| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08839036B2 |
System and method for root cause analysis
Systems and methods for determining the root cause of an event in a data center are presented. The system includes a data center management device coupled to a network and configured to receive an indication of the event from a physical infrastructure device via the network, determine a first generic cause model for the event by accessing an event cause model data store, determine a first event profile by adapting the first generic cause model to the data center using data center profile information stored in a data center profile data store and display a first probability that a potential cause defined by the first event profile is the root cause. |
| US08839035B1 |
Cloud-based test execution
In some implementations, a testing service receives a test execution request for executing test operations on a test target. The testing service may map the test execution request to a particular type of supported test framework from among a plurality of types of supported test frameworks. The testing service may obtain a test package provided by a user that requested the testing, such as from a cloud storage location. The testing service determines a computing capacity for executing the testing and appropriates a plurality of workers in a cloud computing service. The testing service configures the plurality of workers for executing the test operations based on at least one of the test framework, the test execution request or the test package. The testing service provides test execution chunks from the test package to the plurality of workers for executing the testing on the test target. |
| US08839034B2 |
Method and system for providing high availability to distributed computer applications
Method, system, apparatus and/or computer program for achieving transparent integration of high-availability services for distributed application programs. Loss-less migration of sub-programs from their respective primary nodes to backup nodes is performed transparently to a client which is connected to the primary node. Migration is performed by high-availability services which are configured for injecting registration codes, registering distributed applications, detecting execution failures, executing from backup nodes in response to failure, and other services. High-availability application services can be utilized by distributed applications having any desired number of sub-programs without the need of modifying or recompiling the application program and without the need of a custom loader. In one example embodiment, a transport driver is responsible for receiving messages, halting and flushing of messages, and for issuing messages directing sub-programs to continue after checkpointing. |
| US08839030B2 |
Methods and structure for resuming background tasks in a clustered storage environment
Methods and structure for resuming background tasks in a storage environment. storage controller. The system is operable to receive host Input/Output (I/O) requests directed to a logical volume, and to couple with one or more of storage devices provisioning the logical volume. The system is further operable to process the host I/O requests directed to the logical volume, to initiate a background processing task distinct from the host I/O requests and related to the logical volume, and to store progress information on at least one of the one or more storage devices describing progress of the background processing task. |
| US08839027B2 |
System and method for redundant object storage
Systems and methods for redundant object storage are disclosed. A method may include storing at least two copies of each of a plurality of objects among a plurality of nodes communicatively coupled to one another in order to provide redundancy of each of the plurality of objects in the event of a fault of one of the plurality of nodes. The method may also include monitoring access to each object to determine a frequency of access for each object. The method may additionally include redistributing one or more of the copies of the objects such that at least one particular node of the plurality of nodes includes copies of only objects accessed at a frequency below a predetermined frequency threshold based on the determined frequency of access for each object. The method may further include placing the at least one particular node in a reduced-power mode. |
| US08839026B2 |
Automatic disk power-cycle
According to the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided, inter alia, a system and method which enable to identify, in a storage-system, malfunctioning disks, and in response, to activate a power-cycle process only for the specific failing disks, in order to bring these disks into proper operational mode. During the power-cycle process of a failing disk, other disks, which are not failing, remain operative and available. |
| US08839025B2 |
Systems and methods for retiring and unretiring cache lines
The systems and methods described herein may provide a flush-retire instruction for retiring “bad” cache locations (e.g., locations associated with persistent errors) to prevent their allocation for any further accesses, and a flush-unretire instruction for unretiring cache locations previously retired. These instructions may be implemented as hardware instructions of a processor. They may be executable by processes executing in a hyper-privileged state, without the need to quiesce any other processes. The flush-retire instruction may atomically flush a cache line implicated by a detected cache error and set a lock bit to disable subsequent allocation of the corresponding cache location. The flush-unretire instruction may atomically flush an identified cache line (if valid) and clear the lock bit to re-enable subsequent allocation of the cache location. Various bits in the encodings of these instructions may identify the cache location to be retired or unretired in terms of the physical cache structure. |
| US08839021B2 |
Method for determining transmission error due to a crosstalk between signal lines by comparing tuning pattern signals sent in parallel from a memory device with the tuning pattern signals pre-stored in a host device
A memory card includes a memory controller configured to perform control for sending and receiving a command signal, a response signal, a data signal, and a status signal in synchronization with a clock signal, and a memory-side pattern signal storage unit configured to store a tuning pattern signal to be sent to a host device. The tuning pattern signal is used by the host device to adjust the phase of the clock signal for use as a sampling clock signal. The memory card sends a first tuning pattern signal through a command line and a second tuning pattern signal through a data line concurrently. |
| US08839017B2 |
Electronic device and method for detecting power statuses of electronic device
In a method for detecting power statuses of one or more power supplies in an electronic device. The method detects a power status of each power supply at a first time cycle when a baseboard management controller (BMC) of the electronic device is started up, and stores all the detected power statuses into the BMC. The method determines a change value of the power status of each power supply at a second time cycle by analyzing the detected power statuses of each power supply stored in the BMC, and stores the change value of the power status of each of the power supplies in the BMC. |
| US08839016B2 |
USB self-idling techniques
USB self-idling techniques are described. In one or more embodiments, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device comprises one or more modules to communicate via USB and self-idle by presenting an idle mode to a USB host and entering a suspend mode after the idle mode, the suspend mode being entered while the USB host is presented with the idle mode. |
| US08839015B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing power consumption of a communication device
Generally, this disclosure describes an energy-efficient Ethernet communications approach. In at least one embodiment described herein, an Ethernet controller may be configured to operate in an active power state to transmit or receive data packets at a maximum available link speed. The maximum available link speed may be determined by a negotiation between the Ethernet controller and a link partner coupled to the Ethernet controller. Once the data packets are transmitted or received, the Ethernet controller may be configured to operate in an idle power state to reduce energy consumption. |
| US08839014B2 |
Apparatus and method for shortening time for transitioning power mode of network communication device by utilizing a shared storage unit, a socket, and a socket wrapper
A network communication device includes a first control unit that has a first application, a second control unit that has a second application and a communication processing section, and a shared storage unit, wherein, in a first mode where the first control unit is in an operation state, the first application performs a predetermined process using the shared storage unit, and the communication processing section performs communication in response to an instruction from the first application, and wherein, if the first control unit transitions from the first mode to a second mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the first mode, the first application stops execution of the process, the second application performs a process based on data related to the first application, stored in the shared storage unit, and the communication processing section performs communication in response to an instruction from the second application. |
| US08839005B2 |
Apparatus for transferring licensed digital content between users
Techniques are described for reselling digital data content, such as books, other types of documents, music, video, software and games. Such data are stored in a small portable digital rights management (DRM) device, such as a non-volatile memory card or flash drive, along with a license that defines the extent of the use permitted of the data. The content and license data are processed by a microprocessor that is included in the memory card or flash drive, including modification of the license in response to the data content being resold and transferred to another memory card or flash drive. The process is a digital version of selling a book, CD, DVD or the like in a second-hand market. |
| US08839004B1 |
Secure cloud computing infrastructure
In one embodiment, a system for secure application hosting is provided. The system includes a memory, a first processor coupled to the memory, a second processor coupled to the first processor via a bus, and a data storage device and a network interface coupled to the second processor. The second processor is configured to perform cryptographic processing to provide an encrypted domain, in which the network interface and data storage device operate, and an unencrypted domain, in which the processor and memory operate. |
| US08838996B2 |
Non-transitory computer readable medium, program protection apparatus, and program protection method
Provided is a non-transitory computer readable medium causing a computer to function as a designation receiving unit that receives designation of a protection target section, a movement arranging unit that moves and arranges the protection target section of a program to a second arrangement location different from a first arrangement location, and a changing unit that changes the protection target section of the program to a substitution code, wherein the substitution code causes a native environment to function as a reconstruction unit that reconstructs context of the native environment as virtual context for a virtual machine in a memory of the native environment, and a virtual machine execution unit that executes the virtual machine, and delivers information indicative of an address in the memory of the virtual context to the virtual machine, so that the virtual machine executes the protection target section using the virtual context. |
| US08838994B2 |
Method for protecting computer programs and data from hostile code
A method that protects computer data from untrusted programs. Each computer's object and process is assigned with trust attributes, which define the way it can interact with other objects within the system. When an object is classified as untrusted, it can interact with other object within the system on a limited basis. A virtualized system is provided on the computer so that when the untrusted object attempts to perform an operation that is outside its scope of authorization, the virtualized system intercepts the operation but present the untrusted program with an indication that the requested operation has been performed. The method further includes processes to securely move a program from an untrusted group to a trusted group. |
| US08838993B2 |
Personal digital key initialization and registration for secure transactions
A system and method provide efficient, secure, and highly reliable authentication for transaction processing and/or access control applications. A personal digital key (PDK) is programmed using a trusted programming device to initialize and/or register the PDK for use. In one embodiment, the initialization and registration processes are administered by a specialized trusted Notary to ensure the processes follow defined security procedures. In a biometric initialization, the programming device acquires a biometric input from a user and writes the biometric data to a tamperproof memory in the PDK. In registration, the Programmer communicates to one or more remote registries to create or update entries associated with the user PDK. Once initialized and registered, the PDK can be used for various levels of secure authentication processes. |
| US08838991B2 |
Secure biometric identity broker module
A biometric identity broker can obtain exclusive control of biometric sensors communicationally coupled to a computing device, and can create biometric unit components for each of the sensors. Each biometric unit component can utilize a sensor plug-in, a processing plug-in and a storage plug-in, that can either be provided with the sensor or can be default plug-ins, in order to provide a baseline level of functionality irrespective of the functionality provided by, or with, the sensor to which the biometric unit is associated. A factor-specific service provider can act across all biometric units associated with sensors directed to a common biometric factor and can arbitrate among multiple clients simultaneously awaiting input and can manage multiple identities associated with a single biometric template based on the sensor receiving the biometric input. The biometric identity broker, factor-specific service providers and biometric units can be part of the trusted computing base. |
| US08838984B2 |
Optimized hierarchical integrity protection for stored data
A method for data integrity protection includes receiving items of data for storage in a storage medium. The items are grouped into multiple groups, such that at least some of the groups include respective pluralities of the items. A respective group signature is computed over each of the groups, thereby generating multiple group signatures. An upper-level signature is computed over the group signatures. Groups of the items, the group signatures, and the upper-level signature are stored in respective locations in the storage medium. |
| US08838983B2 |
Article of manufacture for securing data in 2D bar codes using SSL
An article of manufacture comprises a printed document associated with a source entity. The printed document is readable by a software application of an electronic device. The printed document includes a plain text content portion and a two-dimensional code (2-D code) that includes data encoded therein which is readable by the software application of the electronic device. The encoded data includes a resource locator to an intent. The resource locator to an intent includes a protocol identifier designating a secure 2-D code which is detectable by the software application of the electronic device for electronic replacement by the software application with a protocol identifier used to access a secure server of the source entity located at a host portion of the resource locator. The protocol identifier is a protocol identifier associated with URL specifications. |
| US08838978B2 |
Content access management using extracted watermark information
Methods, devices, and computer program products facilitate the application of a content use policy based on watermarks that are embedded in a content. Watermark extraction and content screening operations, which can include the application of content usage enforcement actions, may be organized such that some or all of the operations can be conducted at different times by different devices. These operations can be conducted by one or more trusted devices that reside in a networked environment. Real-time access to a content can also be facilitated by utilizing existing watermark extraction records. To facilitate real-time access to the content, the extraction records may contain segmented authentication information that correspond to particular segments of the content that is being accessed. Additionally, or alternatively, new watermark extraction operations can be conducted in real-time to produce new watermark extraction records. |
| US08838977B2 |
Watermark extraction and content screening in a networked environment
Methods, devices, and computer program products facilitate the application of a content use policy based on watermarks that are embedded in a content. Watermark extraction and content screening operations, which can include the application of content usage enforcement actions, may be organized such that some or all of the operations can be conducted at different times by different devices. The watermark extraction results can be stored in a secure location and accessed by other devices at different times. These operations can be conducted by one or more trusted devices that reside in a home network. The home network can also include a gateway device that can coordinate the operations of the various network devices and/or delegate the various watermark extraction and content screening operations. |
| US08838976B2 |
Web content access using a client device identifier
Systems and methods are provided for controlling access to online services. For example, the system may include an application running on a user computer (130) that collects platform data (e.g. physical device parameters) and generates a machine fingerprint (stage 602). The computer (130) may send the machine fingerprint to the authentication server (110). The server (110) may associate the received machine fingerprint with the appropriate online account information received from a host server (120) or the like (stage 604). The authentication server (110) may send the appropriate registration status signal to the host server (120), which in turn may update the online profile information to include the user's registration status (stage 606). |
| US08838975B2 |
System and method for protecting a password against brute force attacks
In a system and method for authenticating a client device by an authentication device, the client device user is assigned a PIN generated by the authentication device. The user provides the PIN and a password to the client device, from which the client device generates a symmetric key and further generates a public/private key pair. The private key is encrypted using the symmetric key and stored in encrypted form only. The public key and a message authentication code generated from the PIN are provided to the authentication device, which stores the public key. Subsequently, when the user seeks to be authenticated, the user enters a password at the client device, which is used to generate a symmetric key to decrypt the encrypted private key. A message to the authentication device is signed using the resultant value. The authentication device uses the public key to verify the signature of the message. |
| US08838972B2 |
Exchange of key material
A communication network manages key material. A method generates and provides session keys from a security node to an access node for further propagation during handoff procedures, without requiring the security node to take part in the handoff procedures. |
| US08838971B2 |
Management of public keys for verification of public warning messages
Techniques are disclosed for managing one or more public keys used for verification of one or more messages transferred over a communication network associated with a public warning system. In one example, a method comprises the following steps. A computing device of a communication network obtains key material for at least one source of a message generated for a public warning system. The computing device also obtains an identity of the source. A public key is computed by the computing device from the key material and the identity of the source. The public key is thus useable by the computing device to verify a message received from the source that is digitally signed using a corresponding private key of the source. In one example, the computing device comprises user equipment. |
| US08838968B2 |
System and method for virtual machine data protection in a public cloud
A method includes partitioning a disk image file into a plurality of segments. The method also includes generating a unique key for each segment, storing the unique keys in an image mapping file, and transmitting the image mapping file to a particular one of a plurality of nodes on a network. The method further includes transmitting a first segment and a second segment of the plurality of segments to different nodes of the plurality of nodes. |
| US08838965B2 |
Secure remote support automation process
Secure Remote Support Automation Process wherein a remote support server receives a support task request and schedules a predefined task to a predefined actor who also has a predefined escalation policy and notifies the support actor of the scheduled task along with a key, a key seed, or a credential to use in authentication. The method enabling privileged access to an Internet security appliance using public/private key pairs through a firewall and network address translation by a support server and an assigned support task actor. |
| US08838963B2 |
Security enhancement arrangement
Disclosed herein is a system for enhancing the security of wireless networks. In one aspect, a wireless access point that functions as a bridge between two networks is provided. The wireless access point is configured to establish separate associations for itself and each device connected to it. This provides for enhanced security in that each device connected to the wireless access point may be separately authenticated and in that separate encryption tunnels are established for each device connected to the wireless access point. |
| US08838960B2 |
Network identity management system and method
Users of Internet services (e.g., SKYPE messaging service, GOOGLETALK messaging service, AOL INSTANT MESSENGER messaging service, and MICROSOFT MESSENGER messaging service) that are initially identified using separate identifiers that may be associated with respective service providers (e.g., email addresses) can manage network identities using a single unified set of account information managed by a registry service. The registry authenticates the user's request(s) to bind a service provider identity to his or her personal registry user record by presenting a random challenge to the user which the registry must then receive back from the service provider corresponding to the identity being added. Later, the registry may authenticate itself to service providers using information received from a service provider application as the service provider application authenticates itself to the service provider. |
| US08838956B2 |
System and method for collaboration over shared storage
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein enable synergy among a group of users by providing a real-time, secure collaboration environment that allows for cooperative interaction and decision making and provide the ability for users to simultaneously view, revise, and review a document or multimedia file that resides in a shared data storage location. Real-time, low latency, rich collaboration between producers and consumers provides organization efficiency, and this collaboration provides real-time, low latency transmission of data. |
| US08838951B1 |
Automated workflow generation
In certain embodiments, a method includes accessing a template, the template comprising a plurality of static portions and a plurality of dynamic portions. A first set of parameters associated with a first node are accessed. The method includes generating a first set of instructions that configure a device to communicate with the first node. The first set of instructions includes the static portions and the first set of parameters. The first set of parameters are arranged according to the plurality of dynamic portions. A second set of parameters associated with a second node are accessed. The method includes generating a second set of instructions that include the static portions and the second set of parameters. The second set of parameters are arranged according to the plurality of dynamic portions. The first set of instructions and the second set of instructions include Business Process Execution Language. |
| US08838949B2 |
Direct scatter loading of executable software image from a primary processor to one or more secondary processor in a multi-processor system
In a multi-processor system, an executable software image including an image header and a segmented data image is scatter loaded from a first processor to a second processor. The image header contains the target locations for the data image segments to be scatter loaded into memory of the second processor. Once the image header has been processed, the data segments may be directly loaded into the memory of the second processor without further CPU involvement from the second processor. |
| US08838948B2 |
Remote management of UEFI BIOS settings and configuration
In an information handling system (IHS), remote management of basic input/output system (BIOS) settings and configuration includes maintaining a BIOS setting/configuration database, providing an application to communicate a BIOS setting/configuration from the database to a BIOS system, determining whether the BIOS setting/configuration communicated from the database to the BIOS system is a special BIOS configuration capsule packet, and validating BIOS setting/configuration. |
| US08838947B2 |
Manufacturing information handling systems
Manufacturing a virtual information handling system (IHS) includes creating a virtual IHS including a component identifier. A boot process is then begun for the virtual IHS. A manufacturing operating system is then retrieved for the virtual IHS using the component identifier. The manufacturing operating system is then installed on the virtual IHS. Manufacturing a virtual IHS may also include determining a common operating system and a common software subset among a plurality of to-be-manufactured virtual IHSs. A first virtual IHS may then be created and the common operating system may be configured on the first virtual IHS. At least a portion of a first virtual IHS software may also be configured on the first virtual IHS. The configuration of the first virtual IHS software on the first virtual IHS is stopped when the common software subset is configured on the first virtual IHS. The first virtual IHS may then be cloned to create a cloned virtual IHS. |
| US08838941B2 |
Multi-thread processors and methods for instruction execution and synchronization therein and computer program products thereof
Methods for instruction execution and synchronization in a multi-thread processor are provided, wherein in the multi-thread processor, multiple threads are running and each of the threads can simultaneously execute a same instruction sequence. A source code or an object code is received and then compiled to generate the instruction sequence. Instructions for all of function calls within the instruction sequence are sorted according to a calling order. Each thread is provided a counter value pointing to one of the instructions in the instruction sequence. A main counter value is determined according to the counter values of the threads such that all of the threads simultaneously execute an instruction of the instruction sequence that the main counter value points to. |
| US08838939B2 |
Debugging multithreaded code by generating exception upon target address CAM search for variable and checking race condition
Mechanisms are provided for debugging application code using a content addressable memory. The mechanisms receive an instruction in a hardware unit of a processor of the data processing system, the instruction having a target memory address that the instruction is attempting to access. A content addressable memory (CAM) associated with the hardware unit is searched for an entry in the CAM corresponding to the target memory address. In response to an entry in the CAM corresponding to the target memory address being found, a determination is made as to whether information in the entry identifies the instruction as an instruction of interest. In response to the entry identifying the instruction as an instruction of interest, an exception is generated and sent to one of an exception handler or a debugger application. In this way, debugging of multithreaded applications may be performed in an efficient manner. |
| US08838938B2 |
Prefix accumulation for efficient processing of instructions with multiple prefix bytes
In a microprocessor that has an instruction set architecture in which the instructions may include a variable number of prefix bytes, an apparatus for efficiently extracting instructions from a stream of undifferentiated instruction bytes. Decode logic determines which byte is an opcode byte for each instruction of a plurality of instructions within the stream of undifferentiated instruction bytes. The opcode byte is the first non-prefix byte of the instruction. The decode logic accumulates prefix information onto the opcode byte of the instruction for each instruction of the plurality of instructions. A queue holds the stream of undifferentiated instruction bytes and the accumulated prefix information. Extraction logic extracts the plurality of instructions from the queue in one clock cycle independent of the number of prefix bytes included in each of the plurality of instructions. |
| US08838937B1 |
Methods, systems and computer readable medium for writing and reading data
A flash memory controller, a computer readable medium and a method for writing to a flash memory device, the method may include receiving multiple logical pages, each logical page having a logical address; determining to write a logical page into a selected physical page of the flash memory device; calculating a hash value for each logical page of the multiple logical pages in response to (a) a logical address of the logical page and (b) a physical page index, to provide multiple hash values of the multiple logical pages. |
| US08838934B2 |
System and method for storing data in a virtualized memory system with destructive reads
A system and method for providing high-speed memory operations is disclosed. The technique uses virtualization of memory space to map a virtual address space to a larger physical address space wherein no memory bank conflicts will occur. The larger physical address space is used to prevent memory bank conflicts from occurring by moving the virtualized memory addresses of data being written to memory to a different location in physical memory that will eliminate a memory bank conflict. To improve memory performance destructive read operations are used when reading data but the data is written back into the physical memory in a later cycle. |
| US08838926B2 |
Interacting with data in hidden storage
Unused storage space within a data storage is utilized to store data while effectively making it appear to the operating system, other programs, and the user that the space is still available or unused. The space used to store the hidden data remains available for use by the operating system, other programs and uses upon a request. File system requests are monitored such that the hidden storage area remains hidden from unauthorized processes as well as to restrict operations within the hidden storage area that are attempted by unauthorized processes. |
| US08838925B2 |
Method for securely storing data in a memory of a portable data carrier
A method for securely storing data in a multilevel memory of a portable data carrier. The multilevel memory includes one or several multilevel memory cells (SZ) which can assume respectively at least three levels (E, NE). The at least three levels represent a different data content, regarding which respective levels (E, NE) of a memory cell (SZ) are defined as valid or invalid. The levels (E, NE) of a respective memory cell (SZ) are selectively defined as valid or invalid in dependence on a required security level. |
| US08838924B2 |
Microprocessor having internal secure memory
An apparatus providing for a secure execution environment. The apparatus includes a microprocessor that is configured to execute non-secure application programs and a secure application program, where the non-secure application programs are accessed from a system memory via a system bus. The microprocessor has a non-secure memory and a secure volatile memory. The non-secure memory is configured to store portions of the non-secure application programs for execution by the microprocessor, where the non-secure memory is observable and accessible by the non-secure application programs and by system bus resources within the microprocessor. The secure volatile memory is configured to store the secure application program for execution by the microprocessor, where the secure volatile memory is isolated from the non-secure application programs and the system bus resources within the microprocessor. The secure application program is decrypted using a processor unique key and is written to the secure volatile memory. |
| US08838919B2 |
Controlling data lag in a replicated computer system
A method and system is provided for measuring, guaranteeing, and reducing replication data lag time between a primary system and one or more standby systems. Each standby system determines the lag time between the generation of a consistent version of data on the primary system and the time that the consistent version is applied on the standby system. Applications can request and be guaranteed to receive data from a standby system that is identical to the state on the primary system at the time of the query, or lag the primary state only by a maximum tolerable amount. A standby system may also publish a service that guarantees a maximum lag time and withdraw the service offer when the actual lag time exceeds the guaranteed lag time.Implications for implementing synchronous and asynchronous replication as well as performance optimizations are also discussed. |
| US08838917B2 |
Storage control system and control method for the same
A storage control system judges whether the data pattern of data exchanged with a higher-level device (hereafter “data”) conforms to one or a plurality of write-excluded data patterns comprised in write-excluded data pattern information prepared in advance. If a negative judgment result is obtained, the storage control subsystem stores the data in a logical device formed on a disk storage device. If, on the other hand, a positive judgment result is obtained, the storage control subsystem erases the data without storing in a logical device. |
| US08838915B2 |
Cache collaboration in tiled processor systems
The present invention may provide a computer system including a plurality of tiles divided into multiple virtual domains. Each tile may include a router to communicate with others of said tiles, a private cache to store data, and a spill table to record pointers for data evicted from the private cache to a remote host, wherein the remote host and the respective tile are provided in the same virtual domain. The spill tables may allow for faster retrieval of previously evicted data because the home registry does not need to be referenced if requested data is listed in the spill table. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may provide a distance-aware cache collaboration architecture without incurring extraneous overhead expenses. |
| US08838912B2 |
Interruptible write block
A disclosed embodiment is an interruptible write block comprising a primary register having an input coupled to an input of the interruptible write block, a secondary register having an input selectably coupled to an output of the primary register and to an output of the secondary register through an interrupt circuit. The interrupt circuit is utilized to interrupt flow of new data from the primary register to the secondary register during an interrupt of a write operation, such that upon resumption of the write operation the secondary register contains valid data. A method of utilizing an interruptible write block during a write operation comprises loading data into a primary register, interrupting the write operation to perform one or more other operations, loading the data into a secondary register while loading new data into the primary register, and resuming the write operation using valid data from the secondary register. |
| US08838911B1 |
Systems, methods, and software for interleaved data stream storage
Methods, systems, and software are provided herein that allow a user to store and retrieve data records. In one example, a method of storing data records is provided. The method includes initializing a shared write pointer to a first location in a shared memory of a data storage system, and receiving a plurality of data records transferred by a plurality of data sources for storage in the shared memory. The method also includes, beginning with a first of the plurality of data sources, writing in a cyclic sequence one of the plurality of data records for each of the plurality of data sources based on the shared write pointer, and incrementing the shared write pointer after each writing, and updating at least a header portion of the shared memory with the shared write pointer responsive to each writing. |
| US08838907B2 |
Notification protocol based endpoint caching of host memory
An endpoint device (14) is registered in association with a host memory address in response to receipt of a request for a notification of a change in content state of the host memory address from the endpoint device (14). In response to a change in content state of the host memory address, a notification that the host memory address has changed content state is sent to the endpoint device (14). In response to receipt of the notification by the endpoint device (14), semantics associated with a change of content state of the host memory address by a data schema (42) is determined and an action is performed by the endpoint device (14) in accordance with the determined semantics. |
| US08838904B2 |
Method, system and server of removing a distributed caching object
The present disclosure discloses a method, a system and a server of removing a distributed caching object. In one embodiment, the method receives a removal request, where the removal request includes an identifier of an object. The method may further apply consistent Hashing to the identifier of the object to obtain a Hash result value of the identifier, locates a corresponding cache server based on the Hash result value and renders the corresponding cache server to be a present cache server. In some embodiments, the method determines whether the present cache server is in an active status and has an active period greater than an expiration period associated with the object. Additionally, in response to determining that the present cache server is in an active status and has an active period greater than the expiration period associated with the object, the method removes the object from the present cache server. By comparing an active period of a located cache server with an expiration period associated with an object, the exemplary embodiments precisely locate a cache server that includes the object to be removed and perform a removal operation, thus saving the other cache servers from wasting resources to perform removal operations and hence improving the overall performance of the distributed cache system. |
| US08838901B2 |
Coordinated writeback of dirty cachelines
A data processing system includes a processor core and a cache memory hierarchy coupled to the processor core. The cache memory hierarchy includes at least one upper level cache and a lowest level cache. A memory controller is coupled to the lowest level cache and to a system memory and includes a physical write queue from which the memory controller writes data to the system memory. The memory controller initiates accesses to the lowest level cache to place into the physical write queue selected cachelines having spatial locality with data present in the physical write queue. |
| US08838898B2 |
Efficient processing of cache segment waiters
For a plurality of input/output (I/O) operations waiting to assemble complete data tracks from data segments, a process, separate from a process responsible for the data assembly into the complete data tracks, is initiated for waking a predetermined number of the waiting I/O operations. A total number of I/O operations to be awoken at each of an iterated instance of the waking is limited. |
| US08838897B2 |
Replicating tag entries for reliability enhancement in cache tag arrays
Technologies are generally described for exploiting program phase behavior to duplicate most recently and/or frequently accessed tag entries in a Tag Replication Buffer (TRB) to protect the information integrity of tag arrays in a processor cache. The reliability/effectiveness of microprocessor cache performance may be further improved by capturing/duplicating tags of dirty cache lines, exploiting the fact that detected error-corrupted clean cache lines can be recovered by L2 cache. A deterministic TRB replacement triggered early write-back scheme may provide full duplication and recovery of single-bit errors for tags of dirty cache lines. |
| US08838896B2 |
Waveform caching for data demodulation and interference cancellation at a node B
The present patent application discloses a method and apparatus for using external and internal memory for cancelling traffic interference comprising storing data in an external memory; and processing the data samples on an internal memory, wherein the external memory is low bandwidth memory; and the internal memory is high bandwidth on board cache. The present method and apparatus also comprises caching portions of the data on the internal memory, filling the internal memory by reading the newest data from the external memory and updating the internal memory; and writing the older data back to the external memory from the internal memory, wherein the data is incoming data samples. |
| US08838894B2 |
Storing row-major data with an affinity for columns
A method, device, and computer readable medium for striping rows of data across logical units of storage with an affinity for columns is provided. Alternately, a method, device, and computer readable medium for striping columns of data across logical units of storage with an affinity for rows is provided. When data of a logical slice is requested, a mapping may provide information for determining which logical unit is likely to store the logical slice. In one embodiment, data is retrieved from logical units that are predicted to store the logical slice. In another embodiment, data is retrieved from several logical units, and the data not mapped to the logical unit is removed from the retrieved data. |
| US08838891B2 |
SSD cache expansion using overprovisioned space
The invention provides for SSD cache expansion by assigning all excess overprovisioned space (OP) above a level of advertised SSD memory to SSD cache. As additional SSD memory is needed to provide the advertised SSD memory, an offsetting portion of the OP is reassigned from excess overprovisioned space to the SSD cache. In this manner, the advertised SSD memory is maintained while continuously allocating all available excess OP to cache. The result is that all of the available SSD memory is allocated to cache, a portion to maintain the advertised SSD memory and the balance as excess OP allocated to cache. This eliminates idle OP in the SSD allocation. |
| US08838888B2 |
Conditional write processing for a cache structure of a coupling facility
A method for managing a cache structure of a coupling facility includes receiving a conditional write command from a computing system and determining whether data associated with the conditional write command is part of a working set of data of the cache structure. If the data associated with the conditional write command is part of the working set of data of the cache structure the conditional write command is processed as an unconditional write command. If the data associated with the conditional write command is not part of the working set of data of the cache structure a conditional write failure notification is transmitted to the computing system. |
| US08838884B2 |
Flash memory device and data protection method thereof
A data protection method for a flash memory device. In one embodiment, the flash memory device comprises a flash memory for storing protected data. After the flash memory device is coupled to a host, a plurality of current read addresses of a plurality of read commands sent from the host to the flash memory device are recorded. The current read addresses are then compared with a plurality of predetermined read addresses. When the current read addresses are not identical to the predetermined read addresses, the flash memory device is made to enter a data protection mode. When the flash memory device is in the data protection mode, if the flash memory device receives a plurality of data access commands, the data access commands are processed according to a protection mode setting parameter to prevent the protected data from being accessed by the host. |
| US08838878B2 |
Method of writing to a NAND memory block based file system with log based buffering
A method of operating a controller for controlling the programming of a NAND memory chip is shown. The NAND memory chip has a plurality of blocks with each block having a certain amount of storage, wherein the amount of storage in each block is the minimum erasable unit. The method comprising storing in a temporary storage a first plurality of groups of data, wherein each of the groups of data is to be stored in a block of the NAND memory chip. Each group of data is indexed to the block with which it is to be stored. Finally, the groups of data associated with the same block are programmed into the same block in the same programming operation. |
| US08838875B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for operating a data processing system in which a file delete command is sent to an external storage device for invalidating data thereon
A data processing system that includes a host system and an external data storage device with an erase before write memory device thereon can be operated by sending a file delete command from the host to the data storage device for one or more files stored thereon. The file delete command may specify a logical address and data to be invalidated associated with the deleted file. The data storage device may identify one or more units of memory allocation in the erase before write memory as containing invalid data based on the specified logical address and data to be invalidated. The data storage device may maintain a data structure that associates physical addresses for units of memory allocation in the erase before write memory with indications of whether the units of memory allocation contain invalid data. The data structure may be used to mark units of memory allocation associated with deleted files as containing invalid data. |
| US08838874B2 |
Method, program, and system for processing object in computer
A method, an article of manufacture, and system for heapifying an object. The method includes: storing, in a working set, a first address of a certain object in a stack frame, copying the certain object into the heap area and holding a second address of the certain object in the heap area, following each stack frame to find a pointer pointing to the first address stored in the working set, converting the address that the pointer points to into the second address, proceeding to a next stack frame, where the address conversion includes storing an address of another object in the working set if the converted address is stored as a value of a field of the other object in the stack frame, and terminating the process in response to a lack of pointers found in the stack frame to point to the addresses stored in the working set. |
| US08838870B2 |
Baseboard management controller and method for sharing serial port
A baseboard management controller (BMC) connects with a COM serial port. The BMC includes an input queue and an output queue. If a basic input output system (BIOS) of the BMC has been initialized, the COM serial port is used by the BIOS. When a processor of the BMC sends a control command to a sharing system of the BMC, the input queue and the output queue are converted to time division multiplex (TDM) queues. The COM serial port may be used by the BIOS or by the BMC according to an ID flag of each element of the TDM queues. |
| US08838866B2 |
Operation method for a computer system
A device receives a standard command. The device judges whether an address field and/or a data length field and/or a data field of the standard command includes at least one of a vendor command, a vendor data and a checkword. The device judges whether the address field and/or a data length field and/or the data field of the standard command matches a vendor predetermined pattern. If matched, the device performs a vendor operation based on the vendor command and/or the vendor data of the standard command. |
| US08838861B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for trace multicast across a bus structure, and related systems
Systems and methods for trace multicast across a bus structure are provided. Preferably, the bus structure is that of a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), where the SoC includes a number of master components and a number of slave components connected via the bus structure. The bus structure supports a trace multicast feature. In one embodiment, the bus structure receives a bus transaction from a master component and, in response, outputs the bus transaction to a corresponding slave port. In addition, the bus structure determines whether a trace multicast is desired for the bus transaction. If a trace multicast is desired, the bus structure generates an additional bus transaction having one or more transaction attributes that include a translated version of the bus transaction and outputs the additional bus transaction to a trace slave port of the bus structure. The trace multicast feature provides a non-invasive mechanism for driver-level trace. |
| US08838860B2 |
Determining extended capability of a channel path
A computer program product includes a tangible storage storing instructions for performing a method. The method includes receiving a request at a channel subsystem in a host computer system from an operating system in the host computer system to provide a channel path description for a channel path, the channel subsystem configured to direct information flow between memory and the control unit via the channel path; and outputting from the channel subsystem to the operating system, a channel path description block including the channel path description for the channel path in response to the request. The channel path description block includes: a descriptor field (DESC) indicating that the channel path supports a Fiber Channel protocol for commanding an I/O operation; and an extension support indicator field (F) specifying whether the channel path supports an extension to the Fiber Channel protocol. |
| US08838858B1 |
Managing command line interface commands
A method is used in managing command line interface commands. Legacy CLI command information is received at a command line interface (CLI) provider. At the CLI provider, it is determined to convert the legacy CLI command information. The CLI provider has an adapter for performing the conversion. Updated CLI command information is derived by the adapter from the legacy CLI command information. The updated CLI command information is submitted to a plugin for processing. |
| US08838857B2 |
Mobile device and computational system including same
A mobile device and a computational system including same are described. The mobile device includes a sensor unit having a motion sensor and/or a touch sensor that provides sensing information. The sensing information is applied to a universal serial bus user interface (USB UI) data generation unit and is changed into USB UI data before being output as USB UI data using a USB communication technique. |
| US08838856B2 |
Virtual universal asynchronous receiver transmitter for server systems
In one embodiment, a monolithic integrated circuit includes a first UART, a second UART, and a multiplexer. The first UART has a parallel IO interface to couple to a host system to transceive parallel data and a serial IO interface. The second UART has a parallel IO interface and a serial IO interface coupled to the serial IO interface of the first UART. The first and second UARTs convert parallel data into serial data and serial data into parallel data. The multiplexer has an output coupled to the serial input of the first UART, a first input coupled to the serial output of the second UART, a second input coupled to a serial input of a serial communication port, and a select input coupled to a control signal selectively coupling serial interfaces of first and second UARTs together for remote terminal services at a remote computer system over a network. |
| US08838854B2 |
Switch that processes a terminal data stream
A terminal data stream (TDS) is received and converted in a pixel-based representation. The pixel-based representation is stored in a frame buffer and a video signal based on the contents of the frame buffer is provided to a video multiplexor. The video multiplexor is also coupled to a video signal from a computer system, and the video multiplexor routes the video signal from the frame buffer to a display device. |
| US08838849B1 |
Link sharing for multiple replication modes
Sharing at least one link among a plurality of processes includes determining a capacity of the at least one link based on a number of I/O operations per unit time supported by the at least one link as a function of the amount of data provided by each of the I/O operations, determining a requirement of each of the processes based on user specifications and an amount of data provided by each I/O operation for each of the processes, and apportioning link capacity among the processes according to the requirement of each of the processes. In response to a sum of requirements for each of the processes being less than the capacity of the at least one link, additional link capacity may be provided to at least some of the processes. |
| US08838848B2 |
Systems and methods for intelligent system profile unique data management
Systems and methods are provided that may be implemented to manage machine-specific System Profile Unique Data (SPUD) information for one or more information handling systems. Such SPUD information may be managed and transported through in-band and/or out-of-band processing and communications, and may be employed to make restoration of machine-specific data possible either through network data communications and/or local system data communications. |
| US08838845B2 |
Multimedia interface with content protection in a wireless communication device
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for management of a multimedia connection between a wireless communication device (WCD) and one or more output devices. The connection may be a multimedia interface connection with content protection, e.g., High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). In some cases, the multimedia interface connection with content protection may be inactive because the output device is no longer connected or the multimedia application is stopped or paused. The techniques include detecting a use mode of the multimedia interface connection with content protection between the WCD and one or more output devices. When the use mode of the multimedia interface connection with content protection is inactive, the WCD may reduce at least one of content processing or content protection processing. In this way, the techniques may reduce battery power consumption from multimedia processing by the WCD. |
| US08838842B2 |
Method for optimizing control circuit for FC HDDS in a system and control circuit for FC HDDS in a system
A method for optimizing control circuit for FC HDDs in a system includes determining the number of subsystems supported in a FC loop and the number of HDDs to be supported in each of the subsystems, analyzing binary values of address of all HDDs for each of the subsystems, enumerating logical variations of the address selection signals according to the analyzed binary values to obtain logic combinations for the address selection signals, analyzing logic relations between these logic combinations and a system address signal, selecting logic components required according to the found logic relations, and calculating the total number of required logic components and the number of address selections signals that can share an output pin of each of the required logic components based on properties of output pins of the logic components and maximum input current of the address selection signals. |
| US08838841B2 |
Method and structure enabling improved native command queueing in a data storage device
A data storage device accepts read and write commands with absolute command completion times based on queue-depth-of-one (qd=1) execution and stores them in an unsequenced commands memory. These commands are requests to access the data storage device and contain both locations on the storage medium where the data is located and whether the requested operation is read or write. For each pair of first and second commands in the memory, the time between execution of the first command and the second command is calculated and stored. A command selector then reads data from the memory based on a resequencing NCQ algorithm which inserts one or more commands from the command memory into the original qd=1 sequence whenever this insertion will not affect the execution time of commands in the original qd=1 sequence. The resequencing algorithm of the present invention increases IOPS and reduced read head actuator travel and wear. |
| US08838839B2 |
Storage apparatus and command execution control method
A determination unit determines the type of a command received via a communication interface. A counting unit counts, among commands received via the communication interface, the number of commands currently being executed. A control unit performs, when the number of commands currently being executed is less than or equal to a limit value corresponding to the type of a command received via the communication interface, data access to a memory device according to the received command. In addition, the control unit prevents the data access according to the received command when the number of commands currently being executed exceeds the limit value corresponding to the type of the received command. |
| US08838836B1 |
Systems and methods for sharing digital information between mobile devices of friends and family using multiple LAN-based embedded devices
A method for sharing digital information is provided. The method may include, at a first local area network (LAN)-based embedded device, inviting a second LAN-based embedded device to share digital information between the first and second LAN-based embedded devices; synchronizing the digital information between the first and second LAN-based embedded devices; and maintaining communication between the first LAN-based embedded device and the second LAN-based embedded device. Said inviting may include, at the first LAN-based embedded device: receiving an identifier of a second mobile device, and transmitting to the second mobile device a first WAN IP address and first access credential; and at the second LAN-based embedded device: receiving the first WAN IP address and first access credential from the second mobile device, and transmitting to the first LAN-based embedded device a second WAN IP address and second access credential. |
| US08838827B2 |
Locating a provisioning server
A provisioning client can be configured to automatically locate a provisioning server in a provisioning environment in order to perform software provisioning. The provisioning client can locate the provisioning server by detecting the location of the provisioning server or by selecting the appropriate provisioning server from a record of available provisioning servers. Once located, the provisioning client can be configured to establish a connection with the provisioning server and to request or receive software provisioning. |
| US08838824B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivery of adapted media
A method of transmitting media to a client by an infrastructure device in a packet-switched network includes receiving a media stream at the infrastructure device. The method also includes determining an adaptation strategy according to at least one of one or more pieces of network information associated with the packet-switched network, one or more pieces of client information associated with the client, or one or more policies. The method further includes adapting the media stream according to the adaptation strategy to produce an output media stream. |
| US08838821B2 |
Dynamic transaction protocol upgrades
Including support for advanced protocols in propagation information transferred between applications. Transaction managers associated with the applications communicate with each other to complete a transaction. Rather than communicating using a standard protocol, embodiments of the invention enable a first transaction manager to identify advanced protocols supported by the first transaction manager to a second transaction manager using existing propagation tokens. The second transaction manager selects one of the supported protocols to communicate with the first transaction manager to complete the transaction. |
| US08838820B2 |
Method for embedding meta-commands in normal network packets
A method for synchronizing different components of a computer network system using meta-commands embedded in normal network packets. The data communication channel between different components of a computer network system can be used to transport meta-commands piggybacked in normal network packets, without modifying or compromising the validity of the protocol message. Embodiments of the method can be used for embedding test synchronization and control commands into the network packets sent through a device or system under test. The device or system under test can be an edge device, with the data communication channel carrying normal packets containing meta-commands embedded in the packets to synchronize the test control of the test clients and the test servers connected to the edge device. |
| US08838816B2 |
System and method for remote party restrictions in a communications system
A system and method for remote party restrictions in a communications system are provided. A method for controller operations includes receiving a request from a first communications device to replicate a media flow that is being transmitted to the first communications device from a second communications device during a session, where the replicated media flow is to be provided to a third communications device, and where the second communications device is operated by a remote user. The method also includes allocating resources to a transmission of the replicated media flow to the third communications device, notifying the remote user of the request, and determining a response of the remote user to the request. |
| US08838815B2 |
Systems and methods to make a resource available via a local network
Methods and systems for making a resource available are disclosed. In a particular method, identification information associated with a portable device within a particular coverage area is received. A resource associated with the portable device is determined based on the identification information. An authentication message identifying the resource to a device is sent. Access control information is received from the device. The access control information indicates that access to the resource should be enabled via a local network. The resource is made available via the local network. |
| US08838810B2 |
Systems and methods for establishing connections between devices communicating over a network
Systems and methods are described for establishing a connection between a client and a server that are each communicating via a network. The methods and techniques may be used, for example, to establish a media streaming connection between a media player and a placeshifting device when a firewall or other impediment to direct network connections exists. A relay server receives connection requests from the client and from the server via the network. In response to receiving the requests, a first connection is established between the relay server and the client and a second connection between the relay server and the server. Data received by the relay server on each of the first and second connections is relayed to the other of the first and second connections to thereby establish the connection between the client and the server via the relay server. |
| US08838807B2 |
Edge traversal service dormancy
A system maintains a dormant state in the host, in which no beacons (or “bubbles”) are transmitted from the host when no application or service (collectively, “processes”) of the host is accepting unsolicited traffic via the edge traversal service. When at least one application or service begins to accept unsolicited traffic via the edge traversal service, the host enters a qualified state and begins transmitting the beacons. As each additional application or service begins to accept such traffic, the number of accepting applications and services is maintained. As applications and services terminate acceptance of such traffic, the number of accepting applications and services is decremented. When the last application or service terminates acceptance of unsolicited traffic via the edge traversal service, the host re-enters the dormant state and ceases transmission of its beacons. |
| US08838806B2 |
Connection management for M2M device in a mobile communication network
There is provided a method that relates to the setting up and/or maintaining of a connection between a machine-to-machine (M2M) device and a mobile communication network. In order to be able to adapt the connection management to the requirements of the M2M device, the M2M device may transmit an indication that it is an M2M device to the mobile communication network. At least one network node of the mobile communication network controls the setting up and/or the maintaining of the connection based on the indication. The network node may route a request for setting up the connection to a further network node based on the indication. |
| US08838805B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing a streamed media session
A method and an arrangement for enabling a communication session for streamed media between a client terminal and a server. A request-to-establish message is sent (202) from the client terminal, supplemented with a checksum generated (200) for available SDP information. The checksum is compared to a checksum generated for correct SDP information available at the server. A response message indicating the result of the comparison is received from the server (204). If the comparison indicates that the SDP information available at the server is incorrect, the response message is supplemented with the correct SDP information, to update (210) the available SDP information. The client terminal is then sending a new request-to-message supplemented with the updated SDP information. On the other hand, if the available SDP information is correct, streamed media is started to be sent (208) from the server to the client terminal. Generating a checksum of SDP information available at the client terminal and supplement to a request-to-establishment message, enables for the server to check that the SDP information available at the client terminal is up to date, thereby achieving a fast and reliable establishment of a communication session for streamed media between a client terminal and a server. |
| US08838802B2 |
Proximity routing for session based applications using anycast
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise automatically providing content to an information device from a content distribution node of a plurality of content distribution nodes. The information device can be adapted to send a request for the content from the first content distribution node utilizing an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the content distribution node. |
| US08838799B2 |
Command management in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for identifying commands for virtual resource instances in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a set of commands for an instance of a virtual resource may be received in a computer memory medium or the like. The commands may then be analyzed and information pertaining to the commands may be stored in a computer storage device or the like. When a user/requester later wishes to identify a command to be utilized for another instance of the virtual resource, the requester can access the information and make a determination as to what commands are typically utilized for similar and/or previous instances of the virtual resource. |
| US08838793B1 |
Method and apparatus for provisioning storage to a file system
A storage area network (SAN), which includes one or more remote systems, a plurality of storage devices, a SAN fabric comprising a plurality of fabric components for coupling the remote systems to the storage devices, and a central system having a SAN management server configured to monitor an amount of available storage in a file system used in the remote systems, and automatically provision additional storage to the file system in the event the amount of available storage in the file system decreases below a predetermined amount. |
| US08838791B2 |
Transient subscription records
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving, at the session management node, an initial request message, the initial request message including at least one subscription identifier; determining that the session management node does not have access to a subscription record associated with the at least one subscription identifier; generating a transient subscription record based on the initial request message; and processing the initial request message based on the initial request message and the transient subscription record. |
| US08838788B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for contact center management
A system, method, and computer program product for customer contact management via voice, chat, e-mail and social network contacts includes a balanced service process (BSP) for maximizing first contact resolution (FCR) and CSAT. The BSP is incorporated within a contact center (single center, multiple centers and/or work at home), which receives voice calls, SMS messages, email, chat, or social media communications from customers. The BSP in real-time determines dispositions of such contacts, monitors and manages the performance of individual resolvers. |
| US08838783B2 |
Distributed caching for resource and mobile network traffic management
Systems and methods for distributed caching for resource and mobile network traffic management are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a distributed proxy and cache system, including, means for, detecting a first data request made by a first mobile application on a mobile device; means for, retrieving cached elements stored in a local cache on the mobile device to respond to the first data request; means for, detecting a second data request made by a second mobile application on the mobile device, and/or means for, establishing connectivity of the mobile device to the wireless network to satisfy the second data request made. |
| US08838776B2 |
Method for the automatic time synchronisation of devices in network-based systems
A method is based on a communication- and data network for the automatic time synchronization of field devices, namely fill-level measuring devices and pressure measuring devices as well as field-device control units. The method comprises the steps of: determining a current time value by the field device or by the field-device control unit, and providing a desired value in a central server. Furthermore, the method comprises the following steps: comparing the current time value with the desired value, and setting the current time value to the desired value when the desired value differs from the current time value by more than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08838773B1 |
Detecting anonymized data traffic
Computer implemented methods and apparatuses for detecting and/or blocking anonymized data even if the user employs a web server that is not known to the web filter to be an anonymizing web server (such as a user-hosted anonymizer). The anonymize attempt may be detected by monitoring for the HTTP 302 Moved message and parsing the HTTP 302 Moved message for URLs, which may then be checked for unapproved content. The anonymize attempt may, additionally or alternatively, be detected by looking the IP addresses in an IP address rating database to detect suspicious traffic. |
| US08838772B2 |
System and method for analyzing the performance of multiple transportation streams of streaming media in packet-based networks
Streaming media network parameters are measured using an electronic system and displayed directly to a user or transmitted via an electronic interface such as an existing system network conduit, either in or out-of-band. A scalable hardware and/or software compute engine filters and reduces network parameters to simplify tracking the instantaneous and long term streaming media performance of the network. Hence, the entire set of active media streams is continuously monitored concurrently, thereby providing the ability to detect impairments as well as predict impending impairments. In one example, an existing packetized network conduit containing streaming media is tapped to concurrently and objectively analyze the streaming media streams, producing statistics (such as delay factor and media loss rate) and alarm-type events according to predetermined rules. Tapping the existing packetized network in multiple points provides comparison points and assists in pinpointing the source(s) of the impairment(s). |
| US08838770B2 |
Handling a service request in a hybrid computer system
A method and associated systems for handling a service request in a hybrid computer system. The hybrid computer system includes an application server computer and at least two mainframe computers. The server computer receives a service request from a user application, determines that the service request does not request a memory-management function, associates the request with a single-digit numeric category, and selects one of the mainframe computers as being able to most efficiently provide the requested service. The server then translates the service request into a configuration compatible with the selected mainframe and with a mainframe operating system running on the selected mainframe, and transmits the translated request to the selected mainframe. The server receives a result from the mainframe and translates the result into a configuration compatible with the application server computer, with the user application, and with a server operating system running on the application server computer. |
| US08838769B2 |
Method and system for providing remote access to applications
A method of remotely providing an application includes receiving, at an access server, a request for an application from a client. One or more application servers which are capable of providing the requested application are identified base at least in part on a resource of the identified one or more application servers. The client is provided with the identified one or more application servers which are capable of providing the application. |
| US08838767B2 |
Redirection service
A computing system can include an interface that receives a URL responsive to a user activating an Internet link via an application where the URL includes metadata for an item specified by a country-based Internet store; circuitry that identifies a base country of the user by resolving an Internet Protocol address associated with the user; circuitry that decides if the base country of the user differs from the country of the country-based Internet store; and circuitry that formulates, if the base country differs, a URL for redirecting the user to a country-based Internet store for a country that corresponds to the base country of the user. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08838766B2 |
Module and method for semantic negotiation
In various aspects, it is possible to provide an optimized service to a mobile terminal and a user, without prior knowledge of a service that the user prefers to use, or without a client module of a tightly coupled configuration. The optimized service may be provided by performing a semantic negotiation based on one or more ontologies. Also, it is possible to improve user convenience by automatically performing the semantic negotiation between the mobile terminal and a service server without user intervention. |
| US08838762B2 |
Virtual-machine management program and method for managing virtual machines
A method for managing virtual machines, the method causing a management server having a database includes link relation information and connected to a plurality of physical servers, on which virtual machine hosts are installed, the method includes updating the link relation information in such a manner that a link between a virtual machine host and a first virtual machine guest is disconnected, when information regarding the first virtual machine guest cannot be acquired from the virtual machine host and updating the link relation information stored in such a manner that a link between a virtual machine host and a second virtual machine guest, when information regarding the second virtual machine guest is acquired from the virtual machine host. |
| US08838761B2 |
Clear channel reporting and assisting orphaned nodes in a wireless network
In a wireless network, a device regularly communicates with at least one other node or device: generally this is its parent. If a problem with communication is detected, the device is preferably able to autonomously carry out a procedure to reacquire the network. In one embodiment, if a device is unable to communicate, it enters a temporary failsafe mode until that problem can be rectified. The device is suitably able to carry out a survey of local conditions in order to assist both it and the network to find a suitable alternative channel and, if a device is unable to immediately reconnect it broadcasts the result of its survey, the Network Environment Status (NES) message, in the hope that another device on the network will hear it. This Status message may then be used by the network to select an alternative channel. |
| US08838756B2 |
Management and implementation of enclosed local networks in a virtual lab
Methods, systems, and computer programs for creating isolated environments that include virtual machines (VM) and networks in a virtual infrastructure are presented. The method includes an operation to define a configuration of a virtual system which includes VMs, virtual network interface cards (VNIC) in the VMs, and configuration local networks (CLN). Further, the method associates each VNIC with one of the CLNs and transmits instructions to the virtual infrastructure for deploying the configuration. Deploying the configuration includes instantiating VMs and CLNs in the virtual infrastructure. Each VM is instantiated in a host monitored by a virtual lab server, and the CLNs are instantiated in the same hosts where the VMs have been instantiated. Only VMs from the configuration can connect to the instantiated CLNs. The method further transmits instructions to the virtual infrastructure to customize the VMs by executing the customization instructions in the guest operating systems of the VMs to configure the VMs' VNICs. |
| US08838745B2 |
Systems, methods and machine-readable mediums for integrated quality assurance brokering services
Systems, methods and machine-readable mediums for interfacing a plurality of service providers to address at least one service issue are provided. The systems may include a storage device and a processor. The storage device may store service provider data and service request data for a plurality of service providers. The service request data identifies at least one service issue with one or more of the plurality of service providers. The processor may be programmed to receive the service provider data from a plurality of service provider terminals, receive the service request data from at least one remote terminal, store the service provider data and the service request data in the storage device, and facilitate communication between the first service provider terminal and the customer terminal to address the at least one service issue. The computer readable mediums provide instructions to cause the processor to perform the operations above. |
| US08838743B2 |
Apparatus and method for a dynamically extensible virtual switch
An apparatus and method for a dynamically extensible virtual switch. An apparatus or virtual switch includes at least one router and a data structure. The router utilizes the data structure to organize a connection between one or more virtual network interface cards (VNICs) to form a virtual network. The virtual switch also identifies a VNIC node of a data frame by its unique identifier, utilizes the unique identifier to index a collection of elements to retrieve a pointer to a virtual network head, and forwards the data frame to all VNIC nodes in a VNIC node listing associated with the virtual network head except for a VNIC node that relates to the unique identifier. |
| US08838740B2 |
Information processing apparatus that controls device via network and method of controlling the apparatus, device control apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus, as well as device control system
An information processing apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in traffic on the network, and transmitting data even when the platform is different between a transmitting-side device and a receiving-side device. When a transfer request to the device is received from an upper layer software program, a virtualized controller extracts predetermined parameters necessary for controlling the device from parameters included in the transfer request, transmits the extracted parameters to the device, and stores the other parameters. When response parameters corresponding to the request parameters are received, a communication controller generates a transfer response by adding the stored parameters to the response parameters and transfers the generated transfer response to the upper layer software program. |
| US08838738B2 |
System and method for processing medical information through medical terminal
Provided is a system and method for processing medical information through a medical terminal. The system includes a mobile cloud system unit and a service browser unit. The service browser unit is configured as an application in a user terminal to allow a user to use a medical information processing service, and induces access to the mobile cloud system unit taking charge of medication information processing. |
| US08838734B2 |
System and method for supporting consumer entitlements in federate portal
A system and method can support a federated portal using a producer web application on a web server and a plurality of consumer web applications. The producer web application is a container web application that hosts a plurality of portlet applications that are deployed and maintained separately. Each consumer web application is adapted to collect and present available portlet applications hosted on the producer web application and offer them as a unified portal to end users. Upon receiving a request from a consumer web application, said producer web application can map the consumer web application to one particular role in a role set which includes a plurality of roles, check for portlet applications that are available based on the particular role, and response to the consumer web application with a message that describes the available portlet applications hosted in the producer web application. |
| US08838730B2 |
Apparatus for displaying an image, system processing image data, and method of processing image data
An apparatus of the present invention for displaying an image comprises connected device controller 22 for notifying one of a plurality of apparatuses S1 to Sn for transmitting an image connected via a network 99 and that has made a first connection request after activation, of information that display authority that is a right to preferentially perform processing for displaying an image is granted and of information that image data may be transmitted at any time, and for notifying another one or more of the plurality of apparatuses for transmitting an image and that have made a connection request, of information that image data cannot be transmitted unless permitted. |
| US08838727B2 |
Maintaining referential integrity
A method, computer program product, and system for maintaining referential integrity is described. A method may comprise migrating a migration document in a migration shard from a first location to a second location. The method may further comprise adding a first location identifier associated with the first location of the migration document to metadata associated with the migration shard. The method may also comprise adding a second location identifier associated with the second location of the migration document to the metadata associated with the migration shard. The method may additionally comprise adding one or more shard identifiers to the metadata associated with the migration shard, each of the one or more shard identifiers corresponding to a shard that includes a document that may be referenced by one or more documents in the migration shard. |
| US08838724B2 |
Computation of caching policy based on content and network constraints
An apparatus comprising a first content oriented network architecture (CONA) node configured to couple to at least one second CONA nodes and implement collaborative caching in accordance with criteria comprising at least one content caching objective and at least one network operational objective, wherein the content caching objectives are in accordance with the network operational objectives. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a caching policy engine configured to receive network policy information and compute a caching policy in accordance with the network policy information, an inter-cache data transfer component coupled to the caching policy engine and configured to fetch a plurality of content object portions in accordance with the caching policy, a storage engine coupled to the inter-cache data transfer component and configured to cache the content object portions, and an eviction algorithm component coupled to the storage engine and configured to determine which, if any, of the cached content object portions are to be evicted. |
| US08838722B2 |
Communications adaptable to mobile devices
A communication system is provided that is preferably a peer-to-peer (p2p) system. One or both of audio and video can be transferred among user terminals in the p2p system. The user terminals can include at least one master terminal, which could be an unhosted master terminal that does not communicate its own audio and/or video. In one embodiment, a first master terminal is included that controls video and/or audio transfers and an unhosted second master terminal is provided that communicates with at least two user terminals to provide desired connectivity involving such user terminals. In another embodiment, an unhosted master terminal is provided when the user terminals include mobile terminals in order to avoid power usage by mobile terminals. This communication system can be utilized with online game playing in which a game server is included, as well as having other communication applications. |
| US08838720B2 |
Method for managing a distribution of bandwidth in a communications network, corresponding computer-readable storage medium and slave node
A method is proposed for managing a distribution of bandwidth in a communications network by means of a slave node of the network, said network comprising a set of nodes.The slave node is such that it performs steps for: determining a coarse representation and a detailed representation of the distribution of the bandwidth in said network, as a function of a piece or pieces of information relative to conditions of transmission in said network and/or relative to applications needs of transmission; receiving a coarse reference representation of the distribution of bandwidth in said network, coming from a master node of said network; comparing said determined coarse representation and said reference coarse representation; should said coarse representations be identical, applying said determined detailed representation; if not, applying said coarse reference representation. |
| US08838719B1 |
Techniques for sender-validated message transmissions
Disclosed are various embodiments for filtering objectionable content from messages prior to transmission of the messages to recipients. A message is obtained for which a sender seeks to transmit, via a network, to one or more recipients. An examination is determined that is to be performed upon the message, where the examination is selected from among a set of available examinations. An action is initiated for the message, where the action is determined based upon a result of the examination. The action includes at least one of: transmitting the message to the recipients, requesting the sender to review the message, modifying the message, and deleting the message. |
| US08838717B2 |
System and method for directing attention to Web site functionality
A system determines if functionality offered via a Web site is being underutilizing by a user, e.g., not being using at all or not being using with some desired degree of regularity. When it is determined that the functionality offered via the Web site is being underutilized by the user, the system provides an email to the user to direct the attention of the user to this functionality of the Web site. |
| US08838713B2 |
User notification
A data processing device comprises a notification controller configured to provide notification to a user in response to a data processing event at that device or another device to which that device is connected; and a user interface by which the user can attend to a user notification to carry out a data processing task relating to the notified data processing event; the notification controller being configured to inhibit further notifications while the user is attending to a current notification using the user interface. |
| US08838712B2 |
Processing of associated messages from plural social network services
The subject innovation relates to a method for presenting messages to a user of social network services. The messages are provided via an aggregation system, the aggregation system being connected to the social network services. An exemplary method comprises storing an identifier associated with a message in a user account of the user in the aggregation system. The exemplary method also comprises receiving messages from the social network services in the aggregation system, the messages being associated with the identifier. The exemplary method further comprises presenting the received messages to the user in response to a comparison between the identifier associated to the received messages and the identifiers stored in the user account. |
| US08838709B2 |
Anti-phishing electronic message verification
Systems and methods are disclosed for allowing a recipient of an electronic message to verify the authenticity of the electronic message. A code can be included in the electronic message. The code can represent, or be associated with, an attribute of the electronic message. The recipient can navigate independently of the electronic message to a website familiar to the recipient and enter the code. In response, one or more attributes can be displayed to the recipient. The attributes are usable to verify the electronic message. |
| US08838702B2 |
System and method for generating configurations used for accessing electronic mailboxes
A system and method generates configurations used for accessing electronic mailboxes. A database stores the configuration conventions that are sets of e-mail expressions formed by symbols. A transformer module expands configuration conventions stored in the database to generate configurations based on user supplied context data. |
| US08838699B2 |
Policy based provisioning of Web conferences
A method, system and apparatus for the policy driven provisioning of a Web conference. A Web conference provisioning system can include a policy manager coupled to at least two different Web conferencing platforms over a computer communications network. The policy manager can have a configuration for processing a request for a Web conferencing from a communicatively linked end user to select one of the Web conferencing platforms to host the Web conference. Preferably, two of the different Web conferencing platforms can include a CPE based platform and a hosted platform. |
| US08838698B2 |
Recipient address masking in computer communications
A messaging system for masking addresses from sending processes. The messaging system maintains a message service profile and a service-address profile. The messaging system accesses recipient data. Sending processes are able to send messages to the messaging system in a form such that each message has an message type and list of recipients. The messaging system is able to determine which of a set of sending services is to be used to send the message, based on the message-service profile. The service-address profile stores information about where in the structure of recipient data the appropriate address for the selected service is located. The addresses corresponding to the named recipients, for the services determined by the messaging system, can be retrieved by from recipient data. The message system can then provide the recipient address to the appropriate sending services to send the message. |
| US08838697B2 |
Peer-to-peer file transfer between computer systems and storage devices
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates communication with a storage device. During operation, the system provides a physically operated mechanism for enabling detection of the storage device in proximity to a computer system using a discovery protocol. If detection of the storage device using the discovery protocol is enabled, the system uses the physically operated mechanism to establish a wireless peer-to-peer connection between the storage device and the computer system. The system then uses the wireless peer-to-peer connection to transfer a file between the storage device and the computer system. |
| US08838695B2 |
Hydrocarbon well information portal
A networked information management system and architecture for managing files and documents pertaining to oil and gas wells and properties. On request by an authenticated user, a client workstation displays geographical information system (GIS) layers, via a web collaboration portal, for a region of the earth at which wells or properties may be located. The wells or properties within the displayed region enable links to documents or files associated with those wells and properties, and by way of which the system user can access the documents and files. Both structured and unstructured data elements can be accessed by the system. A collaboration portal allows for standardized access to the data, and also for simultaneous or collaborative access to the data. Workflow management capability is also implemented. |
| US08838694B2 |
System and method for shared multimedia experiences across multiple subscriptions
A system and method for shared multimedia experiences across multiple subscriptions are provided. A method for application server operations includes receiving a first message from an application server, the first message including a request to initiate a collaborative session with a first communications device and a second communications device, examining a first profile of the first communications device and a second profile of the second communications device, establishing the collaborative session with the second communications device based on the first profile of the first communications device and the second profile of the second communications device, and sending a second message to the application server, the second message including information regarding the collaborative session. |
| US08838690B2 |
Caching of digital contents in P2P networks
A method for enabling sharing of content files among nodes of a P2P network is provided. The P2P network comprises sub-networks each including a respective plurality of nodes capable of storing content files. Each sub-network has an associated corresponding hash table for indexing the content files stored in the nodes of the sub-network. The hash table is distributed among at least some of the nodes of the sub-network. The method comprises, for each content file stored in at least one node of a sub-network, storing in the hash table associated with the sub-network a criticality index providing an indication of the degree of sharing of the content file among the nodes of the sub-network. The method causes a node to cache at least one content file for sharing with other nodes of the sub-network based on the criticality index of the at least one content file. |
| US08838688B2 |
Inferring user interests using social network correlation and attribute correlation
Methods and apparatus are provided for inferring user interests from both direct and indirect social neighbors. User interests are inferred from social neighbors by exploiting the correlation among multiple attributes of a user, in addition to the social correlation of an attribute among a group of users. Attributes of a user are inferred by obtaining an inferred set of attributes comprised of one or more attributes of social neighbors of the user. Thereafter, the inferred set is modified using a user attribute correlation model describing a probability that the attributes in the inferred set co-occur on the user and one or more of the social neighbors. An inference quality of the obtained attributes can optionally be obtained based on social network properties of the social neighbors. Interactions with the user and/or the social neighbors can be employed to solicit feedback to improve the one or more inferred attributes. |
| US08838687B2 |
Composite services provision within a telecommunications network
The invention refers to a method of correlating a plurality of service instances by a service composition entity, wherein the services are performed by one or a plurality of servers of a telecommunications network. Thereto, the service composition entity performs the steps of invoking a composite service instance corresponding to the service request, and generating a composite service identifier identifying this composite service instance, contacting the one or a plurality of application servers for invoking the plurality of component service instances, wherein the plurality of component service instances are associated to the composite service instance, and sending a first service report comprising an information about the composite service instance to a service supervision system, wherein this information enables the service supervision system to identify reports about the component service instances as being associated to the composite service instance. The invention further proposes a service composition entity for correlating the plurality of service instances, and a service supervision system for monitoring, supervising or controlling the composite service instance. |
| US08838682B2 |
Method for providing composed services in a peer-to-peer network
A method for providing a service containing facilities in a peer-to-peer network comprising peer devices is provided. The peer devices may be associated with groups, each group being defined by a pre-determined facility. The pre-determined facility may be executed by each peer device associated with a respective group, and a selected peer device of a group executes the respective facility. A sequence of facilities and specifications to be executed is publicized in the peer-to-peer network, on the peer devices executing the respective facility by a peer device requesting the combined service, and the selection of the selected peer devices is carried out according to the publicized sequence and the publicized specifications. |
| US08838679B2 |
Providing state service for online application users
Online application state information is automatically saved for a user interacting with the application content. Saved states are presented to the user upon the user's return to the application. Upon the user's selection of a state, the user is presented with the online application populated with state information from prior interaction. |
| US08838676B2 |
Method and apparatus for discovering internet protocol television service (IPTV) provider and IPTV service by using session initiation protocol
Provided are a method and apparatus by which a first entity receives information about one or more Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service providers or information about one or more IPTV services from a second entity by using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message. |
| US08838673B2 |
Method and apparatus to generate audio versions of web pages
Audio files corresponding to a web page are generated by filtering a web page to remove characters that are non-audible. The audio files can be generated by a first server that receives a request for a web page or can be generated by a second server operating in cooperation with the first server. Additionally, web pages can be provided with a read me command button or other control object to allow audio versions of the web page to be selectively presented to a client terminal where the user desires to hear an audio version of the web page. Further, servers may maintain play lists of web pages, including audio versions thereof if desired. Some servers may maintain a preference list of web pages that users would like to hear audio versions of. |
| US08838671B2 |
Defining force sensations associated with graphical images
Force feedback is provided to a user of a client computer receiving information such as a web page over a network such as the World Wide Web from a server machine. The client machine has a force feedback interface device through which the user experiences physical force feedback. The web page may include force feedback information to provide authored force effects. Force feedback is correlated to web page objects by a force feedback program running on the client and based on input information from the interface device, the web page objects, and the force feedback information. Generic force effects can also be provided, which are applied uniformly at the client machine to all web page objects of a particular type as defined by user preferences at the client machine. A web page authoring interface is also described that includes the ability to add force sensations to a web page. The user may assign force effects to web page objects and immediately feel how the web page will feel to an end user. A web page is output by the interface, including force information to provide the force effects at a client. The authoring tool can include or access a force design interface for creating or modifying force effects. |
| US08838663B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing multiplicative functions
A new function for calculating the reciprocal residual of a floating-point number X is defined as recip_residual(X)=1−X*recip(X), where recip(X) represents the reciprocal of X. The function may be implemented using a fused multiply-add unit in a processor. The reciprocal value of X, recip(X), may be obtained from a lookup table. The recip_residual function may help reduce the latency of many multiplicative functions that are based on products of multiple numbers and can be expressed in simple terms of functions on each individual number (e.g., log(U*V)=log(U)+log(V)). |
| US08838661B2 |
Radix-8 fixed-point FFT logic circuit characterized by preservation of square root-i operation
A system and method to reduce roundoff error of Fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation. Data which comes out as an irrational number (a square root) out of twiddle factors on a complex plane, included in a butterfly operation (8p) is preserved intentionally without being calculated in one stage of multiple stages of a multi-stage pipelined FFT, and when it occurs again in a later stage, an operation to multiply the two twiddle factors with each other is performed. This enables to eliminate roundoff errors during the butterfly operation 8p of radix-8. Other applications are also possible such as by overlaying a further stage by a butterfly operation of radix-2 or radix-4. |
| US08838660B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing filter sensitivities
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing filter sensitivities. As an example, reduced sensitivity filter circuits are discussed that include a digital filter and a filter tap adaptation circuit. The digital filter is operable to filter a received input based at least in part on a plurality of filter taps, and to provide a filtered output. The filter tap adaptation circuit is operable to receive an error value and a weighting control value, and to adaptively calculate at least one of the filter taps using the error value and the weighting control value. |
| US08838659B2 |
Enhanced knowledge repository
Embodiments of the present invention relate to knowledge representation systems which include a knowledge base in which knowledge is represented in a structured, machine-readable format that encodes meaning. |
| US08838653B2 |
Translating an object-oriented data model to a YANG data model
Techniques in a data processor for translating an object-oriented data model to a YANG data model are described. In one embodiment, for example, a translator system is described for translating data representing an object-oriented data model construct to a data representing one or more YANG data model statements, the translator system comprises: an object-oriented data model construct identifier for identifying data representing an object-oriented data model construct; an object-oriented data model construct-to-YANG data model statement translator for translating the identified data to translated data representing one or more YANG data model statements; and a storing module for storing the translated data in one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. |
| US08838644B2 |
Extensible access control list framework
Methods, systems, and products for governing access to objects on a filesystem. In one general embodiment, the method includes providing a framework in an operating system environment for support of a plurality of access control list (ACL) types, thereby enabling governing of access to objects on a filesystem according to an associated definition of an ACL type; and accepting definitions of ACL types. The associated definition may comprise a kernel extension. |
| US08838643B2 |
Context-aware parameterized action links for search results
Parameterized actions are provided with search results to allow users to enter parameter values and perform the actions directly from the search results. By analyzing websites in a category, a parameterized action available at the websites and common parameters may be identified. When an end user performs a search that returns a web page result from a website having the parameterized action, an indication of the parameterized and common parameters may be provided as part of the search result. Additionally, user interface elements may allow the end user to enter parameter values to perform the parameterized action directly from the search result. In some instances, user context may be employed to pre-populate parameter values in the search result. |
| US08838641B2 |
Content recommendation system, content recommendation method, content recommendation device, and information storage medium
The content recommendation system includes a user attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of a given user, a list acquisition means for acquiring at least one list from among lists of content sequentially generated over time on the basis of the attribute information of the given user acquired by the user attribute information acquisition means, a user preference information acquisition means for acquiring user preference information, which is feature information of content preferred by the given user, a content extraction means for extracting some content from content included in the list acquired by the list acquisition means on the basis of the user preference information acquired by the user preference information acquisition means, and a content presentation means for presenting the content extracted by the content extraction means to the given user. |
| US08838638B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating and accessing metadata in media file format
Provided are a method and apparatus for generating and accessing metadata in a media file format. The method of generating metadata in a media file format includes generating a time-track map composed of a plurality of map nodes that are distinguished according to track and unit time, and generating media objects corresponding to each of the map nodes, in which each of the map nodes includes position information of the corresponding media objects, thereby facilitating real-time reproduction and modification of content. |
| US08838637B2 |
Systems and methods for processing consumer queries in different languages for clinical documents
A computer implemented method of performing at least one document consumer query using a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, said method comprising the steps of: receiving at least one query for at least one clinical documents in a first query language from at least one document consumer; translating the query into a second query language to obtain a translated query; conducting the translated query in at least one database compatible with the second query language by the processor to obtain a first result; and providing the obtained first result to the document consumer. In some embodiments, the first query language is Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) language, or the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) language, and the second language is Cross-Enterprise Document Sharing (XDS) language. |
| US08838634B1 |
Custom user parallel data import and export
Formatting data is disclosed. An indication of a specified data to be formatted between a format of a database and a format external to database is received. A formatter of the database is used to format the specified data between the format of the database and the format external to the database. The formatter has been integrated with the database using a formatter code defined external to the database. |
| US08838632B2 |
Methods and apparatus for searching with awareness of geography and languages
A system that automatically discerning the best combinations of a user query's geographical origin and language, retrieving and displaying search results accordingly. A record on the system are associated with a geographic location and a language. A record could be composed of two or more records, each of which associates with a location and a language. A record could be in rich media format. |
| US08838631B2 |
Facility management system using geographic information system
A facility management system has a facility GIS database configured with electronic map data and facility management GIS data containing data for identifying a location and a form of a facility located along a railway or a road, a facility register database configured to manage a name of a rail or a road, a kilometer post and attribute information in association with one another, and a kilometer post information management section configured to manage coordinate data of the facility on the general map and the kilometer post in association with each other. When searching for attribute information from the facility register database, the kilometer post information management section is referred to obtain kilometer post information by using the coordinate data of the facility and the attribute information of the facility is searched from the facility register database by using the kilometer post information. |
| US08838630B2 |
Method and systems for efficient delivery of previously stored content
Systems and methods for reducing file sizes for files delivered over a network are disclosed. A method comprises receiving a first file comprising sequences of data; creating a hash table having entries corresponding to overlapping sequences of data; receiving a second file comprising sequences of data; comparing each of the sequences of data in the second file to the sequences of data in the hash table to determine sequences of data present in both the first and second files; and creating a third file comprising sequences of data from the second file and representations of locations and lengths of said sequences of data present in both the first and second files. |
| US08838629B2 |
Anonymous information exchange
A third party facilitates exchange of customer data between first and second entities while maintaining customer privacy. Personally identifiable information (PII) and first entity customer attributes of a first set of customers are received from a first entity. PII for a second set of customers is received from a second entity. First and second set common customers are identified using the PII of the first and the second set of customers. Subsequently, a list of third set of customers is sent to the second entity. The list of third set of customers includes the common customers and a plurality of other customers from the second set of customers. Second entity customer attributes are received for each customer in the list of third set of customers. Further, the first entity customer attributes of the common customers and the second entity customer attributes of the common customers are linked. |
| US08838625B2 |
Automated screen scraping via grammar induction
A method and a computer-readable medium are provided which perform screen scraping via grammar induction. The computer-readable medium stores instructions of the method, the instructions directing a computer processor to intercept display information transmitted to a computer-implemented display device representing information stored in a data source; induce a grammar via statistical analysis of the intercepted display information; provide the grammar to a parser-generator to generate a parser corresponding to the induced grammar; and perform screen scraping using the generated parser. |
| US08838619B1 |
Ranking authors and their content in the same framework
One or more server devices may simultaneously calculate first ranking scores for a group of users and second ranking scores for a group of comments authored by the group of users. The calculating may occur during a same process. The one or more server devices may further provide one of a first ranked list that includes information identifying the group of users, the information identifying the group of users being ordered based on the first ranking scores, or a second group of comments of the group of comments, the comments in the second group of comments being ordered based on the second ranking scores. |
| US08838617B2 |
Method and apparatus for searching for recommended music using emotional information of music
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for searching for recommended music using the emotional information of music and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus that enable recommended music to be searched for using mixed emotions by extracting emotional values including a valence value and an arousal value from an input search condition when a predetermined search condition is input by a user, extracting an emotion rank combination corresponding to the extracted emotional value information using an emotion model that includes mixed emotions corresponding to the emotional values, searching a music emotion DB for music information corresponding to the emotion rank combination, and outputting a recommended music list based on the results of the search, thus improving the user's satisfaction with the results of the search. |
| US08838613B1 |
Identifying trends from micro-posts
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for identifying trends via representative micro-posts. One of the methods includes identifying query terms; selecting candidate documents that satisfy one or more of the terms of the query terms; selecting, from the candidate documents, candidate documents based on a weighted-coverage function for the query terms; pairing documents from the candidate documents based on a distance between the paired documents; generating one or more clusters from the paired documents, a cluster being associated with one or more topics of the query terms; selecting from the candidate documents, one or more particular documents, for one or more clusters, based on a diversity function; and providing for presentation the particular documents as representative documents that cover one or more topics associated with the one or more clusters. |
| US08838612B2 |
Methods and systems for implementing fulfillment management
Embodiments of the invention include a method of implementing fulfillment management. The method includes receiving order information, wherein the order information includes one or more order lines, selecting at least one of the one or more order lines, scoring the one or more selected order lines, and accessing one or more rules assigned to the one or more order lines. The method further includes based on the assigned rules, defining a priority rank of each of the one or more selected order lines, specifying fulfillment of inventory based on the priority and scoring of each of the selected one or more order lines, and assigning inventory based on the specified fulfillment. |
| US08838606B1 |
Systems and methods for classifying electronic information using advanced active learning techniques
Systems and methods for classifying electronic information or documents into a number of classes and subclasses are provided through an active learning algorithm. In certain embodiments, seed sets may be eliminated by merging relevance feedback and machine learning phases. Such document classification systems are easily scalable for large document collections, require less manpower and can be employed on a single computer, thus requiring fewer resources. Furthermore, the classification systems and methods described can be used for any pattern recognition or classification effort in a wide variety of fields, including electronic discovery in legal proceedings. |
| US08838605B2 |
Methods and apparatus for distributed community finding
Methods and apparatus for a new approach to the problem of finding communities in complex networks relating to a social definition of communities and percolation are disclosed. Instead of partitioning the graph into separate subgraphs from top to bottom a local algorithm (communities of each vertex) allows overlapping of communities. The performance of an algorithm on synthetic, randomly-generated graphs and real-world networks is used to benchmark this method against others. An heuristic is provided to generate a list of communities for networks using a local community finding algorithm. Unlike diffusion based algorithms, The provided algorithm finds overlapping communities and provides a means to measure confidence in community structure. It features locality and low complexity for exploring the communities for a subset of network nodes, without the need for exploring the whole graph. |
| US08838604B1 |
Labeling events in historic news
A system identifies a set of documents from a corpus of documents that are relevant to a word, phrase or sentence and that were published at approximately a same time period, where each document of the set of documents includes news content and has an associated headline. The system extracts headlines from the set of documents and derives a score for each headline of the extracted headlines based on how many times selected words in each headline occurs among all of the extracted headlines. |
| US08838602B1 |
Systems and methods for web page grouping based on URLs
Systems and methods for webpage grouping based on URLS include receiving a uniform resource locator item; receiving a plurality of flow paths from a database, each flow path representing a path of web page visits by a user, each flow path comprising the uniform resource locator item, each flow path further comprising at least one other uniform resource locator item having a uniform resource locator prefix; defining a node for display based on the uniform resource locator prefix common to the plurality of flow paths; and generating display data comprising a representation of the uniform resource locator item and a representation of the defined node. |
| US08838600B2 |
Method for determining constraint-based relationships between devices for interacting and sharing information
The system includes a registry server and devices. The registry server is coupled to the devices for publishing or registering spots, managing places and authenticating membership and places. The registry server includes a data store for constraint metadata, an authentication module, a spot manager module, a place manager module and a query response module. The devices are adapted to collect field values, create spots, access places, and interact and share information with other spots. In one embodiment, the devices include a constraint collection module, a spot creation module, a query module, a challenge creation module, a presentation module, a challenge response module, a spot action module and a spot communication module. The present invention includes methods for creating a spot, for generating and approving a challenge, for direct communication or sharing of documents, for performing an action based upon information space membership and for searching for available places. |
| US08838597B1 |
Semantic metadata extraction
A method and apparatus for extracting metadata. The method includes the steps of capturing metadata of one or more data sources, capturing metadata of one or more data sets comprising the one or more data sources, capturing metadata of one or more fields comprising one or more of the data sets, and capturing metadata of content within zero or more of the fields. The extracted metadata is stored to a non-volatile computer readable storage medium. |
| US08838596B2 |
Systems and methods to process enquires by receving and processing user defined scopes first
An apparatus for use in managing information content in a network-based communication system. The apparatus includes a processing element that includes a processor managed and operated by an operation system (OS) software and coupled to a memory. The processing element executes a first application to call a second application for permitting the user to enter a plurality of defining terms for the second application to apply the defining terms as search filters for searching and retrieving uniform resource locators for linking to contents relevant to the defining terms entered by the user. The second application further determines whether to call the OS depending on the search filters generated from the defining terms. |
| US08838593B2 |
Method and system for storing, organizing and processing data in a relational database
A system and method of processing a data query in a data processing system is provided. The data in the data processing system includes a plurality of individual data elements. The data elements are grouped and stored in at least one data unit. The information about the at least one data unit is gathered and stored in at least one information unit. The method comprises receiving the data query to be executed; using the information in the at least one information unit to optimize and execute the query; resolving the data query; and returning results of the data query for use by the data processing system. |
| US08838591B2 |
Embedding hot spots in electronic documents
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the MMR system includes a method, system, and computer readable medium for embedding a hot spot in an electronic document. Marks corresponding to a designation for a hot spot in an electronic document are embedded, allowing for later capture of coordinates corresponding to a printed representation of the electronic document and the hot spot. |
| US08838590B2 |
Automatic media article composition using previously written and recorded media object relationship data
Metadata is associated with media elements in a content store during automatic composition of media articles. The metadata includes relationship data indicating how what is portrayed by that media element relates to what is portrayed by one or more other media elements. Because relationship metadata is included media articles can be generated automatically with the need for the production of a detailed framework describing that media article. |
| US08838585B2 |
Project resource qualification and keyword scoring
A system and method for facilitating determining and displaying search results and accompanying scores in an enterprise computing environment. The example method includes receiving a resource request that includes one or more search criteria. The one or more search criteria includes a specification of one or more keywords and one or more resource qualifications. The method further includes determining, based on the search criteria, a qualification score for each resource indicated in a database of resources; using the qualification score to determine search results responsive to the resource request; and displaying each search result proximate to a qualification score. In a specific embodiment, the method further includes calculating the qualification score by combining components of the qualification score according to an algorithm. The components of the qualification score include a competency component and a keyword component. |
| US08838578B2 |
Interactive query plan visualization and optimization
A computer system affords a user the ability to interactively formulate, visualize, and modify query plans that are to be posed to a database. The computer system provides query visualization in the form of decision trees having nodes selectable/deselectable to search for alternative query plans with lower or minimum execution time. The estimated cost and/or the execution time of a subtree of a query plan may be mapped according to a rectangle area metaphore, with the area of a rectangle enclosed by a larger rectangle representing a parent node in the plan tree. Query plans may be saved by the system in order to facilitate their visualization, optimization, and/or modification at a later date. |
| US08838575B2 |
Generic framework for historical analysis of business objects
The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for analyzing historic changes to business objects. One method includes monitoring at least one business object for a modification made to at least one business object node attribute. In response to a monitored modification associated with a particular business object node attribute, a new historical version of the at least one business object node attribute is prepared, the new historical version of the at least one business object node attribute including the modified business object node attribute value. A previous historical version of the at least one business object node attribute is retrieved and updated in response to the monitored modification. The new historical version of the at least one business object node attribute and the updated previous historical version of the at least one business object node attribute are then stored. |
| US08838574B2 |
Autonomic index creation, modification and deletion
An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation, modification and deletion. An autonomic index mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created, modified or deleted based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating, modifying and deleting indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating, modifying and deleting indexes. |
| US08838567B1 |
Customization of search results for search queries received from third party sites
A third party website provides a search interface to a general search engine. A site profile of the third party website describes various topics, keywords, or domains that are potentially relevant or of interest to users who access the third party website. The topics are associated with a topical directory, with domains associated with each topic; the domains in a given topic are given various weightings. When a search is submitted to the general search engine from the third party website via the search interface, the general search engine uses the site profile to customize the search results. The search results are customized by weighting the ranking of documents from websites associated with the topics in the site profile. The site profile can be manually or automatically constructed. |
| US08838566B2 |
Method and means for browsing by walking
A mobile station is arranged to determine its location, which is searched against street addresses from a database, and at least one matching street address is retrieved. The street address is searched on the mobile station and/or over the network. The search engine conducts a search in the mobile station file system and/or the Internet and/or a file system over the network with the at least one query term, —at least one search result is arranged to be displayed to user on the screen of the mobile station. This facilitates on-demand effortless Mobile Internet Search that allows the users to access opportunities that they did not know about, or would not have had time to find out about with minimum effort as the software of the mobile phone is scanning the Internet and information pages for these opportunities and displaying the results dynamically on the mobile phone screen. |
| US08838565B2 |
Neuroimaging database systems and methods
Systems for and methods of utilizing a neuroimaging database are presented. The systems and methods include techniques for analyzing the pathophysiological basis of a chronic brain disease and/or the effectiveness of a treatment for a chronic brain disease, obtaining data for research of a chronic brain disease, searching for chronic brain disease symptoms identified in a clinical patient, searching a database by comparing the brain scan images of patients with suspected indications of chronic brain disease with other patients in the database to identify sets of patients with similar indications in their brain scan images, displaying brain scan information regarding a person, and using image pattern matching to analyze the pathophysiological basis of a chronic brain disease and/or the effectiveness of a proposed or previously administered treatment for a chronic brain disease. |
| US08838564B2 |
Method to increase content relevance using insights obtained from user activity updates
Embodiments are directed towards ranking candidate pieces of content for publication based on a weighted combination of an “activity score” and a “trending score”. In one embodiment, the activity score measures social activity related to the content, such as how much the content has been shared, viewed, or commented on. In one embodiment, the trending score indicates a measure of trending topics contained in the content. In one embodiment, trending topics are keywords derived from an analysis of social activities across the internet, such as blog posts, wall posts, tweets, comments, ratings, tags, videos, pictures, and the like. In one embodiment, a topic is trending if it surpasses a minimum absolute threshold of social activity as well as a percentage increase in social activity. |
| US08838560B2 |
System and method for measuring the effectiveness of an on-line advertisement campaign
A system and method for modeling and optimizing the effectiveness of search engine optimization (“SEO”) initiatives and search engine marketing (“SEA”) campaigns is described. Several embodiments include methods and systems for classifying each of a plurality of websites using at least one of a plurality of classifications. Data associated with the plurality of websites is then acquired. The acquired data is then analyzed to achieve a result which may be used to model or optimize the effectiveness of the SEO initiatives and SEA campaigns. |
| US08838558B2 |
Hash lookup table method and apparatus
A method includes generating an N-bit generated hash key for an M-bit search key. A data value associated with a matching hash key stored in a content addressable memory is retrieved. The matching hash key is then validated. The content addressable memory supports 2k entries, wherein M>N>k. |
| US08838557B2 |
Automated viewable selectable change history manipulation
A set of edited changes associated with an editable file is displayed on a display associated with a computing device in response to receipt of a request via a user input device to display the plurality of edited changes. A contextual representation of the editable file is displayed. A context indicator is displayed within the contextual representation of the editable file that represents a location within the editable file associated with a first of the displayed set of edited changes. The context indicator is iteratively updated to represent a location within the editable file associated with each selected element of the displayed set of edited changes in response to detection of user selections of elements of the displayed set of edited changes received via the user input device. |
| US08838554B2 |
Systems and methods for providing content aware document analysis and modification
Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for providing content-aware document analysis and modification are provided. A system for analyzing document content according to the invention may include a rules server that stores a set of expressions. Such expressions may define predetermined confidential information and/or patterns of confidential expressions. The system may further include a communication plugin that provides a platform for incorporating the set of confidential expression patterns as part of a document-producing application. Following incorporation of the communication plugin, an inline document monitor module according to the invention may form part of the document-producing application. The inline document monitor may monitor for the occurrence of at least one of the set of confidential expression patterns in a document. |
| US08838550B1 |
Readable text-based compression of resource identifiers
Provided are techniques for compressing a text string that includes multiple parameter keys and multiple corresponding parameter values. In an example embodiment, the techniques include identifying the parameter keys and determining corresponding parameter key identifiers. In this embodiment, a first portion of a compressed URL is generated as a string of unique parameter key identifiers that corresponds to the plurality of parameter key identifiers. A second portion of the compressed URL is generated as a parameter value list that corresponds to the string of the plurality of unique parameter key identifiers and to corresponding ones of the plurality of parameter values. In addition to the foregoing, other techniques are described in the figures, description, and claims. |
| US08838542B1 |
Optimized image archiving
An optimized backup image of a virtual machine is generated. The virtual machine is associated with a virtual disk. The virtual disk includes one or more virtual volumes. Generating the optimized backup image includes excluding one or more invalid sectors of the virtual disk from the optimized backup image. |
| US08838537B2 |
System and device for data management, and method thereof
Provided are a data management method, device and system for synchronizing data without prior knowledge of the data's structure. When any application is activated, application data is created and also an application data change log is created to indicate a change in the application data. In addition, a schema table defining a data structure for storing the application data is created and also a schema table change log indicating a change in the schema table is created. Based on such data and logs, a client and a server can share data without a prior agreement in data schema. |
| US08838532B2 |
Collaborative self-service contact architecture with automatic blog content mapping capability
Resolving an issue raised by at least one user includes establishing a contact session over a communication channel for servicing the issue. The Internet is searched for content related to providing a resolution for the issue using a customized query, when a search of a database does not return results. Content obtained from at least one Internet source as a result of searching the Internet using the customized query is restructured to prepare the resolution for the issue. The at least one Internet source from which the content was obtained is updated with the resolution. |
| US08838529B2 |
Applying replication rules to determine whether to replicate objects
A source server maintains a replication rule specifying a condition for a replication attribute and a replication action to take if the condition with respect to the replication attribute is satisfied, wherein the replication action indicates to include or exclude the object having an attribute value for the replication attribute that satisfies the condition. For each of the objects, the replication rule is applied by determining an attribute value of the object corresponding to the replication attribute in the replication rule and determining whether the determined attribute value satisfies the condition for the replication attribute defined in the determined replication rule. The replication action on the object in response to determining that the determined attribute value satisfies the condition for the replication attribute. |
| US08838528B2 |
Coalescing and capturing data between events prior to and after a temporal window
Systems and methods of coalescing and capturing data between events prior to and after a temporal window are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes determining a temporal window based on one or more of a user data and an automatically generated data, coalescing data between events prior to the temporal window using a processor and a physical memory and capturing data between events after the temporal window. The coalescing data between events prior to the temporal window may be determined by a set of overlapping operations to a data set, wherein certain operations have non-overlapping sectors which are not coalesced. Shifting a data view around a recovery point through a direction-agnostic roll algorithm that may use a roll-forward algorithm to shift the data view to a time after the recovery point and/or a roll-backward algorithm to shift the data view to a time before the recovery point. |
| US08838522B1 |
Identifying user segment assignments
Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying segment assignments of users within segments of interest. Historical user behavior associated with users for whom segment assignments within segments of interest is analyzed. Probabilities associating possible segment assignments within a segment of interest with user behavior are calculated. User behavior of anonymous users and/or users for which segment assignments are unknown can be determined along with a confidence score. |
| US08838513B2 |
Adaptive analytical behavioral and health assistant system and related method of use
This present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an Adaptive Analytical Behavioral and Health Assistant. These systems and methods may include collecting one or more of patient behavior information, clinical information, or personal information; learning one or more patterns that cause an event based on the collected information and one or more pattern recognition algorithms; identifying one or more interventions to prevent the event from occurring or to facilitate the event based on the learned patterns; preparing a plan based on the collected information and the identified interventions; and/or presenting the plan to a user or executing the plan. |
| US08838512B2 |
Random walk on query pattern graph for query task classification
A classification process may reduce the computational resources and time required to collect and classify training data utilized to enable a user to effectively access online information. According to some implementations, training data is established by defining one or more seed queries and query patterns. A bi-partite graph may be constructed using the seed query and query pattern information. A traversal of the bi-partite graph can be performed to expand the training data to encompass sufficient data to perform classification of the present search task. |
| US08838507B2 |
Active learning decision engines
Systems and methods for active learning decision engines in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an active learning decision engine includes equivalence class storage, hypotheses storage, edge storage, test storage, where tests are related to hypotheses, observation storage; and a processor, where the processor is configured to determine a plurality of equivalence classes containing one or more hypotheses, determine a set of edges utilizing tests, where the edges in the set of edges span hypotheses in distinct equivalence classes, determine weights for the determined edges, select a test based on the determined weights, perform the selected test and observe the results of the performed test, remove edges from the set of edges utilizing the observed results, and select a hypothesis from the one or more hypotheses using the set of edges. |
| US08838505B2 |
Schedule management system using interactive robot and method and computer-readable medium thereof
An interactive robot may audibly communicate with a user, determine whether reasoning is performed according to a reasoning weight of a schedule if there is a schedule to be recommended by the interactive robot during conversation between the interactive robot and the user, perform reasoning using information collected in a database if reasoning is necessary, and provide schedule information to the user. |
| US08838504B2 |
Map-based search for real estate service providers
A computer system for locating real estate service providers by navigating an aerial image map of a geographic region. The system determines a search region corresponding to the geographic region by use of geospatial information associated with the geographic region. Once the search region is determined, the system searches a database for real estate service providers that are associated with the search region and that satisfy certain predetermined criteria. |
| US08838503B2 |
Unified identity verification
In some example embodiments, a system and method is shown that includes receiving a purchase request through an Electronic Payment Financial Network (EPFN), the purchase request including a token to identify a merchant server. The system and method further includes comparing the token against a merchant identifier value to determine that that token is assigned to the merchant server. Additionally, the system and method includes transmitting a purchase request authorization authorizing an online transaction, where the token and merchant identifier value are equivalent. |
| US08838500B2 |
Digital data reproducing device
The present invention provides a digital data reproducing device having a simple configuration and being capable of protecting copyright of digital data such as video or audio. Content provider side embeds copyright management information (cumulative number of reproduction times, permissible number of reproduction times, etc.) into digital data that has been degraded by scrambling, and provides it to a content user. A reproducing device of the content user side causes copyright management information detection unit to detect the copyright management information, decreases the data degradation depending on result of the detection, and reproduces by data reproducing unit. |
| US08838496B2 |
Systems and method for bin-based risk managed trading
Predefined exposure limits including an actual and a permitted maximum number of owned instrument units or that an entity is exposed are used to determine trade executability. A request for strips of financial instruments is received. A stepped graph is constructed for the financial instrument based on held positions, wherein one axis of the stepped graph represents a time period covering the strip of contracts and another axis represents a total exposure to the financial instrument. The received request is compared to the stepped graph to determine whether the permitted maximum number of investment units would be violated for one or more of the first units of time should the requested trade execute. The trade is then allowed to execute if no violation is determined, and blocked otherwise. |
| US08838491B2 |
Method and system for an integrated approach to collections cycle optimization
Methods and systems are provided for an integrated approach to collections cycle optimization including optimizing personnel, communications, and collection resolutions, resulting in reducing the variability of the collections cycle, reducing instances of foreclosure in collections, while increasing borrower satisfaction with the collections process. Candidate loan officers are selected based on behavioral attributes, personnel history, and human resources information, among other factors. Scripts that improve the effectiveness of communication between loan collection staff and borrowers are generated. An optimized collection program to best suit the needs of a particular borrower is determined. |
| US08838489B2 |
On-demand generating E-book content with advertising
A method of providing fixed computer-displayable content in response to a consumer request for content is presented. Upon obtaining a digital image corresponding to the requested content, an advertisement is selected. The advertisement is to be included in an on-demand electronic content corresponding to the requested content. The advertisement is included with the digital image corresponding to the requested content. A fixed computer-displayable content corresponding to the requested content is generated. The fixed computer-displayable content is then provided to the consumer. |
| US08838486B2 |
Method and apparatus for timekeeping
For reporting, recording, and/or employee timekeeping, an exemplary time manager interface on a display of a communications device allows an employee to track his or her work time and activities. The time manager interface connects the employee to a central time manager system that tracks and records employee check-in and check-out times. The time manager interface may also permit employees to view their and other schedules. The time manager interface is able to compensate for the time spent initially connecting to the network and launching the interface by recording the network logon time as the check-in time when the difference between the network logon time and the actual reported time is below a predetermined threshold. |
| US08838485B2 |
Automated processing of digital media collections for distributed e-commerce
A method and a network device for e-commerce on a seller's website, including maintaining by an e-commerce server a catalog of products wherein each product may be ordered in conjunction with a media item and wherein the price of a product varies in accordance with the media item, receiving, by a buyer's web browser, a web page from the seller's website, the web page including at least one image, each image corresponding to a media item, enabling the buyer to select an image, said image corresponding to a desired media item, and a product, sending information about the selected image and the selected product, to the e-commerce server wherein the e-commerce server has no previous price information about said desired media item, dynamically determining, the purchase price of the selected product in conjunction with the desired media item, and enabling the buyer to specify a purchase order for the product. |
| US08838481B2 |
Method and system for location based hands-free payment
Certain aspects of a method and system for location based hands-free payment may include a network that comprises a plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of point of sale devices. A first mobile device may determine its location coordinates and communicate them to a selected point of sale device. An authorization to execute a payment transaction may be triggered on the first mobile device when it is within a defined proximity of the selected point of sale device. In another embodiment of the invention, a first point of sale device may determine the location coordinates of a selected mobile device and trigger a notification based on a generated geo-fence when the selected mobile device is within a defined proximity of the first point of sale device. |
| US08838479B2 |
System and method for enabling an advertisement to follow the user to additional web pages
A computer-implemented method and system for advertising that performs the steps of delivering an electronic advertisement comprising one or more menu options and a reference to a network location for retrieving specified content associated with each menu option for inclusion in a first electronic document, receiving a selection of one or more menu options from the electronic advertisement and delivering a subsequent accessible document including content from the referenced network location associated with the menu option selected, the subsequent accessible document including the electronic advertisement. |
| US08838477B2 |
Method and system for communicating location of a mobile device for hands-free payment
Certain aspects of a method and system for communicating location of a mobile device for hands-free payment may include a peer-to-peer ad-hoc network that comprises a plurality of mobile devices, a plurality of access points, and a plurality of point of sale (POS) devices. A first mobile device may determine its location coordinates and communicate them to a selected POS device via the peer to peer ad-hoc network. At least one of the plurality of mobile devices and/or the plurality of access points may be within a defined proximity of the selected POS device. In some instances, the first POS device may receive via one or more intermediate mobile devices in the peer-to-peer ad-hoc network, location coordinates and payment transaction information of a selected mobile device. At least one of the intermediate mobile devices may be within a defined proximity of the first POS device. |
| US08838476B2 |
Systems and methods to provide information and connect people for real time communications
Methods and apparatuses to provide communication connections at a cost reduced via advertising. One embodiment includes: receiving a request from a first user over a data communication network; response to the request, initiating a first telephonic connection to the first user and a second telephonic connection to a second user to provide a telephonic connection between the first and second users; presenting an advertisement to at least one of the first and second users; and reducing a communication fee for the telephonic connection between the first and second users using a portion of an advertisement fee charged for the advertisement. |
| US08838473B2 |
Services advertisement in a wireless mesh
A computing environment containing a mesh network that is adapted to provide a reliable transport mechanism over which services may be delivered. Nodes of the mesh can automatically select routable addresses without conflicts, which allows nodes of the mesh to be accessed, even as the mesh changes through the addition or deletion of nodes. Also, nodes communicate with a protocol that supports service advertisements. These advertisements can identify mesh nodes that supply services, such as file or print servers, for which devices that have not yet connected to the network may be searching. Advertisements can also identify services to be used by nodes in the network, allowing, for example, a node to select a gateway providing a reliable connection to an external network. The mesh network can be used as a transport for communication using protocols, such as TCP/IP, that generally exhibit poor performance when using unreliable transports. |
| US08838471B1 |
Interactive use and athletic performance monitoring and reward method, system, and computer program product
A method, computer program product, and system for monitoring and rewarding athletic performance and use of a product worn by a person, thereby motivating use of the product and promoting customer loyalty. The present invention includes and system and method for measuring, tracking, and recording use of the product, preferably related to the athletic performance of an athlete, using a portable, remote device; transferring that data from the remote device to a common location, such as an Internet web site service; calculating, assigning, and tracking rewards based on the level of use determined from the data; and allowing the user to redeem his or her rewards or compare his or her performance level with other athletes using other remote devices. |
| US08838468B2 |
System and method for analyzing and managing business performance
A system and method for analyzing and managing business performance by designing and evaluating the performance of a business process model comprising a flow of business tasks and artifact sources that generate business artifacts. Business processes may be parsed to identify transformation opportunities meeting transformation conditions specified in a transformation knowledge. One or more identified transformation opportunities may be adopted, and parts of the process may be transformed according to transformation rules specified in a transformation knowledge. Analytics and computer simulation may be employed to evaluate business performance metrics of each of said transformed business processes. Iterative changes may be made to said business processes to manage business performance, reiterating transformation and evaluation steps until a satisfactory business process model is obtained. The resulting output is finally produced as a business process model in machine-readable format and can be deployed to a business environment. |
| US08838463B2 |
Adaptive direct transaction for network client group
Internet-based software and associated database provide group analysis overlay to monitor client-server web traffic and provide direct marketing to client group. Client car, patient, office or school sensor and interface provides overlay attribute for database comparison to classify usage pattern, location, timing, or family for targeted messaging for enhanced service from server source. Database group registry tracks client classification and provides adaptive context mapping according to set attribute relative to targeted on-line transaction. |
| US08838459B2 |
Virtual participant-based real-time translation and transcription system for audio and video teleconferences
The present disclosure describes a teleconferencing system that may use a virtual participant processor to translate language content of the teleconference into each participant's spoken language without additional user inputs. The virtual participant processor may connect to the teleconference as do the other participants. The virtual participant processor may intercept all text or audio data that was previously exchanged between the participants may now be intercepted by the virtual participant processor. Upon obtaining a partial or complete language recognition result or making a language preference determination, the virtual participant processor may call a translation engine appropriate for each of the participants. The virtual participant processor may send the resulting translation to a teleconference management processor. The teleconference management processor may deliver the respective translated text or audio data to the appropriate participant. |
| US08838451B2 |
System, methods and automated technologies for translating words into music and creating music pieces
Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for translating a natural language into music. Through systematic parsing, music compositions can be created. These compositions can be created by one or more persons who do not speak the same natural language. |
| US08838446B2 |
Method and apparatus of transforming speech feature vectors using an auto-associative neural network
Provided is a method and apparatus for transforming a speech feature vector. The method includes extracting a feature vector required for speech recognition from a speech signal and transforming the extracted feature vector using an auto-associative neural network (AANN). |
| US08838445B1 |
Method of removing contamination in acoustic noise measurements
A method for the automatic removal of speech contamination from an acoustic noise signal. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving an input acoustic noise signal; (b) automatically detecting speech contamination in the received acoustic noise signal using a VAD; (c) automatically identifying uncontaminated segments of the received acoustic noise signal based upon a decision value output by the VAD; (d) automatically assembling a congruous uncontaminated acoustic noise signal from the identified uncontaminated segments of the received acoustic noise signal; and (e) outputting the congruous uncontaminated acoustic noise signal. Also, systems implementing such a method. |
| US08838444B2 |
Method of estimating noise levels in a communication system
A method of estimating noise in data containing voice information and noise includes receiving the data as a sequence of input values; transforming the data by applying a first non linear mapping to the input values wherein the derivative function of the mapping decreases in magnitude as the input values increase in magnitude smoothing the transformed data; and transforming the smoothed transformed data by applying a second non linear mapping that is opposite to the first non linear mapping, to determine an estimate of the noise in the inputted data. |
| US08838441B2 |
Time warped modified transform coding of audio signals
A representation of an audio signal having a first, a second and a third frame is derived by estimating first warp information for the first and second frames and second warp information for the second and third frames, the warp information describing pitch information of the audio signal. First or second spectral coefficients for first and second frames or second and third frames are derived using first or second warp information and a first or second weighted representation of the first and second frames or second and third frames, the first or second weighted representation derived by applying a first or second window function to the first and second frames or second and third frames, wherein the first or second window function depends on the first or second warp information. The representation of the audio signal is generated including the first and the second spectral coefficients. |
| US08838437B1 |
Language classifiers for language detection
Techniques for determining one or more preferred languages for a user are provided. The preferred languages may be determined based upon a set of language indicators. The language indicators are analyzed using, for example, rules-based techniques, clustering, language classifiers, and the like, or combinations thereof. Language indicators can include or be derived from information about the user's behavior, location, preferences, social connections, or other data related to the user. |
| US08838435B2 |
Communication processing
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for processing linguistic expressions (e.g., opinionated text documents). The linguistic expressions are processed by, firstly, detecting topics of interest discussed in the linguistic expressions. The sentiment, or sentiments, of an originator with respect to each of the topics detected in the linguistic expressions is then assessed. The originators are then grouped (or clustered) into one or more groups based on the similarities between the originators' respective sets of detected topics and corresponding sentiments. Semantic information is then associated with a given group. Finally, for a given member of a given group, a profile is created or updated. This profile comprises attributes that may be based on a degree of membership of the given member to the given group and the semantic information associated with the given group. |
| US08838434B1 |
Bootstrap call router to other languages using selected N-best translations
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for creating a bootstrap call router for other languages by using selected N-best translations. Techniques include using N-best translations from a machine translation system so as to increase a possibility that desired keywords in a target language are covered in the machine translation output. A 1-best translation is added to a new text corpus. This is followed by selecting a subset that provides a varied set of translations for a given source transcribed utterance for better translation coverage. Additional translations are added to the new text corpus based on a measure of possible translations having words not yet seen for the selected transcribed utterances, and also based on possible translation having words that are not associated with very many or semantic tags in the new text corpus. Candidate translations can be selected from a window of N-best translations calculated based on machine translation accuracy. |
| US08838430B1 |
Detection of memory access violation in simulations
An apparatus and method for detecting memory access violations in simulations is disclosed herein. A detection tool is designed to automatically perform a violation check for each memory read or write operation simulated in a modeled system. The detection tool is capable of handling a modeled system including one or more memories and/or one or more processors. |
| US08838423B2 |
Managing an infrastructure
In a method for managing an infrastructure, a utilization of a plurality of infrastructure components in performing an objective is simulated. In addition, a resource demand for the infrastructure associated with the simulated utilization of the infrastructure components is determined and a supply of resources by a plurality of available sources to meet the determined resource demand is simulated. Moreover, at least one metric associated with the determined resource demand and the simulated supply of resources by the plurality of available sources is determined. |
| US08838412B2 |
Systems and methods for providing warning of anomalous alarm clock settings
Systems and methods relate to managing an alarm clock function of a device. The systems and methods for compare a time setting of a new alarm by a user to one or more previous times settings that the alarm has been set to determine whether to warn the user about and/or require the user to confirm the time setting of the new alarm. The systems and methods can detect a user input indicating a first time setting for the alarm clock function. Further, the systems and methods can examine the one or more previous time settings associated with the alarm clock function determine, based on the one or more previous time settings, whether to query the user to confirm an activation of the alarm clock function at the first time setting. |
| US08838411B2 |
Bed device
A bed device has a load measurement unit for generating a load signal; a first computation unit for computing a center-of-gravity variation or load variation on the basis of the load signal; a first determination unit for determining whether the computation result for the center-of-gravity variation or load variation is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; a totaling unit for totaling the number of times that the computation result is determined to be equal to or greater than the first threshold value; a second computation unit for multiplying the totaling results by coefficients for each time period and adding the results; and a second determination unit or determining a waking or sleeping state or determining a body movement or rest state of a user on the basis of whether a computation result of the second computation unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. |
| US08838408B2 |
Misalignment indication decision system and method
Systems and methods for deciding whether or not to indicate misalignment. In some examples, an analysis of parametric data relating to tests sensitive to misalignment is performed in order to determine which data is incongruous and to identify corresponding probes or socket contacts as suspected misaligned. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, a spatial analysis quantifies the placement of a set of identified suspected misaligned probes, which were identified from pass/fail test data and/or parametric test data, with respect to a contiguous or non-contiguous area on one or more wafers. |
| US08838406B2 |
Re-configurable test circuit, method for operating an automated test equipment, apparatus, method and computer program for setting up an automated test equipment
A re-configurable test circuit for use in an automated test equipment includes a test circuit, a test processor and a programmable logic device. The pin electronics circuit is configured to interface the re-configurable test circuit with a DUT. The test processor includes a timing circuit configured to provide one or more adjustable-timing signals having adjustable timing. The programmable logic device is configured to implement a state machine, a state sequence of which depends on one or more input signals received from the pin electronics circuit, to provide an output signal, which depends on a current or previous state of the state machine, to the pin electronics circuit in response to the signal(s) received from the pin electronics circuit. The test processor is coupled to the programmable logic device to provide at least one of the adjustable-timing signal(s) to the programmable logic device to define timing of the programmable logic device. |
| US08838405B2 |
Ultrasonic inspection equipment and ultrasonic inspection method
Ultrasonic inspection equipment facilitates alignment of display positions of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data, and quickly discriminates between a defect echo and an inner-wall echo. A computer 102A has a position correction function of correcting a relative display position between three-dimensional shape data and three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data. A display position of the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data or that of the three-dimensional shape data is moved by a norm of a mean vector along the mean vector that is calculated from a plurality of vectors defined by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional shape data. The three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data are displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on each other on a three-dimensional display unit 103C. |
| US08838402B2 |
Method and arrangement for voltage measurement
A method and an arrangement for voltage measurement with a transformer configuration comprising three single pole voltage transformers having tertiary windings open-delta connected with each other. The arrangement is configured to apply a correction to measured secondary voltages on the basis of one or more parameters of the voltage transformers and/or one or more quantities in a known relation to one or more parameters of the voltage transformers, one or more parameters of a circuit connected to the secondary windings and/or one or more quantities in a known relation to one or more parameters of the circuit connected to the secondary windings, and one or more parameters of a circuit connected to the tertiary windings and/or one or more quantities in a known relation to one or more parameters of the circuit connected to the tertiary windings. |
| US08838397B1 |
Representing a plot with a mini-plot
A mini-plot is generated using the actual raw measurement data, and gives a preview of a full-sized plot which is displayed when a user expresses interest in the mini-plot. In some embodiments, the mini-plot is sufficiently resolved to provide the user with graphical information about the measurement data. In some embodiments, the mini-plot is updated upon receiving new measurement data from an ongoing experiment. In some embodiments, the mini-plot is a mini-chromatogram. In some embodiments, the mini-plot is displayed in a table along with textual and/or numerical measurement data for an experiment (e.g., in listing textual and/or numerical chromatography data). |
| US08838396B2 |
Remote vehicle emissions sensing system and method for differentiating water from hydrocarbons
Water droplets in exhaust gas that is, or was, analyzed by a remote emissions sensing system are detected. The detection may be made using measurements generally captured by the remote emissions sensing system during typical operation. As such, the detection may be applied “on site” as remote emissions sensing analysis is ongoing, or may be applied post hoc from data previously acquired by a remote emissions sensing system. The detection may be implemented without requiring additional sensors, more sophisticated sensors, and/or other additional or more sophisticated equipment being included in the remote emissions sensing system. |
| US08838395B2 |
Systems and methods for intravenous drug management using immittance spectroscopy
Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for determining the composition of liquids, including the identity of one or more drugs in the liquid, the concentration of the drug, and the type of diluent using immittance spectroscopy. These devices, systems and methods are particularly useful for describing the identity and, in some variations, concentration of one or more components of a medical liquid such as intravenous fluid. In particular, described herein are devices, systems and methods that may operate in low ionic strength diluents. Also described are methods of recognizing complex immittance spectrograph patterns to determine the composition of a liquid by pattern recognition. |
| US08838390B1 |
System for gas detection, well data collection, and real time streaming of well logging data
A system for creating a log during gas detection and monitoring is disclosed herein. The system can include a gas detection and well logging device for sensing and transmitting data, which can include a processor in communication with a monitoring device. The monitoring device can monitor, acquire, and transmit data associated with a drilling operation. The processor can receive the data, calibrate the data, and log the data into files. The processor can capture sensed data based on a time event and a depth event. The processor can scale the data and form a geological-hydrocarbon log for transmission. A client device can be in communication with the gas detection and well logging device, and can have computer instructions for querying the geological hydrocarbon log, the data, and the files to obtain real time streaming data for instant display. |
| US08838389B2 |
Polar display for use with drilling tools
Various techniques for generating a polar display include a method, which involves receiving information identifying a formation property of an anomaly within a geologic formation from a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool that includes several sensors. The formation property is identified by at least one magnitude and at least one distance. The formation property is also identified relative to a corresponding property of the geologic formation. The method also involves receiving information identifying an azimuthal angle from the MWD tool, where the azimuthal angle relates a position of the anomalous formation to a position of a first sensor. The method then generates a graphic, based upon the at least one magnitude and the at least one distance and the azimuthal angle, and displays the graphic on a polar display, in which a center of the polar display corresponds to a location of the borehole in which the MWD tool is located. |
| US08838387B2 |
Haptic feedback enabled navigation system using short range radio technologies
The invention relates to a haptic navigation system, configured for providing a haptic instruction to a user, and to a method for providing a haptic instruction to a user. The haptic navigation system comprises a navigation module comprising a route calculation unit, configured for calculating at least one route for the user to go to a predetermined destination, and a user interaction unit, configured for capturing at least one input parameter from the user, and a feedback unit configured for receiving an instruction sent from the navigation module and for converting the instruction received into a haptic instruction such that the user find the correct route. In this way, a haptic navigation system is provided which is reliable, cost-effective to realize and can easily be integrated into existing navigation systems while at the same time making it possible to get rid of displays or voice recognition in navigation applications. |
| US08838377B2 |
Navigation device and method
A navigation device comprising a receiver for receiving signals from position sensors, memory having stored therein a seed position and map data which comprises a map of navigable routes in an area, and an output device, such as a display or speaker, for outputting a current location. The navigation device further comprises a processor for determining distance travelled and changes in orientation from the signals and estimating the current location on one of the navigable routes of the map data. The step of estimating comprises using the distance travelled and the changes in orientation to extrapolate from the seed position possible paths along the navigable routes that the navigation device may have travelled and assigning to each path a probability that the navigation device travelled that path. For changes in orientation, the processor expands each path and recalculates the probability that the navigation device travelled that path. The processor assigns the current location to be a current predicted position on the path with the highest probability. |
| US08838375B2 |
Electronic device with object guiding function and an object guiding method thereof
The present invention discloses an electronic device with object guiding function and the method thereof. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a view window area, via which a user may watch a view. The electronic device may determine whether an object is located in the view window area when the user inputs the position of the object, and may further show an object indicating message or an object guiding message according to the determination result. Therefore, the electronic device is able to provide the user with short distance guiding function. In another embodiment, the electronic device may also show information related to the object located in the view window area, such as information about every mountain range, constellation, user's friends, or specific landmark that is located in the view window area. |
| US08838374B2 |
Automatic correction of past position errors for location and inventory tracking
A method is provided for calibrating past position estimates from a positioning system that provides real-time position estimates of a mobile object. The method first stores the real-time position estimates, which as time goes by become past position estimates and naturally form a first past trajectory depicting the past movement of the mobile object. Subsequently, a calibrated past trajectory is determined, which includes calibrated past position estimates that correspond to the same time instances as the past positions in the first past trajectory. When real-time positions have low qualities, this method calibrates them at a later time by using (higher-quality) real-time positions both before and after them. Errors in the past positions are then corrected based on the calibrated past trajectory. When used with event detectors that indicate inventory transactions, this method can correct position errors associated with inventory events so as to improve the performance of inventory tracking. |
| US08838372B2 |
Collision probability calculation apparatus for vehicle
A collision probability calculation apparatus capable of accurately calculating a collision probability that one's own vehicle will collide with an object around the own vehicle (referred to as a nearby object). In the apparatus, a position of the nearby object and a traveling speed and a traveling direction of the own vehicle are acquired. A collision probability map is generated on the basis of the traveling speed and traveling direction of the own vehicle. A width of a traveling lane of the own vehicle is acquired and the map is corrected in response to the width of the traveling lane. Thereafter, a collision probability associated with the position of the nearby object is corrected in response to the position of the nearby object. The corrected collision probability is outputted as a more accurate collision probability that the own vehicle will collide with the nearby object. |
| US08838370B2 |
Traffic flow model to provide traffic flow information
Examples of maintaining or querying a traffic database to generate a traffic flow model to provide traffic flow information and determine a per-lane route for a vehicle to travel are disclosed. |
| US08838369B2 |
Idling stop control unit and idling stop control method
An idling stop control unit (ISCU) provided in a vehicle including an air conditioner (S) which controls an air conditioning state of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The idling stop control unit includes: idling stop prohibiting means for canceling idling stop to restart an engine (10) and prohibiting execution of idling stop when a switch for changing the air conditioning state is operated during idling stop in which the engine (10) is stopped when the vehicle is at a stop; and idling stop enabling means for automatically lifting the prohibition and enabling execution of idling stop when a predetermined condition is met. |
| US08838368B2 |
Device and method for controlling timing at which ignition is stopped when internal combustion engine becomes stopped
A control device for stopping an engine, configured in such a manner that, when, after the ignition of the engine is turned off, the throttle valve is opened to introduce air in order to avoid that a piston stops near the top dead center, the control device stops the engine without causing a misalignment of the stop position of the piston and without degrading emission quality. A device for controlling the timing at which ignition is stopped when an internal combustion engine becomes stopped is provided with: a means for sending, depending on the rotational speed (NE) of the internal combustion engine detected by a rotational speed sensor decreasing to a level lower than or equal to a predetermined value (Np) after the ignition (55) is turned off and the throttle valve (14) is closed, a signal to an actuator (18) so that the throttle valve (14) is opened in order to control the stop position of a piston; and also provided with a means for stopping the ignition of the ignition plug when the throttle valve (14) becomes opened in order to control the stop position of the piston. |
| US08838366B2 |
Hybrid drive apparatus
A hybrid drive apparatus includes an input member that is drivingly connected to a rotary electric machine and drivingly connected via an input clutch to an internal combustion engine, an output member that is drivingly connected to the input member and transmits rotation of the input member to wheels, and a control device that controls the rotary electric machine. The control device is capable of performing valve opening/closing phase control that advances or retards opening/closing phases of valve elements provided in the internal combustion engine via a valve opening/closing phase adjusting mechanism and, with the internal combustion engine in a stopped state before starting a vehicle, advances the opening/closing phases of the valve elements to bring the opening/closing phases of the valve elements into an advanced phase state relative to predetermined reference phases, thus starting the vehicle with torque of the rotary electric machine in the advanced phase state. |
| US08838362B2 |
Low-drain, self-contained monitoring device
In one aspect, a vehicle monitoring apparatus includes an interface configured to connect to a diagnostic port of a vehicle, a processor coupled to the interface and configured to communicate with the diagnostic port and a sensor coupled to the processor and configured to detect a factor indicating the presence of a driver in the vehicle. The sensor causes the apparatus to transition from a first power mode to a second power mode upon detection of the factor. The apparatus draws more power from the vehicle in the second power mode than in the first power mode. The apparatus also includes a housing that includes the processor and the sensor. |
| US08838361B2 |
Control apparatus for general-purpose engine
In an apparatus for controlling a general-purpose engine used as a prime mover of an operating machine, the apparatus regulating a throttle opening such that an engine speed is converged to a desired engine speed, calculating a basic fuel injection amount based on the engine speed and throttle opening, and controlling engine warm-up operation by correcting the basic fuel injection amount with a correction coefficient to calculate a warm-up time fuel injection amount after engine start is completed and injecting fuel by the calculated amount, a fuel injection amount with which the engine output becomes maximum is searched based on the throttle opening regulated in response to increase/decrease operation of the warm-up time fuel injection amount conducted when the engine speed is constant; and the correction coefficient is corrected using the searched fuel injection amount. With this, a warm-up correction coefficient appropriate for the engine warm-up condition can be calculated. |
| US08838358B2 |
Computer network for calculating aircraft cornering friction based on data received from an aircraft's on board flight data management system
This invention relates to a computer network for calculating the true aircraft cornering friction coefficient of an aircraft runway or taxiway using the data collected by and available in the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or other flight data management system, for example, the Quick Access Recorder (QAR). The invention may optionally distribute to personnel in the ground operations of an airport and airline operations, including but not limited to aircraft pilots, airline operation officers and airline managers as well as airport operators, managers and maintenance crews, the most accurate and most recent information concerning the true aircraft cornering friction coefficient to aid in making better and more accurate safety and economical decisions. |
| US08838357B2 |
Braking force distribution control device for a vehicle
Disclosed is a braking force distribution control device for a vehicle which has a braking apparatus capable of individually controlling braking forces of the wheels as required. Front or rear wheels having higher braking force sharing rate being referred to control reference wheels and the front or rear wheels having lower braking force sharing rate are referred to control object wheels. A difference value between braking slip index values of the left and right wheels of said control object wheels is referred to a reference difference value. A braking force distribution control is executed on the control object wheels so that the magnitude relationship in wheel speeds of the left and right wheels of the control object wheels is converse to that of the left and right wheels of the control reference wheels. |
| US08838356B2 |
Method for controlling a vehicle having only a braked rear axle and brake slip control
A method is described for controlling a vehicle having a pressure-medium-activated brake device which includes wheel brakes and brake circuits on each side, on only at least one rear axle, and having a drive engine which drives the rear wheels of the at least one rear axle, in which the rear wheels can be optionally or automatically coupled to or decoupled from front wheels of a front axle in order to transmit driving and/or braking power. Also described is a vehicle having a brake device which includes wheel brakes and brake circuits on each side on only at least one rear axle, and having a drive engine which drives the rear wheels of the at least one rear axle, in which the rear wheels can be optionally or automatically coupled to or decoupled from the front wheels of a front axle in order to transmit driving and/or braking power. |
| US08838346B1 |
Seeder
A seeder for attaching to a tractor or another towing vehicle includes a carriage mounted on a plurality of wheels that allow the device to easily traverse roads and other terrain. Atop the carriage are a pair of bins, each for storing a discrete type of seed for dispersing into furrows. Beneath the bins are a plurality of juxtaposed seeding units for simultaneously sowing multiple, closely-spaced rows of seeds. Each seeding unit includes a furrowing assembly formed of a shaft having a plurality of cogged cutting wheels mounted thereon. Immediately trailing each cutting wheel is a spring-biased compaction wheel that compresses and covers each furrow as it is sown. Each shaft also includes a designated height-adjustment mechanism that compensates for undulating or varying terrain. Accordingly, as the carriage traverses a field, the cutting wheels create multiple, minimally-spaced furrows into which seeds are automatically dispensed; the height-adjustment mechanism automatically raises or lowers the cutting blades as underlying terrain varies to assure that all seeds are planted at a consistent depth. |
| US08838345B2 |
Automatic transmission system for bulldozer
An automatic transmission system for a bulldozer includes an automatic speed stage shifting section that switches among speed stages depending on a vehicle speed, a speed stage maintaining section that maintains a currently selected speed stage until a predetermined speed stage shifting disobedient time elapses after completion of a speed stage shifting while disobeying a switching instruction from the automatic speed stage shifting section, a load detecting section that detects a vehicle load, and a control restricting section that restricts a control processing of the maintaining section for causing it to obey the shifting section's instruction when the vehicle load is a predetermined load or greater even before the disobedient time elapses. |
| US08838343B2 |
Vehicle lamp controller, vehicle lamp system, and vehicle lamp control method
A vehicle lamp controller, a vehicle lamp system, and a vehicle lamp control method are provided. The vehicle lamp system includes an acceleration sensor, a vehicle lamp, and the vehicle controller. The controller includes a receiver configured to receive an acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor, a control unit configured to derive a vehicle longitudinal direction acceleration and a vehicle vertical direction acceleration from the acceleration information, and to generate a control signal for instructing an adjustment of an optical axis of the vehicle lamp, based on a variation in a ratio between a temporal change amount of the vehicle longitudinal direction acceleration and a temporal change amount of the vehicle vertical direction acceleration during at least one of an acceleration and a deceleration of a vehicle, and a transmitter configured to transmit the control signal to an optical axis adjusting portion of the vehicle lamp. |
| US08838340B2 |
Electric power steering system
An electric power steering system determines a steering state of a steering wheel on the basis of a current (Im) of a motor applying assist force to a steering system and a steering speed (ωs) of the steering wheel. A state where the steering wheel is retained at a position other than a neutral position is a retained state, and a state where the steering wheel is placed at the neutral position is a neutral state. When the steering speed (ωs) is lower than a determination value (ωa) and the motor current (Im) is larger than a reference value (Ix), it is determined whether the steering state is the neutral state. When the steering speed (ωs) is lower than the determination value (ωa), the motor current (Im) is larger than the reference value (Ix), and the steering state is determined to be the neutral state at immediately preceding determination, the steering state is determined to be the neutral state. |
| US08838339B2 |
Method for determining a torque on a steering train
Disclosed is a method for determining the torque introduced into a drive train, the method including the process steps of determining angular signals with the help of two sensors between which a region of the steering train is located which is subjected to a torque evaluating the differences of the angular signals taking into account known torsional rigidity of the steering train. |
| US08838337B2 |
Vehicle automatic steering control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus that for automatic steering control that reduces occupant discomfort and stress is provided. A lane width of a subject lane and a current in-lane ratio are detected. If an off-lane obstacle which may place stress on the occupant is present within a prescribed area, a relative position between each off-lane obstacle and the vehicle is determined. A target in-lane ratio is determined based on the relative position. Specifically, when the off-lane obstacles are present on both the left and right sides of the subject lane, the target in-lane ratio is such that lateral distances to both off-lane obstacles are equal. When the off-lane obstacle is present on only one of either the left or right of the subject lane, the target in-lane ratio is set such that a lateral position away from the off-lane obstacle by a lateral distance set in advance is the target lateral position. |
| US08838334B2 |
Device for detecting and tracking motor vehicles
A device for detecting and tracking vehicles includes a position-determining device for determining a current vehicle position, a transmitting device for transmitting the current vehicle position to a receiver via a communication channel, and a device for detecting an activated interfering transmitter and for triggering an action depending on the detection of an activated interfering transmitter. |
| US08838332B2 |
Centralized management of motor vehicle software applications and services
In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle. |
| US08838327B2 |
Method for analyzing faults present on a platform and associated system
A method for analyzing faults present on a platform includes the following steps: (a) providing a table of correspondence between a plurality of observable symptoms on the platform (10) and the fault modes capable of creating each observable symptom; (b) measuring the observable symptoms present on the platform (10); (c) establishing at least one family of faults, including determining a list of fault modes capable of creating, alone or in combination, all of the selected present symptoms, placing each given fault mode of the group in a fault family, and grouping all of the fault modes capable of creating at least one selected present symptom shared with the given fault mode together in the same fault family as the given fault mode. The method is applicable to fault analyses on aircrafts. |
| US08838324B2 |
Monitoring and diagnosing device for working machine
Monitoring and diagnosing device including: a classification information storage section; frequency information storage section: a first data classifier section reading out reference classification information from the classification information storage section, comparing operational data, detected by a plurality of sensors and inputted in time sequence, with the reference classification information to classify the operational data, and then generating operational data classification information; a frequency comparator section compiling the operational data classification information, generating operational data frequency information by adding, to the operational data classification information, appearance frequency information for each classification of operational data, reading out reference frequency information from the frequency information storage section, and then generating operational data frequency comparison information by comparing operational data frequency information with the reference frequency information; and an abnormality diagnosing section performing an abnormality diagnosis upon the working machine by use of the operational data classification information and operational data frequency comparison information. |
| US08838322B1 |
System to automatically measure perception sensor latency in an autonomous vehicle
A vehicle may operate in an autonomous mode in an environment during a test period. The vehicle may include at least one sensor coupled to the vehicle, configured to acquire sensor data during the test period. The sensor data may include data representative of a target object in the environment. The vehicle may operate the sensor to obtain the sensor data. The vehicle may define a movement of the vehicle, determine a predicted movement of the target object in the sensor data based on the defined movement, initiate the defined movement of the vehicle at an initiation time during the test period, complete the defined movement of the vehicle at a completion time during the test period, analyze the sensor data obtained during the test period, and determine a latency of the at least one sensor based on the analyzed data. |
| US08838321B1 |
Modifying a vehicle state based on the presence of a special-purpose vehicle
A method is provided that includes receiving user input identifying a travel destination for a first vehicle, determining, by a processor, a first route for the first vehicle to follow, and configuring the first vehicle to follow the first route. The method further includes obtaining a model for a second vehicle that shares a road with the first vehicle and comparing model to a pre-determined template for a vehicle that is known to be a special purpose vehicle in order to determine whether the first template and the second template match. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a second route that leads to the travel destination, when a match is found to exist, and switching the first vehicle from following the first route to following the second route. |
| US08838317B2 |
Hybrid-vehicle control device
Provided is a hybrid-vehicle control device that can continue high-speed driving, without transitioning to the HEV mode, by raising the motor torque limit during driving in the EV mode. The hybrid-vehicle control device includes: an engine; a motor that starts the engine and that drives driving wheels; a first clutch that switches between the HEV mode and the EV mode; an automatic transmission; and an electric-vehicle mode control means. The smaller the transmission ratio of the transmission is during driving in the EV mode, the smaller the value of the engine start torque, which is reserved for transitioning to the HEV mode, is made by the electric-vehicle mode control means. |
| US08838315B2 |
System and method for indicating delay in implementation of an energy-expending action in a powered vehicle system
A method for operation of a vehicle by a control system is provided. The method comprises indicating to a vehicle operator a delay in implementation of an energy-expending action in a powered vehicle system in response to receiving an implementation request from an input device based on vehicle energy usage via a delay indicator. |
| US08838314B2 |
Control system for equipment on a vehicle with a hybrid-electric powertrain and an electronically controlled combination valve
A control system for a hydraulic system comprises an electronic control module, an electronic system controller, a remote power module, and a solenoid valve. The electronic control module monitors torque output of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and generator. The electronic system controller monitors torque demand of a first and a second hydraulic circuit. The remote power module is in electrical communication with the electronic system controller. The solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the remote power module. The solenoid valve connects to a combination valve and has a first open position and a closed position. The combination valve is in fluid communication with a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. The solenoid valve moves to the open position in response to an output signal from the electronic system controller. |
| US08838311B2 |
Vehicle having independently driven and controlled right and left drive wheels
A self-propelled vehicle includes a maneuvering unit, a drive unit including first and second drive sections, which are driven and controlled by drive wheel control commands, a drive wheel unit including left and right drive wheels driven by the first and second drive sections, respectively, at least one caster wheel which is controlled by a caster wheel control command, a bank detector for detecting a degree of bank of the vehicle and a control unit including a drive wheel control section for generating the drive wheel control commands. The control unit further includes a caster wheel control section which generates the caster wheel control command for controlling the steering angle of the caster wheel during a bank traversing travel, based on the bank degree so as to resolve a difference between a target travel and the actual travel which occurs during the bank traversing travel. |
| US08838310B2 |
Control device for hybrid vehicle and control method for hybrid vehicle
A control device for a hybrid vehicle causes the hybrid vehicle to travel in limp-home mode with motive power from an engine when either a motor or a battery for travel cannot be used. The engine incorporated in the hybrid vehicle includes an EGR device for recirculating part of exhaust gas to an intake system of the engine again. Even if an operation state of the engine satisfies a prescribed EGR permission condition for operating the EGR device, during the travel in limp-home mode with an abnormality detection flag being set to 1, the control device prohibits operation of the EGR device. |
| US08838305B2 |
Boat including steering load control
A boat that allows effective steering even when the motor output power is decreased due to the low battery charge includes a first predictive determination unit arranged to compare an actual charge amount of a battery supplying an electric power to a steering motor or a predicted charge amount of the battery calculated from a predicted working current with a threshold predetermined in relation to running states; a steering load detector arranged to calculate a required output value of a steering motor necessary to steer an outboard motor while the boat is under way; and a steering load controller arranged to control the required output value to be decreased from the present output value when the first predictive determination unit determines that the threshold is larger than the battery charge amount. |
| US08838304B2 |
Method for determining run-curves for vehicles based on travel time
A method reduces the computation time for determining optimal run-curves for a specific travel time of a vehicle along a route between two locations. The computation is partitioned between pre-processing and real-time steps. A set of weights μ are generated, and run-curves for the weights are obtained and stored during the pre-processing. State transition matrices can also be determined and stored during the pre-processing. During real-time, a specific travel time is obtained. The travel time is used to interpolate the weight μ for the specific travel time from the stored weights. The memory can be updated for each solution for a specific travel time to dramatically reduce the time to optimize the run-curves. |
| US08838302B2 |
System and method for asynchronously controlling a vehicle system
A method includes identifying power outputs to be provided by propulsion-generating vehicles of a vehicle system for different locations along a route and calculating handling parameters of the vehicle system at the locations along the route. The handling parameters are representative of at least one of coupler forces, coupler energies, relative vehicle velocities, or natural forces exerted on the vehicle system. The method also includes determining asynchronous operational settings for the propulsion-generating vehicles at the locations. The asynchronous operational settings represent different operational settings that cause the propulsion-generating vehicles to provide at least the power outputs at the locations while changing the handling parameters of the vehicle system to designated values at the locations. The method further includes communicating the asynchronous operational settings to the propulsion-generating vehicles in order to cause the propulsion-generating vehicles to implement the asynchronous operational settings at the different locations. |
| US08838301B2 |
Train traffic advisor system and method thereof
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for providing train traffic advice. According to one embodiment, train status information associated with at least one train is received at a data center hosting a train traffic advisor application. Train crossing location data is stored in a database and retrieved by the train traffic advisor application. Based on the received train status information and the train crossing location data, train traffic information associated with the at least one train is calculated. Subscribing devices are identified by the train traffic advisor application, and the train traffic information is communicated to at least one of the identified subscribing devices. |
| US08838297B2 |
Apparatus and method for forecasting geostationary satellite error
An apparatus and method for forecasting a geostationary satellite anomaly is provided. The method may include storing at least one piece of space environmental information, satellite information, and satellite anomaly event information, and estimating a satellite anomaly susceptibility to a space environmental phenomenon based on the at least one piece of space environmental information, the satellite information, and the anomaly event information. |
| US08838295B2 |
Energy protection device for an aircraft
An energy protection device includes a plurality of sensors that detect a triggering situation requiring an energy protection and a control unit that actuates an energy protection function when the triggering situation is detected and also activates an autothrottle. When the control unit begins the energy protection function, an original engagement state of the autothrottle before the triggering is stored. Thus, when the aircraft returns to an operational flight domain not requiring the energy protection function, the control unit stops the energy protection function and sets an engagement state of the autothrottle based on the stored original engagement state. |
| US08838293B2 |
Functional monitor for flight management system
The invention relates to a flight management system for aircraft which makes it possible to carry out tests of the results of the calculations of the main functions for formulating the flight plans and trajectories of the aircraft making it possible to anticipate errors in this formulation, to present them to the crew as a function of criticality criteria, to store them so as to be communicated and processed by the maintenance teams. |
| US08838289B2 |
System and method for safely flying unmanned aerial vehicles in civilian airspace
A system and method for safely flying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), or remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) in civilian airspace uses a remotely located pilot to control the aircraft using a synthetic vision system during at least selected phases of the flight such as during take-offs and landings. |
| US08838287B2 |
Vehicular traveling regulation device and method for controlling vehicle
A position determination unit determines whether a present position of a vehicle deviates from a predetermined range. A direction determination unit determines whether a traveling direction of the vehicle is along a return direction, which is toward the predetermined range, on determination of the position determination unit that the present position deviates from the predetermined range. A traveling regulation unit regulates traveling of the vehicle when the direction determination unit determines that the traveling direction is not along the return direction. |
| US08838281B2 |
Automated demand response energy management system
The power flexibility of energy loads are maximized using a value function for each load and outputting optimal control parameters per load. These loads are aggregated into a virtual load by maximizing a global value function that includes the value function for each individual load. The solution yields a dispatch function providing: a percentage of energy to be assigned to each individual load, a possible time-varying power level within a time interval for each load, and control parameters and values. An economic term of the global value function represents the value of the power flexibility to different energy players. A user interface includes for each time interval upper and lower bounds representing respectively the maximum power that may be reduced to the virtual load and the maximum power that may be consumed by the virtual load. An energy trader modifies an energy level in a time interval relative to the reference curve for the virtual load. Automatically, energy compensation for the other intervals and recalculation of upper and lower boundaries occurs and is displayed. The energy schedule for the virtual load is distributed to the actual loads using the dispatch function. |
| US08838280B2 |
Internet based spa networking system having wireless spa nodes
A spa node comprising a spa controller, a power sense adapter configured to compute power being drawn by selected spa components; a spa network adapter, and a home network adapter, each of the three adapters including a wireless transceiver wherein the spa network adapter is configured to receive power data transmitted over a wireless link by the power sense adapter and to further receive status/performance data from the spa controller. The home network adapter is configured to receive power and status data transmitted by the spa network adapter over a wireless link and to convert that data to a form suitable for transmission to an Internet access point. The home network adapter is further linkable over the Internet to a central server, a dealer computer and a spa owner or user computer. |
| US08838265B2 |
Machine tool, machining method, program and NC data generation device
A work having a non-circular cross-section is machined by relative movement between the work and a tool, as the relative position and angle between the work and tool are changed at least within a plane including the cross-section of the work. In machining along a preset tool path, the difference between the relative angle at a point on the preset tool path which machining is started and that point on the preset tool path at which machining is finished is calculated. Time needed in machining along the preset tool path is equally divided by a preset number at equal time divisions, and positions on the tool path corresponding to equal time divisions are set as tool path points. When the tool moves through each point, the relative angle is continuously changed an angle corresponding to division of the difference of the relative angles by the preset number of equal time divisions. |
| US08838263B2 |
Patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device
The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices.A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait. |
| US08838261B2 |
Audio configuration based on selectable audio modes
An operating system of a device receives, from an application executing on that device, data that identifies a category of hardware resources that the application needs to use in order to function. That category is mapped to a specified set of hardware resources of the device. The operating system also receives, from the application, data that identifies a mode. The mode corresponds to an intended use of a set of hardware resources and is mapped to a group of hardware resource settings that are consistent with the intended use. The operating system allocates, to the application, a particular set of hardware resources that are mapped to the category. The operating system configures one or more hardware resources in the particular set of hardware resources in conformity with a particular group of settings that are mapped to the mode. |
| US08838259B2 |
Frequency-specific determination of audio dose
The present disclosure relates to media players, such as portable electronic devices, vehicle audio systems, home stereo systems, etc. In particular, it relates to the management of the sound pressure level generated by portable electronic devices. A method and system for controlling the consumed audio dose of a user of a media player is described. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first frequency range from the total frequency range relevant for the human ear; of determining the audio dose already consumed by the user within the first frequency range; of evaluating the audio dose of a media track within the first frequency range and the already consumed audio dose of the user within the first frequency range; and of controlling the audio dose generated by the media player based on the evaluating step. |
| US08838257B1 |
Controller and design support apparatus
Methods, systems, and computer program products for compensating unstable linear time-invariant due to input nonlinearities are described. In one implementation, compensating a controlled device may include controlling the controlled device using feedforward control. In another implementation, compensating the controlled device may include controlling the controlled device using feedback control. |
| US08838251B2 |
Variable implantable medical device power characteristics based upon data or device type
An implantable medical device (“IMD”) as described herein includes adjustable power characteristics such as variable transmitter output power and variable receiver front end gain. These power characteristics can be adjusted in a dynamic manner based upon various operating aspects of the intended or actual IMD telemetry environment. These operating aspects may include the external telemetry device type, the IMD device type, and/or the type, context, or meaning of the telemetry data transmitted by the IMD. The IMD may process information related to these operating aspects to generate power scaling instructions or control signals that are interpreted by the IMD transmitter and/or the IMD receiver. Such adjustability enables the IMD to satisfy minimum telemetry requirements in a manner that does not waste power, thus extending the IMD battery life. |
| US08838249B2 |
Implantable tissue growth stimulator
An implantable tissue growth stimulator is disclosed. The implantable tissue growth stimulator includes electronic circuitry to alter the voltage output by the stimulator. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may he controlled from an external device via wireless communication. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may be configured for use with an implants in particular, the implantable tissue growth stimulator may be incorporated into an orthopedic device such as a hip prosthesis. The implantable tissue growth stimulator may be used to stimulate bone growth. |
| US08838248B2 |
Devices for controlling high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain, and associated systems and methods, including simplified program selection
Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities. |
| US08838237B1 |
Summation anodal pacing to complement multisite stimulation
A device and method for cardiac pacing is disclosed in which anodal pacing of the left ventricle is provided. Anodal pacing occurs when an anodal surface area is sufficiently small to create an area of hyper-polarization of the myocardial cell membrane. This creates a virtual cathode at a location remote from the anode. The virtual cathode results in depolarization of the heart in a manner similar to the virtual cathode at the true fixed cathode. In addition a device and method for summation anodal pacing is provided in which one anode is common between two or more cathodes. This results in hyperpolarization of a larger segment of the myocardium as compared to non-summation anodal pacing and thereby forms a larger virtual electrode to enable capture of localized, discrete cardiac structures such as the bundle of His or the very proximal portions of the right and left bundles. |
| US08838227B2 |
Portable automatic brain state assessment apparatus
A method and apparatus for performing rapid brain assessment may provide emergency triage to head trauma patients by analyzing a combination of spontaneous and evoked brain potentials. The spontaneous and evoked potentials are analyzed, and the results classified, to present a real-time assessment of a patient's brain, diagnosing any potential abnormalities therein. |
| US08838222B2 |
Method for treating complex rhythm disorders
A method of treating a complex rhythm disorder of a human heart includes identifying a region of a wall of the heart having an activation trail that is rotational or radially emanating, where the activation trail is indicative of the complex rhythm disorder and is based on activation times associated with one or more activations of the heart. A portion of the region is selected based on the activation trail and modified to affect the activation trail. |
| US08838211B2 |
Multi-wavelength diagnostic imager
The present invention is a multi-wavelength diagnostic imager. In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus and method for noninvasive evaluation of a target versus a non-target, comprising: one or more light sources having at least one emission spectra directed at the target wherein the position, orientation and intensity of light sources is varied to control near-surface reflectance and are directed at less than the entire target; and one or more detectors positioned to capture light reflected from the target into two or more spatial images of the target at two or more times, wherein the spatial images are used to distinguish between the target and the non-target. |
| US08838210B2 |
Scanned laser vein contrast enhancer using a single laser
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. |
| US08838207B2 |
Radiographic image capturing apparatus
In a radiographic image capturing apparatus, an object to be examined is compressed and secured between a compression plate and an image capturing base, at a position off-center from a central position of the image capturing base near a subject in a direction along the subject. An opening is defined in the compression plate so as to confront the object to be examined in the off-center position. The radiation source irradiates the object to be examined as well as the opening with radiation from a central angle of the radiation source, which is aligned with a vertical axis of the image capturing base, and which passes through the central position from a predetermined angle that is angularly spaced from the central angle about the central position. |
| US08838206B2 |
Veress needle with illuminated tip and cavity penetration indicator
A Veress needle assembly comprises an outer steel tube with a sharpened tip at the distal end surrounding an inner rod having a blunt distal end. The proximal end of the inner rod is spring biased towards a position in which its distal end extends beyond the distal end of the outer stainless steel tube so that while piercing the wall of a body cavity the inner rod is forced upwardly against the spring bias to allow the sharpened end of the outer tube to extend into a cutting position. An indicator light supported on the proximal end of the assembly is controlled by a switch which is in a first position when the outer tube is passing through the wall of the body cavity and a second position when the outer tube enters the body cavity behind the wall, allowing the rod to move beyond the distal end of the outer tube, thereby changing the illumination of the light source so that the operator is signaled that the Veress needle has passed into the body cavity. |
| US08838202B2 |
Particle radiation therapy equipment
Particle radiation therapy equipment arranged to apply a charged particle beam to a region of application in a predetermined direction, comprising a charged particle beam source arranged to direct a charged particle beam in the predetermined direction, further comprising magnetic field generation means for generating a magnetic field in an imaging volume which includes the region of application at the same time that the charged particle beam is applied, wherein the magnetic field generation means is arranged to provide access to the region of application for the charged particle beam, and to provide a homogeneous magnetic field in the region of application of the charged particle beam, said magnetic field being directed substantially in the predetermined direction. |
| US08838201B2 |
Atlas-based analysis for image-based anatomic and functional data of organism
A non-invasive imaging system, including an imaging scanner suitable to generate an imaging signal from a tissue region of a subject under observation, the tissue region having at least one anatomical substructure and more than one constituent tissue type; a signal processing system in communication with the imaging scanner to receive the imaging signal from the imaging scanner; and a data storage unit in communication with the signal processing system, wherein the data storage unit is configured to store a parcellation atlas comprising spatial information of the at least one substructure in the tissue region, wherein the signal processing system is adapted to: reconstruct an image of the tissue region based on the imaging signal; parcellate, based on the parcellation atlas, the at least one anatomical substructure in the image; segment the more than one constituent tissue types in the image; and automatically identify, in the image, a portion of the at least one anatomical substructure that correspond to one of the more than one constituent tissue type. |
| US08838196B2 |
Nuisance alarm reductions in a physiological monitor
A method and apparatus for controlling alarms in a medical diagnostic apparatus where an alarm is generated when a measured value for a physiological parameter is outside a specified range. The method continuously calculates a baseline value, and establishes dynamic thresholds that are related to and continuously track the baseline value. The method determines the amount of time the measured value is past the dynamic threshold, and the amount by which the threshold is passed. Alarms are triggered based upon a combination of the amount of time and the amount by which the threshold is passed. Preferably, the combination is an integral or some function of an integral. |
| US08838195B2 |
Optical systems and methods for ratiometric measurement of blood glucose concentration
Novel optical devices, methods and systems relating to the detection of glucose, and more particularly to real-time glucose monitoring, are disclosed herein. More particularly, various hardware and methodological means are disclosed for ratiometric correction of optical glucose measurements for artifacts of optical systems. |
| US08838194B2 |
Joints with very low resistance between superconducting wires and methods for making such joints
In a method or joint for joining first and second semiconductor wires, each comprising a number of filaments which each comprise a superconductive core within a respective sheath, the filaments being embedded within a matrix and wherein the superconductive cores comprise magnesium diboride and the sheaths comprise niobium, over a certain length a matrix is removed to expose the filaments. The exposed filaments are immersed in molten tin such that the nobium of the sheaths is converted to niobium-tin throughout a thickness of the sheaths. A superconductive path is provided between the superconductive cores of filaments of the first wire through the niobium-tin sheaths of the filaments to the superconductive cores of the second wire. |
| US08838193B2 |
Magnetic module
A magnetic field source is provided comprising a support structure upon which is positioned a conducting surface path of superconductor material. The support structure has an at least partially radially overlapping layer of material arranged in a spiral. A corresponding conducting surface path of superconductor material is arranged on the surface of the support structure such that the conducting path has a first point for the introduction of current and a second point for the extraction of current. |
| US08838189B2 |
Customized audio/antenna module and method for making the same
The present invention relates to a method for assembling a self-contained audio/antenna module for a portable communication device, the method comprising the steps of incorporating, into the audio/antenna module, one or more transducers, said incorporation comprising, for at least one transducer, the steps of custom designing and implementing a membrane structure for the at least one transducer in accordance with design constrains provided by an audio/antenna module casing, and incorporating a standard, prefabricated magnetic circuit into the audio/antenna module, said magnetic circuit being adapted to displace the membrane structure of the at least one transducer in accordance with incoming audio drive signals. The invention further relates to an audio/antenna module manufactured according to the above-mentioned method. |
| US08838188B1 |
Method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a portable electronic device
A method and apparatus for reducing power consumption of a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, or other portable devices when in sleep mode. A low power mode core stay alive while the electronic device is in sleep mode. When implemented in a smartphone, for example, the low power mode core may react to an incoming call so that at least part of the external memory of the smartphone may be powered down. The low power mode core may acknowledge the incoming call and provide a user interface for answering the call before the operating system is resumed, so as to keep the same or similar phone usage experience as the operating system is processing the incoming call. At the same time, the low power mode core may wake up the operating system. The same approach is applicable in monitoring devices, where the entire device need not be running. |
| US08838187B2 |
Detecting circuit for electric quantity, processing device and method for state detection of mobile telephone in standby
The present disclosure provides a processing method for detecting a state of a mobile telephone in standby, the method includes: determining whether a battery electric quantity of the mobile telephone in standby is high or low according to an electric quantity detecting circuit; determining a work state of a Modem module when the battery electric quantity of the mobile telephone is high; and determining a wakeup subsequent flow according to the determined battery electric quantity of the mobile telephone and the determined work state of the Modem module. The present disclosure further provides an electric quantity detecting circuit and a processing device for state detection of a mobile telephone in standby. |
| US08838186B2 |
Method and system for increasing power savings in a DOCSIS device
Processing circuitry in a user device detects information concerning periodic station maintenance opportunities provided by a CMTS. The processor determines a quiet interval between the end of one station maintenance opportunity and the beginning of the subsequent opportunity. If offsite power to the user device is lost, the processor counts down a predetermined amount of time with a first timer and then periodically turns off RF circuitry of the device after the ending of a maintenance opportunity that follows the counting down of the first timer. The processor then begins a second timer to count the quiet interval. After counting down the quiet interval, the processor restores battery power to the RF circuitry for the duration of the maintenance opportunity.If an off-hook condition occurs while the second counter counts down the quiet interval, the processor restores battery power to the RF circuitry. |
| US08838185B2 |
Controlling use of a communications device in accordance with motion of the device
A wireless communications device is controlled in accordance with motion thereof. If the device is determined to be in motion, such as in a vehicle, use of the device is restricted. Discrimination between vehicular motion and ambulatory motion is provided. While in motion, use of the device can be allowed under specific exception conditions. Exception conditions include the device being used by a passenger of a vehicle, a 911 call, or a call to a designated number. The ability to control the device in accordance with motion thereof can be remotely activated and deactivated, thus allowing, for example, parental control of a device belong to a child. |
| US08838183B2 |
Mobile digital communication/computing device having a context sensitive audio system
A mobile client device, such as a wireless mobile or a palm sized personal digital assistant, is provided with at least a first and second audio resources and companion programming instructions/circuitry to generate various audio signals in a more context sensitive manner, while multi-media resources are being utilized. The instructions/circuitry cause the mobile client device to determine a first audio volume level at which the mobile client device is being utilized by a user for a first audio signal. Once the first audio volume level is determined, instructions/circuitry cause a second audio signal to be provided at a second audio volume level to the user. The second audio volume level being based at least in part on the first audio volume level initially. |
| US08838180B2 |
Relational rendering with a mobile terminal
Data storing multiple contact entries is access and at least two of the contact entries are selected from the accessed data. A phone number and an image are associated with at least two selected contact entries. A relational characteristic is determined for the selected contact entries. A rendering size is determined for each of the selected contact entries of the image associated with the contact entry based on the determined relational characteristic for the contact entry. A composite display that enables concurrent rendering of the images associated with the selected contact entries is generated. The composite display renders each of the images according to its determined rendering size. Rendering of the generated composite display is enabled. |
| US08838175B2 |
Signal transmission channel
A signal transmission channel using a SIW between a transmitter and distant receiver. The SIW may include a MSL/SIW interface, be flexible, may use plug connections and/or may operate in a MMW band. |
| US08838172B2 |
Connector for connecting at least one output device to a rendering device and method for managing connections
A connector for connecting at least one output device to a rendering device, wherein the connector includes at least one detection unit for detecting at least one external signal, characterized in that the connector comprises at least one communication unit for communicating with at least one wireless communication device wirelessly, wherein the detection unit is connected to the communication unit for managing the communication unit, and a method for managing connections to an output device from a rendering and/or a communication device, wherein the output device is connected to a connector for connecting the output device to the rendering and/or communication device, characterized in that the connector upon detection of a specific external signal which was detected wirelessly activates a communication unit of the connector for communication with the communication device. |
| US08838169B2 |
Provisioning interfaces for accessing virtual private branch exchange services through a mobile device
Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the provisioning of a single and multi-line virtual private branch exchange (PBX) including automated call distribution via a mobile device are described. In some implementations, the provisioning of the single and multi-line virtual PBX can be achieved using one or more unique provisioning interfaces. The unique provisioning interfaces can enable the setup and configuration of a virtual PBX service account instantaneously from any geographical location at anytime. Changes made to the virtual PBX service account can be immediately reflected back (e.g., in real-time) to the system providing the core operating environment. |
| US08838164B2 |
Method for transmitting feedback information in CoMP, terminal for performing same, method for generating channel state information and base station apparatus for performing same
Disclosed are a method for estimating a channel state in a CoMP operation of a terminal and a method for generating channel state information of a base station. A terminal can measure strength or an interference level of a signal of each cell using a reference signal received from each cell for performing the CoMP operation. In addition, the terminal can measure the sum of the interference levels of the cells which do not perform the CoMP operation using a region from which a reference signal of a serving cell of each cell is transmitted. In addition, the terminal can transmit to the serving base station the strength of the interference level of the signal of each cell for performing the measured CoMP operation and the sum of the interference levels of the cells which do not perform the CoMP operation. |
| US08838163B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling power in wireless communication system
A base station in a wireless communication system and a method for controlling power by the same are provided. The method includes receiving channel state information from a mobile terminal, calculating information regarding a Modulation order Product code Rate (MPR) of the mobile terminal using the channel state information, and controlling transmission power for the mobile terminal according to the information regarding the MPR. |
| US08838160B2 |
Gating control loop technique for optimizing performance in a wireless communication network
A gating scheme in a wireless communication network is tuned according to the performance of the application used. This can mean that in some situations gating is not used at all while in other occasions gating is used where the cycle length, burst length, number of preambles and offset are adjusted. The performance is monitored and the gating is increased or decreased depending on the results of the monitoring and demands of the application. Furthermore, the gating scheme adapts to the current performance and is chosen to optimize performance in terms of system capacity. The monitoring also takes into account which of the gating cycles that needs to be changed. The algorithm is self tuning/configuring meaning that it will control the gating scheme to find and keep an optimal level for the used application. |
| US08838156B2 |
Multi-bearer rate control for transporting user plane data
An intermediary function receives a reservation request for a desired throughput from the sourcing device, and determines a set of bearers whose aggregate throughput approximates the desired throughput. The intermediary function requests from at least one access network the set of bearers whose aggregate throughput approximates the desired throughput, and receives from the at least one access network an allocated set of bearers, wherein the allocated set of bearers comprises one or more bearers. The intermediary function informs the sourcing device of an aggregate throughput of the allocated set of bearers, receives user plane data from the sourcing device, and associates the user plane data with the allocated set of bearers in order to transport the user plane data to the receiving device. Subsequent modifications to the allocated set of bearers causes the intermediary function to inform the sourcing device of the modified aggregate throughput of the allocated set of bearers. |
| US08838155B2 |
Method for updating location in a wireless communication system
A method for updating a location in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a request message to enter idle mode, receiving a response message including an Identifier (ID) of a first paging group and an ID of a second paging group in response to the request message, activating a paging group location update timer, when the MS leaves an area of the first paging group, and updating a location according to the paging group location update timer. |
| US08838152B2 |
Modifying mobile device operation using proximity relationships
Described is a technology by which a mobile computing device such as a mobile telephone operates differently based on detected proximity to another mobile device with which the first mobile device has a defined relationship. For example, the first mobile device may transfer content to the second mobile computing device when proximity corresponds to a non-cellular communications coupling, such as Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi coupling. In this manner, content transfer is deferred until a non-cellular coupling exists. The mobile device (or both devices) may output a notification to indicate that the other mobile computing device has been detected within a threshold proximity, such as via GPS data or by being within the same cellular tower. The type and/or settings of an output notification may vary based on different thresholds. |
| US08838148B2 |
Location based wireless tower caching
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for wireless tower caching. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless tower caching in a radio access network (RAN) can include receiving a response to a request from an end user device wirelessly coupled to a base station of the RAN, determining geographic positioning data for the response and identifying a most geographically wireless tower coupled to the RAN relative to the determined geographic positioning data (such as the closest wireless tower to the determined geographic positioning data). Thereafter, the response can be cached at a cache in a base station of the identified wireless tower. |
| US08838147B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining environmental context utilizing features obtained by multiple radio receivers
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate the determination of the environmental context of a mobile terminal. In this regard, the method, apparatus and computer program product may utilize the features obtained by a plurality of different types of radio receivers in order to more precisely determine the environmental context of the mobile terminal. The performance of the mobile terminal including applications executed by the mobile terminal may correspondingly be more accurately tailored to the current environmental context of the mobile terminal. |
| US08838146B2 |
Mobile terminal and schedule notifying method thereof
A mobile terminal and a schedule notifying method of the mobile terminal are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes: a wireless communication unit configured to perform radio communication with a location-based service (LBS) providing server; a controller configured to select a participant in a schedule creation mode, discriminately display whether or not the selected participant uses the LBS, registers schedule to a scheduler when creating of the schedule is completed, and acquire location information of the participant using the LBS when an alarm time of the registered schedule arrives; and an output unit configured to output a schedule notification signal and location information of the participant. |
| US08838144B2 |
Adjusting user settings on a handheld mobile communication device based upon location
A handheld electronic device that receives geo-location based signal data into a microprocessor on board the handheld electronic device. The microprocessor processes the signal data into location data representative of the present geographic location of the electronic handheld device. The microprocessor adjusts at least one user defined setting of the handheld electronic device based on whether the location data indicates that the handheld electronic device is within stored geographical boundaries. |
| US08838138B2 |
Context aware geofencing
In one embodiment an electronic device comprises a display, a motion sensor, one or more wireless communication devices, and logic configured to receive, in the controller, data indicating that the controller is in motion, determine a velocity of the controller, and activate a first location service to determine a coarse location of the controller when the velocity of the controller falls above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. Other embodiments may be described. |
| US08838137B2 |
Estimating the location of a wireless terminal in wireless telecommunications systems that comprise distributed and/or repeater antennas
A technique for estimating the location of a wireless terminal at an unknown location in a geographic region is disclosed. The technique is based on the recognition that there are location-dependent traits of electromagnetic signals. In environments where multiple antennas are radiating the same signal, as in the case of distributed antennas or host-repeater configurations, one or more possible locations of the wireless terminal can be designated as improbable based on i) a measure of the propagation delay of a signal traveling between a) a base station and b) the wireless terminal or an infrastructure antenna, or ii) the maximum distance at which a signal is detectable by the wireless terminal. Additionally, the applicable set of values for the location-dependent traits is selected based on similar criteria. |
| US08838132B2 |
Enhanced positioning assistance data for reduced signaling
Apparatus and methods for determining a location estimate of a mobile device based on an extended set of assistance data are presented. The extended assistance data includes assistance data for base stations, such as cellular base stations and access points, not expected to be viewable by the mobile device in a (current) first geographical area but expected to be viewable by the mobile device in a (future) second geographical area. By seeding the mobile device with assistance data expected to be useful in the future, the network reduces messaging between the network and mobile device and battery consumption by the mobile device. |
| US08838128B2 |
Combined base transceiver station and base station controller call origination and termination
A system, method, and computer readable medium for a mobile origination comprises receiving an origination request message by a main call control (MCC) from a radio call control (RCC), receiving an assignment request message by the RCC from the MCC, receiving a traffic channel assign message by a channel element control (CEC) and by the MCC from the RCC, receiving a call setup message by a selector distribution unit (SDU) from the MCC, and receiving a link active message by the CEC from the SDU. |
| US08838127B2 |
Interference mitigation method in cellular wireless network, and apparatus with the same
Interference mitigation methods in a small cell wireless network are provided. In the methods, negotiations between different stations are provided for interference mitigation. By such negotiations, UL-DL configurations are chosen in considering interference between neighboring stations and the interferences therefrom are effectively mitigated. |
| US08838123B2 |
On-demand vacate mechanism for cloud spectrum services
A platform to facilitate transferring spectrum rights is provided that includes a database to ascertain information regarding available spectrum for use in wireless communications. The proposed apparatus and non-transitory machine-accessible medium defines the transactions required for release of the “rented” spectrum by clients which are using the spectrum when demanded by a primary spectrum holder to provide functionality for flexible and optimal use of spectrum on client devices. The apparatus and non-transitory machine-accessible medium coordinates scanning for available broadcast, multicast, and/or conditional access platforms, networks, and/or services, as well as maintaining connection with CSS network elements to enable flexible and optimal use of the spectrum and manages the resources among multiple radios and applications on the platform. |
| US08838122B2 |
System and method for network management
Various systems and methods for network management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a network management system comprises a receiver for receiving data from a plurality of entities, including base stations and/or subscriber handsets, a processor for generating a network map or a recommendation based on the received data, a display device for displaying the network map or recommendation, and a transmitter for transmitting instructions based on the recommendation. |
| US08838119B2 |
Method and system for dynamic cell configuration
An apparatus for adapting hyper cells in response to changing conditions of a cellular network is disclosed. During operation, the apparatus collects data regarding network conditions of the cellular network. In accordance with the collected network condition data, the apparatus changes an association of a transmit point from a second cell ID of a second hyper cell to a first cell ID of a first hyper cell. Virtual data channels, broadcast common control channel and virtual dedicated control channel, transmit point optimization, UE-centric channel sounding and measurement, and single frequency network synchronization are also disclosed. |
| US08838118B2 |
Methods and arrangements in a wireless communication system
Method and arrangement (600) in a first network node (120-1), serving a first cell (130-1), for forming a coordination group for coordinating multipoint wireless communication. The method comprising determining (502) interference within the first cell (130-1). Also, the method comprises identifying (503) a second network node (120-2), which is either transmitting radio signals causing the interference, serving a user equipment (110-1), which transmits radio signals causing the interference, or being the intended recipient of radio signals causing the interference. Additionally, the method comprises transmitting (504) a token to the identified second network node (120-2), inviting it to coordinate the wireless communication. Furthermore, in addition, if acceptance is received, the method comprises forming (505) a coordination group together with the second network node (120-2), and coordinate the wireless communication.Further, a method and arrangement (800) in a second network node (120-2) is presented. |
| US08838115B2 |
Method and apparatus for expanded data rate control indices in a wireless communication system
In one embodiment, the patent application comprises an apparatus, method and means for expanding DRC indices comprising assigning multiple DRC covers to at least one sector. In another embodiment, the apparatus, method and means for expanding DRC indices further comprises creating an expanded DRC indices list, sending a mapping of DRC covers to the expanded DRC indices list to an access terminal, and using the mapping to determine a sector and DRC index from the DRC indices list on requests for transmission from the access terminal. |
| US08838114B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient serving cell change using multiple parallel timers
Methods and apparatus are described herein to manage a serving cell change. Timers are used to monitor one or more cells which become stronger relative to a cell which is currently the best cell. These one or more cells may be referred to as pending best cells. Further, in some aspects, additional timers can be started for any cell relative to any pending best cell when the respective cell becomes stronger than the respective pending best cell. |
| US08838110B2 |
System and method for user equipment mobility support in a heterogeneous network
A method for supporting mobility in a user equipment by a macro cell as the user equipment moves into a coverage area of a low power node includes receiving a measurement report from the user equipment, and selecting a technique for supporting mobility according to the measurement report, and a support factor of the user equipment and of a communications system where the user equipment is operating. The method also includes operating the macro cell and the low power node according to the selected technique. |
| US08838107B2 |
Anti-interference apparatus and method in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing the interference caused by a femtocell in a wireless communication system. The method comprises the steps of: measuring the intensity of a signal received from a terminal when the transmission mode is deactivated; and controlling the transmission mode to be activated according to the signal intensity, and thus has the advantage of decreasing the influence effects caused by the femtocell and reducing the power consumption in a femto base station. |
| US08838094B2 |
Acquiring information from volatile memory of a mobile device
According to various embodiments, there is provided a method of acquiring information from volatile memory of a mobile device, the method including: accessing the volatile memory of the mobile device used by an application operating on the mobile device to store communicated information with a communication device; acquiring a copy of data present in the volatile memory; and analyzing the copy of data to extract the communicated information. |
| US08838093B2 |
Method and device for monitoring wireless terminal behavior according to terminal type
One or more embodiments of a method and device taught herein provide for monitoring wireless terminal behavior in a wireless communication network, where each wireless terminal has a defined terminal type. Data describing the behavior of a plurality of wireless terminals in the wireless communication network is obtained. Based on the obtained data, an aggregated severity score for a given terminal type is determined that is indicative of the extent to which one or more of a plurality of performance criteria have not been met by wireless terminals of the given terminal type. If the aggregated severity score for the given terminal type exceeds a corresponding severity score threshold, one or more of a plurality of predefined actions are performed based on the extent to which the threshold is exceeded. |
| US08838085B2 |
Use of proximity sensors for interacting with mobile devices
Various arrangements for handling a call by a mobile device and/or selecting a function for execution by the mobile device are presented. A phone call may be commenced by a mobile device. During the phone call, the mobile device may collect proximity data that indicates the mobile device is not proximate to an ear of a user. The microphone of the mobile device may be muted in response to the proximity data that indicates the mobile device is not proximate to the ear of the user. |
| US08838081B2 |
Mobile device applications for computer-telephony systems
On a mobile telecommunications device, computer-executable code executes to facilitate interactions between the user of the mobile telecommunications device and a call center or other computer-telephony integration equipment. The computer-executable code includes instructions that request at least one operation to be performed at a call center, where the call center includes a call center controller, an interactive voice response system component, and at least one agent. At least in part, a wireless network transmits the request from the mobile telecommunications device to the call center controller. |
| US08838078B2 |
Intelligent telephone number processing
A method and apparatus of a device that converts a telephone number based on the location of a telephone is described. The device receives the telephone number, where telephone number is to be used to place a telephone call on the device. The device further determines if the telephone number is suitable to place the telephone call based on a content of the telephone number and a location of the device. If the telephone number is not suitable to place the telephone call, the device converts the telephone number to a telephone number suitable to be used to place the telephone call. |
| US08838077B2 |
Mobile services access management methods and systems
An exemplary method includes a mobile services access management system maintaining a mobile services access schedule associated with a mobile access device, the mobile services access schedule specifying one or more restricted access time periods during which access by the mobile access device to one or more mobile services requires entry of a predetermined access code, receiving a request to access at least one mobile service within the one or more mobile services during one of the one or more restricted access time periods, receiving entry of a predetermined access code in conjunction with the request, granting the mobile access device access to the at least one mobile service, and providing a notification of the access to a predetermined recipient. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08838071B1 |
Secure communications smartphone system
Methods, systems, and non-transitory data storage media are provided for secured communications where biometrics are used to secure communications sent over a data communication path. A sender of a secured communication may identify one or more biometrics required from a recipient before the recipient is allowed to interpret, read, view, or listen to the communication. Communications secured by the present invention may include email, text messages, iMessages, files, links, Universal Resource Locators (URLs), videos, photos, attachments, or other forms of electronic data or media communications. |
| US08838068B2 |
Vehicular information receiver and vehicular information reception system
A vehicular information receiver is coupled to a portable device that receives information by paying a communication fee based on a unit packet fee. The receiver sets reception factors that affect the amount of data received by the portable device. An expected fee calculation unit calculates an expected communication fee based on the unit packet fee and an expected amount of data, which is based on the reception factors. A display unit displays the reception factors and the expected communication fee, which can be viewed by a user. Accordingly, the user is able to view the reception factors that determine the amount of data to be received and the expected communication fee associated with the data to be received, before such data is received from the portable device, thereby avoiding unexpected increases in communication fees. |
| US08838059B2 |
High-frequency circuit module
Provided is a high-frequency module that can prevent a transmission signal from reaching a reception circuit and that can achieve high mounting density. A first duplexer for a first frequency band is mounted on a circuit substrate, and a second transmission filter and a second reception filter that constitute a second duplexer for a second frequency band are embedded in the circuit substrate. The second transmission filter and the second reception filter are embedded in the circuit substrate in locations that overlap at least a part of a projection region that is formed by projecting the first duplexer in a thickness direction of the circuit substrate. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are separated from each other by at least a prescribed frequency range. |
| US08838056B2 |
Receiver circuit
A receiver circuit includes an analog front-end circuit, a first adaptation circuit, and a second adaptation circuit. A method operates the receiver circuit. The analog front-end circuit is configured to resolve an output signal from an input signal as a function of adjustable parameters. The first adaptation circuit is coupled to the analog front-end circuit and is configured to determine values of the adjustable parameters responsive to the output signal. The second adaptation circuit is coupled to the analog front-end circuit and to the first adaptation circuit. The second adaptation circuit is configured to adjust the values of the adjustable parameters responsive to one or more operating conditions of the receiver circuit. These operating conditions include a temperature and/or a power supply voltage of the receiver circuit. |
| US08838055B2 |
Dynamic sub-sampling radio frequency mixer systems and methods
A mixer, a receiver, and a method provide dynamic sub-sampling mixer which adjust a sub-sampling rate based on power drain and performance. A mixer includes mixer circuitry receiving an input of a Radio Frequency (RF) input signal and providing an output of a baseband signal of the RF input sampled at a sub-sampling rate, baseband parametric control circuitry receiving the baseband signal and measuring at least one parametric value of the baseband signal, and sampling period control circuitry receiving the at least one parametric value and adjusting the sub-sampling rate based thereon, the sub-sampling rate or ratio is adjusted minimize power drain while ensuring performance of the at least one parametric value is satisfying a predetermined level. |
| US08838053B2 |
Frequency multiplication using self-mixing
Frequency multipliers having corresponding methods and multifunction radios comprise: N multipliers, wherein N is an integer greater than one; wherein the multipliers are connected in series such that each of the multipliers, except for a first one of the multipliers, is configured to mix a periodic input signal with an output of another respective one of the multipliers; wherein the first one of the multipliers is configured to mix the periodic input signal with the periodic input signal. |
| US08838048B2 |
Radio communication apparatus, radio communication method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing radio communication control program
A combination of antennas to be used is selected based on a distance between a plurality of antennas or the polarization direction of a radio signal to be transmitted/received. |
| US08838046B2 |
System and method of hybrid FDM/TDM coexistence interference avoidance
A hybrid FDM/TDM solution for in-device coexistence interference avoidance is proposed. A user equipment (UE) comprises a first radio transceiver and a second co-located radio transceiver. The UE detects coexistence interference between the two radios based on radio signal measurement. The UE sends an IDC interference indicator to its serving base station (eNB). The UE also reports IDC information including recommendation for FDM and TDM configurations to the eNB. The eNB receives the IDC interference indicator and evaluates whether to trigger FDM-based solution to mitigate the coexistence interference. The eNB also evaluates whether to trigger TDM-based solution to mitigate coexistence interference. The evaluation is based on the recommended FDM and TDM configurations. The eNB may trigger FDM-based solution, TDM-based solution, or FDM and TDM solution based on the evaluation results of the feasibility and effectiveness of each solution. |
| US08838044B2 |
Attenuating antenna switch and communication device
An attenuating antenna switch may be used to suppress increase in the scale and power consumption of an RFIC. The antenna switch has a first terminal, a second terminal, and an antenna terminal coupled to the first and second terminals and configured to be connected to an antenna. The first switch switches between a first state in which a high frequency signal is propagated between the first terminal and the antenna terminal, and a second state in which the high frequency signal is interrupted. A second switch switches between the first and second states between the second terminal and the antenna terminal. The first and second switches are controlled in a mutually exclusive manner such that only one of the two switches can be in the first state at any given time. When in the first state, each switch adjusts an attenuation amount of the high frequency signal. |
| US08838034B2 |
Intercell interference reduction
A distributed antenna system based wireless cellular communication system with transmit side linear interference cancellation is described. In this system the effective channel elements (I) and (II) are estimated and reported by mobile station MS1 and MS2, respectively, to a transmit weight matrix processing apparatus. Processing apparatus uses the effective complex channel matrix (one row reported by each mobile station) to differentially update the transmit weight matrix used for the transmit side linear interference cancellation. |
| US08838032B2 |
Communication terminal and communication control method
A communication terminal (10) including a first communication unit (11) and a second communication unit (12) includes a presence status detection unit (13) that detects a presence status indicating whether a distance from a personal computer (50) is inside a communication range where communication is possible or outside the communication range where communication is not possible for each of the first communication unit (11) and the second communication unit (12), and a communication status management unit (14) that, in accordance with the presence status of either communication unit (11, 12) detected by the presence status detection unit (13), causes the other communication unit (11, 12) to transition to an activation state, a standby state or a disconnection state. |
| US08838031B2 |
Alternative path configuration for peer-to-peer networking
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided in which information is exchanged through peer-to-peer communication with a second wireless device using a first radio technology. The information regards at least one additional radio technology. In addition, whether to utilize a second radio technology of the at least one additional radio technology for peer-to-peer communication with the second wireless device rather than the first radio technology is determined. Furthermore, the first radio technology is utilized to exchange control information for the second radio technology. |
| US08838027B2 |
Apparatus for and method of selecting between antennas for wireless communication
A communication device comprising at least first and second antennas wherein a quality of communication between the communication device 2 and a further device 20 is assessed when using the at least first and second antennas 8, 10, 12 so as to select one of the at least first and second antennas for further communications between the communication device and the further device. |
| US08838023B2 |
Method and device for active load modulation by inductive coupling
A data emission/reception device by inductive coupling includes an inductive antenna circuit in which an antenna signal appears, a mechanism configured to for extracting a first periodic signal from the antenna signal, a synchronous oscillator receiving the first periodic signal and supplying a second periodic signal, and an active load modulation circuit configured to apply bursts of the second periodic signal to the antenna circuit. The device is configured to place the oscillator in the synchronous oscillation mode before each application of a burst of the second periodic signal to the antenna circuit, then place the oscillator in the free oscillation mode. |
| US08838022B2 |
System and method for securely pairing a wireless device using wireless communication
Various embodiments of an invention for pairing a plurality of wireless devices using wireless communications are disclosed. A method for pairing a wireless device comprises placing the wireless device in a pairing enclosure. The pairing enclosure includes a shielding layer to substantially attenuate a pairing signal emitted within the pairing enclosure. A pairing signal transmitted through the pairing enclosure is received at a pairing signal receiver configured to detect a power level of the pairing signal. An indication is made regarding whether the pairing procedure can begin, proceed, or be terminated based on the power level of the pairing signal detected by the paring signal receiver. |
| US08838015B2 |
Systems and methods for producing, delivering and managing educational material
A method includes receiving data associated with a characteristic of a set of students from a educational delivery system. The characteristic can include, for example, a demographic characteristic, a geographical location, a score of an assessment associated with a learning objective from the plurality of learning objectives, a time to complete the assessment, a number of attempts to complete the assessment and/or an indicator of knowledge of the learning objective based on prior educational experience. A first group of students and a second group of students are automatically selected from the set of students based on the data such that first group of students is substantially identical to the second group of students. A first educational material is delivered to the first group of students. A second educational material is delivered to the second group of students. |
| US08838012B2 |
Image forming apparatus with belt member pushing
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a stretched rotatable belt member; a transfer device for forming a transfer portion where a toner image is transferred from the image bearing member onto a recording material carried and conveyed on the belt member; a separation roller capable of separating the recording material from the belt member; a push-up device capable of pushing up a belt surface locally with respect to a widthwise direction of the belt member to separate the recording material from the belt member; and an execution portion for executing, when an abnormality occurs during an image forming operation, an operation in a stop mode in which the belt member is, after the image forming operation is stopped, rotated in a push-up state of the push-up device and then the rotation of the belt member is stopped. |
| US08838007B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an openable cover capable of opening and closing an opening, an image forming portion for forming a toner image on a sheet, and a cam member provided in the image forming portion for moving a contact member toward and away from an opposing member. A controller controls the image forming portion and rotation of the cam member. The controller stops an operation of the image forming portion when a detecting unit detects opening of the openable cover, and then controls rotation of the cam member at least one full turn when the detecting unit detects closing of the openable cover. |
| US08838000B2 |
Image heating device
In an image heating device (F) employing an induction heating system, which includes a heating rotary member (15, 15A) and a magnetic flux generating unit including a coil and a magnetic core (12), when an area of a surface of a leading end portion of the core (12) on a side opposed to the heating rotary member (15) is large, the time change of the magnetic flux to act on the heating rotary member does not increase. As a result, the heat generation efficiency of the heating rotary member may be suppressed. To resolve this problem, the core (12) includes a second core portion (12a) protruding toward the heating rotary member and including, on a leading end side of a convex-shaped part, a leading end protruding portion (12d) which has a width smaller than a width of a root portion (12b) of the convex-shaped part in a circumferential direction. |
| US08837994B2 |
Method for controlling image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus
If any of a plurality of conditions is satisfied, an image forming apparatus having a plurality of image forming units that form images on an intermediate transfer member in a superimposed manner detects, using a pattern detection sensor, the amount of color misregistration of the images formed by the plurality of image forming units on the intermediate transfer member and corrects the color misregistration of the images formed by the plurality of image forming units in accordance with the amount of color misregistration that is smaller than a color misregistration correction tolerance, which varies depending on the plurality of conditions, and that has been detected by the pattern detection sensor. |
| US08837991B2 |
Developing device
A developing device includes spiral wings, a forward double spiral wing, clearance portion, backward double spiral wing, and short lead backward spiral wing installed on the rotational shaft of a stirring and carrying unit. The forward and backward double spiral wings have spiral directions opposite to each other, and together are formed to have an equal lead to the spiral wings. The supplying and carrying unit is disposed above the stirring and carrying unit, and the supplying and carrying unit and the stirring and carrying unit are divided by a partition having a communication portion installed at a position corresponding to the forward and backward double spiral wings. |
| US08837988B1 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a substructure, a first opening and closing body that opens and closes the upper portion of the substructure, and a second opening and closing body that opens and closes the upper portion of the first opening and closing body, and includes a locking mechanism in which the first opening and closing body and the second opening and closing body do not enter the opened state at the same time. |
| US08837986B2 |
Developing device of image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having an improved configuration to prevent foreign substances from accumulating on a space maintaining member used to maintain a constant distance between a photoconductor and a developer delivery member. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, a developer delivery member to deliver and feed developer to the photoconductor, a cleaning member to remove the developer and foreign substances remaining on a surface of the photoconductor while coming into contact with the photoconductor, and a space maintaining member arranged to come into contact with the photoconductor so as to maintain a constant developing gap or developing nip between the photoconductor and the developer delivery member. The space maintaining member is located between both ends of the cleaning member. |
| US08837985B2 |
Electrophotographic member and electrophotographic apparatus
Provided is an electrophotographic member, which hardly changes in performance even when being left to stand for a long time period. The electrophotographic member comprises a support, an elastic layer formed on the support, and a surface layer covering a surface of the elastic layer and containing a urethane resin, and in which the urethane resin comprises a reaction product of: a hydroxyl group-terminated prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyester polyol with a polyisocyanate; and an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyester polyol with a polyisocyanate. |
| US08837984B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system includes a first developer container, a second developer container having a capacity larger than the first developer container, and an image forming main unit having a structure configured to allow one developer container selected from a group including the first and second developer containers to be removably installed therein. Each of the first and second developer containers includes a housing configured to form a developer storage chamber in which developer is storable, and a developer agitating member. The agitating member of the first developer container has a construction equivalent to that of the second developer container. Lower portions of the housings are equally positioned relative to the corresponding agitating member and have equally shaped inner surfaces, while portions other than the lower portions of the housings are shaped differently from each other. |
| US08837981B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming unit
Image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an image forming unit removable from the casing in a first direction; and plural developer cartridges. The cartridges may be attached and detached with respect to the image forming unit in a second direction that is inclined toward the first direction. Other image forming apparatuses include: a casing; an exposure device; a plurality of cartridges configured to be attached and detached with respect to the casing in a first direction; and a recording medium transport system for transporting recording media adjacent the photosensitive members in a second direction. The first direction may be inclined with respect to the second direction, and at least a portion of optical paths of the light emitted from the exposure device may extend parallel with the first direction. Aspects also relate to image forming units, e.g., for use in image forming apparatuses as described above. |
| US08837979B2 |
Image-forming device capable of positioning developing unit and developer cartridge precisely
An image-forming device may include a casing and a developing unit that is detachably mounted in the casing and formed with a first opening. The developer unit may have a developer carrying member carrying a developer, wherein the developing unit includes one end. The image-forming device may also include a first shutter configured to open and close the first opening and a developer cartridge that is configured to be detachably mounted in the casing, accommodate the developer, and is formed with a second opening. The second opening may be in alignment with the first opening when the developing unit and the developer cartridge are mounted in the casing. The image-forming device may also include a second shutter configured to open and close the second opening. The image-forming device may also include an alignment member between the developing unit and the developer cartridge. |
| US08837977B2 |
Charging device and image forming apparatus
A charging device includes a discharge electrode that charges a surface of a rotatable image carrier and extends along the image carrier, a case that extends along and encloses the discharge electrode with a side thereof nearest to the image carrier being open, a grid electrode provided between the image carrier and the discharge electrode, a cleaning member that cleans at least one of the discharge electrode, the case, and the grid electrode by moving along the case, a regulating portion that is provided between the cleaning member and the case and regulates a distance between the cleaning member and the case in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the cleaning member by coming into contact with the cleaning member or the case, and a supporting portion that supports the regulating portion and allows the regulating portion to move away from the cleaning member or the case. |
| US08837976B2 |
Sub power source-type electronic device and image forming apparatus
An electronic device includes a first voltage output part configured to output a first voltage, a second voltage output part configured to output a second voltage, a first controller configured to receive the first voltage supplied from the first voltage output part, a second controller configured to receive the first voltage supplied from the first voltage output part, and a third controller configured to receive the second voltage supplied from the second voltage output part. The first controller stops the supply of the first voltage to the second controller by the first voltage output part after the supply of the second voltage to the third controller by the second voltage output part has been stopped. |
| US08837975B2 |
Power supply circuit, image forming apparatus incorporating same, and power supply method to supply voltage to image forming apparatus
A power supply circuit includes a voltage regulator to which a first high voltage is supplied, to operate at constant voltage and regulate the supplied first high voltage, and a first rectifier circuit to which the first high voltage is supplied, connected in parallel to the voltage regulator, to rectify the supplied first high voltage for output as a first DC voltage. When the first high voltage is a pseudo-alternating-current (AC) voltage consisting of two types of high voltages that alternate, the voltage regulator regulates each of the two different types of the voltages to output a desired pseudo-AC voltage. |
| US08837970B2 |
Apparatus, methods, and systems for engaging and disengaging a fixing nip for cut sheet processing
A fixing device includes a first fixing member a second fixing member that are movable to engage and disengage a fixing nip defined by the first and second fixing member. The fixing nip is disengaged to accommodate entry and exit of a cut sheet, and engaged to accommodate warm-pressure fixing a marking material image to the cut sheet. |
| US08837968B2 |
Image formation apparatus, driving control method, and computer program product
An image formation apparatus includes an image carrier; a driving source generating a driving force for the image carrier; a drive transmission unit; a driving control unit controlling the driving source; an image formation unit forming an image on a surface of the image carrier; a transfer nip between a transfer member and the surface of the image carrier; a driving-force exerting unit exerting a driving force on any one of the image carrier and a first drive transmission member on a drive transmission path, and a specific drive transmission member imparting weakest spring characteristics among drive transmission members to a drive transmission system; a detecting unit detecting an estimation parameter used in estimating a driving-load-torque variation amount of the image carrier; a torque-variation-amount estimation unit; and a driving-force control unit controlling the driving force to cancel the driving-load-torque variation. |
| US08837967B2 |
Device for determining and adjusting transfer voltage in an imaging apparatus and a method thereof
A device and method for determining and applying a transfer voltage in an imaging apparatus is provided. A servo voltage is determined based in part upon a change in an environmental condition. A determination is made whether or not to perform a new transfer servo operation based upon at least one of an amount of time passing since the last transfer servo operation was performed and a comparison of the determined servo voltage and a servo voltage used in a prior transfer servo operation. A transfer servo operation includes charging a photoconductive drum to a charge corresponding to a printing voltage. |
| US08837966B2 |
Control apparatus and method, image forming apparatus and system, and computer readable medium
A control apparatus includes the following elements. A toner density specifying unit specifies a toner density in a developer stored in a developing device. A toner density controller performs control such that the toner density approximates a predetermined toner density target value. A first calculator calculates a first value corresponding to an image density of an image to be output after a first timing. A correction amount specifying unit specifies a correction amount for the toner density target value at the first timing. When the condition that an absolute value of a difference between the first value and a second value is greater than a predetermined threshold is satisfied, the correction amount specifying unit specifies a smaller correction amount for the toner density target value, compared with when the condition is not satisfied. A correcting unit corrects the toner density target value on the basis of the correction amount. |
| US08837959B2 |
Image forming device and method of adjusting density of formed image
An image forming device includes a toner supplying unit to supply the toner to a storage unit. A mixer supplies developer in the storage unit to a developing roller, and a developer sensor detects the amount of developer on the surface of the developing roller. A toner concentration sensor detects toner concentration in the developer stored in the storage unit, and a control unit adjusts at least one of a developing bias and a rotation speed of the mixer based on a value detected by the developer sensor and a value detected by the toner concentration sensor, such that a printed image has uniform density. |
| US08837954B2 |
Asset tracking system for rack-based enclosures
A system includes a beacon device including a communication strip having a plurality of directed light emitters distributed along the communication strip. The beacon device can transmit a directed light signal via the directed light emitters. The system further includes a tag including a processor, a radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor, a directed light receiver coupled to the processor, and a lens having first and second major surfaces and a side surface, the tag to receive the directed light signal via the side surface and to transmit a radio frequency tag message via the radio frequency transmitter. The system also includes a radio frequency reader to receive the radio frequency tag message. |
| US08837951B2 |
40, 50 and 100 Gb/s optical transceivers/transponders in 300pin and CFP MSA modules
Disclosed by way of exemplary embodiments, a 40/50/100 Gb/s Optical Transceivers/transponders which use opto-electronic components at data rates collectively that are lower than or equal to half the data rate, using two optical duobinary carriers. More specifically, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosed optical transceivers/transponders relate to a 43 Gb/s 300pin MSA and a 43˜56 Gb/s CFP MSA module, both include a two-carrier optical transceiver and the appropriate hardware architecture and MSA standard interfaces. The two-carrier optical transceiver is composed of a pair of 10 Gb/s optical transmitters, each using band-limited duobinary modulation at 20˜28 Gb/s. The wavelength channel spacing can be as little as 19˜25 GHz. The same principle is applied to a 100 Gb/s CFP module, which is composed of four tunable 10 Gb/s optical transmitters, with the channel spacing between optical carriers up to a few nanometers. |
| US08837950B2 |
Accessing transceiver link information from host interface
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for accessing the digital diagnostic data and controller data of a remote transceiver module via the diagnostic port of a local transceiver. The invention involves modulating high-speed data and out-of-band data as a double modulated signal, wherein the out-of-band data includes the remote transceiver controller and digital diagnostic data, which is subsequently accessible by an external user device from the diagnostic port of the local transceiver. |
| US08837945B2 |
Connection management server, OLT, ONU/ONT and the system and method for providing ethernet-based PTL-PON
Provided is a passive optical network (PON) providing system of an Ethernet-based packet transport layer (PTL) scheme, including: a connection management server to manage a unified PTL connection overall over the network by establishing a PTL connection between an optical network unit (ONU)/optical network terminal (ONT) of a customer termination of one party and an ONU/ONT of a customer termination of another party, and by applying a PTL-PON scheme to a PON section between the ONU/ONT and an optical line termination (OLT); an OLT to manage a connection of a received packet, and to convert a format of the packet according to a transmission direction of the packet and thereby transmit the packet; and an ONU/ONT becoming an end point of the PTL connection to convert the format of the packet according to the transmission direction of the received packet and to thereby transmit the packet to a customer terminal or the OLT. |
| US08837941B2 |
Optical packet switching system and optical packet switching device
An optical packet switching device is provided with: a first input unit and a second input unit for receiving an optical packet signal having destination information and priority information; a first demultiplexer and a second demultiplexer for branching the optical packet signal; an optical switch unit for routing one of branched optical packet signals; a first analyzer unit and a second analyzer unit for analyzing the header of the other branched optical packet signal so as to detect the destination information and the priority information; and an output competition determination unit for checking for temporal competition of a plurality of optical packet signals based on destination information and for determining whether the optical packet signals should be transmitted or discarded based on priority information when there is competition. |
| US08837940B2 |
Methods and systems for distributing fiber optic telecommunication services to local areas and for supporting distributed antenna systems
A fiber optic network includes a fiber distribution hub including at least one splitter and a termination field; a plurality of drop terminals optically connected to the fiber distribution hub by a plurality of distribution cables; and a distributed antenna system (DAS). The DAS includes a base station and a plurality of antenna nodes. The base station is optically connected to the fiber distribution hub and the antenna nodes are optically connected to the drop terminals. Example splitters include a passive optical power splitter and a passive optical wavelength splitter. Signals from a central office can be routed through the passive optical power splitter before being routed to subscriber locations optically connected to the drop terminals. Signals from the base station can be routed through the wavelength splitter before being routed to the antenna nodes. |
| US08837939B2 |
Wavelength division multiplexing transmission system, optical channel monitor and optical channel monitoring method
A light channel monitor includes an optical separating section configured to separate a wavelength multiplexed optical signal into optical signals for channels and monitors configured to measure intensities of the optical signals for the channels. A processing section is configured to correct the measured intensities of the optical signals based on a wavelength transmission characteristic of the optical separating section to calculate the wavelength multiplexed optical signal before the separation. |
| US08837932B2 |
Camera and auto-focusing method of the camera
A camera includes a depth-sensing lens, an auto-focusing apparatus, and a display screen. In an auto-focusing method of the camera, a focusing position of the depth-sensing lens is determined when an image of the scene is shown on the display screen. The depth-sensing lens senses a depth between the object and the camera, and determines a distance between the object and the focusing position of the depth-sensing lens. An optimal focus of the camera is calculated according to the depth and the distance. The auto-focusing apparatus controls the depth-sensing lens to move from the focusing position to the optimal focus of the camera. The camera controls the depth-sensing lens to capture an image of the scene based on the optimal focus when a user presses a button of the camera. |
| US08837930B2 |
Imaging apparatus, flash device, and control method thereof
An imaging apparatus for performing wireless communication with an external device. An instruction transmitting unit transmits an operation instruction to the external device. A response signal receiving unit receives a response signal from the external device. A first controlling unit starts a first operation relating to an imaging process in a case that a first time passes from a point of receiving the response signal by the response signal receiving unit. The external device executes a second operation relating to the imaging process in a case that a second time passes from a point of transmitting the response signal from the external device to the imaging apparatus. |
| US08837927B2 |
Triaxial camera suspension unit
The invention relates to a suspension system designed for use with optical devices, such as video cameras. The camera suspension unit includes a platform, outer and middle frames, with the orthogonal intersecting axes of rotation at the midpoint of the unit, rotating drives to rotate the unit about the X, Y and Z axes all controlled by a control unit. The middle frame of the suspension unit is designed as a mechanical parallelogram, having a movable jointed foot, a piston-rod and two cranks, as well as two mechanical links, all of which have an axis of rotation parallel to the middle frame axis of rotation, which is parallel to the Y axis. The outer end of each mechanical link is fastened to a crank while the inner end is fastened to the frame. The inner ends are fastened in a rotatable manner, allowing for the rotation about an axis parallel to the axes of rotation of the cranks. The outer frame of the suspension unit, the foot of the parallelogram, two mobile mechanical links and the cranks, are all joined together, to form two parallelograms. The platform is rotatably fastened to the middle frame or parallelogram on at least one end with a piston-rod, and the axis of rotation of the platform is perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the piston-rod in relation to the cranks. The axis of rotation of the platform and cranks intersect. |
| US08837925B2 |
Refrigerant heating apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A refrigerant heating apparatus is provided. The refrigerant heating apparatus includes a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows and a heating unit that is provided on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe. The heating unit includes a plurality of electrodes that are provided at an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and are spaced from each other and a plurality of carbon nanotube heating elements that are electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of carbon nanotube heating elements are heated by an applied power, and are disposed to be spaced from each other. |
| US08837924B2 |
Vacuum heating/cooling apparatus and manufacturing method of magnetoresistance element
The present invention provides a vacuum heating/cooling apparatus capable of rapidly heating and also rapidly cooling only a substrate while a high vacuum degree is maintained after film-formation processing. The vacuum heating/cooling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum chamber (1), a halogen lamp (2) which emits heating light, a quartz window (3) for allowing the heating light to enter the vacuum chamber (1), a substrate supporting base (9) having a cooling function, and a lift pin (13) which causes the substrate (5) to stand still at a heating position P3 and a cooling position P1 and moves the substrate (5) between the heating position P3 and the cooling position P1. |
| US08837920B2 |
Alternative advertising in prerecorded media
Presenting viewers with an alternative brief version of a recorded advertisement when they choose to fast-forward through or skip (or any other trick play event) the recorded advertisement. The alternative advertisement may be displayed instead of or in conjunction with the recorded advertisement (i.e., fast-forwarding advertisement is displayed in one portion of the screen (i.e., background or portion of a split screen) and the alternative brief version is displayed in another portion). The alternative brief version of the advertisement (trick play advertisement) may be a marketing message that is a static screen presenting a logo or a portion of the recorded advertisement, or may be a condensed version of the actual advertisement. The trick play advertisements may be targeted. An alternate or entirely unrelated advertisement can also be displayed as the trick play advertisement. |
| US08837918B2 |
Video recording apparatus
A video recording apparatus compresses video data so that a bit rate converges to a target bit rate while keeping a minimum image quality and records the compressed video data. The video recording apparatus (exemplified by a recording and reproducing apparatus (10)) comprises a compressing portion (exemplified by a transcoder (13)) which compresses the video data while executing a rate control including a change of a quantization step so that a bit rate in a predetermined period converges to a target bit rate; a recording portion which records the compressed data in a recording medium; and a total rate calculation portion that calculates a total bit rate of a result of compression of the video data by the compressing portion from the start of the compression to the present time. The compressing portion comprises a quantization step limiting portion which limits the changed quantization step to a predetermined upper limit lower than an upper limit changeable in the compressing portion, and a quantization step fixing portion which fixes the quantization step to the predetermined upper limit when the calculated total bit rate exceeds the target bit rate. |
| US08837909B2 |
Digital processing disruption systems
A method and apparatus are described for modifying an analogue video signal to impair its conversion to a digital signal by an analogue to digital converter. The resulting modified signal may prevent the operation of the analogue to digital converter altogether, or even if a digital signal can be output and recorded, may result in a signal which is difficult to view due to a reduction in quality on playback. The modifications made to the signal include altering the amplitude of the horizontal synchronization pulses in the original signal, and/or modifying the level of the back porch, or the region of the signal adjacent the back porch. Additionally, methods are contemplated for the use of specific response models for target analogue to digital converters, and display devices. |
| US08837905B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing movement guide in video recording device
Provided are a movement guide providing method of a video recording device. The method includes: measuring a movement speed according to a movement of the video recording device; comparing the measured movement speed value of the video recording device with a reference value; generating a guide sub screen that represents a result value of the comparing; and displaying the generated sub screen on a display main screen of the video recording device. |
| US08837902B2 |
Threshold based computer video output recording application
An application that is capable of monitoring Internet or network traffic and performing recordings of computer video output based on network activity thresholds. The recording application is typically not installed on the computer to be recorded but can reside on the computer to be recorded. The application contains a configuration interface that allows a user to set thresholds for certain types of network activity usage. When a threshold is reached, the application will begin a video recording of the computer's video activity which will be stored for later use. The application can be configured to include settings such as the length of the recording. For example, the application is a hardware appliance capable of monitoring web activity and network traffic and can connect to the computer over the network in order to perform the recording. The computer to be recorded can have specific software capable of capturing the video. |
| US08837896B2 |
Visual extender for portable devices
A portable electronic system comprises a portable electronic device having a screen and a visual extender. The visual extender has a thin film element and is coupled to the portable electronic device, positioning the thin film element to provide visual extension of the screen of the portable electronic device. |
| US08837895B2 |
Fiber holder and fiber laser apparatus
A fiber holder which can wind an optical fiber easily and accurately, and hold an optical fiber in a wound state is provided. The optical fiber is accommodated in the groove (introduction portion) formed on the fiber bobbin, after that, the bobbin cover is rotated in the rotational direction of the helical groove while the optical fiber is kept in contact with the cutout formed in the bobbin cover. With this, the optical fiber can be accommodated in the groove. Thus, the optical fiber can be wound easily and accurately, and the optical fiber can be held on the fiber bobbin. |
| US08837893B2 |
Exchange cabling
A telecommunication distribution frame is provided for optical fiber of an incoming cable. Primary and secondary flexibility suites include joined blown fiber tubes routed as desired within the installation. A continuous blown fiber unit may extend through the joined blown fiber tubes. A blown fiber tube flexibility module may have a patching panel which may be provided with connectors. Above the panel may be a set of bend control vanes or mandrels one for each of the connector sites in the panel. Patching tubes may pass down and out through an aperture at the back of the module. |
| US08837885B2 |
Optic coupler, optical fiber laser device, and active optical module using the same
The inventive concept provides optic couplers, optical fiber laser devices, and active optical modules using the same. The optic coupler may include a first optical fiber having a first core and a first cladding surrounding the first core, a second optical fiber having a second core transmitting a signal light to the first optical fiber and a third cladding surrounding the second core, third optical fibers transmitting pump-light to the first optical fiber in a direction parallel to the second optical fiber; and a connector connected between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, the connector extending the third optical fibers disposed around the second optical fiber toward the first optical fiber, the connector comprising a third core connected between the first core and the second core and a fifth cladding surrounding the third core. |
| US08837884B2 |
Optical semiconductor device, and manufacturing method thereof
The optical semiconductor device includes a spot-size converter formed on a semiconductor substrate. The spot-size converter has a multilayer structure including a light transition region. The multilayer structure includes a lower core layer, and an upper core layer having a refractive index higher than that of the lower core layer. The width of the upper core layer is gradually decreased and the width of the lower core layer is gradually increased in the light transition region. Both sides and an upper side of the multilayer structure are buried by a semi-insulating semiconductor layer in the light transition region. Light incident from one end section of the spot-size converter is propagated to the upper core layer. The light transits from the upper core layer to the lower core layer in the light transition region, is propagated to the lower core layer, and exits from the other end section thereof. |
| US08837883B2 |
Shaping laser beam launches into optical fibers to yield specific output effects
Certain embodiments may include a laser system configured to emit collimated laser light, a beam diverging element configured to diverge the laser light to yield a range of propagation angles with a maximum angle greater than zero, and fiber coupling optics configured to direct the diverged laser light towards a spot of a cross-section of a fiber core of an optical fiber. As another example, certain embodiments may include a laser system configured to emit collimated laser light, a beam shaping element configured to shape the laser light into a beam with an elliptical cross-section, and fiber coupling optics configured to direct the diverged laser light towards a spot of a cross-section of a fiber core of an optical fiber, where the spot's center point is located at a distance from the cross-section's center point. |
| US08837880B2 |
Virtual image display device
The invention is directed to provide a virtual image display device capable of setting the aspect ratio of the image light entering the eyes of the observer as a virtual image to a desired state while fulfilling the design limitations. In the invention, the aspect ratio of the virtual image can be converted to the aspect ratio (16:9) laterally longer than the aspect ratio (4:3) of the image area due to the conversion in the aspect ratio conversion optical system. Thus, the aspect ratio of the image light to be recognized by the eye of the observer as a virtual image can be adjusted to a desired state even in the case in which, for example, the lateral width of the image forming device with respect to the whole of the virtual image display device is limited by a design requirement. |
| US08837879B2 |
Optical waveguide device and optical hybrid circuit
The optical waveguide device includes a first optical coupler which branches input light and outputs first signal light and second signal light, an optical phase shifter including a first and a second optical waveguides of optical path lengths different from each other and giving a phase difference between the first signal light and the second signal light, and the second optical coupler coupling the first signal light outputted from the first optical waveguide and the second signal light outputted from the second optical waveguide. The first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide have the same waveguide width and have optical waveguides bent with substantially the same radius of curvature. |
| US08837877B2 |
Patterned non-reciprocal optical resonator
A patterned nonreciprocal optical resonator structure is provided that includes a resonator structure that receives an optical signal. A top cladding layer is deposited on a selective portion of the resonator structure. The top cladding layer is patterned so as to expose the core of the resonator structure defined by the selective portion. A magneto-optically active layer includes a magneto-optical medium being deposited on the exposed core of the resonator structure so as to generate optical non-reciprocity. |
| US08837876B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing optical and RF communication between rotating and stationary components of a rotary sensor system
Systems and methods are disclosed for implementing a rotary sensor system including rotating system components in RF signal and optical signal communication with stationary system components through a rotary coupler. The rotary coupler may be provided with an optical transmission line that passes inside or through the center of an inner conductor of a coaxial RF transmission line that itself extends across the rotational interface/s of the rotary coupler such that optical and RF signal energy may be provided simultaneously or otherwise across the rotary coupler using separate communication paths. A rotary sensor system may be further configured to convert multiple signals and/or types of signals to a common multiplexed optical signal stream for transmission together across an on-axis rotational optical interface of the rotary coupler. |
| US08837875B2 |
Optical path switch and optical router
An optical path switch and an optical router are provided. The optical path switch comprises an input optical path (100), two output optical paths (201, 202), and an optical path switching element (300). The optical path switching element selectively routes the beam from the input optical path to one of the output optical paths. The optical path switching element comprises a semiconductor substrate (301), an inter-layer dielectric layer (307) on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a cavity (302) disposed in the inter-layer dielectric layer, and an elastic light guiding plate (306) disposed in the cavity. One end of the cavity is connected with the input optical path, and the other end is separated into an upper cavity (304) and a lower cavity (305) by an isolating layer (303). |
| US08837870B1 |
Fiber coupled laser device having high polarization extinction ratio and high stability
A fiber laser device includes a laser source that can emit a source laser beam, a birefringent beam separator configured to receive the source laser beam and to split the source laser beam into an o ray and an e ray which have mutually orthogonal polarizations, and a polarization maintaining fiber comprising a fiber core characterized by a core diameter, wherein after the o ray and the e ray exit birefringent beam separator, the o ray and the e ray are separated by a distance that is larger than the fiber core of the polarization maintaining fiber. The polarization maintaining fiber is positioned to couple one of the o ray and the e ray into the fiber core. The one of the o ray and the e ray transmits through the polarization maintaining fiber to form an output laser beam. |
| US08837867B2 |
Method and system to detect and select best photographs
Disclosed is a software routine which determines which photographs in a corpus are similar, groups the similar photographs, and which then determines which photographs within a group meet criteria of “better” photographs. |
| US08837863B2 |
Signal-processing device and computer-readable recording medium with signal-processing program recorded thereon
A signal-processing device, which processes transparent images each expressed by transparent superimposition of a target such as an affected part and a background, includes a transparent image acquiring unit that acquires the transparent images each including the target at a plurality of times; a calculating unit that calculates a component of the transparent image originating from the target and a component of the transparent image originating from the background at a given time t among the plurality of times in association with estimated values of at least one of a distribution originating from the target and a distribution originating from the background and that evaluates consistency with the transparent images; and an updating unit that updates the estimated values of at least one of a distribution originating from the target and a distribution originating from the background at the time t based on the evaluation result. |
| US08837860B1 |
Systems and methods for data and model-driven image reconstruction and enhancement
Systems and methods are disclosed for image reconstruction and enhancement, using a computer system. One method includes acquiring a plurality of images associated with a target anatomy; determining, using a processor, one or more associations between subdivisions of localized anatomy of the target anatomy identified from the plurality of images, and local image regions identified from the plurality of images; performing an initial image reconstruction based on image acquisition information of the target anatomy; and updating the initial image reconstruction or generating a new image reconstruction based on the image acquisition information and the one or more determined associations. |
| US08837855B2 |
Image compositing via multi-spectral detection
A video image capture component includes a light source operable in a first spectrum, a first image detector operable in the first spectrum, a second light source operable in a second spectrum, and a second image detector operable in the second spectrum. A filtering component generates a combination image by filtering a first image obtained by the first image detector with a high-contrast filter, resulting in a high-contrast image, and masking a second image obtained by the second image detector using the high-contrast image. A compositing component creates a composite image from the combination image and a selected image. A display component displays the composite image.Alternative systems and methods for creating a combination image include techniques involving thermal imaging, laser detection, and narrow band frequency detection. |
| US08837852B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing defective pixels
A method for removing defective pixels using a signal processing scheme with a Bayer pattern, by determining an output value of the inter-channel according to whether or not a difference between a center pixel and an average of neighboring pixels, which have the same color as that of the center pixel, is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and using values of neighboring pixels nearest to a center pixel as an input, obtaining an output value of the cross-channel by finding a median value among a median value of vertical and horizontal lines including the center pixel, a median value of diagonal lines including the center pixel, and a value of the center pixel. Then, a defective pixel is removed, through the use of the output value of the inter-channel, the output value of the cross-channel, and the value of the center pixel. |
| US08837851B2 |
Method of median filtering
A median filtering method makes a plurality of pixel data into a block of fixed unit area which includes a central pixel and a plurality of ambient pixels adjacent to the central pixel. Pixel data within the unit area is divided into sub unit areas which are smaller than the unit area. The data value of the divided pixel data is arranged in a fixed order for each of the sub unit areas. An intermediate value is determined from the arranged pixel data in each of the sub unit areas. An average value of the intermediate values which are extracted from each of the sub unit areas, and the central pixel data is determined corresponding to the central pixel of the unit area with the average value. |
| US08837846B2 |
Image decoding method and apparatus for performing decoding on a reconstructed two or more context-independent and context-independent segments
An image decoding method for decoding an image using plural intra prediction modes, including decoding first binary data and second binary data, the first binary data indicating a first intra prediction mode to decode the image, the second binary data indicating a second intra prediction mode to decode the image, wherein in the decoding, coded data is obtained which includes a first context adaptive segment, a second context adaptive segment, a first bypass segment, and a second bypass segment. The first context adaptive segment and the second context adaptive segment are decoded by context adaptive binary arithmetic decoding which is arithmetic decoding using a variable probability updated based on decoded data, and the first bypass segment and the second bypass segment are decoded by bypass decoding which is arithmetic decoding using a predetermined fixed probability. |
| US08837841B2 |
Method for compressing and decompressing digital data
A method of compressing and decompressing digital data that is especially suitable for halftoned image data in which every bit represents the marking of a receiving material by ink or toner is provided. The method is lossless and balances the use of memory, the processing time, the compression factor and the cost of hardware resources. The recurrence of data in halftoned images on which the smaller data size of the compressed data is based, is caused by the use of a halftone dither matrix. Various halftone dither matrices may be used in the halftoned image. The method is adapted to employ the characteristics of a specific halftone dither matrix by applying a dynamic set of offset values, in which an offset value represents a number of words between the current word of digital data and an identical, previously processed word. |
| US08837837B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determining a modulation transfer function of an imaging system
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for determining a modulation transfer function of an imaging system. A method may include accessing an image of a phantom having a substantially circular shaped feature captured by the imaging system. The method may further include detecting the circular shaped feature within the image. The method may additionally include defining at least one line extending from a point within the detected circular shaped feature to a point outside of the circular shaped feature. The method may also include determining an edge spread function based at least in part on the defined at least one line. The method may further include determining the modulation transfer function of the imaging system based at least in part on the determined edge spread function. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08837836B2 |
Image processing device identifying attribute of region included in image
An image processing device performs: preparing image data representing an image, the image including a target region consisting of a plurality of target pixels, each of the plurality of target pixels having a pixel value; classifying each of a plurality of target pixels as one of an object pixel and a background pixel other than the object pixel, the object pixel constituting an object represented in the target region; determining whether or not the target region satisfies a first condition related to a relationship between the object pixel and the background pixel to make a first determination result; and judging whether or not the target region is a letter region representing at least one letter based on the first determination result. |
| US08837835B1 |
Document grouping system
Computer-based techniques for grouping documents are described herein. Documents may be grouped, organized, named, and/or indexed by their document character features. Document character features may comprise character counts, character difference counts, missing character counts, and any combination thereof. The comparison of documents may use a comparison threshold value for grouping documents. Documents may be processed in any language. |
| US08837833B1 |
Payment card OCR with relaxed alignment
Extracting financial card information with relaxed alignment comprises a method to receive an image of a card, determine one or more edge finder zones in locations of the image, and identify lines in the one or more edge finder zones. The method further identifies one or more quadrilaterals formed by intersections of extrapolations of the identified lines, determines an aspect ratio of the one or more quadrilateral, and compares the determined aspect ratios of the quadrilateral to an expected aspect ratio. The method then identifies a quadrilateral that matches the expected aspect ratio and performs an optical character recognition algorithm on the rectified model. A similar method is performed on multiple cards in an image. The results of the analysis of each of the cards are compared to improve accuracy of the data. |
| US08837831B2 |
Method and system for managing digital photos
Methods and systems for managing digital photos are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for organizing digital photos includes receiving a set of digital photos, analyzing the set of digital photos to create tags that identify content information in the set of digital photos, tagging the set of digital photos in accordance with their corresponding content information, categorizing the set of digital photos in accordance with their corresponding tags, and displaying the digital photos and their corresponding tags with a display device. |
| US08837829B2 |
Image processing apparatus, storage medium storing image processing program, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes; a generation unit to generate a histogram of luminance values of a plurality of pixels included in an image; a luminance value calculation unit to calculate a first luminance value at which first ratio pixels of the plurality of pixels are present in descending order of the luminance values of the histogram, and a second luminance value at which second ratio pixels of the plurality of pixels are present, the second ratio pixels is larger than the first ratio pixels; a selection unit to compare the first luminance value and the second luminance value, and determine a third luminance value that is set a maximum luminance value in gradation correction; and a correction unit to perform the gradation correction that corrects the luminance values of the plurality of pixels on the basis of the third luminance value. |
| US08837828B2 |
CIE lab color space based color conversion method and device and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a CIE Lab color space based color conversion method, which includes converting two-dimensional color planes Ln and Ln-1 of original diagram data into two-dimensional color planes Ln′ and Ln-1′; according to a plane Lx of any lightness level between the known Ln and Ln-1, calculating Lx′ between Ln′ and Ln-1′ and having the same lightness level as Lx; calculating a conversion matrix between Lx and Lx′; calculating color-converted and adjusted target color according to the color of any one point of the original diagram data; and completing color space of the target color. The present invention also provides a CIE Lab color space based color conversion device and a liquid crystal display device. With the above method, the present invention allows of easy construction of reverse conversion model. The algorithm can be easily implemented and the operation speed is increased. |
| US08837826B1 |
System and method for transmission, reception, and restoration of decimated color channels in image data
A processing device receives a first set of image data comprising one or more chroma channels and a luma channel. The processing device reduces the resolution of the one or more chroma channels to produce one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels. The processing device arranges the luma channel and the one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels into a second set of image data. The spatial coordinates of the luma channel and the one or more reduced-resolution chroma channels do not overlap in spatial location of the second set of image data. The processing device transmits the second set of image data to a downstream device. |
| US08837823B2 |
Foreground background separation in a scene with unstable textures
Disclosed herein are a system and method for performing foreground/background separation on an input image. The method pre-classifies (1010, 1020) an input visual element in the input image as one of a first element type and a second element type, dependent upon a predetermined characteristic. The method performs a first foreground/background separation (1030) on the input visual element that has been pre-classified as the first element type, wherein the first foreground/background separation step is based on color data and brightness data of the input visual element. The method performs a second foreground/background separation (1040) on the input visual element that has been pre-classified as the second element type, wherein the second foreground/background separation step is based on color data, brightness data, and texture of the input visual element. |
| US08837820B2 |
Image selection based on photographic style
A system and method are disclosed for image selection based on photographic style in which photographic style annotations are learned using a data-driven approach. The method includes assigning a style value for each of a set of photographic style categories to each of a set of database images with a trained classifier of a computing device. A user's selection of a subset of the photographic style categories, such as three style categories, is received. A user interface is generated for assigning values to each of the selected photographic style categories. A set of database images is identified, based on the assigned values for each of the selected photographic style categories and the style values for each of the selected photographic style categories of the database images. |
| US08837817B2 |
Method and device for calculating a depth map from a single image
A method for calculating a depth map from an original matrix image, comprising the steps of: calculating a first matrix image corresponding to the original matrix image with a low resolution and in which the depth of field is similar to that of the original matrix image, calculating a second matrix image corresponding to the original matrix image with a low resolution, comprising a number of pixels similar to that of the first matrix image and in which the depth of field is greater than that of the original matrix image, implementing a DFD type three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm from the first and the second matrix images, outputting the depth map. |
| US08837816B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating final depth information related map that is reconstructed from coarse depth information related map through guided interpolation
A method for generating a final depth information related map includes the following steps: receiving a coarse depth information related map, wherein a resolution of the coarse depth information related map is smaller than a resolution of the final depth information related map; and outputting the final depth information related map reconstructed from the coarse depth information related map by receiving an input data and performing a guided interpolation operation upon the coarse depth information related map according to the input data. |
| US08837813B2 |
Mobile three dimensional imaging system
A mobile device including an imaging device with a display and capable of obtaining a pair of images of a scene having a disparity between the pair of images. The imaging device estimating the distance between the imaging device and a point in the scene indicated by a user on the display. The imaging device displaying the scene on the display together with an indication of a geometric measure. |
| US08837811B2 |
Multi-stage linear structure from motion
Described is a linear structure from motion technique that is scalable, parallelizable, treats images equally, and is robust to outliers, without requiring intermediate bundle adjustment. Camera rotations for images are estimated using feature point correspondence and vanishing points matched across the images. The camera rotation data is fed into a linear system for structure and translation estimation that removes outliers and provides output data corresponding to structure from motion parameters. The data may be used in further optimization e.g. with a final non-linear optimization stage referred to as bundle adjustment to provide final refined structure from motion parameters. |
| US08837810B2 |
System and method for alignment in semiconductor device fabrication
A method of determining overlay error in semiconductor device fabrication includes receiving an image of an overlay mark formed on a substrate. The received image is separated into a first image and a second image, where the first image includes representations of features formed on a first layer of the substrate and the second image includes representations of the features formed on a second layer of the substrate. A quality indicator is determined for the first image and a quality indicator is determined for the second image. In an embodiment, the quality indicators include asymmetry indexes. |
| US08837800B1 |
Automated detection of arterial input function and/or venous output function voxels in medical imaging
Automated AIF/VOF identification is useful in connection with providing rapid and automatic quantitative imaging results. Examples include CBF (cerebral blood flow) and CBV (cerebral blood volume) perfusion maps. In the present work, AIF/VOF regions of images are identified by making use of a predefined anatomic vasculature template to provide numerical weighting values for voxels. A score is computed for each voxel that includes normalized signal fit parameters and the numerical weighting. AIF/VOF voxels are identified as N voxels having the highest score, where N can depend on the image resolution. |
| US08837798B2 |
Signal and image analysis method and ultrasound imaging system
A time domain signal analysis method is provided. The signal analysis method includes the following steps. A signal to be analyzed is received. The signal to be analyzed is iteratively sifted by using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to extract at least one intrinsic function (IMF). A normalized Hilbert transform is performed on the IMF. The transformed IMF includes phase information. The transformed IMF is processed by means of phase processing to obtain the processed IMF including angular frequency information. The foregoing signal analysis method could be utilized in an ultrasound imaging system to identify image information of ultrasound images. |
| US08837788B2 |
Disruption of facial recognition system
A method and apparatus allow an individual to disrupt recognition of facial characteristics of the individual by a facial recognition system. This is accomplished by providing an object which is worn adjacent the face of the individual. At least one infrared radiation emitter is fixed to the object which emits mostly or totally infrared radiation. The infrared radiation emitter is adjacent the face of the individual and directed at least one of onto the face or forward of the face of the user at all times, and hence as the face of the individual is viewed by the camera of the facial recognition system. As a result, an image of the face obtained by the facial recognition system is substantially different from an image which would have been obtained were the infrared radiation not so emitted, so that determination of facial characteristics by the facial recognition system is disrupted. |
| US08837787B2 |
System and method for associating a photo with a data structure node
A system and method for identifying a photo displays the photo with a family tree. Facial recognition, photo date estimation, people age estimation and gender determination are used to associate the displayed photo with one or more identified nodes in the family tree. A user can enter tagging information for the photo based on the identified nodes. |
| US08837783B2 |
Motion-controlled electronic device and method therefor
An electronic device obtains a motion of a displaced object in two captured video frames utilizing phase correlation of the two frames. The electronic device identifies a magnitude of the motion and an area in a phase correlation surface corresponding to an area of the object, and accordingly determines if the motion is a qualified motion operable to trigger a gesture command of the electronic device. The phase correlation surface is obtained from the phase correlation of the two frames. |
| US08837780B2 |
Gesture based human interfaces
A method for implementing gesture based human interfaces includes segmenting data generated by an IR camera of an active area and detecting objects in an active area. The objects are distinguished as either island objects or peninsula objects and a human hand is identified from among the peninsula objects. The motion of the human hand is tracked as a function of time and a gesture made by the human hand is recognized. |
| US08837779B2 |
Method for determining the pose of a camera and for recognizing an object of a real environment
A method for determining the pose of a camera (22, 32) relative to a real environment (40) comprises the following steps: taking at least one image (50) of a real environment by means of a camera (22, 32), the image containing at least part of a real object (41), performing a tracking method that evaluates information with respect to correspondences between features associated with the real object (41) and corresponding features of the real object (41) as it is contained in the image (50) of the real environment, so as to obtain conclusions about the pose of the camera (22, 32), determining at least one parameter of an environmental situation, and performing the tracking method in accordance with the at least one parameter. Analogously, the method can also be utilized in a method for recognizing an object of a real environment in an image taken by a camera. |
| US08837777B2 |
Wafer detecting apparatus
A wafer detecting apparatus detects storage states of a plurality of wafers stored in a wafer container. The plurality of wafers are stored substantially horizontal in slots in the wafer container to be transferred in and out of a front opening of the wafer container. The wafer detecting apparatus includes a vertically extending illumination device that emits light through the front opening onto the plurality of wafers and an imaging device that receives the light reflected from the plurality of wafers. The imaging device is arranged substantially directly in front of the wafer container and the illumination device is arranged in at least one of left and right sides of the imaging device. |
| US08837773B2 |
Apparatus which detects moving object from image and method thereof
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to input a plurality of time-sequential still images, a setting unit configured to set, in a still image among the plurality of still images, a candidate region that is a candidate of a region in which an object exists, and to acquire a likelihood of the candidate region, a motion acquisition unit configured to acquire motion information indicating a motion of the object based on the still image and another still image that is time-sequential to the still image, a calculation unit configured to calculate a weight corresponding to an appropriateness of the motion indicated by the motion information as a motion of the object, a correction unit configured to correct the likelihood based on the weight, and a detection unit configured to detect the object from the still image based on the corrected likelihood. |
| US08837764B2 |
Portable loudspeaker
A portable loudspeaker includes a base and a speaker cap opposing the base. The base and speaker cap are interposed by a movable resonance portion. The movable resonance portion is formed in a storing state and a releasing state. The base has a resonance reflection portion to receive reverse resonance sound waves generated by a speaker. The movable resonance portion includes a first transmission channel to transmit the reverse resonance sound waves to the resonance reflection portion and a second transmission channel to transmit base sound waves generated by the resonance reflection portion from the reverse resonance sound waves towards the speaker cap. The speaker cap has a second audio outlet to output the bass sound waves. |
| US08837763B1 |
Inertially balanced miniature low frequency speaker system
An inertially balanced miniature passive radiator full-range loudspeaker system is disclosed. In one embodiment the speaker system is a two-way system with low and high frequency components, where the low-frequency component is comprised of one active transducer and two passive radiators and the frequency range for this component is not outside of 10 Hz to 500 Hz. The low and high frequency components are individually optimized for operation in low and high frequency ranges respectively. By placing the passive radiators on opposing sides of an enclosure of the speaker system, the momentum generated by the motion of each of the passive radiators substantially cancels when the passive radiators are in phase. A passive radiators may be fitted with a voice-coil electrically connected to a corresponding voice-coil on the other passive radiator in a pair such that the generated back EMF resists out of phase motion of the passive radiators. |
| US08837762B2 |
Speaker
In a speaker, a space surrounded by a frame on one side of a diaphragm is separated by a damper into a first internal space and a second internal space. The first internal space and the second internal space are caused to face one part and another part of an opening provided in the frame. A duct protrudes from the frame, and the opening is an open end of the duct on the base end side thereof. The speaker is installed, for example, outside a vehicle cabin with the duct inserted into an opening in a vehicle cabin wall, and the first and second internal spaces are caused to communicate with a space in the vehicle cabin through the duct. Therefore, reproduced sound in the bass range having a high sound pressure can be discharged through the duct to the space in the vehicle cabin. |
| US08837761B2 |
Vibrator with adjustment system
A vibrator is provided with a spring having a first end and a second end and, a frame immovably attached to the second end where the frame is carrying a movable armature and at the second end of the spring a coupling with an armature plate is immovably attached. The armature plate and the movable armature are provided in close proximity with an air gap there between and a permanent magnet is associated with one or both of the armature plate and/or the movable armature and an electrical coil is associated with one or both of the armature plate and/or the movable armature. An adjustment screw is provided to displace the movable armature towards or away from the armature plate, wherein the screw is inserted in a bore. In an aspect of the invention, the bore has a length axis placed along a plane of intersection between the movable armature and the frame and one part of the bore is provided in the movable armature and an opposed part of the bore is provided in the frame, whereby one part of the bore is threaded and the opposed part is unthreaded. |
| US08837758B2 |
Hearing aid and method of driving an output stage
In a hearing aid (40), a direct-digital H-bridge output driver stage (1) driven by a sigma-delta modulator (2) is configured to operate in a power-saving three-level output mode or a power-consuming two-level output mode. The three-level output mode of the H-bridge output driver stage (1) has low power consumption but suffers the disadvantage of emitting capacitive noise potentially interfering with the reception of radio signals in a radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). By providing a novel method of selecting the two-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is receiving signals, and selecting the three-level output mode whenever the radio receiver (17) is idle, this capacitive interference does not disturb the radio receiver (17) in the hearing aid (40). The invention provides a method and a hearing aid. |
| US08837756B2 |
Dynamic microphone unit and dynamic microphone
A dynamic microphone unit includes: a diaphragm that vibrates in response to received sound waves; a voice coil that is fixed to the diaphragm and vibrates together with the diaphragm; a magnetic circuit that generates a magnetic field in a magnetic gap, the voice coil being disposed in the magnetic gap; a resonator that is disposed adjacent to the obverse of the diaphragm; and a noise canceling coil that is fixed to a surface of the resonator so as to face a position of fixing the voice coil, the surface facing the diaphragm. The noise canceling coil is connected in series with the voice coil and has a winding direction different from that of the voice coil. |
| US08837755B2 |
Apparatus in an acoustic assembly for registering assembly parts
An acoustic apparatus includes a first acoustic element, a second acoustic element, and a registration portion. The first acoustic element and the second acoustic element are elements such as a coil, a reed, or a yoke. The registration portion is configured to register the first acoustic element with respect to the second acoustic element such that an exact and relative alignment and positioning between the first acoustic element and second acoustic element is provided and ensured. |
| US08837754B2 |
Microelectromechanical transducer and corresponding assembly process
A MEMS transducer has a micromechanical sensing structure and a package. The package is provided with a substrate, carrying first electrical-connection elements, and with a lid, coupled to the substrate to define an internal cavity, in which the micromechanical sensing structure is housed. The lid is formed by: a cap layer having a first surface and a second surface, set opposite to one another, the first surface defining an external face of the package and the second surface facing the substrate inside the package; and a wall structure, set between the cap layer and the substrate, and having a coupling face coupled to the substrate. At least a first electrical component is coupled to the second surface of the cap layer, inside the package, and the coupling face of the wall structure carries second electrical-connection elements, electrically connected to the first electrical component and to the first electrical-connection elements. |
| US08837752B2 |
Mixing apparatus
In an automatic correction process, automatic correction processing portions 60 are connected to a set reference channel and target channels, respectively, so that test signals will be input to the automatic correction processing portions 60, respectively. A rise detection portion 60a detects a rise in a test signal input to a corresponding channel, so that a value counted by a sample counter 61 is latched by a latch 60b at the rising timing of this test signal. In accordance with a difference between the counted value latched to the reference channel and the counted value latched to the target channel, a time difference is calculated. In accordance with the time difference, a delay time set for a channel delay means of the target channel is automatically corrected. |
| US08837749B2 |
Managing the effect of TDMA noise on audio circuits
Broadly speaking, the embodiments disclosed herein describe an apparatus, system, and method for managing the effects of TDMA noise emitted by a communication device on an audio circuit. |
| US08837748B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving and playing a signal in a radio receiver
A method and apparatus for receiving and playing a signal in a radio receiver to suppress microphonic feedback are provided by alternately pitch shifting a received audio signal. The pitch of the received audio signal is alternately shifted up and then down, repeatedly over successive intervals of the audio signal, to produce a pitch swing signal which is then played over a speaker. The alternating pitch shifting prevents the buildup of regenerative feedback normally caused by acoustic vibrations coupling into the radio receiver. |
| US08837734B2 |
Managing encrypted data and encryption keys
A data module encrypts a first portion of a drive in a data center using a first encryption key. The data module encrypts the first encryption key using a second encryption key to obtain an encrypted encryption key. The data module stores the second encryption key in a first location and stores the encrypted encryption key in a second location that is separate from the first location and that is inaccessible from outside the data center. |
| US08837731B2 |
Secure remote control for audio/video receiver/decoder
A system includes a remote control device and a security device, wherein both devices share a unique and constant common key, algorithms or protocol specific to a pair formed by the remote control device and the security device. The unique and constant common key, algorithms or protocol are set up during a device initialization phase. The remote control device is configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiver of the security device. The remote control device, which is paired with the security device sending data towards the receiver, includes an encryption module and a memory to store the unique and constant common key. The data is encrypted by the encryption module with the unique and constant common key, and the security device includes a decryption module and a key corresponding to the unique and constant common key to decrypt the data received from the remote control device. |
| US08837730B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing channel reproduction delay in mobile terminal
An apparatus and a method reduce delay when reproducing digital broadcasting in a mobile terminal. More particularly, the apparatus and method reduce a reproduction delay, from having to stand by until an encrypted stream that matches with a traffic key is received, by receiving the traffic key in advance prior to the encrypted stream when a mobile terminal receives encrypted broadcasting. The apparatus includes a controller. The controller receives and stores a traffic key corresponding to an encrypted channel even when not entering the encrypted channel, and deciphers and reproduces the relevant channel using the stored traffic key when entering the encrypted channel. |
| US08837728B2 |
Server algorithms to improve space based authentication
A system and methods for location authentication are presented. An estimated server signal is estimated based on a generated known code signal, and a client received satellite signal is received from a client device. The client received satellite signal is compared to the estimated server signal to provide a comparison result. |
| US08837727B2 |
Method for privacy preserving hashing of signals with binary embeddings
A hash of signal is determining by dithering and scaling random projections of the signal. Then, the dithered and scaled random projections are quantized using a non-monotonic scalar quantizer to form the hash, and a privacy of the signal is preserved as long as parameters of the scaling, dithering and projections are only known by the determining and quantizing steps. |
| US08837726B2 |
Content protection key encryptor for security providers
Techniques are provided to receive at an encryption device from a control device an encryption request comprising a message and an identifier for a device. The control device and the device are associated with a security provider that provides secure content to the device using the message encrypted with a device key that is securely embedded in the device and also stored on the encryption device. The encryption device is associated with a key provider and the device key is not divulged to the security provider. At the encryption device, the device key is retrieved based on the identifier. The message is encrypted with the device key using a predetermined algorithm, and the encrypted message is then sent to the control device. |
| US08837724B2 |
Synchronization test for device authentication
Device authentication is based on the ability of a human to synchronize the movements of his or her fingers. A pairing procedure for two wireless devices may thus involve a synchronization test that is based on the relative timing of actuations of input devices on each of the wireless devices. In some aspects a synchronization test involves determining whether actuations of user input devices on two different wireless devices occurred within a defined time interval. In some aspects a synchronization test involves comparing time intervals defined by multiple actuations of user input devices on two wireless devices. |
| US08837715B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure iterative processing and adaptive filtering
Disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatuses for secure iterative processing of encrypted signals based on implementing a secure iterative processing protocol that avoids cipher blowup, and applying an iterative algorithm directly on the encrypted signals to generate an encrypted processed output signal. In a particular embodiment, the protocol comprises applying homomorphic linear processing, preparing and applying a rescaling module to avoid cypher blowup, and homomorphically adapting the encrypted signals. Specific embodiments implement iterative adaptive filtering algorithms in the encrypted domain including non-collaborative secure filtering and two-party filtering based on homomorphic encryption, interactive secure protocols, garbled circuits, or a combination thereof. |
| US08837713B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for enabling audio transmission within a communications session
In one embodiment, a communications device joins a full-duplex communications session and disables, at a first time, audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session. The communications device detects, at a second time after the first time, that an audio transmission enable control is in a first state and enables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the first state. At a third time after the second time, the communications device detects that the audio transmission enable control is in a second state and disables audio transmission within the full-duplex communications session in response to detecting that the audio transmission enable control is in the second state. |
| US08837709B2 |
Distributed hardware/software system for managing agent status in a communication center
An agent presence application for monitoring target agent resources and rendering agent states to subscribing applications is provided. The presence application has at least one first portion for collecting data regarding states of activity of the target agent resources, and at least one second portion for integrating the data and rendering the agent states to the subscribing applications. |
| US08837708B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on DTMF data and voice data communicated between call centers and users
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for tracking, reconciling, and reporting on data representing Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) tones and voice signals communicated between call center and users during interactions therebetween. The system may include a data store adapted to store the DTMF data and a text corresponding to the voice data; a transcription process receiving data representing the voice signal and converting it into corresponding text; a report generation process obtaining the DTMF data and the text, transmitting a report containing the same to a client, and updating the date store accordingly; and a reconciliation process receiving data enabling reconciliation of data as tracked by the call center and as tracked by an entity other than the call center. The transcription process may operate as a third-party or an in-house entity relative to the at least one call center. |
| US08837707B2 |
Automatic integrated escalation in a unified messaging system
A user is identified based at least in part on a user identification designation associated with an incoming communication. A message recipient is then determined based at least in part on the identified user and one or more address books associated with message recipients by comparing the user identification designation to one or more entries in the one or more recipient databases. The incoming communication is routed to the determined message recipient. Escalation procedures are implemented up to a configured level in the recipient organization based on various criteria. As messages are escalated and deposited in mailboxes associated with the determined message recipients, the determined message recipients are notified of the deposited messages. |
| US08837705B2 |
Real-time probability based contact handling time
Systems and methods are provided to estimate the amount of service time left in a contact with a contact center. A system records metadata factors associated with contacts and the service time for the contacts. This information is incorporated into one or more service time probability distributions. A service time probability distribution is a function describing how much time a contact, having certain, defined characteristics, took historically. The distribution can subsequently be used to estimate service time for future contacts that have the same or similar characteristics. |
| US08837704B2 |
Client controlled dynamic call forwarding
A client-side signaling mechanism that allows a client to control how a telephone call is handled on a call server. The client user can create call routing rules on the client device using a client control component that manages session protocol messages. Once created, the call routing rule(s) created on the client are transmitted to the call server where a call routing component of the call server processes the rule(s) for a call related to the client. When the server receives the rule(s) and determines that the rule(s) are related to an existing call (incoming or currently in-process), the server halts current normal server rules processing for that call and executes the client-created rule(s). In one example, SIP session messages are employed for client control of server-side call forwarding. |
| US08837697B2 |
Call control presence and recording
Included are embodiments for detecting presence in a communications system environment. At least one embodiment of a method includes subscribing to events associated with a communication system and receiving a notification for an event, the event being associated with a communication between a first communications device and a second communications device. |
| US08837688B2 |
Provision of private information to voice telephone call parties
A system and method for providing private information content to a voice telephone call parties prior to, during or following a call. In one aspect, the system and method may be implemented in a voice telephone communication apparatus that is adapted to hold information content on behalf of the call party, gather information that is private to the call party and add it to the information store as part of the information content, and retrieve the information content from the information store and present it to the call party in response to an information presentation initiation action. In another aspect, the system cooperates with a premises or equipment monitoring system, such as a security system, to provide monitoring information to a telephone call party. |
| US08837686B2 |
Real-time voice logging of telephone calls
An office telephone system contains packet switched network and network telephone sets coupled to said packet switched network for transmitting and receiving speech data in addressed packets. A packet switched network interface taps the packet switched network and processes packets received from the packet switched network by identifying first and second packets that contain network voice call data for respective sides of a network telephone calls. The packet switched network interface mixing speech data from the first and second packets into streams while the call proceeds. Each stream comprising a mix of speech data from both sides of a respective one of the network telephone calls. An application program interface defines provides access to the streams to a programmable set of applications. In addition a line interface circuit taps call dedicate telephone lines outside the network and generates further speech data streams from signals from the call dedicated telephone lines. The application program interface defines provides interchangeable types of calls to access streams generated from both sources. |
| US08837680B2 |
Radiation transmission type target
A radiation transmission type target to be used for a radiation tube has a target metal 12 placed on a substrate 13, and has an antistatic member 14 placed on a surface of the substrate 13 opposite to a surface on which the target metal 12 is placed. The target suppresses its electrostatic charge, and enables the radiation tube to stable operate. |
| US08837677B2 |
Method and system for compton scattered X-ray depth visualization, imaging, or information provider
One aspect relates to at least a portion of at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider configured to receive an at least one Compton scattered X-ray that has scattered through a substantial scattering depth range to one or more substantial prescribed scattering depths within an at least one matter of an at least a portion of an individual based at least in part on a set of scattering characteristics, the set of scattering characteristics at least partially corresponding to the at least one matter of the least the portion of the individual; the at least the portion of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider being configured for providing an at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing through one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing depth ranges to one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing prescribed depths into the at least one matter of the least the portion of the individual. |
| US08837676B2 |
Virtual-slide creating device
It is possible to create a virtual slide of a subject of observation in a simple configuration without setting a movement pattern in advance. Provided is a virtual-slide creating device including a stage on which a sample is mounted; an objective lens that collects light from the sample; a relative movement mechanism that moves at least one of these components relative to each other in a direction crossing the optical axis of the objective lens; a position detecting unit that obtains relative position information of the stage and the objective lens; an image capturing unit that acquires a partial enlarged image of the sample; a display unit that displays the enlarged image acquired; an image saving unit that saves an enlarged image acquired by the image capturing unit each time at least one of the stage and the objective lens is moved relative to each other by a predetermined distance, based on the relative position information obtained; and an image processing unit that creates a virtual slide by forming an array of saved enlarged images based on the relative position information detected. |
| US08837674B2 |
Method for reducing diagnostic radiation dose in image guided radiotherapy
A method of minimizing radiation toxicity in image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is provided that includes using a probabilistic prediction algorithm that is operated on a suitably programmed computer and includes multimodality inputs and provides real-time geometric and topological target estimates to compensate for system latency, using an online adaptive imaging system that provides radiographic images of the target when the geometric and topological target estimates are in a region of predefined uncertainty, and using an image dose control algorithm, operating on a suitably programmed computer, that includes parameters for controlling dose per image, where instances for image acquisition are optimized according to a planned dose pattern and delivery result. |
| US08837673B2 |
Method for correctly geometrically assigning X-ray images
In a method for correctly geometrically assigning x-ray images of a patient an optically operating recording device is attached to an x-ray device generating the x-ray images. A dimensionally stable marker surface which can be optically detected by the recording device and defines a reference system is fixed to the patient in a fixed relative position. The x-ray device is brought into a first and second recording position such that the recording device is directed toward the marker surface. In a recording position the x-ray device produces a first and second x-ray image of the patient and the recording device produces a first and second recording of the marker surface. The respective geometric position of the first and second x-ray image is determined in the reference system from the recordings. The first and second x-ray images are correctly geometrically assigned to one another in accordance with their position. |
| US08837672B2 |
Concealed identification symbols and nondestructive determination of the identification symbols
The concealing of one or more identification symbols into a target object and the subsequent determination or reading of such symbols through non-destructive testing is described. The symbols can be concealed in a manner so that they are not visible to the human eye and/or cannot be readily revealed to the human eye without damage or destruction of the target object. The identification symbols can be determined after concealment by e.g., the compilation of multiple X-ray images. As such, the present invention can also provide e.g., a deterrent to theft and the recovery of lost or stolen objects. |
| US08837666B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus
Smoothing processing appropriate for a subject is performed and a CT image in which artifacts are reduced is acquired. At least a part of the X-ray detecting data 171 and the projection data 174 is used to generate boundary data 175, and at least one of the X-ray detecting data and the projection data is subjected to smoothing processing, by using the boundary data as a threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to perform smoothing processing by using as the threshold, the boundary data generated from the X-ray detecting data that passed through the subject or its projection data, enabling the smoothing processing adapted to the subject, and accordingly, the artifacts are removed while suppressing deterioration of spatial resolution. |
| US08837664B2 |
Power monitoring system
The power monitoring system has: a local power range monitor (LPRM) unit that has a plurality of local power channels to obtain local neutron distribution in a nuclear reactor core; an averaged power range monitor (APRM) unit that receives power output signals from the LPRM unit and obtains average output power signal of the reactor core as a whole; and an oscillation power range monitor (OPRM) unit that receives the power output signals from the LPRM unit and monitors power oscillations of the reactor core. The output signals from the LPRM unit to the APRM unit and the output signals from the LPRM unit to the OPRM unit are independent. |
| US08837660B2 |
Handling video transition errors in video on demand streams
A system, method, and apparatus for handling transition errors is presented herein. The transition errors include handling unreported time base discontinuities during trick mode transition, miscalculated time stamps during trick mode transition, erroneous sequence end codes, and unreported broken group of picture transmission. Unreported time base discontinuities are detected by comparing the program clock reference (PCR) value of the data packet to the system time clock (STC). If the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the STC is set to the PCR value. Miscalculated time stamps are detected by examining the difference in PTS values between temporally adjacent data packets. If the difference is not within a margin of error from predetermined value, the PTS is disabled. Unreported broken groups of pictures are handled by skipping the first two B-frames of the first group of pictures following a trick mode transition. Erroneous sequence end codes are detected by determining whether a packet containing a sequence end code is associated with a time base change. If the packet is not associated with a time base change, the sequence end code is disregarded. |
| US08837659B2 |
Distributed digital reference clock
A communication system includes master host unit, hybrid expansion unit, and remote antenna unit. Master host unit communicates analog signals with service provider interfaces. Master host unit and hybrid expansion unit communicate N-bit words of digitized spectrum over communication link. Hybrid expansion unit converts between N-bit words and analog spectrum. Hybrid expansion unit and remote antenna unit communicate analog spectrum over analog communication medium. Remote antenna unit transmits and receives wireless signals over air interfaces. Master host unit includes master clock distribution unit that generates digital master reference clock signal. Master host unit communicates digital master reference clock signal over communication link. Hybrid expansion unit receives digital master reference clock signal from master host unit over communication link and generates analog reference clock signal based on digital master reference clock signal. Hybrid expansion unit sends, and remote antenna unit receives, analog reference clock signal across analog communication medium. |
| US08837658B2 |
Method and apparatus for sampling a serial data stream using a clock signal, based on a counter pattern
In one embodiment, a method includes determining pre-calculated information. The pre-calculated information is used to determine a counter pattern for a reference clock. The counter pattern include, for at least one data bit, a number of reference clock cycles of the reference clock that is determined based on a frequency of the reference clock and a data rate of a serial data stream. The serial data stream is sampled to read a plurality of data bits based on the counter pattern. A data bit is sampled based on the number of reference clock cycles associated with the data bit. |
| US08837653B2 |
High frequency signal receiver with self-calibrated group delay compensation
A signal receiver includes an antenna interface for receiving signals from an antenna, analog signal processing circuitry coupled to the antenna interface for processing the received signals to produce filtered signals, sampling circuitry to sample the filtered signals so as to produce digitized received signals, a digital compensator to receive the digitized received signals and compensate for non-uniform group delay introduced by the analog signal processing circuitry to produce compensated digitized received signals, and a digital processor to process the compensated digitized received signals so as to produce a result. |
| US08837650B2 |
System and method for discrete gain control in hybrid MIMO RF beamforming for multi layer MIMO base station
A multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) receiving system configured for receiving multiple transmission layers is provided herein. The system includes a plurality of beamformed tunable receiving antennas configured to receive a plurality of transmitted layers; and a control module configured to select for the beamformed antennas a single set of discrete weights for tuning said antennas for all of the transmitted layers so that the weights are selected for optimal performance of said receiving system, wherein said selection is carried out based on an extended Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) metric or other quality metric measured by the MIMO baseband module, and using said measured metric separately for each beamformed antenna to determine gain or attenuation independently of phase selection. |
| US08837649B2 |
Non-primary pilot channel discovery for interference cancellation
Methods and apparatus are described for processing a signal in a communication system. A signal may be received a user equipment, and a pilot transmission from a non-primary transmit antenna of a cell in the communication system may be detected in the signal based on metrics associated with a pilot channel. Information about the pilot channel is not signaled to the user equipment. The detected pilot transmission is used to improve receiver processing of the signal. |
| US08837648B2 |
OFDM communication reception device
An reception device includes: a fast-fourier-transform (FFT) circuit to FFT a first Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal including a plurality of first symbols with a guard interval and a valid symbol using a plurality of FFT windows that includes different timings within a symbol length period; a propagation channel estimation circuit to extract pilot signals from the fast-fourier-transformed first OFDM signal, and estimate a plurality of propagation channel characteristics of the plurality of first symbols based on the pilot signals; and a propagation channel compensation circuit to obtain a propagation channel characteristic of a second symbol without a pilot signal based on the plurality of propagation channel characteristics and remove the propagation channel characteristic of the second symbol from a second OFDM signal obtained by fast-fourier-transforming the second symbol. |
| US08837644B2 |
Method and apparatus of cross-correlation with application to channel estimation and detection
The present disclosure provides for a method and apparatus for efficient cross-correlation between a reference sequence and a received sequence in a wireless communication system. The reference sequence includes a concatenation of sign-adjusted sub-sequences, the sign adjustments determined by a first sign sequence of a set of sign sequences. For example, the reference sequence may be an alternating concatenation of sign-adjusted Golay complementary pair sub-sequences. The received sequence is shifted to provide a plurality of time shifted sequences that are then cross-correlated with the sub-sequences to form a set of partial cross-correlations. The partial cross-correlations are sign-adjusted using the first sign sequence and combined to produce the cross-correlation between the reference sequence and the received sequence. The cross-correlations so produced may be used for channel signature (e.g. PHY-type) identification and/or channel impulse response estimation. |
| US08837643B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus includes a correlation operation unit and a determination unit. The correlation operation unit is configured to perform a correlation operation with a known signal on a received signal including the known signal in a predetermined interval. The determination unit is configured to determine whether or not a correlation peak interval detected by the correlation operation unit deviates from the predetermined interval. |
| US08837639B2 |
Parallel synchronizing cell with improved mean time between failures
In some embodiments, a synchronizing circuit includes at least one synchronization device that operates at a lower clock frequency than another synchronization device in the synchronization circuit. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes sampling a first signal at a first frequency to thereby generate a plurality of sampled versions of the first signal. The first frequency is a frequency of a clock signal divided by N. N is a number greater than one. The method includes sampling a second signal at the frequency of the clock signal. The second signal is based on sequentially selected ones of the plurality of sampled versions of the first signal to thereby generate an output version of the first signal. |
| US08837637B2 |
Method for dynamically adjusting one or more RF parameters and communications apparatus utilizing the same
A communications apparatus is provided. A radio frequency (RF) circuit is arranged to receive an RF signal from an antenna and process the RF signal according to one or more RF parameters to generate an intermediate signal. A signal processing unit is arranged to process the intermediate signal to generate a processed signal and generates signal processing information regarding requirements for processing the intermediate signal. An RF circuit controller is coupled to the RF circuit and the signal processing unit and arranged to dynamically adjust the RF parameters according to the signal processing information. |
| US08837636B2 |
Method and apparatus for out-of-channel emission suppression
A wireless communication device is provided that is capable of suppressing out-of-channel emissions. The wireless communication device includes an upsampled broadband multicarrier signal generator and multiple upsampled sidelobe signal generators. The upsampled broadband multicarrier signal generator receives a symbol stream and, based on the symbol stream, generates a broadband multicarrier signal comprising an in-channel signal and a first multiple out-of-channel sidelobes. Each upsampled sidelobe signal generator of the multiple upsampled sidelobe signal generators receives at least a portion of the symbol stream and, based on at least a portion of the symbol stream, generates an out-of-channel sidelobes to produce a second multiple out-of-channel sidelobes. The wireless communication device further includes a combiner that combines the broadband multicarrier signal and the second multiple out-of-channel sidelobes to at least partially suppress first multiple out-of-channel sidelobes of the broadband multicarrier signal. |
| US08837635B2 |
Controlling a transmit path based on monitored error vector magnitude (EVM) performance
Embodiments provide systems and methods to dynamically control a radio frequency (RF) transmitter based on monitored error vector magnitude (EVM) performance. Embodiments are enabled by a feedback path that allows estimating the EVM at the output of the transmitter and controlling the transmitter, including the power amplifier (PA), accordingly. As such, the transmitter (and the PA) can be operated as close as possible to the ideal operating point that meets, based on actual conditions, a specified EVM performance and desired output power. By doing so, the overall power consumption of the transmitter is reduced. |
| US08837633B2 |
Systems and methods for digital processing based on active signal channels of a communication system
A communication system includes digital signals that carry data and correspond to channels of a composite signal to be transmitted across a communication channel. Active channels are detected and used to configure digital processing. In one embodiment, active channels are detected, where a particular active channel corresponds to the presence of a particular one of the digital signals. Active channel detection may be used to configure pre-distortion of a composite signal to be transmitted to compensate for distortion in a digital-to-analog converter. Likewise, active channel detection may be used to optimize the configuration of an up-converter. In one embodiment, a programmable device is configured based on detected active channels into a plurality of different configurations. |
| US08837630B2 |
Signal transmission circuit and method for detecting signal transmission interface
A signal transmission circuit of an electronic device is provided. The electronic device is coupled to a signal reception circuit of a host via the signal transmission circuit. The signal transmission circuit includes a driving circuit module and a signal detection module. The driving circuit module provides at least one initialized signal and a detection signal. The initialized signal is output prior to the detection signal. The signal detection module is coupled to the signal reception circuit via a signal detection terminal. The initialized signal reduces a signal reference level of a reception terminal of the signal reception circuit. The signal detection module determines the type of the transmission interface of the signal reception circuit according to whether the detection signal of the signal detection terminal satisfies a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, a method for detecting the signal transmission interface is provided. |
| US08837629B2 |
Extended bandwidth digital Doherty transmitter
An extended bandwidth digital Doherty transmitter includes a baseband signal processing block including a digital predistortion unit. It also includes a digital signal distribution unit and a digital phase alignment unit, a signal up-conversion block, an RF power amplification block including the carrier amplifier and one or two peaking amplifiers; and an RF Doherty combining network. In another aspect, a digital Doherty transmitter includes a baseband signal block including a digital predistortion unit, a digital signal distribution unit and an adaptive digital phase alignment unit. In this aspect a signal up-conversion block includes three digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and a tri-channel up-converter or three single-channel up-converters. There is also an RF power amplification block including the carrier amplifier and two peaking amplifiers, and an RF Doherty combining network which includes quarter wavelength impedance transformers. |
| US08837627B2 |
Correlation prevention methods for satellite adaptive cancellation links
A method of reducing signal correlation in a symmetrical adaptive canceller link comprising spectrally inverting one of a first carrier signal and a second carrier signal by causing a spectral inversion of one of the first and second carrier signals using a modulator, transmitting the first and second carrier signals within a bandwidth to a remote receiver using a transmitting device such that a composite carrier signal results, and cancelling at least one of the first carrier signal from the composite carrier signal using a cancellation technique such that the second carrier signal results on one end of the link and the second carrier signal from the composite carrier signal using a cancellation technique such that the first carrier signal results on the opposite end of the link. |
| US08837625B2 |
Method of transmitting control information in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting control information in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes configuring downlink control information including a plurality of information fields according to a format of scheduling for transmission of a single codeword in a spatial multiplexing mode, wherein the plurality of information fields include a precoding matrix indicator (PMI) confirmation filed for indicating whether precoding is performed on downlink data by using a PMI reported by a user equipment and a transmitted precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) information field for indicating a codebook index, and at least one of the PMI confirmation field and the TPMI information field indicates an offset value of power for the downlink data transmission or interference information for the downlink data transmission, and transmitting the downlink control information. |
| US08837623B1 |
Data stream interleaving with non-monotonically arranged data rotations for spatially diverse transmission
Systems and techniques relating to processing multiple include, according to at least one implementation, a method including obtaining data streams to be transmitted, and applying data rotations to the data streams in connection with interleaving the data streams, wherein each of the data rotations has a constant rotation value for its corresponding stream index regardless of how many data streams are currently being transmitted, a second rotation value used for a second stream is larger than a first rotation value used for a first stream and also large enough to maximize rotation distance between the first and second streams when the current transmission has two streams, a third rotation value used for a third stream is greater than the first rotation value but less than the second rotation value, and a fourth rotation value used for a fourth stream is greater than the second rotation value. |
| US08837620B2 |
Adaptive multi-channel transmitter linearization system using a shared feedback receiver
Pre-distortion techniques, devices and systems for a multi-channel transmitter are described. An adaptation time is provided for each of the transmit chains in the multi-channel transmitter. During each adaptation time an output of a transmit chain is coupled to a shared feedback receiver. The shared feedback receiver generates a feedback signal that is used to vary pre-distortion for that transmit chain. A commutation controller varies at least one of: (a) an amount of the adaptation time for a transmit chain and (b) an order in which each of the transmit chains receives its adaptation time. |
| US08837619B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling dynamic channel feedback in a MIMO network
A communication method and apparatus for coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission, is provided. Sizes of codebooks for a plurality of base stations may be adjusted based on a status of channels between a target terminal and a plurality of base stations. The terminal feeds back, to at least one of the plurality of base stations, channel direction information (CDI) including a number of bits of feedback. |
| US08837618B2 |
Transmission processing method, transmitter, reception processing method, and receiver
Information bits are encoded according to a low density parity check code with code rate 7/15 and a codeword length of 16200. The resulting codeword bits are bit-interleaved and the interleaved bits are demultiplexed into 8 sequences of bits. The 8 sequences of bits are permuted according to a predetermined permutation rule: v0=b2, v1=b6, v2=b0, v3=b1, v4=b4, v5=b5, v6=b3, v7=b7. |
| US08837617B2 |
Process of synchronization in the time and frequency domain of multiple equipments in a transmission system with OFDM modulation
A system for determining a frequency error of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal having a first frequency. The system includes a plurality of filters configured to output a plurality of second signals, each of the plurality of second signals corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of different frequency bands of the OFDM signal. Each of the plurality of second signals includes a corresponding synchronization symbol associated with the OFDM signal. A Fourier transform circuit is configured to receive the plurality of second signals from each of the plurality of filters and output the plurality of second signals. The system is configured to determine the frequency error of the OFDM signal based on the synchronization symbols of the plurality of second signals. |
| US08837613B2 |
Pilot patterns for OFDM systems with multiple antennas
The present invention relates to orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems with multiple transmit antennas receive antennas, and in particular to methods for inserting scattered pilots (SPs) into the transmit signals of such OFDM systems, for estimating channel properties on the basis of the scattered pilots, a multi-antenna OFDM transmitter, and an OFDM receiver. In this context, it is the particular approach of the present invention to keep the same SP pattern like in the single-transmitter case, to partition the pilots into as many subsets as there are transmitters (transmit antennas), and to interleave these subsets both in time and in frequency. In this manner, the granularity of pilots of the same subset is reduced. This offers increased flexibility in designing the scattered pilot patterns and greater accuracy of the estimated channel properties. |
| US08837610B2 |
Stable low power mode for multicarrier transceivers
A stable Low Power Mode (LPM) for multicarrier transceivers is described that at least provides transmit power savings while enabling receiver designs that can easily operate without the detrimental effects of fluctuating crosstalk. In one exemplary embodiment, the LPM achieves power savings by reducing the number of used subcarriers without actually performing a power cutback on those subcarriers, thereby allowing a receiver to measure the SNR or noise levels and determine the crosstalk noise on the line regardless of a crosstalking modem being in a LPM or not. |
| US08837608B2 |
Systems and methods for configuring and operating a wireless control system in a vehicle for activation of a remote device
Control systems for mounting in a vehicle are configured for transmitting a control signal to a receiver associated with a remote device. A control system receives a first control signal associated with a first transmission scheme. The system determines a bit pattern of the first control signal, and, based on the determined bit pattern, the system determines a second transmission scheme. |
| US08837607B2 |
Reporting of channel state information
A transmit node device includes a receiver that is configured to receive a first sub-index and, for each of one or more matrices, a second sub-index. The first and second sub-indices have different time-frequency reporting granularity. The transmit node device also includes a processor that is configured to reconstruct each of the one or more matrices, which are indexed by the first and second sub-indices. |
| US08837605B2 |
Method and apparatus for compressed video bitstream conversion with reduced-algorithmic-delay
The present invention relates to converting media bitstreams across different networks in a media gateway without any algorithmic delay, and reduces the computation load within the transmission in the situation where the bandwidth of the outgoing network varies dynamically. A first embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a Reduced-Algorithmic-Delay Media Stream Unit Conversion module which is a light weight Simple Pass-Through operation. A second embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and a method for a Reduced-Algorithmic-Delay Video Rate Conversion. An alternative embodiment provides an apparatus and a method for a Smart Pass-Through Operation which involves switching between the Simple Pass-Through and the Rate Converter. The methods and apparatuses provided by the first and second embodiment can be used as a stand alone system, or as part of the module of the alternative embodiment. |
| US08837603B2 |
Method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding with reduced requirements for division operations
A method and apparatus for performing motion estimation in a digital video system is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that quickly calculates estimated motion vectors in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, a first multiplicand is determined by multiplying a first display time difference between a first video picture and a second video picture by a power of two scale value. This step scales up a numerator for a ratio. Next, the system determines a scaled ratio by dividing that scaled numerator by a second first display time difference between said second video picture and a third video picture. The scaled ratio is then stored calculating motion vector estimations. By storing the scaled ratio, all the estimated motion vectors can be calculated quickly with good precision since the scaled ratio saves significant bits and reducing the scale is performed by simple shifts. |
| US08837601B2 |
Parallel video encoding based on complexity analysis
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for encoding chunks of a video file in parallel. Embodiments may divide a source video file into a plurality of chunks, and may encode each chunk at a rate based upon complexity data associated with the chunk. The encoded chunks may then be reassembled to produce an encoded video file. |
| US08837598B2 |
System and method for securely transmitting video over a network
A method comprises receiving a bit stream associated with at least one video image, wherein the bit stream comprises at least one macroblock header and a plurality of macroblocks. The method continues by encrypting the at least one macroblock header. The method concludes by transmitting the bit stream such that the at least one macroblock header is in an encrypted format and at least one macroblock is in an unencrypted format. |
| US08837597B2 |
Method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding
A method and apparatus for variable accuracy inter-picture timing specification for digital video encoding is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention discloses a system that allows the relative timing of nearby video pictures to be encoded in a very efficient manner. In one embodiment, the display time difference between a current video picture and a nearby video picture is determined. The display time difference is then encoded into a digital representation of the video picture. In a preferred embodiment, the nearby video picture is the most recently transmitted stored picture. For coding efficiency, the display time difference may be encoded using a variable length coding system or arithmetic coding. In an alternate embodiment, the display time difference is encoded as a power of two to reduce the number of bits transmitted. |
| US08837589B2 |
Image decoding device which obtains predicted value of coding unit using weighted average
A video encoding method and apparatus and a video decoding method and apparatus. In the video encoding method, a first predicted coding unit of a current coding unit that is to be encoded is produced, a second predicted coding unit is produced by changing a value of each pixel of the first predicted coding unit by using each pixel of the first predicted coding unit and at least one neighboring pixel of each pixel, and the difference between the current coding unit and the second predicted coding unit is encoded, thereby improving video prediction efficiency. |
| US08837587B2 |
Process for coding and decoding video data of a sequence of images and corresponding encoder and decoder
The process comprising splitting of an image into blocks, intra coding of a current block using spatial prediction based on a matching pursuit algorithm selecting, from a dictionary of atoms, the atom the most correlated with a causal neighborhood of the current block, is characterized in that it performs the following steps: — determination of the two dimensional shift between the causal neighborhood and the selected atom, — generation of at least, a new phased atom taking into account the values of the two dimensional spatial shift, — use of this new atom for intra prediction, according to the matching pursuit algorithm, if better correlated than the selected one. Application to video data compression. |
| US08837586B2 |
Bandwidth-friendly representation switching in adaptive streaming
Plural representations of a video stream may be provided. The plural representations may comprise a first chunk, a second chunk, and a transition chunk. The first chunk may comprise a first bitrate and the second chunk may comprise a second bitrate. The first and second chunks may be in decode order starting with an instantaneous decoding refresh (IDR) frame. The transition chunk may be in decode order starting with a non-IDR frame. Next, a request to transition from the first chunk to the second chunk may be received. Then a transition from the first chunk to the transition chunk responsive to the request may occur and the transition chunk may then be provided to another device. |
| US08837585B2 |
Tertiary content addressable memory based motion estimator
Presented herein are Tertiary Content Addressable Memory based motion estimator(s). In one embodiment, there is presented a method for encoding a picture. The method comprises addressing a first memory with one or more data words for a first prediction block, and addressing a second memory with one or more data words for a second prediction block while addressing the first memory. |
| US08837584B2 |
Method of removing a blocking artifact using quantization information in a filtering system
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining quantization information related to at least one of a first block and an adjacent second block, comparing the quantization information with a predefined constant value, obtaining block type information for the first and second block, and performing a filtering process based on a result from the comparing step when both of the first block and the second block are intra-coded blocks according to the block type information. |
| US08837581B2 |
Power-line communication based surveillance system
A surveillance system configured for communicating with video cameras and other devices connected over a power-line communication network, such as within a residence, or alternatively a commercial building. The system may be manufactured and installed at low cost without the need to route individual cables to each surveillance video camera or device. Bandwidth within the power-line communication network is preferably dynamically allocated to device streams by a server in response to predetermined and event-driven priorities. By way of example, remote communication is supported for allowing remote access to surveillance data and control of the surveillance system. The system may be implemented as a standalone unit or integrated within existing forms of electronics equipment, such as consumer electronics equipment including a television set, a set-top box, or other forms of video-enabled equipment that is adapted for performing power-line network communication. |
| US08837577B2 |
Method of parallel video coding based upon prediction type
A system encoding and decoding video that uses a parallel encoding and decoding technique. |
| US08837574B2 |
Method for identifying data encoded by PPM modulation, and receiver for said method
An identification method for a data Sk is disclosed which includes; a) construction of a chronological sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} of times of arrival Ti of pulses or a block of successive pulses, b) calculation of a value of similarity between this sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} and a predetermined chronological sequence {TREFk1; . . . ; TREFkj; . . . ; TREFkM} of times of arrival coding the data Sk for several time offsets Ol between the sequence {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} and the sequence {TREFk1; . . . ; TREFkj; . . . ; TREFkM}, c) identification of the data Sk in the series {T1; . . . ; Ti; . . . ; TN} if the calculated value of similarity for one of the time offsets Ol exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US08837573B2 |
Apparatus and method thereof for compensating for gain changes of N-PAM modulate signals
A method for compensating for gain changes of an N-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-N) modulated signal. The method comprises comparing the PAM-N modulated signal to N−1 configurable thresholds, wherein the input PAM-N modulated signal is also equalized and the N−1 configurable thresholds are N−1 different voltage levels; tracking gain changes in the input PAM-N modulated signal by comparing the input PAM-N modulated signal to a compensation threshold; and adjusting a level of the at least one of the N−1 configurable thresholds of the N−1 comparators based on an output of the compensation comparator, thereby offsetting a crossing point of the at least one comparator respective of the at least one of the N−1 configurable thresholds to compensate for gain changes in the input PAM-N modulated signal. |
| US08837570B2 |
Receiver with parallel decision feedback equalizers
Described embodiments apply equalization to an input signal to a receiver such as a serial-deserializer. The receiver has an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), an M-way parallelizer, N serial buffers, N prefix buffers, and N decision feedback equalizers (DFEs), where M and N are greater than one. The ADC digitizes the input signal to form digitized symbols. The parallelizer assembles the digitized symbols into parallel sets of M digitized symbols. Each serial buffer has slots of M locations per slot and stores one set of M digitized symbols in one of the slots. The DFEs are responsive to common tap weight coefficients and produce parallel sets of M recovered data bits. Each DFE is first trained using sets of past digitized symbols loaded into a corresponding one of the prefix buffers and then processes digitized symbols stored in a corresponding one of the serial buffers. |
| US08837569B2 |
Decision feedback equalization with selectable tap
A system generates a set of candidate signals based on a received signal, whereby each candidate signal represents an adjustment of the signal for a different amount of potential noise. The system selects one of the candidate signals based on a selected subset of previous samples and the values of the selected subset of samples. The subset of previous samples is selected based on a predicted noise pattern. |
| US08837567B2 |
Systems and methods for channel estimation of MoCA signals
Systems and methods are provided, for estimating a channel based on previous channel estimations from the same source. Embodiments disclosed herein enable removal of the timing variation (from burst to burst) so that the channel can be more accurately estimated. Embodiments provide several systems and methods for averaging channel estimation information from each of the bursts. The systems and methods disclosed herein advantageously improve channel estimation accuracy and reduce modulation error. |