materials handling facility. |
| US08712577B2 |
Electronic system and method for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system using global and local offsets
An electronic system for compensating the dimensional accuracy of a 4-axis CNC machining system includes a CNC machining system configured to machine a plurality of features into a part, a dimensional measuring device configured to measure a plurality of dimensions of the part, and to provide an output corresponding to the measured dimensions and a compensation processor in communication with the CNC machining system and dimensional measuring device. The CNC machining system includes a global coordinate system, and at least one feature being defined relative to a local coordinate system that is translated from the machine coordinate system. Additionally, the compensation processor is configured to receive the output from the dimensional measuring device, to calculate a plurality of CNC offsets, including at least one local offset, and to provide the offsets to the CNC machining system. |
| US08712575B2 |
Hydrostatic pad pressure modulation in a simultaneous double side wafer grinder
Systems and methods are disclosed for modulating the hydrostatic pressure in a double side wafer grinder having a pair of grinding wheels. The systems and methods use a processor to measure the amount of electrical current drawn by the grinding wheels. Pattern detection software is used to predict a grinding stage based on the measured electrical current. The hydrostatic pressure is changed by flow control valves at each stage to change the clamping pressure applied to the wafer and to thereby improve nanotopology in the processed wafer. |
| US08712574B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling phasing of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines
The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays. |
| US08712573B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines
The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate registration feature detections and substrate speed control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate speed. As such, the controller may be programmed to track registration features on substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays. |
| US08712568B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and display method of substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus gives a user notice to prevent removal of a storage medium and provides a screen for determining whether the storage medium is removable. The apparatus controls display of the screen for manipulating substrate processing information and includes a part to which an external storage device is attached. The screen includes: a title panel displayed at an upper region of the screen; an information panel controlling or monitoring a task; and a navigation panel at a lower region of the screen. When the external storage device is attached to the part, an external storage device remove button is enabled by displaying the remove button on the navigation panel to indicate the external storage device is attached to the part. When the external storage device is not attached to the part, the remove button is disabled by displaying the remove button in a like color as the background. |
| US08712564B2 |
Audio conversation apparatus
An audio conversation apparatus includes an assignment section for individually assigning units of spatial information which are different from each other, either to parties-to-talk-with each belonging to one of a plurality of predetermined groups, respectively, or to the plurality of predetermined groups, respectively; and a localization section for localizing, in accordance with the units of spatial information assigned by the assignment section, audio data transmitted from outside, and one of a reproduction section connected to the audio conversation apparatus and a reproduction section included in the audio conversation apparatus outputs an audio in accordance with the audio data having been localized by the localization section. |
| US08712563B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive distribution of digital content
A system, method, and machine-readable medium are disclosed for the controlled, non-real-time conveyance of digital content for playback. Digital content and associated metadata are marked, rated, categorized, and then converted into encoded digital data. The resulting encoded digital data is transmitted as a plurality of data streams through a communications facility such as a satellite, wireless, or physical network. The data streams are received by a content receiver where they are decoded into metadata and digital content for controlled conveyance and playback. A digital content management module comprising a content selection algorithm compares metadata associated with candidate digital content to a predetermined content selection profile. If the metadata matches predetermined selection parameters of the selection profile, the candidate digital content and its associated metadata are stored in a machine-readable medium for controlled conveyance and playback. |
| US08712560B2 |
Performance monitoring of advanced process control systems
Techniques are described for monitoring the performance of advanced process control (APC) systems used to control complex industrial processes. By correlating an alarm status of the APC system with an alarm status associated with the service factor (or service factor thresholds), a plant operator can understand how well the APC system performs over time, as well as identify when operator intervention may be required (or alternatively, may be the source of poor plant performance). Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can significantly impact both the reliability and efficiency of complex industrial process, e.g., the production of industrial gases using air separation units (ASUs) and steam methane reformer (SMR) furnaces. |
| US08712559B2 |
Adaptive control for uncertain nonlinear multi-input multi-output systems
Systems and methods of adaptive control for uncertain nonlinear multi-input multi-output systems in the presence of significant unmatched uncertainty with assured performance are provided. The need for gain-scheduling is eliminated through the use of bandwidth-limited (low-pass) filtering in the control channel, which appropriately attenuates the high frequencies typically appearing in fast adaptation situations and preserves the robustness margins in the presence of fast adaptation. |
| US08712557B2 |
Maintenance tool of control systems
A program editor creates a program-edit screen for a control system based on element data for representing circuit elements and operators and their attribute values. Here, the circuit elements and operators are components of sequential programs which constitute functions of the control system. The program editor which edits the element data on the created program-edit screen judges whether the data for representing the circuit elements and the operators is protected-function data or non-protected-function data and displays assembly sets of programs for implementing predetermined functions constituted by circuit elements and operators to which accesses are authenticated on the program-edit screen in a display mode different from those of the other assembly sets. |
| US08712552B2 |
Treatment devices with deliver-activated inflatable members, and associated systems and methods for treating the spinal cord and other tissues
The present application includes treatment systems having delivery-activated inflatable members, and associated systems and methods for treating the spinal cord and other tissues. A treatment system in accordance with one embodiment includes a lead body having an opening, an inner surface position around the opening, and an inflatable member carried by the lead body, with at least one of the inflatable member and the lead body including a frangible portion accessible from the opening. The inflatable member can have an expandable interior volume bounded at least in part by the frangible portion. The system can further include a delivery device received in the opening of the lead body and positioned to open a passage through the frangible portions between the interior volume of the inflatable member and the opening of the lead body when the delivery device is removed from the opening of the lead body. |
| US08712550B2 |
Catheter with multiple electrode assemblies for use at or near tubular regions of the heart
A catheter with ablation and potential sensing capabilities is adapted for outer circumferential contact with an opening of a tubular region and inner circumferential contact within the tubular region. The catheter has a proximal electrode assembly and a distal electrode assembly for ablation of an ostium and potential sensing inside the pulmonary vein so that it is possible to obtain ECG signals inside a pulmonary vein when ablating around the ostium. The distal electrode assembly has an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spines surrounding the member and converging at their proximal and distal ends, where each spine has at least one electrode and a curvature so that the spine bows radially outwardly from the member. The proximal electrode assembly has a proximal electrode assembly has an elongated member configured with a generally radial portion and a generally circular portion generally transverse to the catheter axis, where the generally circular portion comprising a plurality of electrodes. The control handle advantageously allows a user to manipulate a tensile member for changing the curvature of the spine. |
| US08712549B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and treating hemodynamic parameters
A multiplexed medical carrier provides for sensing one or more patient parameters and/or delivering energy via separately identifiable effectors. The carrier includes a body and at least two electrical conductors coupled with at least two effectors. Effectors may be any combination of sensors, actuators or both. Sensors may measure such parameters as pressure, oxygen content, volume, conductivity, fluid flow rate, or any other chemical or physical parameters. Actuators may be used, for example, to pace a heart, stimulate muscle or neural tissue, broadcast ultrasonic energy, emit light, heat or other forms of radiation, or deliver any form of energy or substance. A method for collecting medical data from a patient includes interrogating a network of multiplexed sensors residing on parallel conductors in the patient, including addressing a first addressable sensor in the network to obtain data and addressing a second addressable sensor in the network to obtain data. |
| US08712548B2 |
Pull through coronary sinus pacing lead
A coronary sinus lead is disclosed that includes a lead body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an open-ended cavity formed in the distal end portion of the lead body for temporarily receiving an angioplasty balloon. The lead is configured for connection with a pacing device. A method of implanting the lead is also disclosed, which includes passing a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter over a length of guide wire extending through the coronary sinus, coronary veins, and collaterals so that the balloon is externalized. The method further includes inserting the balloon into an open cavity of the lead, inflating the balloon within the open cavity to temporarily engage a distal end portion of the lead to the catheter, and pulling the distal end portion of the lead though the coronary sinus and into a coronary vein by at least partially withdrawing the catheter from the coronary sinus. |
| US08712547B2 |
Cavernous nerve stimulation via unidirectional propagation of action potentials
An implantable stimulation device includes a device body; at least one set of partitioned electrodes disposed on a portion of the device body and configured and arranged for application of electrical stimulation to adjacent tissue; and insulating material separating the partitioned electrodes from each other. Each set of partitioned electrodes includes a plurality of partitioned electrodes disposed around a circumference of the device body. The implantable stimulation device can be configured and arranged so that each of the partitioned electrodes is independently programmable. |
| US08712541B2 |
Far field telemetry operations between an external device and an implantable medical device during recharge of the implantable medical device via a proximity coupling
Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device. |
| US08712537B2 |
Field of view matching in a visual prosthesis
A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated. |
| US08712532B2 |
Method and apparatus for focusing electrical stimulation in the brain during electro-convulsive therapy
An ECT system capable of focusing the electrical signals on a specific portion of the patient's brain is provided. The ECT system includes a means of applying unidirectional electrical signals and asymmetric electrodes for focusing the signals on the patient. A method of titrating an electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) system and a method of operating an ECT system are also provided. The method includes setting an initial current value, administering an ECT signal to the patient, determining if the seizure threshold has been achieved, and repeating as necessary until the seizure threshold is achieved. |
| US08712530B2 |
Device and implantation system for electrical stimulation of biological systems
The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements. |
| US08712522B1 |
System for setting programmable parameters for an implantable hypertension treatment device
A real time, heart rate monitor and a hemodynamic monitoring system are operably integrated with the programmer system for an implantable hypertension treatment device. A series of tests are automatically performed to set programmable parameters for the implantable hypertension treatment device without clinician intervention. In one embodiment, a predetermined level of a dose-response evaluation is initiated for each test in the series. Preferably, the programmer system monitors the heart rate to determine whether a hemodynamic measurement should be initiated at all for a given test, as well as whether the hemodynamic measurement should be initiated earlier or later than a predetermined settling period for assessing the sympathetic nervous response to the test dose. In one embodiment, this determination is based on heart rate stability/instability. Alternatively, other indicators of sympathetic/parasympathetic tone, such as heart rate variability, may be used to trigger/delay the timing of the hemodynamic measurement. |
| US08712517B2 |
Implantable neuro-stimulation electrode with fluid reservoir
An implantable electrode with a fluid reservoir is described. An implantable electrode carrier has an outer surface with electrode contacts for electrically stimulating nearby neural tissue. An enlarged fluid storage reservoir within the electrode carrier stores a treatment volume of therapeutic fluid for an extended therapeutic treatment period. At least one fluid delivery port connects the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface of the electrode carrier for delivering the therapeutic fluid from the fluid storage reservoir to the outer surface. |
| US08712514B2 |
Neurophysiological central auditory processing evaluation system and method
A system and method of central auditory processing testing and evaluation provides for identifying clinically relevant neural synchrony in the auditory brainstem pathway. The system or method finds use as a tool to evaluate auditory processing disorders, and hence, potential auditory system and/or learning disabilities. The system or method may further find use in the selection and fitting of hearing corrective appliances such as hearing aid or cochlear implant devices and/or in the selection and implementation of auditory training regimens. |
| US08712512B2 |
Apparatus and method for exerting force on a subject tissue
An apparatus for exerting force on a subject tissue includes a linear motor for generating a force according to a predetermined force profile incorporating at least one motion control parameter. The linear motor is directly coupled to a motor output member to drivingly produce linear motion of the motor output member under direction of a motor controller executing the predetermined force profile. A tissue-contacting member is connected to the motor output member for directly proportional linear motion therewith. A load cell provides load cell feedback to the motor controller. The motor controller adjusts the motion of the motor output member responsive to the load cell feedback to substantially conform the motion to the predetermined force profile. The linear motor moves the tissue-contacting member to contact the subject tissue according to the predetermined force profile and responsively initiate a subject reaction to the exerted force. |
| US08712511B2 |
Biometric data display system and method
An interactive biometric display system and method for collecting and displaying biometric data. The display system comprises a device for identifying a user and at least one biometric input device (e.g., heart rate sensor). A user provides identifying data via the identifying device and biometric data via the biometric input device. The biometric data (e.g., heartbeat) is measured and recorded with a timestamp. Graphical objects for each user are presented (e.g., a heart) and move around the screen in relation to the biometric data. Attributes of graphical objects (e.g., size, color, color saturation, and height) may vary over time indicating the recency of the data. The display system may further comprise a sound component to play sound related to the biometric data. Visual as well as sound attributes may diminish, fade, or disappear over time and may be refreshed when a new reading for the user is received. |
| US08712508B2 |
State detection device, electronic apparatus, measurement system and program
A state detection device includes an acquisition part that acquires an acceleration detection value from an acceleration sensor, and a judgment part that judges a running state or a walking state based on the acceleration detection value. The judgment part detects as to whether a positive/negative sign of the acceleration detection value in a first axis reversed in a predetermined judgment period, determines the running state when the sign reverses, and determines the walking state when the sign does not reverse. |
| US08712498B2 |
Micro vein enhancer
The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like. |
| US08712495B2 |
Device for accurately measuring concentration of component in blood and control method of the device
A measurement device includes an electronic component device, a perspiration acceleration device, and a perspiration collection device. The perspiration acceleration device or the perspiration collection device is removably coupled to the electronic component device. The electronic component device is attached to a measurement site with a belt. A perspiration accelerating performance is made with respect to the measurement site with the perspiration acceleration device coupled to the electronic component device, and thereafter, the perspiration acceleration device is replaced with the perspiration collection device with the electronic component device attached to the measurement site, and the perspiration collection and measurement computation performance are made. |
| US08712492B2 |
Photon density wave based determination of physiological blood parameters
A system for measuring a physiological parameter of blood in a patient is presented. The system includes a transmission module configured to emit a plurality of photon density waves into tissue of the patient from a plurality of modulated light sources. The system also includes a receiver module configured to detect characteristics of the plurality of photon density waves. The system also includes a processing module configured to identify characteristics of a pulsatile perturbation of the tissue based on the characteristics of the plurality of photon density waves, and identify a value of the physiological parameter based on at least the characteristics of the pulsatile perturbation of the tissue and the characteristics of the plurality of photon density waves. |
| US08712491B2 |
Measurement of an analyte on the skin using a hue angle
A process is provided for analyzing a skin in any of a number of biochemical or immunological tests for an analyte which involves applying to a skin surface on a patient a reagent which selectively binds to the analyte to form an analyte-reagent complex; subjecting the skin surface on the patient to a treatment which develops a color correlating to an amount of analyte in the specimen; measuring a hue angle of the color developed on the skin surface of the patient by measuring a reflectance over a range of visible light spectrum at a plurality of intervals in wavelength of the visible light spectrum to obtain a measurement; and correlating the measurement of the hue angle to determine a concentration of the analyte. |
| US08712489B2 |
Method for manufacturing a magnet coil configuration using a slit band-shaped conductor
A magnet coil configuration (20-24) is manufactured from a band-shaped conductor (1), which is slit in the longitudinal direction except for its two end areas (2, 3) such that the band-shaped conductor (1) has a first and a second half band (4, 5) and two end areas (2, 3) which connect these two half bands (4, 5) to form a closed loop. The two half-bands (4,5) of the slit band-shaped conductor (1) are initially wound onto two separate intermediate coils (14,15) and the final coil structure is subsequently wound by alternate extraction of the two half-bands (4,5) from the intermediate coils (14,15). A simple method is thereby proposed for winding a slit band-shaped conductor to form a magnet coil configuration which also generates strong magnetic fields. |
| US08712487B2 |
Sliding-type portable communication device
A sliding-type portable communication device is provided. The sliding-type portable communication device includes a first housing, a second housing slidably engaged with the first housing, face to face, and first and second sliding cover portions at both sides of the first housing, for sliding from both sides of the first housing, while sliding the second housing, thereby widening or narrowing the first housing. |
| US08712486B2 |
Detachably integrated battery charger for mobile cell phones and like devices
A cell phone charger comprises a main body having embedded therein a charging circuit configured to receive line AC voltage and to convert it to a DC voltage suitable for charging the mobile device. AC prongs fold into the body in a stowed position and a connection structure formed integrally with the main body grasps onto and holds the charger secured to the cell phone device. In a preferred embodiment, the AC prongs pivot independently and lie flat against an outside surface of the main body. |
| US08712485B2 |
Proximity sensor arrangement in a mobile device
A radiation passing layer has a top surface and a bottom surface below which a proximity sensor is positioned. A radiation shield is between the emitter and the detector, and extends to the bottom of the radiation passing layer. A radiation absorber being a separate piece and of a different material than the shield is positioned to provide a radiation seal between the top surface of the shield and the bottom surface of the radiation passing layer. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08712484B2 |
System and method for controlling a wireless device
A method is provided for controlling operation of a wireless device, including: receiving an initial incoming signal from a remote device in a first operational mode, the initial incoming signal including information related to an initial remaining battery power in the remote device; determining that a second operational mode will be a first possible mode if the initial remaining battery power in the remote device is within a first power range; determining that the second operational mode will be a second possible mode if the initial remaining battery power in the remote device is within a second power range; and transmitting instructions to the remote device in the first operational mode to transmit and receive in the second operational mode. |
| US08712483B2 |
Wake-up radio system
Systems and methods may include a master device. The master device may include a wake-up transmitter to send a wake-up message to a slave device to wake-up the slave device. The master device may also include a short-range transmitter to communicate with the slave device once the slave device has been woken up. The master device may be a mobile phone that communicates with the slave device (e.g., Bluetooth accessory devices) over a Bluetooth network. |
| US08712482B2 |
Detachably integrated battery charger for mobile cell phones and like devices
A cell phone charger comprises a main body having embedded therein a charging circuit configured to receive line AC voltage and to convert it to a DC voltage suitable for charging the mobile device. AC prongs fold into the body in a stowed position and a connection structure formed integrally with the main body grasps onto and holds the charger secured to the cell phone device. In a preferred embodiment, the AC prongs pivot independently and lie flat against an outside surface of the main body. |
| US08712481B2 |
Electric power supply system and electric power supply system for motor vehicle
To provide for a movable electronic device a power receiving device that when charging a battery, simplifies charging of the battery from a power feeder, which is a power supply means, and does not have faults due to an external factor relating to a relay terminal, or damage of the relay terminal, that are caused by directly connecting the battery and the power feeder, and further, to provide an electronic device including the power receiving device. An antenna circuit and a booster antenna for supplying electric power are provided in a movable electronic device. The antenna circuit receives a radio signal such as an electromagnetic wave via the booster antenna, and electric power that is obtained through the receiving of the radio signal is supplied to the battery through a signal processing circuit. |
| US08712480B2 |
Mobile communication apparatus
A communication apparatus such as a cellular phone is described in which a control unit judges, when an incoming call is received, whether a sounding unit or a vibrating unit is to be activated for announcing the reception of the incoming call. The control unit determines that the announcing of the reception is prohibited if the mobile communication apparatus is in a roaming area. When the announcing of the reception is prohibited, the control unit sends a message, showing that the reception of the incoming call is unavailable, to a calling party. |
| US08712479B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal including a terminal body having first and second regions on a front surface thereof, a touch screen part on the first region and configured to display visual information and perform an inputting operation in a tactile manner, and a touch pad part corresponding to the second region and configured to input information corresponding to a touch applied to a pre-set position on the second region. |
| US08712476B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing spin-home function for mobile communication terminal
A method and an apparatus for providing a spin-home function for a mobile communication terminal having a key input module, a microprocessor, a program memory, a data storage module, and an LCD display module so that applications are circulated and displayed on an idle screen. The method includes steps of (a) designating at least one application as a spin-home; (b) running a spin-home program stored in the program memory; (c) circulating next application designated as the spin-home and displaying the application on the LCD display module every time the user operates a second key button for circulating the idle screen; and (d) setting an application currently displayed on the LCD display module as the idle screen when the user operates a confirmation key button. |
| US08712475B2 |
Method to calibrate RF paths of an FHOP adaptive base station
A base transceiver station including a transceiver unit is provided. A method of calibration uses a transceiver unit to receive an RF signal, measure a calibration value, and transmit the measured value. The calibration value is used to determine weighting parameters to compensate for relative RF path phase delay and amplitude variation. |
| US08712473B2 |
System and method for seamlessly increasing download throughput
A system and method for seamlessly increasing download throughput in a wireless wide area network (WWAN) device is herein disclosed. Remote file servers frequently impose per connection transfer limits upon host devices that are requesting files for download. In order to bypass these limitations, a WWAN device acting as a proxy server can replace a single file request with a series of independent requests over multiple connections, each requesting a separate portion of the original file. The blocks of requested data can then be reassembled at the WWAN device before being transferred to the device requesting the file. A user of the requesting device can therefore benefit from increased download rates, yet without having to download or install any additional software within the requesting device. |
| US08712467B2 |
Multiple RF band operation in mobile devices
Methods and apparatuses for multiple RF band operation in mobile devices are disclosed. In one example, a method for dual radio frequency band operation includes operating a mobile communication device in a first radio frequency band, monitoring a RSSI associated with the mobile communication device, and switching operation of the mobile communication device to operation in a second radio frequency band responsive to the RSSI crossing a threshold RSSI value. |
| US08712466B2 |
Radio frequency splitter
A multichannel splitter formed from 1 to 2 splitters, wherein: an input terminal of a first 1 to 2 splitter defines an input of the multichannel splitter; the 1 to 2 splitters are electrically series-connected; and first respective outputs of the 1 to 2 splitters define output terminals of the multichannel splitter. |
| US08712462B2 |
Downlink scheduling in fractional frequency reuse (FFR) systems
An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the optimal bandwidth fractions for all the users in each frequency band in a wireless communication system to maximize the net sum of user utilities. User utilities are functions of average rates of users, where different averaging rules can be used for different users. The standard approach of computing an optimal scheduler strategy involves the solution of a convex optimization problem that has a complexity on the order of O(N3) for N flows. This approach is not feasible for online implementation having a large number of flows. The method of the present work employs an efficient computational algorithm that obtains the optimal bandwidth fractions in O(N) time. This feature makes the method suitable for implementation in wideband cellular systems like LTE (Long Term Evolution) and UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). |
| US08712460B2 |
Methods of reverse link power control
Methods of reverse link power control are provided. In a first example reverse link power control process, a signal-to-interference+noise (SINR) is measured for a plurality of mobile stations. A power control adjustment is determined for each of the mobile stations based on the measured SINR for the mobile station and a fixed target SINR, the fixed target SINR being used in the determining step for each mobile station and sending the power control adjustments to the mobile stations. In a second example reverse link power control process, one or more signals are transmitted to a base station. A power control adjustment indicator indicating an adjustment to a transmission power level is received. The received power control adjustment is determined based on a measured signal-to-interference+noise ratio (SINR) for the one or more transmitted signals and a fixed target SINR threshold, the fixed target SINR threshold being used for power control adjustment of a plurality of mobile stations. |
| US08712452B2 |
Enterprise seamless mobility
Extending dual-mode phones using SMS messages. When operating in cellular mode, SMS messages originated by a mobility controller in the enterprise command features such as indicators on the dual-mode phone. SMS messages are received by an agent in the dual-mode phone. A mobility controller connected to the enterprise SIP PBX and voicemail system receives messages for example indicating voicemail status and sends specially formatted SMS messages to the cellular phone to operate indicators. Similarly, the dual-mode phone issues SMS messages to the enterprise mobility controller to request the enterprise PBX perform features such as call conferencing, call pickup, and call pull. |
| US08712451B2 |
Phone messaging using audio streams
A method of phone messaging includes encoding a data packet into an audio stream, said data packet comprising a message addressed to a mobile device operating in a wireless network, placing a call to said mobile device using a voice channel of said wireless network, transmitting said audio stream over said voice channel to said mobile device, and reconstructing said data packet from said audio stream. |
| US08712450B2 |
System and method of creating and providing SMS http tagging
A system and method for sending text messages and, more particularly, a system and method for forcing SMS capable devices to communicate via SMS using, for example, SS7 protocol. A method comprises providing a tag forcing a return text message to be sent via SS7 protocol. In use, the system and method is configured to force the use of SMS messages via the SS7 protocol. The system and method can be implemented over any network, for example, and any existing mobile device and related infrastructure can be modified to take advantage of the benefits and functionality of the system and method of the invention. |
| US08712441B2 |
Methods and systems for temporarily sharing position data between mobile-device users
A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application that communicates with a remote Buddy Watch Server. The server gets or maintains position data for the wireless devices. When the server receives a request from a first device to set up a temporary position-sharing relationship between it and a second device, the server facilitates symmetrical position sharing between the two devices. While the relationship is active, the server can receive updated position data from one or both devices, and if necessary calculate or recalculate a path based on the updated data. The server can also alert one of the devices should the other move too close to or too far from a specified location. The request message or messages used to establish the temporary position-sharing relationship may include a timeout specifying when the server is to sever the position-sharing relationship. |
| US08712440B2 |
Sparse network almanac
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to creation, maintenance, communication, and/or use of sparse network almanac information that may be located in a mobile station. |
| US08712436B2 |
Method and system for automatically identifying wireless signal quality of a region
A method for automatically identifying wireless signal quality of a region includes receiving signal quality information associated with wireless signals received by each of a plurality of mobile endpoints and receiving location information identifying locations of each of the plurality of mobile endpoints. The method also includes, based on the received signal quality information and the received location information, identifying a first region of an area, the first region having a first signal quality. |
| US08712435B2 |
Methods and apparatus to perform time zone determination by a mobile station
This application pertains to methods and apparatus to perform time zone determination by a mobile station. One example method for use in a device includes transmitting a messaging service message to a server via a communication network, the messaging service message to be used to determine a time zone for the device, and receiving the time zone for the device from the server. Other examples are shown and described. |
| US08712434B2 |
Apparatus for providing location information of hand-held device and method thereof
A method and apparatus for providing location information of a user terminal is provided, which makes it possible to mark the location of a user terminal using geographical information stored in a broadcast receiver. |
| US08712431B2 |
Personalized location information for mobile devices
Providing location information on a mobile device includes receiving signals from external devices. Each signal includes information that specifies a geographic location for the external device that has provided the signal. A geographic location for the mobile device is calculated by using the information contained in each of the received signals. A representation of the geographic location of the mobile device is generated. The representation of the geographic location is included within an electronic message that provides information describing a user of the mobile device to other users of an electronic communications system. The electronic message is transmitted to another device to provide an indication of the geographic location for the user to one of the other users of the electronic communications system. |
| US08712426B2 |
Location-based method to specify ratio frequency spectrum rights
The disclosed methods, systems, and computer-program products generate location-based RF spectrum rights for components in a radio frequency (RF) system. In an embodiment, a location-based spectrum right for an RF system's operational use of RF spectrum includes the spectrum rights of each component of the system, a definition of all locations at which each component might possibly operate, and a specified time period of this operational use. In an additional embodiment, the location-based RF spectrum right include a transmitter right and a receiver right, and the transmitter and receiver rights may be based on a combination of maximum power density, spectrum masks, underlay masks, power maps, locations, minimum power density, start times, end times, protocol specifications, and rules. Most transmitter rights and all receiver rights include propagation maps to articulate the rate at which signals attenuate away from transmitters and toward receivers. |
| US08712420B2 |
Generating a network map
Aspects of the present invention relate to a method, and various systems operable or arranged to implement that method, of generating a network map illustrating availability of network access technologies in various locations of the network. The method may comprise the following steps: (a) sending, by a first network unit, the location of which is identified by a first identifier, first data to a second network unit, the location of which is identified by a second identifier, whereby the first data is sent using at least two different network access technologies and is sent to at least two different possible locations for the second network unit; (b) receiving by the first network unit from the second network unit, first measurement data relating to the sent first data; and (c) generating the network map based on the measurement data, the first identifier and the second identifier. |
| US08712419B2 |
Local call local switching at handover
Described is a method for managing locally switched call connections in a wireless communication network comprising receiving, at a core network node, a first message indicating that a first user equipment connected via the locally switched call connection has been detected in a target radio access node and transmitting, triggered by the first message, a second message requesting a status change of the locally switched call connection to a second user equipment, such that a user plane data path from the first user equipment to the second user equipment is switched to a core network path. Moreover, the method is implemented in a network node, while the method steps can be executed by means of a computer program product comprising instruction sets performing each method step. |
| US08712413B2 |
Telecommunications system and method
In a mobile telecommunications network including at least a first type of radio access network and a second type of radio access network and a mobile terminal, a method of establishing a voice communication with the mobile terminal including: receiving a voice communication request in relation to the mobile terminal on the second radio access network type; determining a parameter associated with a terminal characteristic; and using the parameter to determine whether to establish the voice communication on the first type of radio access network or maintain the voice communication on the second type of radio access network. Preferably the determined parameter is a parameter relating to a terminal type for the mobile terminal, and is determined from the terminal's IMEI. |
| US08712409B2 |
System and method for terminating communication sessions with roaming mobile devices
A system and method to assist in establishing a communication session to a mobile device having a registered IMS session in a visited network, or having both a registered IMS session and a circuit-switched session in a visited network. When a mobile device establishes an IMS session with an application service in a visited network, the address of the application service and the identity of the mobile device is transmitted to the Home Location Register (HLR) and/or Home Subscriber Server (HSS) associated with the mobile device. The HLR or HSS stores the address of the application service in conjunction with the identity of the mobile device. When requests to establish a communication session with the mobile device are made, the HLR or HSS provides the address of the application service that is associated with the mobile device in the visited network to allow a communication session to be established. |
| US08712408B2 |
Remotely provisioned wireless proxy
A remotely provisioned proxy within a wireless/mobile phone that proxies a wireless communication path between a disconnected piconet (e.g., BLUETOOTH™) device and a network resource such as a universal resource locator (URL) via a mating mobile phone. Thus, an application proxy module embodied within the mobile phone provides managed access of a piconet device connected to the mating mobile phone to remote services. A disconnected piconet device uses the full data bandwidth available to a wireless phone, without the need for the disconnected piconet device to include its own separate wireless front end, or to require use of a modem within the mobile phone. Thus, using a mobile phone with application proxy, the user need not pay for the luxury of a tethered data plan. |
| US08712404B2 |
Measurement system service for a vehicle instrument panel
A wireless interface disposed in a vehicle monitors a network for signals transmitted by cellular towers. The signals include a first system identification signal transmitted from a first cellular tower. A computer processing device is communicatively coupled to the wireless interface and includes logic configured to receive the first system identification signal in response to the monitoring. The first system identification signal corresponds to a first system identification. The logic is also configured to retrieve a table of system identifications including the first system identification from a storage device. Each of the system identifications is mapped to a corresponding geographic location in which each of the cellular towers is disposed and a corresponding measurement system utilized in the geographic location. The logic is also configured to identify the measurement system from which the first system identification is mapped, and display indicators of the measurement system within an instrument panel. |
| US08712401B2 |
Radio link monitoring (RLM) and reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement for heterogeneous networks
A method for communicating in an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) network using common reference signal (CRS) resources associated with different interference levels due to resource partitioning is disclosed. Signals are received from an eNodeB indicating a subset of CRS resources for radio link monitoring (RLM) and/or reference signal received power (RSRP) measuring. The subset of CRS resources includes the CRS resources expected to have lower interference from the interfering eNodeBs. RLM and/or RSRP measurements are performed based on the indicated subset. |
| US08712400B2 |
Range extension techniques for a wireless local area network
Techniques for extending transmission range in a WLAN are described. In an aspect, a receiving station determines the frequency error between a transmitting station and the receiving station based on one or more initial packet transmissions and corrects this frequency error for subsequent packet transmissions received from the transmitting station. The residual frequency error is small after correcting for the frequency error and allows the receiving station to perform coherent accumulation/integration over a longer time interval to detect for a packet transmission. The longer coherent accumulation interval improves detection performance, especially at low SNRs for extended transmission range. The techniques may be used whenever the receiving station knows the identity of the transmitting station, e.g., if the subsequent packet transmissions are scheduled. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described. |
| US08712399B2 |
Coordinated multi-point transmission in a cellular network
Coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmissions in a cellular network is performed using multi-broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN) subframes. During CoMP transmission, demodulation reference signals (DRS) are placed in the one portion the MDSFN subframe, while cell-specific reference signals (CRS) are placed in a separate portion of the MDSFN subframe. Therefore, no CRS-DRS collision will occur during CoMP transmission. |
| US08712398B2 |
Soliciting first party in communication session to maintain call when degradation of connection to second party is anticipated
A system and method are provided for monitoring the quality of a communication session with a first electronic device. Should the communication session degrade, rather than dropping the communication session the user of a second electronic device communicating with the first electronic device is prompted to wait while an attempt is made to improve the quality of the communication session. Similarly if the user of the first electronic device moves out of a coverage area, rather than dropping the communication session the user of the second electronic device communicating with the first electronic device is prompted to wait until a new communication session can be established. |
| US08712391B2 |
Client-managed group communication sessions within a wireless communications system
In an embodiment, a user equipment (UE) participating in a server-mediated communication session maintains an identifier of the session and a list of UEs that are currently participating in the session. The UE determines to suppress its participation level in the session, and configures a member update message to include the identifier and to indicate the suppressed participation level of the UE. The UE transmits the configured member update message to each other UE currently participating in the session. In another embodiment, the UE receives a request to modify one or more of a given set of control parameters associated with the session. The UE determines whether the UE belongs to a subset of UEs that are currently participating in the session and to which permission to modify the given set of parameters is restricted. The UE selectively grants the received request based on the determination. |
| US08712390B2 |
Enhanced telephony services
Techniques for providing a smart dial controller for enhancing a telephone voice call using a data connection. In an exemplary embodiment, a dial controller may be provided in a calling device for calling another user, and/or a called device for receiving a call from another user. Techniques are provided for both the calling device and the called device to access a content server storing profiles of the calling user and/or the called user, subject to user-determined privacy settings. Such profiles may include, e.g., multi-media information on the status, location, or preferences of the users. In an exemplary embodiment, the dial controller may delay the establishment of a voice connection pending user review and approval of the other user's profile. According to an advantage of the present disclosure, no modifications are required on the network side to implement the techniques described herein. |
| US08712388B2 |
Automatic population of feature capabilities on a communication device
A communication device, system and service provider for automatically populating feature capabilities. In one illustrative embodiment, the communication device can begin automatic download of service provider features and content by registering with a service provider. When successfully registered, the service provider can determine a set of available features for the communication device. The available features can be dependent on a number of factors including licensing, location, or subscription of the communication device. Available features can also be dependent on whether the communication device is idle or active. The service provider can notify the communication device with the set of available features. The features can be uniquely identified by a feature identification that represents the service provider and the feature. At any time, when the communication device reports that the user has selected a feature on the device, the service provider can take the appropriate actions. |
| US08712386B2 |
Controlling ring-back tone output prior to a communication connection in mobile terminal
The present invention relates to controlling a communication connection in a mobile terminal. Preferably, the present invention comprises transmitting a communication request signal for attempting a communication connection with a device, receiving a signal for indicating the progress of the communication connection, wherein a ring-back tone is generated upon receiving the signal, and controlling an output of the ring-back tone until the communication connection is accomplished. |
| US08712384B1 |
Method and system for triggering message waiting indicator delivery
Methods and systems for triggering the delivery of a message waiting indicator (MWI) are introduced. In a wireless communication network, a radio access network (RAN) determines that a wireless communication device (WCD), such as a mobile phone, has missed an incoming call, and responsively: (i) routes the incoming call to a message storage system to enable an originator of the call to leave a message for a user of the WCD, (ii) waits a period of time after routing the incoming call to the message storage system, and (iii) then generates and transmits a message waiting query to the message storage system without prompting from the WCD. In response to the message waiting query, the message storage system may transmit a signal indicative of the message to the RAN. Responsively, the RAN may then transmit to the WCD a message waiting indication (MWI) indicative of the message, for presentation of the MWI to the user of the WCD. |
| US08712380B2 |
Network based technique for obtaining operator identifier for mobile devices
Efficient network based techniques can be implemented in the equipment of an operator of a mobile communication network to automatically obtain an operator or billing identifier associated with a mobile device of a user or subscriber associated with the network. Such techniques can be utilized even when a client application program on the device is restricted by the device manufacturer from providing the operator's billing identifier in communications through the mobile network with an associated application server. The operator identifier associated with the user's mobile device can be obtained without significantly impacting system resources, performance, or user experience. |
| US08712378B1 |
Authorization method for location based services
A MLP request message is transmitted through a wireless mobile communication network, from a mobile station to a SUPL server. The MLP request message contains credential information for an AGPS application running on the mobile station. After the MLP request message has been transmitted, a MLP response message is transmitted through the network from the SUPL server to the mobile station. The MLP response message is responsive to the credential information and indicates whether the SUPL server has authorized the AGPS application. If the AGPS application is authorized, communication between the AGPS application and the SUPL server, through the network, implements a function of the AGPS application. |
| US08712377B2 |
Managing method and apparatus for servicing contents provided by content provider
A managing method and an apparatus for servicing contents provided by contents provider wherein the managing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a contents provider management module for generating an account of a contents provider based on information of the contents provider transmitted from the contents providing apparatus; a contents management module for managing a contents connection point for connecting to the contents provided from the contents providing apparatus and for managing information relative to the contents; and a menu management module for registering menus including a menu connected to the contents connection point and for managing a connection authority to a name of the menu and the menu, such that a collective management on the contents providers is possible and the contents providers can conveniently provide contents services to subscribers. |
| US08712372B2 |
Pre and post-paid real time billing convergence system
A telecommunications service provider architecture integrates multiple architectures which include prepaid and post-paid processing systems. The convergent enhanced architecture provides performance, scalability, and efficiency consistent with a prepaid architecture and flexibility and configurability consistent with a post-paid system. The convergent architecture provides messaging interfaces between a telecommunications support architecture and a prepaid architecture or a combined rating and billing architecture. The messaging interfaces support message transfer between the processing systems in the architectures to provide information exchange including billing exchanges, rating exchanges, and customer management exchanges. |
| US08712371B2 |
Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device. |
| US08712369B2 |
Emergency call notification for network services
Enhanced services, such as call restriction, call forwarding, anonymous call rejection, and proprietary services, may interfere with an emergency callback potentially preventing the callback from reaching the intended destination. Systems and methods for processing emergency calls to eliminate emergency callback failure in response to an emergency call being disconnected are provided herein. |
| US08712368B2 |
System and method for providing radio communication in a land mobile radio system
The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing radio communication at a scene, such as a fire or security scene, in an LMR system. The scene may include responder radios located within a building structure and a commander radio stationed outside, wherein the commander radio is in communication with the responder radios. Users operating the commander radio and responder radios cooperate by performing different, yet related, tasks at the scene. Therefore, the commander radio may be assigned a first set of features for communicating with responder radios, and responder radios may be assigned a second set of features for communicating with the commander radio. Some features of the system may include: locking one or more radio keys or radio knob settings, transmitting or receiving evacuation alerts, automatic switching between analog and digital communication, providing audible RSSI, indicating communication status of the radio, and providing out of range notification. |
| US08712365B2 |
System for the secure management of digitally controlled locks, operating by means of crypto acoustic credentials
The invention relates to a system that makes use of a mobile telephone (22) to which a user authorized to open a lock (28) has access. According to the invention, a remote management site (10) includes a database (12) of authorized users identified by the mobile telephone number thereof, as well as a data credential generator (14). The credentials are crypto acoustic credentials (CAC) in the form of single-use audio signals and are generated from digital data credentials (DDC) that are normally employed by the lock when the latter is used with a badge or a card. The system includes means (16, 18, 20) for securely transmitting the acoustic credentials to the user's telephone. The lock (22) picks up the acoustic credentials reproduced by the telephone pre-positioned near the lock and extracts the digital data credentials from the picked-up crypto acoustic credentials and, subsequently, the lock applies the thus-extracted digital data credentials to the analysis, authentication and control means of the lock. |
| US08712350B2 |
RF amplifier with digital filter for polar transmitter
An RF power amplifier for a polar transmitter converts an amplitude component signal into a 1-bit digital amplitude signal, which is fed to a digital finite impulse response filter. Successive taps of the filter each have an RF amplification stage arranged to amplify successively delayed versions of the 1-bit digital amplitude signal, the amplifying being according to a respective tap coefficient, and according to the RF carrier modulated by the phase component. The filter is arranged to combine the outputs of the taps to provide the amplified RF signal. The power amplifier uses a one bit stream which therefore has only two states (2 values), thus achieving linearity in principle. Device mismatch between taps does not lead to non-linearity or distortion. |
| US08712347B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system is disclosed including a MIMO wireless communication apparatus that can communicate through multiple antennas and a non-MIMO wireless communication apparatus that can communicate through a single antenna or multiple antennas. The MIMO wireless communication apparatus includes a communication unit configured to transmit and receive control information divided into a second control information containing information related to the demodulation and decoding of traffic channel and a first control information containing information related to the MIMO separation of the second control information. |
| US08712345B2 |
Distortion compensation device, distortion compensation method, and radio transmitter
A distortion compensation device includes: a frequency-characteristic adding unit configured to add a frequency characteristic to an error signal to generate an added error signal, the error signal being a difference between an input signal input to an amplifier and an output signal output from the amplifier; a distortion-compensation-coefficient updating unit configured to update a distortion compensation coefficient for compensating for a distortion characteristic of the amplifier based on the added error signal; and a distortion compensation unit configured to perform distortion compensation on the input signal using the updated distortion compensation coefficient. |
| US08712342B2 |
Integrated transmit/receive switch
An apparatus comprises a transmit network to transmit an input from a first amplifier to an antenna, a receive network to provide an input from an antenna to a second amplifier, a first switch to selectively decouple the transmit network from the antenna, and a second switch to selectively decouple the receive network from the antenna. Other embodiments may be described. |
| US08712338B2 |
Method and system for implementing power detection
The present invention discloses a method and system for implementing power detection, wherein said method includes: extracting basic information of a destination base station from a detection request, obtaining configuration information of said destination base station from a database according to the basic information, and searching available signal transmission links and power collection points of said destination base station according to the configuration information; carrying out power collection, and analyzing power values of each available power collection point on the available signal transmission link, and updating the power values of corresponding power collection points. With the present invention, power detection can be carried out on the device from a perspective of the system, and the maintainability and operability are improved. |
| US08712332B2 |
Capacity and coverage self-optimization method and device in a mobile network
The present invention discloses an adaptive cell coverage and capacity optimization method and device in a mobile communication network, aiming to improve adaptive optimization performance of cell capacity and coverage. The technical solutions includes: calculating spectral efficiency of a cell; if the spectral efficiency of the cell is less than a first threshold, starting vertical sectorization processing of the cell to divide the cell into an inner sector and an outer sector, and configuring relevant parameters of the inner sector and the outer sector to improve the spectral efficiency of the cell; calculating spectral efficiency of the outer sector; and if the spectral efficiency of the outer sector is less than a second threshold, starting inter-cell interference coordination to improve the spectral efficiency of the outer sector, and reconfiguring the relevant parameters of the inner sector and the outer sector to improve the spectral efficiency of the cell. |
| US08712329B2 |
Method and system for remotely testing a wireless device
A method and system for testing a wireless device, the system comprising: a remote user interface for interacting with the data device from a remote location; and a wireless network for communication with the wireless data device from a remote location, wherein a tester can send information to and receive information from the wireless device over said wireless network and can monitor said wireless device and send inputs to the wireless device over the remote user interface thereby forming a closed loop communications path. |
| US08712326B2 |
Integrated projector system
A projector includes a first serial advanced technology attachment connector, a latch, a switch, and a communication module. The first serial advanced technology attachment connector is configured to connect with a second serial advanced technology attachment connector located within a computer. The latch is configured to extend from the projector and to disconnect the first serial advanced technology attachment connector from the second serial advanced technology attachment connector. The switch is in communication with the latch, and is configured to close when the latch is extended. The communication module is in communication with the switch and with the first serial advanced technology attachment connector. The communication module is configured to provide power to a radio link, to initiate communication with the computer via the radio link, to receive an image from the computer, and to display the image. |
| US08712325B2 |
Device, system, and method for logging near field communications tag interactions
An apparatus, method and system for categorizing, parsing, grouping and displaying Near Field Communication (NFC) tags for presentation on a user device, including storing in a computer readable medium of a log of ones of the tags read by or written by the user device, assessing at least one category for each of the logged tags, and displaying, in conjunction with at least one indicator indicative of the respective at least one category, of each of the logged tags on the user device. |
| US08712321B1 |
Satellite fleet deployment
Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing satellite communications through the deployment of a fleet of multi-beam satellites serving overlapping and non-overlapping spot beams. In these methods, systems, and devices, a first communication service associated with a relatively wider spot beam of a first satellite is provided to a first coverage area having multiple terminals. A second communication service associated with a relatively narrower spot beam (e.g., high-gain spot beam) of a second satellite is provided to a second coverage area located within the first coverage area. A subset of terminals located within the second coverage area is identified, and the terminals of the identified subset are transitioned from the first communication service of the wide spot beam of the first satellite to the second communication service of the high-gain spot beam of the second satellite. |
| US08712319B2 |
System and apparatus for control of published content
A system is provided that allows a user using her/his own mobile communication device to control content on a content publishing device. The mobile communication device uses information received from a data tag on the content publishing device to communicate with a content server providing the content to be published on a content publishing device and run a program on the content server allowing the mobile communication device to at least temporarily control the data published on the content publishing device. |
| US08712315B2 |
Image forming system, printing control method, and program
An image forming system includes a printing unit which prints an image on a recording sheet and a wrap bookbinding unit which performs wrap bookbinding of a batch of recording sheets including a plurality of document sheets on which images are printed by the printing unit. In the image forming system, a thickness detection unit detects a thickness of the batch of recording sheets. A wrap bookbinding control unit causes, when the detected thickness of the batch of recording sheets exceeds a thickness threshold value, the wrap bookbinding unit to perform wrap bookbinding to create two or more volumes. A relevant information printing control unit causes the printing unit to print an image of relevant information, indicating a relationship of the two or more volumes, on a cover sheet used to wrap each volume. |
| US08712313B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Disclosed herein is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device configured to fix a visible image transferred on a printing medium, a decurl device configured to correct a curl produced on the printing medium, a discharging device configured to discharge the printing medium to a space outside of a main body of the image forming apparatus, and a guide device disposed between the fixing device and the discharging device. The guide device guides the printing medium around the decurl device when a transport direction of the printing medium is reversed for duplex printing. |
| US08712307B2 |
Pressure roller and fixing device equipped with the same
A pressure roller for use in a fixing device includes a core metal, an elastic layer, and a releasing layer. The releasing layer is made of at least one fluorine resin selected from among tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, and tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer. The fluorine resin contains at least one polymer selected from among polyvinylidene fluoride, polyacrylonitrile, and polymethyl methacrylate, and monomer electrolyte. |
| US08712306B2 |
Optical fixing device and image forming apparatus
An optical fixing device is provided that is capable of improving fixability as well as improving smoothness of an image on a recording medium that is formed after fixing, and forming a high-quality image of high gloss level. An optical fixing device includes a recording sheet fixing conveyance section that conveys a recording sheet on which a toner image is formed; a laser irradiation section that irradiates with light the toner image formed on the recording sheet that is conveyed by the recording sheet fixing conveyance section; and a pressurizing section that is disposed on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the recording sheet from the light irradiation section and pressurizes the toner image on the recording sheet after irradiation of light by the light irradiation section. |
| US08712290B2 |
Electrostatic charger and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charger (32A) of an image forming apparatus (1) takes the air not containing dust inside from the outside of an image forming unit (101) by an air current generator (632A), and delivers an air current through a passage (43A) to an air-intake opening (524A) formed in a bottom face (521A) of a case (52A). The air current taken inside the case (52A) from the air-intake opening (524A) is directed by a guide plate (56A) and an air barrier (57A) to a tip portion (531A) of a discharge electrode (53A), and then passing the tip portion (531A), it is exhausted via an opening (520A) of the case (52A) through an exhaust duct (62A) from an air-exhaust opening (63A) to the outside of the image forming unit (101). |
| US08712284B2 |
Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a drum frame, a movable developing frame taking a position where the roller contacts the drum, and a force receiver having first and second force receivers for receiving first and second external forces. The second force receiver moves relative to the developing frame. The second force receiver takes a stand-by position retracted from an operating position when the first force receiver receives the first external force, and moves from the stand-by to the operating position for moving the developing frame from the contacting position to the spacing position. The distance the second force receiver moves from the stand-by to the operating position is larger than the distance the first force receiver moves by the first external force. |
| US08712282B2 |
Image forming device
A retaining unit retains a plurality of photosensitive drums and includes a first conveying member. A main casing has a first conveying path and a second conveying path. The first conveying path extends from a first supplying unit to a first position where a second transfer unit opposes a downstream end portion of a first transfer unit. A first transferred medium is conveyed along the first conveying path in a conveying direction. A second transferred medium extends from a second supplying unit to a second position located upstream of the first position in the conveying direction. The second transferred medium is conveyed to the first conveying path through the second conveying path. The first conveying member is configured to convey the second transferred medium supplied from the second supplying unit in the second conveying path. |
| US08712270B2 |
Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus that switches fixing operation
A fixing apparatus capable of reducing deterioration in productivity while preventing a fixing roller from being heated to a high temperature. The fixing roller has a heating unit incorporated therein, and a rotatable pressurization roller abuts on the fixing roller. A thermistor detects a surface temperature of the fixing roller. A fixing operation is controlled by selectively switching between a first mode and a second mode in which the number of sheets subjected to fixing per unit time is smaller than in the first mode. One of the first and second modes is selected based on a first temperature detected by the thermistor at a first time, a second temperature detected by the thermistor at a second time, and a minimum temperature of the fixing roller at which the toner image can be fixed. |
| US08712269B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of timely starting different image formation mode
An image forming apparatus includes a thermal fixing unit having a fixing member heated or cooled at multiple levels of the target fixing temperature in accordance with prescribed different image formation conditions, and a pressing member pressing against the fixing member to form a fixing nip thereon. A controller is provided to permit an image formation device to start image formation when temperature of the fixing member decreases to a level equal to or less than a prescribed image formation permissible temperature from temperature higher than one of the multiple levels of the target fixing temperature. The prescribed image formation permissible temperature is calculated by adding a prescribed adjustment value determined in accordance with a type of an image to be outputted to one of the multiple levels of the target fixing temperature. |
| US08712268B2 |
Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus is capable of executing a first fixing mode for performing fixing processing at a first pressing force and a second fixing mode for performing fixing processing at a second pressing force that is lower than the first pressing force. When a pressing force applied to a fixing nip portion is set to the second pressing force, all of a first heating member pattern on a heater is contained within a contact region between a belt member and the heater, and at least a portion of a second heating member pattern is disposed outside the contact region, so that consumed power is reduced. |
| US08712262B2 |
Image forming apparatus with static elimination
An image forming apparatus that prevents transfer defects such as the occurrence of white spots includes a photoreceptor drum, a transfer roller, a transfer bias application circuit that applies a transfer bias to the transfer roller, a static elimination needle that eliminates static of a recording paper, a static elimination bias application circuit that applies a static elimination bias to the static elimination needle, and a printer controller. The printer controller controls the static elimination bias application circuit so that a potential difference between the static elimination needle and the recording paper during the period from when a front end region of the recording paper passes by the static elimination needle until when a front end of the recording paper comes into contact with a conveyance guide becomes smaller than the potential difference during the period that the front end region of the recording paper passes by the static elimination needle. |
| US08712261B2 |
Lubricant supplying device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A lubricant supplying device includes a lubricant supplying roller configured to rotate in a certain direction and makes a sliding contact with an image carrier on which a toner image is carried; a solid lubricant arranged to slide in contact with the lubricant supplying roller; a changing unit configured to change a revolution of the lubricant supplying roller to adjust an amount of the solid lubricant supplied onto the image carrier; and a calculation unit configured to obtain a product life or total consumption of the solid lubricant from a total running distance or total operating time of the image carrier or the lubricant supplying roller, the product life or the total consumption of the solid lubricant being corrected based on the amount of the solid lubricant supplied onto the image carrier. |
| US08712257B2 |
Image forming system, prognosis criterion setting apparatus, prognosis apparatus, image forming apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
An image forming system includes first and second generation units, a setting unit, and a prognosis unit. For a monitoring item whose detection values, being detected during an image forming operation in an image forming apparatus in which a trouble occurred within a predetermined time period after an operating condition was changed, were changed to an abnormal state, the first generation unit generates characteristic information indicating a variation state of the detection values. The setting unit sets criterion information to predict occurrence of a trouble, based on the generated characteristic information. The second generation unit generates, for the monitoring item corresponding to the set criterion information, characteristic information indicating a variation state of detection values in a target image forming apparatus. The prognosis unit predicts whether a trouble occurs after the operating condition is changed, based on a difference between the set criterion information and the characteristic information generated. |
| US08712251B2 |
Transport of multiple asynchronous data streams using higher order modulation
Aspects of the invention provide transmitters and receivers for managing multiple optical signals. High order modulation, such as phase and/or amplitude modulation, is used to achieve multiple bits per symbol by transporting multiple asynchronous data streams in an optical transport system. One or more supplemental multiplexing techniques such as time division multiplexing, polarization multiplexing and sub-carrier multiplexing may be used in conjunction with the high order modulation processing. This may be done in various combinations to realize a highly spectrally efficient multi-data stream transport mechanism. The system receives a number of asynchronous signals which are unframed and synchronized, and then reframed and tagged prior to the high order modulation. Differential encoding may also be performed. Upon reception of the multiplexed optical signal, the receiver circuitry may employ either direct detection without a local oscillator or coherent detection with a local oscillator. |
| US08712250B2 |
Data center with free-space optical communications
A data center for executing a data processing application includes processing units, sub-units or servers. Each of the processing units, sub-units or servers can execute a part or all of the data processing application. The processing units, sub-units or servers are electrical disjoint with respect to data communications, but can communicate with each other over free space optical links. |
| US08712249B2 |
Optical interconnect in high-speed memory systems
A optical link for achieving electrical isolation between a controller and a memory device is disclosed. The optical link increases the noise immunity of electrical interconnections, and allows the memory device to be placed a greater distance from the processor than is conventional without power-consuming I/O buffers. |
| US08712247B2 |
Clock phase recovery apparatus
A clock phase recovery apparatus includes a clock estimator for estimating a first clock signal and a second clock signal upon the basis of an input signal, the input signal comprising a first sub-signal according to a first optical polarization and a second sub-signal according to a second optical polarization, the first clock signal comprising a first clock magnitude and a first clock phase, the second clock signal comprising a second clock magnitude and a second clock phase, and a selector for selecting the first clock phase to form the estimated clock phase if the first clock magnitude is greater than the second clock magnitude, or for selecting the second clock phase to form the estimated clock phase if the second clock magnitude is greater than the first clock magnitude. |
| US08712246B2 |
RF/optical shared aperture for high availability wideband communication RF/FSO links
An RF/Optical shared aperture is capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals and RF signals simultaneously. This technology enables compact wide bandwidth communications systems with 100% availability in clear air turbulence, rain and fog. The functions of an optical telescope and an RF reflector antenna are combined into a single compact package by installing an RF feed at either of the focal points of a modified Gregorian telescope. |
| US08712245B1 |
System and method for infrared dongle
A method of controlling consumer devices using an infrared dongle coupled to a mobile device includes receiving power for the infrared dongle from the mobile device. The infrared dongle includes an infrared transmitter coupled to a microcontroller. One or more instructions are received in the microcontroller from the mobile device. The received one or more instructions are generated from codes stored in a memory of the mobile device. In response to the receiving, one or more infrared signals are transmitted via the infrared transmitter to at least one of the consumer devices. |
| US08712242B2 |
Ranging method and apparatus in passive optical network
The present invention discloses a method for ranging in a passive optical network, and the method includes: obtaining a Round Trip Delay (RTD) between an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) and an Optical Network Unit (ONU); and opening a quiet window used for the ranging for the ONU according to the RTD to perform the ranging on this ONU. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for ranging in a passive optical network, and the apparatus includes: an obtainment module which is configured to: obtain a RTD between an OLT and an ONU; and a ranging module configured to: open a quiet window used for ranging for the ONU to perform ranging on the ONU according to the RTD. The present invention shortens the open time of the quiet window used for the ranging and improves the efficiency of the upstream transmission, and the implementation method is simple and convenient. |
| US08712238B2 |
Optical switching device and communications system
An optical switching device includes a optical add/drop multiplexer that at least adds an optical signal into and/or drops an optical signal from wavelength division multiplexed light that is wavelength division multiplexed optical signals; a plurality of amplifiers that are disposed on optical paths included in the optical add/drop multiplexer and that can use supplied pump light to amplify the optical signals; an optical source that generates the pump light; and an optical switch that supplies the generated pump light to any one of the amplifiers. |
| US08712233B2 |
Electronic device assemblies
An electronic device may have a conductive housing. A dielectric structure may be mounted in the conductive housing to form an antenna window. An electrical component such as a camera, light sensor, or other device may press against a conductive foam structure. A printed circuit may have conductive traces that form an antenna ground and antenna resonating element. The printed circuit may be wrapped around a support structure. The electrical component, the conductive foam structure, and the printed circuit wrapped around the support structure may be compressed between a display cover layer and the antenna window. A camera window may be attached to a camera window trim using multiple adhesives. The trim may have a curved exterior surface that matches a curved housing surface. A flexible printed circuit cable may have a folded portion. A band structure may surround the folded portion to form a service loop. |
| US08712232B1 |
Real-image zoom viewfinder and imaging apparatus
A zoom viewfinder substantially consists of, in order from the object side: a variable-magnification objective lens system substantially consisting of a first lens group that includes a negative first-group first lens and a reflective member arranged in this order from the object side, a positive second lens group that is moved during magnification change, and a positive third lens group that is moved during magnification change; an erect optical system having a reflective surface for converting an inverted image into an erect image; and a positive eyepiece lens system, wherein conditional expressions (1), (2A) and (3) below are satisfied: 1.5 |
| US08712231B2 |
Camera body, and camera system
A camera body to which an interchangeable lens capable of changing zoom magnification is mountable. The camera body includes a sound pickup section that picks up sounds to generate audio data and a sound processor that changes settings relating to directionality of the sound pickup section in conjunction with the zoom magnification of the interchangeable lens. When the interchangeable lens is positioned to provide the minimum magnification of zoom, the sound processor sets the directionality of the sound pickup section to a directionality by which sounds in the widest region can be picked up based on the zoom range information. When the interchangeable lens is positioned to provide the maximum magnification of zoom, the sound processor sets the directionality of the sound pickup section to a directionality by which sounds in the narrowest region can be picked up based on the zoom range information. |
| US08712220B2 |
Video reproducing apparatus and video reproducing method
According to one embodiment, a video reproducing apparatus includes a video data generating device generating reproduction control video data for displaying a reproduction control image of video contents in a constant cycle on an occasion of reproducing the video contents; and an update cycle adjusting device making an update cycle in which the reproduction control video data is updated longer than the constant cycle, within a range in which all the reproduction control images which should be displayed by the reproduction control video data are displayed. |