Document Document Title
US08856960B2 Data leakage prevention for cloud and enterprise networks
Apparatuses, methods and articles of manufacture for performing data leakage prevention are provided. Data leakage prevention may be performed by determining a signature of a transmitted document, the transmitted document being in transit to a location beyond a network boundary. The signature of the transmitted document is compared with one or more signatures of documents authorized to be transmitted beyond the network boundary. The transmitted document is prevented from being transmitted beyond the network boundary if the signature of the document does not correspond to a signature of a document authorized to be transmitted beyond the network boundary.
US08856958B1 Personalized content access prompt
Computer-implemented methods for determining whether to prompt a user to sign in to view content are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from a non-authenticated device to view content, and determining whether the device comprises a personalized content module indicating whether the device has previously been authenticated to view the content in a personalized format. The method also includes providing, for display, a notification to the device to provide authentication when the personalized content module indicates that the device has previously been authenticated to view the content in a personalized format. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08856956B2 Automated entity verification
Some embodiments provide a verification system for automated verification of entities. The verification system automatedly verifies entities using a two part verification campaign. One part verifies that the entity is the true owner of the entity account to be verified. This verification step involves (1) the entity receiving a verification code at the entity account and returning the verification code to the verification system, (2) the entity associating an account that it has registered at a service provider to an account that the verification system has registered at the service provider, (3) both. Another part verifies the entity can respond to communications that are sent to methods of contact that have been previously verified as belonging to the entity. The verification system submits a first communication with a code using a verified method of contact. The verification system then monitors for a second communication to be returned with the code.
US08856955B2 Remediating unauthorized sharing of account access to online resources
A number of effective alternatives for discouraging unauthorized online-resource sharing are discussed. An anti-sharing strategy can be built by applying one or more of the alternatives in response to possible, strongly-suspected or virtually certain unauthorized sharing.
US08856953B2 Access policy for package update processes
Methods and systems for defining and generating fine-grained access policy for authorizing software package updates are provided. The methods of defining and enforcing a package update policy include providing a package update policy file that identifies a set of software packages and users authorized to perform package updates in association with the set of software packages, and storing the policy file on computers in a managed network. When a computer in the managed network receives a request from an unprivileged user to update a software package on the computer, the computer retrieves the package update policy file and determines an authorization of the user to update the software package based on an identity of the user, an identity of the software package, and the policy file. The computer then processes the request based on the determined authorization of the user.
US08856952B2 Blade, computer product, and management method
A determining unit determines whether housing specific information decrypted from a license key is identical to housing specific information acquired from the housing to confirm legitimacy of license, thereby ensuring security. The determining unit determines that the license can be activated if a usage number in the housing does not exceed a usable number. Only when the determining unit determines that the license can be activated, the setting unit activates the license to make software usable so that any blade can freely use the software within a limit of the usable number.
US08856948B1 Displaying private information on personal devices
A computing device is described that includes one or more processors and at least one module operable by the one or more processors to determine whether the computing device is currently designated to display private information, receive an incoming communication, and determine that the incoming communication includes content that is private information. The at least one module is further operable by the one or more processors to, if the computing device is currently designated to display private information, output, for display, an indication of the incoming communication, and, if the computing device is not currently designated to display private information, refrain from outputting, for display, the indication of the incoming communication.
US08856944B2 Obscuring sensitive portions of universal resource locator
Portions of a URL such as the query string are obscured or otherwise removed from view in the address bar of a browser or other application automatically by the receiving device employing obscuration rules, or upon command from an originating device sourcing the resource.
US08856941B2 Staged control release in boot process
Integrity validation of a network device may be performed. A network device comprising a secure hardware module, may receive a root key. The secure hardware module may also receive a first code measurement. The secure hardware module may provide a first key based on the root key and the first code measurement. The secure hardware module may receive a second code measurement and provide a second key based on the first key and the second code measurement. The release of keys based on code measurements may provide authentication in stages.
US08856935B2 Automatic synthesis of unit tests for security testing
Performing security analysis on a computer program under test (CPUT). The CPUT can be analyzed to identify data pertinent to potential security vulnerabilities of the CPUT. At least a first unit test configured to test a particular unit of program code within the CPUT can be automatically synthesized. The first unit test can be configured to initialize at least one parameter used by the particular unit of program code within the CPUT, and can be provided at least a first test payload configured to exploit at least one potential security vulnerability of the CPUT. The first unit test can be dynamically processed to communicate the first test payload to the particular unit of program code within the CPUT. Whether the first test payload exploits an actual security vulnerability of the CPUT can be determined, and a security analysis report can be output.
US08856932B2 Rootkit monitoring agent built into an operating system kernel
An approach for detecting a kernel-level rootkit is presented. A changed entry in a System Service Descriptor Table (SSDT) or an Interrupt Descriptor Table (IDT) is detected. The changed entry results from an installation of suspect software. The changed entry is determined to be not referenced by a white list. A black list is updated to reference the changed entry to indicate the changed entry results from an installation of the kernel-level rootkit. The suspect software is determined to be the kernel-level rootkit based on the changed entry not being referenced by the white list. The changed entry is restored to an entry included in a first state of an operating system kernel. The first state is based on the SSDT and IDT referencing hooks indicated in the white list, where the hooks are not the result of an installation of any kernel-level rootkit.
US08856930B2 Download control
Download control is disclosed. An apparatus includes one or more processors, and one or more memories including computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code configured to, with the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: obtain one or more cryptographic hash values of a target file to be downloaded; cause transmission of the one or more cryptographic hash values to a trusted source; obtain reputation data relating to the target file originated from the trusted source in response to the transmission of the one or more cryptographic hash values; and control download of the target file on the basis of the reputation data.
US08856928B1 Protecting electronic assets using false profiles in social networks
An improved technique utilizes a honeypot-style seeding of synthetic user identifiers which, if used by spear-phishing intruders, enable easy discovery of the intruders. Along these lines, an administrator of a network constructs false employee profiles on a social network with the intent of intercepting any email to that employee. Such employee profiles correspond to no actual employee of the corporation, but are in fact synthetic entities designed to appear to be an actual employee. These profiles contain identifiers that describe the employee, such as a name, position within the corporation, telephone number, educational background, past positions, and social connections. The administrator configures a receiver at the corporate network to block from entering the secure network emails that include references to any of these identifiers.
US08856927B1 System and method for using snapshots for rootkit detection
A system, method and computer program product for identifying malicious code running on a computer, including an operating system running on the computer with a data storage device; and a trusted software component running simultaneously with the operating system. An online snapshot process of a current state of the data storage device copies data blocks from the storage device to intermediate storage. Processes running under the control of the operating system have access to the data storage device. A scanning procedure runs under control of the trusted software component that has access to data representing the snapshot of the data storage device from the trusted software component. The scanning procedure analyzes the snapshot of the data storage device for the malicious code, and, in response to a “write” directed to a data block in the snapshot area of the storage device, that data block is written to the intermediate storage.
US08856923B1 Similarity-based fraud detection in adaptive authentication systems
Similarity-based fraud detection techniques are provided in adaptive authentication systems. A method is provided for determining if an event is fraudulent by obtaining a plurality of tagged events and one or more untagged events, wherein the tagged events indicate a likelihood of whether the corresponding event was fraudulent; constructing a graph, wherein each node in the graph represents an event and has a value representing a likelihood of whether the corresponding event was fraudulent and wherein similar transactions are connected via weighted links; diffusing through weights in the graph to assign values to nodes such that neighbors of nodes having non-zero values receive similar values as the neighbors; and classifying whether at least one of the one or more untagged events is fraudulent based on the assigned values.
US08856921B1 Threat emergence date scan optimization to avoid unnecessary loading of scan engines
Threat emergence dates as well as file modification and scanning history are tracked to determine which files need to be scanned for possible infection by various attacking agents. Information concerning which scan engines are used to scan for the presence of different attacking agents is also tracked. Where given files only need to be scanned for a subset of all possible threats and the relevant scanning code resides in only a subset of all the scan engines, only the required scan engines are initialized, loaded or called in order to scan those files.
US08856920B2 System and method of securely processing lawfully intercepted network traffic
A system and method are provided for supporting storage and analysis by law enforcement agency premises equipment of intercepted network traffic. The system and method provide integrity of the intercepted network traffic stored in an archive in accordance with lawful intercept requirements by storing all of the intercepted traffic, both benign and malicious, in the archive in its original form. The system and method furthermore provide for security from any malicious data packets of the archive by separating the malicious packets from the benign packets and forwarding only the benign packets to analysis applications of the law enforcement agency premises equipment.
US08856916B1 User associated geo-location based reauthorization to protect confidential information
In response to a trigger indicating to prevent access to confidential information on a specific user's mobile device, access is prevented to all parties, until a successful reauthorization occurs. Preventing access can comprise storing encrypted confidential information and removing the decryption key. In order to subsequently access the confidential information, a reauthorization attempt is made. The current geo-location of the mobile device at the time of the attempt is compared to at least one authorized geo-location associated with the specific user. In response to a) the password and user identifier being correct and to b) the current geo-location of the mobile computing device being an authorized geo-location associated with the specific user, the attempt to reauthorize is successful, whereas otherwise the attempt is unsuccessful. Only in response to a successful attempt is access to the confidential information re-allowed.
US08856915B2 Security communication apparatus and security communication method
A negotiation unit, of a logical network control apparatus connected to a LAN, judges settings of processing to be performed on communication data by a network connection apparatus, from properties of an application to be used in communication, and decides parameters to be used for a VPN connection. The VPN connection is performed using the determined parameters.
US08856911B2 Methods, network services, and computer program products for recommending security policies to firewalls
Recommending a security policy to a firewall, includes receiving a request from a firewall for a recommendation as to whether the firewall should allow or block a detected present communication for which the firewall does not have an existing security policy. Information about past blocked and allowed communications at other firewalls on a network is searched to identify past communications that are similar to the present communication. The identified past communications are assigned a respective positive or negative vote. A positive vote indicates a past communication was allowed and a negative vote indicates a past communication was not allowed. A positive recommendation is sent to the requesting firewall to allow the present communication if the positive votes outnumber the negative votes, and a negative recommendation is sent to the requesting firewall to block the present communication if the negative votes outnumber the positive votes.
US08856908B2 Management and delivery of profile data
Aspects of the invention relate to systems and methods for securely retaining profile data and the use of such data for the targeted delivery of content. In one embodiment, a unique profile that represents the user location and is keyed to profile attributes selected from both a first set of data collected from the user location and the second set of profile data collected from an external source, is generated. The key does not allow a third party to identify the end-user location or a user associated with the end-user location. Electronic content transmitted to end-user locations may be encoded such that it may only be accessed by an authorized user and/or on a specific electronic device at the user location. A graphical user interface may be utilized to allow a third-party to provide selection criteria for determining user locations to receive targeted content. Further aspects of the invention relate to an electronic device configured to present targeted content to a user at a user location.
US08856905B2 Methods and apparatus for providing application credentials
Methods and apparatus for providing an application credential for an application running on a device. In one embodiment, a method provides an application credential to an application running on a device, wherein the application credential is used by the application to authenticate to a data server. The method comprises receiving a request to generate the application credential, wherein the request includes an application identifier. The method also comprises generating the application credential using the application identifier and a master credential associated with the device.
US08856902B2 User authentication via mobile communication device with imaging system
A graphical authentication identifier is used to facilitate automatic authentication of a user. A graphical identifier authentication system receives a request from an authenticating entity for a onetime use graphical authentication identifier. In response to the received request, a onetime use graphical authentication identifier to be displayed by the authenticating entity is generated. A request for user authentication information by the authenticating entity is encoded in the graphical authentication identifier, which is transmitted to the authenticating entity for display (e.g., on a login screen). The onetime use graphical authentication identifier being displayed by the authenticating entity is captured by a registered user operated computing device. In response, the requested user authentication information is transmitted to the authenticating entity, such that the user is automatically authenticated to the authenticating entity, without the user manually entering the requested user authentication information.
US08856900B2 Method for authorising a connection between a computer terminal and a source server
The disclosure relates to a method and a system for authorising a connection between a computer terminal and a source server, including an initialization phase wherein: the terminal connects to a gateway server, the gateway server sends a secret key to the terminal, the terminal hides the password in a data file by applying an encryption algorithm bootstrapped by the secret key, then deletes the secret key and the password, and a connection phase wherein: the terminal sends the data file containing the password to the gateway server, the gateway server extracts the files password by executing a reverse encryption algorithm bootstrapped by the secret key, and sends the password to the source server without saving it, the source server analysis the received password and authorizes the connection with the terminal if the password is authenticated.
US08856899B1 Systems and methods for obscuring entry of electronic security term
A security service determines whether to grant a user access to a resource. The service receives from the user a security term in an obscured form derived from a revealed form of the security term according to a predefined padding scheme known to the user and to the security service. The service applies the padding scheme to the received term to result in a de-padded security term and confirms that the de-padded security term matches the retrieved revealed security term. Additionally, the service confirms that the received term has not been previously employed within a predetermined frame of reference. Accordingly, if the received obscured security term is purloined and re-used within the predetermined frame of reference, the security service denies access to the resource.
US08856897B2 Method and apparatus for enabling a user to select an authentication method
The present invention facilitates access to a restricted service related to secure transactions via a network. The present invention allows a user to select a minimum security level of authentication for its own login to a restricted service. The user's selected minimum security level of authentication may be registered in an authentication method system, so that the user must use the selected minimum security level for authentication in order to gain access to the restricted service. Alternatively, the user may specify that the selected minimum security level for authentication may be over-turned by the user, or optionally re-set to a new authentication method depending on the needs of the user. As such, the present invention allows the user the flexibility to select its own authentication method for accessing a restricted service.
US08856894B1 Always on authentication
An Always-On Authentication (“AOA”) system comprises a computer system, such as a server, that automatically monitors and authenticates an enrolled individual's online transactions and/or activities to, for example, detect and/or prevent fraud. The AOA system actively monitors and/or authenticates the individual's online transactions and/or activities with service providers. A risk level may be associated with transactions and/or activities, and if a monitored transaction or activity is determined to exceed risk level for the individual, the individual may be prompted for further authentication information. A risk profile may be built for the individual over time based on the individual's history or pattern of transactions and activities. The AOA system may issue a virtual credential to the individual and/or to one or more of the individual's computing devices. The virtual credential may be provided to participating service provider(s) to enable seamless authentication of the individual during his/her interactions with the service provider(s).
US08856890B2 System and method of network access security policy management by user and device
A system and method are provided for management of access security by user and device. A security policy enforcement point is provided with a user policy module to receive user credentials from an access device of the user and a point for setting device dependent security policy to receive device credentials from the access device. A user policy is retrieved from a user database with use of the user credentials while a device policy is retrieved from a device database with use of the device credentials. The user policy and device policy are combined and used in the SPEP to enforce a user and device based security policy.
US08856883B2 System and method for protecting MAC control messages
A system to protect MAC control messages is presented. In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a communication device coupled to the processor to communicate wirelessly over multiple sub-channels in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) wireless network. The communication device is operable to determine that a MAC control message is protected if an indicator within the MAC control message is set. The communication device validates, if the indicator is set, integrity of the MAC control message in conjunction with a CMAC (cipher-message authentication code) tuple concatenated with the MAC control message.
US08856874B2 Method and apparatus for serving content elements of a markup language document protected against cross-site scripting attack
A web application decomposed into one or more domain sandboxes ensures that the contents of each sandbox are protected from attacks on the web application outside that sandbox. Sandboxing is achieved on a per-element basis by identifying content that should be put under protection, generating a secure domain name for the identified content, and replacing the identified content with a unique reference (e.g., an iframe) to the generated secure domain. The identified content is then served only from the generated secure domain using a content handler.
US08856867B1 Technique for controlling access to program assets
A system that controls access to program assets, such as software programs or modules, is described. During operation, this system associates a first license code with a first group of program assets and associates a first master code with the first license code, where the first group of program assets includes one or more program assets associated with a first provider, and the first license code identifies the first master code. Then, the system provides the first license code, the first master code, and a pre-defined function to the first provider, and hosts the first group of program assets on a website. Note that the first master code and the pre-defined function allow the first provider to generate a first validation code for a customer. Moreover, the first validation code and the first license code, at least in part, allow the customer to access the first group of program assets hosted on the website, thereby facilitating independent marketing of the first group of program assets by the first provider.
US08856865B1 Prioritizing content classification categories
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for prioritizing content classification categories. One of the methods includes maintaining two or more content categories including a first content category and a second content category, each content category having an associated score, receiving, from a user device, a request to access a resource, the resource being associated both with the first content category and with the second content category, determining a content access policy for the user device to the resource based on the respective scores associated with the first and second content categories, and selectively permitting or denying access to the resource by the user device depending on the determined content access policy.
US08856864B2 Detecting, enforcing and controlling access privileges based on sandbox usage
Systems and methods may provide for receiving web content and detecting an access control attribute associated with the web content. Additionally, the access control attribute may be monitored for a disablement condition. In one example, the disablement condition may be detected, an access policy may be determined in response to the disablement condition, and the access policy may be implemented.
US08856859B2 System and method for setting application permissions
There is disclosed a system and method for setting application permissions. In an embodiment, the method comprises reviewing the current application permissions settings on the device; comparing the current application permissions settings to a set of required application permissions settings for the software application; listing the set of required application permissions; and providing means to grant permission for all required application permissions the user is authorized to grant. In another embodiment, only the required application permissions requiring a grant of permission and which the user is authorized to grant are listed. The user may be provided with means to grant permission for all required permissions the user is authorized to grant in a single response.
US08856855B2 System and method for tuning a set-top box remotely via a social network
A system and method for controlling a set-top box through a social network. Access is granted to control the set-top box to one or more contacts of a user. The one or more contacts being associated with one or more social networks. Access to control the set-top box is granted to one or more contacts of one or more social networks. A request to change media content is received from one of the one or more contacts. The one or more contacts are authenticated to ensure they are authorized to tune the set-top box to the media content. The media content is tuned in for communication to a display in response to authenticating the request from the one of the one or more contacts.
US08856853B2 Network media device with code recognition
One embodiment may take the form of a network media device including a processing unit configured to execute instructions stored on one or more storage media, and a first communication component coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive a video signal over an audio/video interface from a broadcast receiver. The video signal may include an image code including identifying information regarding the broadcast receiver. The processing unit may be configured to process the image code to extract the identifying information. A second communication component may be coupled to the processing unit and configured to transmit control signals based on the identifying information of the broadcast receiver.
US08856851B2 Apparatus and method for controlling a network-connected device in one peer network from an infrared device connected to another peer network using TCP/IP and infrared signals
An apparatus and a method for controlling a network-connected device in one peer network from an infrared (IR) device connected to another peer network is disclosed. Regardless of underlying communication protocols used in peer networks, the IR device in a peer network can request a transfer of data or control to a networked device in another peer network. Communication compatibility among the two peer networks are maintained by utilizing a set-top box in each peer network configured to communicate with another set-top box using a transport control protocol (TCP), which may be different from underlying protocols (e.g. X.25, IrDA) between the set-top box and locally connected devices to the set-top box. The set-top box may utilize an intelligent routing scheme based on a packet header and/or payload content examination to route the transfer of data to a “most-appropriate” electronic device connected to the set-top box.
US08856849B2 System and method for providing outbound telephone calls via a set-top box
A system and method for providing outbound telephone calling through an integrated set-top box includes a telephone connection, a media signal connection, and a modem. A user may input a telephone number to the set-top box to initiate an outbound telephone call. The set-top box modem dials the telephone number via the telephone connection to the publicly switched network. Once the call is connected, the user may take the call using a telephone connected to the home telephone network or through a speaker and microphone integrated with or connected to the set-top box. A status of the outbound telephone call may be displayed on a screen connected to the set-top box. A user may also initiate a telephone call to a number displayed on the screen as part of media signal. The on-screen telephone number may be provided along with the media signal or may be extracted from the media signal using character recognition software.
US08856846B2 Content placement
A method includes receiving data identifying new media content items to be added to a media distribution system that provides media content on demand to a plurality of endpoints. The media distribution system includes a plurality of distribution nodes, and each of the distribution nodes is coupled to a subset of the endpoints. Historical demand is determined during a particular time period for existing media content items that include content available via at least one of the distribution nodes before the data was received. The method includes forecasting demand for media content items, including new media content items and existing media content items, based on the historical demand. Each media content item is assigned to, and stored at, at least one corresponding distribution node based at least partially on a cost function and the forecasted demand.
US08856837B2 Location-based tuner
A method and system of facilitating tuning to content and/or signal streams, including capabilities to facilitate tuning when traveling from one geographical location to another where the different geographical areas may be rely on different identifiers to facilitate locating the content and/or signaling of interest.
US08856826B2 System and method for effectively presenting multimedia information materials
Methods and systems for presenting multimedia information materials from a database, preferably as a video broadcast. In one example, a plurality of information segments, such as video clips, are stored in the database, information segments are selected from the database, and a user can organize a subset of the selected information segments to affect a presentation of those information segments in desired order. The selected information segments may be loaded into a memory. The selected information segments may also be represented using indicators. The subset of selected information segments may be presented in the same order as the corresponding indicators. The presentation may be realized on a computer, a media player, or a television, the latter of which may interface with a set-top box and/or a personal video recorder.
US08856822B2 Method for inserting contents searched from storage of a host and apparatus thereof
Provided are a method and apparatus for inserting second contents stored in a storage medium of a host while first contents input from an external provider are played includes: searching, by a searching unit, for the second contents using location information which indicates a location of the second contents stored in the storage medium; detecting, by a signal information detecting unit, signaling information from the first contents, the signaling information indicating a section in the first contents in which insertion of the second contents is allowed; and playing, by a playing unit, the searched, second contents in the allowed section of the first contents which are being played, based on the signaling information.
US08856820B2 Mobile communication terminal and method of restricting harmful information thereof
A mobile communication terminal and a method of restricting harmful information thereof are provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a data judgment module which judges whether to restrict digital content by comparing content information included in a packet of the digital content with viewing restriction information; and a control unit which controls whether to display the digital content in accordance with a result of the judgment of the data judgment module. The method includes receiving digital content that is transmitted in a unit of a packet; judging whether viewing of the digital content is permitted by comparing content information included in the packet with viewing restriction information; and preventing a display of the digital content if it is judged that the viewing of the digital content is not permitted.
US08856817B2 Method and system for implementation of rules for overlays based on automatic content recognition
An automatic content recognition (ACR)-enabled connected TV device may be operable to present, utilizing an ACR system, an overlay during presentation of content, based on one or more rules. The one or more rules may be implemented utilizing information provided by the ACR system. The presented overlay may be associated with a sponsor, and the one or more rules may comprise a timing rule, an advertisement separation rule, an advertisement conflict rule and/or an auto-scaling rule. An ad server coupled to the ACR system may determine whether the overlay associated with the sponsor may be appropriate for presentation. The presented overlay may comprise interactive content for viewer interaction, and the one or more rules may comprise a viewer interaction rule which ensures that, when the interactive overlay is presented, the presented content may be scaled so that the scaled presented content is not covered by the overlay.
US08856814B2 Dynamic selection of advertising content in a social broadcast environment
A method of determining advertising content to be included in a broadcast is disclosed. An inclusion criterion is received for each of a plurality of items of advertising content to be used to determine one or both of whether and how that item of advertising content is to be included in a broadcast. Stored user profile data associated with a plurality of users who provided within an observation period an indication that the user was consuming the broadcast is processed, and the respective inclusion criteria of the items of advertising content, to select and integrate into the broadcast selected ones of the items of advertising content.
US08856813B2 Adaptive video quality substitution
A computing device, in a video content delivery network, intercepts requested video content prior to delivery of the requested video content to a customer premise device of the network, and receives subscription and authentication information of a customer associated with the customer premise device. The computing device receives video content provider information, and validates the requested video content based on the subscription and authentication information and the video content provider information. The computing device receives capability information associated with the customer premise device, and receives bandwidth information associated with the network. The computing device determines a quality of video content, to provide to the customer premise device, based on the customer premise device capability information and the network bandwidth information, and provides, to the customer premise device, video content with the determined quality.
US08856812B1 Emergency disc ejecting device for optical disc drive
An emergency disc ejecting device for an optical disc drive including a linkage module and a gear module is provided. The linkage module has a first linkage capable of moving along a disc loading direction and a disc ejecting direction. The gear module includes a first gear, a second gear and a pulley. The first gear is detachably connected to the first linkage. The second gear is driveably connected to the first gear and has a first contacting portion. The pulley is pivoted on the second gear and has a second contacting portion, wherein the second gear has an idle-stroking rotation relative to the pulley. When the second gear performs the idle-stroking rotation relative to the pulley, the first contacting portion moves relatively from a first side of the second contacting portion to a second side of the second contacting portion.
US08856808B2 Event triggered actions based on media action table
Generating event-triggered actions, including: detecting at least one event occurring on a mobile device; generating and presenting an event action parameter for the at least one event; and receiving and processing the event action parameter using a media action table to generate at least one action instruction.
US08856806B2 Dynamic Java bean for visualage for Java
A uniform strategy for the general problem of providing custom editors and initialization strings for beans (all “dynabeans” inherit from a common bean class that incorporates this strategy. This is then extended to allow the initialization strings to be stored in a relational database. The database function is an extension of the function provided by the VisualAge Persistence Builder (using some of the EADP extensions). An important advantage of this approach is that many changes to the application can now be handled by adjusting the database version of the bean definition, without a need to touch the underlying code. This will reduce down time for the application, and also improve application stability.
US08856792B2 Cancelable and faultable dataflow nodes
One embodiment includes a method of performing dataflow processing. The method includes representing a first asynchronous processing node as a first future. The first future represents the lifecycle of processing of the first asynchronous processing node. The method further includes representing one or more other asynchronous operations as one or more other futures. The one or more other futures represent the asynchronous completion of one or more operations'processing. The first future and the one or more other futures are represented as a single composite future. The single composite future represents completion of processing of the combination of the first asynchronous processing node and the one or more other asynchronous operations.
US08856789B2 Facilitating execution of a self-modifying executable
Trusted execution of a self-modifying executable is facilitated. An attempt to access a data portion of a self-modifying executable during execution of the self-modifying executable is detected. The self-modifying executable includes the data portion, for storing data to be accessed during execution of the self-modifying executable, and an instruction portion including instructions for execution of the self-modifying executable. The attempt to access the data portion is retargeted to a separate portion of memory space that is separate from another portion of memory space in which the self-modifying executable is loaded for execution. Meaningful measurability of the integrity of the self-modifying executable is thereby provided.
US08856788B2 Activity based device removal management
Methods and systems for managing a removal of a device from a guest managed by a hypervisor in virtualized computing environment. A hypervisor maintains in a memory a last accessed state associated with a virtual machine executing a guest. The last accessed state is cleared by the hypervisor when the virtual machine is reset and the last accessed state is set when the hypervisor receives a request from the guest to access a device. The hypervisor receives a request to remove the device from the guest of the virtual machine and remove the device from the guest when the last accessed state is clear.
US08856785B2 Predicting and generating a quantity of image clones
For predicting and generating a quantity of image clones, a provision module provisions a specified number of a specified image clone to an image pool. The specified number N1 is calculated as N1=N0+CEIL(SE). N0 is a number of the specified image clones provisioned during a previous provisioning operation. SE is a storage estimate. CEIL rounds SE up to a nearest integer. A deployment module deploys a first image clone from the image pool in a subsequent deployment in response to a request.
US08856784B2 Decentralized management of virtualized hosts
One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a technique for effectively managing virtualized computing systems with an unlimited number of hardware resources. Host systems included in a virtualized computer system are organized into a scalable, peer-to-peer (P2P) network in which host systems arrange themselves into a network overlay to communicate with one another. The network overlay enables the host systems to perform a variety of operations, which include dividing computing resources of the host systems among a plurality of virtual machines (VMs), load balancing VMs across the host systems, and performing an initial placement of a VM in one of the host systems.
US08856778B2 Software selection based on available storage space
Software selection based on available storage space involves determining that a data package (e.g., a software component) is not to be loaded (e.g., not to be installed) onto a storage device (e.g., a disk drive) of a computer (e.g., a target computer). This determination is based on the available storage capacity of the storage device (e.g., free disk space) and on a storage requirement of the optional data package (e.g., disk space required by the proposed software component). In some example embodiments, available storage capacity is determined automatically (e.g., by using an application programming interface).
US08856774B1 System and method for processing updates to installed software on a computer system
A system and method for testing and optimization of updates. An update is received by a test module, which selects a testing environment and determines a testing period. The test module tests the update in the testing environment and provides the test results to an analyzer module. The analyzer module determines the feasibility of the update installation based on a set of feasibility rules. If the update is deemed feasible, the update is added to the list of the updates for installation and provided to an installation module for installation on computer systems.
US08856765B2 Analyzing a pointer in an analysis target program or a partial program
The present invention provides a technique for analyzing a pointer. The technique is characterized in detecting whether or not an object for which it is desired to detect an access position escapes to at least one method which is a caller of a method which generates the identified object (a first caller method) or at least one method which is called by the method which generates the identified object (a first callee method), and preparing a load node in a point-to graph and updating the point-to graph on condition that a field of at least one object in the point-to graph is reachable from the first caller method or the first callee method and the field is in a state of not pointing to an object in the point-to graph.
US08856760B2 Streaming programming generator
A device receives input that includes definitions of components of a computational pipeline, where the components include one or more buffers, one or more kernels, and one or more stages within a control graph. The device generates, based on the input, kernel signatures for a graphics processor, where the kernel signatures compile into an executable streaming program for the computational pipeline. The device also generates, based on the input, host-side runtime code to execute the streaming program.
US08856759B2 Method and apparatus providing COBOL decimal type arithmetic functions with improved performance
A method and apparatus is disclosed providing an improvement in performance for arithmetic computations by a computer system for calculations which include decimal numeric variables. The improvement in at least one embodiment includes use of a special compiler in cooperation with a special decimal numeric subroutine library. The compiler provides comparative alignment information based upon comparing alignments of a plurality of decimal variables. The decimal subroutine library can then provide improved performance at run time by utilizing the information compared by the compiler at compiler time rather than making those computations repeatedly at run time.
US08856758B2 Automatic license entitlement calculation
Techniques for automatic license entitlement calculation. A method includes decomposing a license metric definition into metric-generic and metric-specific logic, compiling the metric-specific logic to generate intermediate code, interpreting the metric-generic logic and dynamically loading the intermediate code to execute a license entitlement calculation.
US08856757B2 Automatic license entitlement calculation
Techniques for automatic license entitlement calculation. A method includes decomposing a license metric definition into metric-generic and metric-specific logic, compiling the metric-specific logic to generate intermediate code, interpreting the metric-generic logic and dynamically loading the intermediate code to execute a license entitlement calculation.
US08856753B2 Granular measurement of processor performance in executing sections of software code
Processor performance in executing a section of software code is measured. A clock associated with the section of software code. It is detected that the section of software code is beginning to be executed. In response, the clock associated with the section of software code is started. It is then detected that the section of software code is no longer being executed. In response, the clock associated with the section of software code is stopped. The clock is stopped and restarted as the section of software code temporarily stops execution to cede control to other sections of software code. Ultimately, a value of the clock associated with the section of software code is output, where the value corresponds to the processor performance in executing the section of software code.
US08856752B2 Monitoring asset state to enable partial build
When an up to date state has been achieved for the inputs and outputs of a build process, an asset state indicator is set to indicate that all the inputs and outputs are up to date. Those inputs and outputs are monitored. If a change to any of the inputs and/or outputs is detected, the asset state indicator is updated to indicate that some build execution is needed. When a build request is detected, the current state of the asset state indicator is exposed. An execution sequence for targets of the build process based on dependencies between targets is determined. A starting point for a partial build is determined by determining the earliest-appearing target in the sequence that is affected by the detected changes to the inputs and outputs to the targets of the execution sequence. Executing the build process from this starting point will produce the updated outputs and return the system to the up to date state.
US08856749B2 Multi-path brokered test automation execution
A test case can be run with actions from the test case being executed in multiple execution paths. This can be done with the aid of an action broker. For example, the broker may identify available automation implementations for the actions and use a priority list to select between available automation implementations for executing an action from the test case. The broker may also perform conversions of results of actions for use by implementations executing other actions in different execution paths, as well as passing results between implementations in different execution paths.
US08856747B2 Enterprise JavaBeans explorer
A system and method to display an application server resource landscape in a hierarchical view and invoke an Enterprise JavaBeans business method with a complex object as an argument. In one embodiment, the hierarchical view permits user input to initialize attribute values for simple and complex arguments. A graphical user interface presents invoked business method execution results.
US08856741B2 Just in time component mapping
One embodiment involves a system comprising a network, a server, and a requesting device. The server and requesting device are connected with the network. The server comprises a processor configured to receive a request from the requesting device and determine information about the requesting device based at least in part on the request. The processor is further configured to determine an abstract representation of an application and at least one mapping from a plurality of mappings based at least in part on the information about the device. The abstract representation comprises a plurality of components. Each mapping comprises an attribute for at least one of the plurality of components. The processor is further configured to generate a version of the application on-the-fly based at least in part on the abstract representation and the at least one mapping and send the version of the application to the requesting device.
US08856740B2 Implementing multiple versions of a plug-in concurrently
A system and method for implementing multiple versions of a plug-in concurrently are provided herein. The method includes identifying a plug-in within a multi-plug-in platform that is configured to provide a desired functionality. The method also includes executing a first version and a second version of the plug-in concurrently to provide the desired functionality, wherein each version of the plug-in is isolated from the other version of the plug-in.
US08856736B2 Web service proxy interface augmentation
In a web application platform context, web service proxy interface augmentation is provided without undue loss of customization capabilities. After obtaining an address of a web service endpoint, sending a metadata query to the endpoint, and extracting operational information from the response, a contract is generated in the form of an interface. The interface does not rely on non-contract programming constructs. A file containing the interface is added to a project in an integrated development environment (IDE). From a developer perspective, the IDE displays service application(s) of a server farm identified by the developer. The developer selects a service application and receives a list of web service endpoint(s). After choosing an endpoint, the developer receives an automatically generated interface containing operational information for an operation exposed by the web service endpoint. The developer also creates in the IDE a web proxy project item that includes the interface.
US08856733B2 Code generation techniques
A method of generating executable code for performing desired functionality. The method includes defining a component combination based on the desired functionality, the component combination being indicative of components to be implemented and connections between the components. The component combination is then used to cause components in the component combination to be implemented, with the components communicating using the connections and generating code fragments. At least two of the components communicate to determine a context, with one or more of the code fragments being at least partially based on the determined context. The generated code fragments are combined to thereby form the executable code which when executed by a suitable a processing system, causes the processing system to perform the desired functionality.
US08856732B2 System and method for creating, managing, and reusing schema type definitions in services oriented architecture services, grouped in the form of libraries
A computer-implemented system and method for creating, managing, and reusing schema type definitions in SOA services, grouped in the form of libraries are disclosed. The method in an example embodiment includes: grouping a plurality of Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) schema (XSD) types, each XSD type defined in an individual XSD file; using a processor to bundle the plurality of individual XSD types into a type library, the type library including a type information file to register the individual XSD types in the type library, the type library further including a type dependencies file to register dependencies between the individual XSD types in the same or different type library; importing types from a different type library, when defining derived types or aggregated types; generating Java artifacts from the XSD types; and associating the Java artifacts with corresponding XSD types in the type information file of the type library.
US08856721B2 Method for generating task data of a PCB and inspecting a PCB
A method for generating PCB inspection task data and inspecting a PCB is disclosed. The method by which Gerber data and CAD coordinate file generated at the time of PCB designing is matched to each other facilitates to generate a task data and allows a higher inspection accuracy. The task data generating method comprises generating a Gerber data comprising information for pads on the PCB, loading a CAD coordinate file comprising a coordinate of a component mounted on the pads, inferring a shape of lead and body of the component within a pad area by matching the Gerber data and CAD coordinate file, and then setting a pad area where a tip-end of the body locates as an inspection area.
US08856719B2 Method for circuit simulation
A circuit simulation method for checking a circuit error is disclosed. The method may include generating a netlist with respect to a designed circuit, simulating an operation of the designed circuit using the generated netlist, and checking an error of the designed circuit using the generated netlist and using a waveform generated when performing the simulation.
US08856718B1 Congestion estimation based on routing resources of programmable logic devices
A computer-implemented method of estimating signal congestion in routing resources of a programmable logic device (PLD), wherein the routing resources include configurable interface blocks (CIBs) and wires of different types supported by the CIBs. The method includes identifying, from a representation of a PLD stored within a computer system, components of the PLD to be connected in a configuration of the PLD. A CIB associated with an identified PLD component is then selected. A wire type supported by the selected CIB is also selected. The number of wires of the selected type needed at the selected CIB to implement the PLD configuration and the number of wires of the selected type provided by the CIB are calculated. Signal congestion at the selected CIB is estimated from at least the needed number of wires and the provided number of wires.
US08856717B2 Shielded pattern generation for a circuit design board
A circuit board design aid is achieved by generating a shield pattern for a wiring pattern including a pattern element in a circuit board by increasing a width of a geometry of the pattern element by an amount corresponding to a shield pattern spacing set as a preset pattern generation condition. A prohibition region is generated based on a geometry of an element for which a clearance check is to be performed located around the wiring pattern and a clearance condition between the element for performing a clearance check and the wiring pattern. Then, the shield pattern is generated by excluding the geometry of the prohibition region from the geometry of the basic shield pattern element.
US08856716B1 Automatic placement system of IC design and method thereof
An automatic placement system of IC design and a method thereof is provided. The automatic placement system of IC design concerns the chip area utility ratio, the input-output relationship between components, the power consumption produced from thermal noise of circuits and the MOS-type transformation ratio, and performs the genetic algorithm for providing an optimal solution to the placement problem. Herewith the effect of optimizing the placement according to the data of components and parameter is achieved.
US08856710B2 Tool and method for modeling interposer RC couplings
A method comprises analyzing front side conductive patterns and back side conductive patterns on a semiconductor interposer using a machine implemented RC extraction tool, and outputting data representing a plurality of respective RC nodes from the RC extraction tool to a tangible persistent machine readable storage medium. A substrate mesh model of the semiconductor interposer is generated, having a plurality of substrate mesh nodes. Each substrate mesh node is connected to adjacent ones of the plurality of substrate mesh nodes by respective substrate impedance elements. A set of inputs to a timing analysis tool is formed. The plurality of RC nodes are connected to ones of the plurality of substrate mesh nodes of the substrate mesh model. The set of inputs is stored in a tangible machine readable storage medium.
US08856708B1 Multi-tier field-programmable gate array hardware requirements assessment and verification for airborne electronic systems
A method of verifying a field programmable gate array for use in an integrated system includes selecting, from a set of requirements of the field programmable gate array, a first subset of the requirements that are not influenced by dynamics of the integrated system; selecting, from the set of requirements of the field programmable gate array, a second subset of the requirements that are influenced by the dynamics of the integrated system; executing a hardware test on the field programmable gate array using a chip tester that verifies the first subset of the requirements; and executing a hardware test on the field programmable gate array to verify the second subset of the requirements while the field programmable gate array is installed within the integrated system.
US08856707B2 Semiconductor device feature density gradient verification
A method for verifying that acceptable device feature gradients and device feature disparities are present in a semiconductor device layout, is provided. The method provides for dividing a device layout into a plurality of windows and measuring or otherwise determining the device feature density within each window. The device layout includes various device regions and the method provides for comparing an average device feature density within one region to surrounding areas or other regions and also for determining gradients of device feature densities. The gradients may be monitored from within a particular device region to surrounding regions. Instructions for carrying out the method may be stored on a computer readable storage medium and executed by a processor.
US08856706B2 System and method for metastability verification of circuits of an integrated circuit
A system and methods for metastability verification of an integrated circuit design are provided. An IC design is received and the source-to-destination paths of the IC design are determined. For each of the determined source-to-destination paths, it is determined whether the corresponding source is synchronized. For each source its respective synchronized or unsynchronized result is stored and a report is generated for each source describing whether it is synchronized or unsynchronized. The system may be at least a portion of a computer aided design (CAD) system.
US08856700B1 Methods, systems, and apparatus for reliability synthesis
In one embodiment of the invention, a method of synthesizing a circuit design is disclosed including receiving an input model of an initial circuit design into an electronic design automation system; receiving a user specification detailing a reliability feature to add to the initial circuit design; adding the reliability feature to the input model based upon the user specification to generate a modified input model; and producing an output model of a circuit design with the reliability feature in response to the modified input model.
US08856698B1 Method and apparatus for providing metric relating two or more process parameters to yield
A process and apparatus are provided for generating and evaluating one or more metrics for analyzing the design and manufacture of semiconductor devices. Embodiments include scanning a drawn semiconductor design layout to determine a difficult-to-manufacture pattern within the drawn semiconductor design layout based on a match with a pre-characterized difficult-to-manufacture pattern determining a corrected pattern based on a pre-determined correlation between the corrected pattern and the pre-characterized difficult-to-manufacture pattern, and replacing the difficult-to-manufacture pattern with the corrected pattern within the drawn semiconductor design layout.
US08856697B2 Routing analysis with double pattern lithography
Graph analysis for double pattern lithography is described. Layout shapes are decomposed into rectangles and a vertex is provided for each rectangle. Double pattern spacing conflicts are determined and shown as edges for the graph analysis. Odd cycles are used to identify double pattern lithography violations. Cycles can be completed with the addition of edges between vertices where stitches have been included in the layout. Edges between touching shapes do not count toward the odd count in the cycles. Fixes are included by increasing space or by rerouting. A portion of the layout can be incrementally changed and a local update of the graph analysis performed. Correct by construction layout is implemented by avoiding certain odd cycle prone layout routings.
US08856696B2 Integrated circuit layout modification
Methods are disclosed of modifying an integrated circuit (IC) design that utilizes multiple patterning technology (MPT). The methods include configuring a first layout of an integrated circuit, having at least one layer with features to be formed utilizing fabrication by at least two masks. The at least one layer includes a plurality of active cells and a plurality of spare cells. A second layout is configured to re-route the spare cells and active cells, wherein the re-routing utilizes at least a portion of the plurality of spare cells. Fewer than all of the at least two masks are replaced to configure the second layout.
US08856692B2 Method for modifying images using three-dimensional gestures and an apparatus using the same
Provided is a method capable of making various modifications to widgets, graphic objects, or images, which are displayed on a display device, according to motions of a plurality of input units such as finger or stylus pen, with the use of a three-dimensional multi-sensor configured to detect the motions of the input units in a space, without touching the display device.
US08856691B2 Gesture tool
Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for a gesture tool. A capture device captures user movement and provides corresponding data to a gesture recognizer engine and an application. From that, the data is parsed to determine whether it satisfies one or more gesture filters, each filter corresponding to user-performed gesture. The data and the information about the filters is also sent to a gesture tool, which displays aspects of the data and filters. In response to user input corresponding to a change in a filter, the gesture tool sends an indication of such to the gesture recognizer engine and application, where that change occurs.
US08856689B2 Editing of data using mobile communication terminal
An electronic device, a mobile communication terminal, method and computer program product for editing data The method of editing data of an electronic device displays an item list comprising at least one item; detecting first and second touch inputs and detects a change in a distance between first and second touch input points. The method executes a predetermined function related to the item list according to the detected distance change.
US08856687B2 Method and apparatus for providing a three-dimensional task gallery computer interface
The present invention provides a three-dimensional user interface for a computer system that allows a user to combine and store a group of windows as a task. The image of each task can be positioned within a three-dimensional environment such that the user may utilize spatial memory in order remember where a particular task is located.
US08856686B2 Method and apparatus for generating a menu display
A method of generating a menu display (203), the method comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of menu items (205—1, 205—2, 205—3, 205—4) from a plurality of candidate menu items, the candidate menu items being arranged in a plurality of hierarchical levels, on the basis of most frequently used menu items and most difficult to access menu items within the plurality of hierarchical levels; and displaying the selected menu items simultaneously.
US08856683B2 Restricted user interface navigation
A method and system that permits a user to navigate or browse a long list on a handheld device with a restricted user interface, such as a limited display and a limited user input device. The user first uses a coarse search to find a generally desired area in the list. The user then uses finer and finer search intervals in the vicinity of the desired area, until the desired entry is located.
US08856682B2 Displaying a user interface in a dedicated display area
Some embodiments are directed to techniques for displaying a user interface of an application program on a display device. The display device may be partitioned into two portions, such that the user interface and a computer desktop are displayed in separate portions of the display. As a result, the user interface does not overlap or obscure any portion of the displayed desktop.
US08856680B2 Mobile communication terminal and method for controlling a background task
A mobile communication terminal and a method for controlling a background task is disclosed that can increase user convenience by controlling the background task simply. The method includes running foreground and background tasks simultaneously by a multitasking operation; inputting a selection key to directly call a task setting window for setting a specific operation of the background task; displaying the task setting window on a foreground screen that corresponds to the selection key that was input; and setting the specific operation using displayed task setting window.
US08856679B2 Smartpad-stacking
A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the smartpad. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad.
US08856673B1 Flight planning system with bookmarking
A method and apparatus for managing vehicle information. The vehicle information is displayed on a display system for a vehicle. The vehicle information is for operating the vehicle. An item in the vehicle information is placed in a group of items of interest in response to receiving a user input selecting the item from the vehicle information as an item of interest. A number of items in the group of items of interest is displayed in association with a number of graphical indicators on the display system. The number of graphical indicators identifies the number of items as a number of items of interest.
US08856672B2 Integrated user interface controls for web dialogs
A web application dialog user interface is provided for presenting users with controls for viewing, editing, and otherwise managing content through the web application. Consistency in style and order of control elements in the user interface with control elements of a standard application user interface, launching of the dialog without a page refresh, and maintenance of task continuity provide users a seamless experience in managing their documents through the web application without loss of context.
US08856671B2 Route selection by drag and drop
The various embodiments of the present invention may be directed to a system for facilitating data processing in a visual manner. An application may include, inter alia, a basket component for visually representing the particular data items that a user desires to be processed by an application. The application may allow a user to initially search for data items that may be of interest (e.g., points-of-interest or POIs). A user may select POIs to obtain additional descriptive information regarding each data item. If the selected POI is to be included in processing, a user may drag the visual representation of the POI into the basket component. When the basket component contains all POIs desired for processing, the user may further instruct the application to formulate a result that is a composite of some or all of the POIs in the basket component.
US08856669B2 Method for selective erasure based on historical input
Systems and methods record graphical marks input through a graphic user interface of a computerized device. The graphical marks comprise input other than keyboard button input. The recording includes recording different input times when the graphical marks are input and recording whether the graphic marks are uninterrupted graphic marks, using a processor of the computerized device. An uninterrupted graphical mark is one of the graphical marks that is input through a discrete and continuous user input action, and is made without the user pausing such discrete and continuous user input action. The systems and methods also display the graphical marks, and provide an erasure option on the graphic user interface. The erasure option allows the user to distinguish which of the graphical marks are erased based on the different input times and/or by distinguishing between erasure of different ones of the uninterrupted graphic marks.
US08856666B2 Chassis button to activate graphical user interface to enable user to select diagnostic and/or recovery
A computer comprises a chassis, a button provided on the chassis, and a memory containing executable code. The executable code is caused to execute as a result of a user pressing the button. The code causes a graphical user interface to be displayed to the user providing the user with the ability to choose at least between a computer-diagnostic operation and a recovery operation.
US08856663B2 User interface for integrating applications on a mobile communication device
A user interface, in accordance with the teachings described herein, is provided for integrating applications on a mobile communication device. An instant messaging user interface may be included for displaying an instant messaging communication that includes an instant messaging contact. An instant messaging user interface menu may be included for displaying a list of commands, one or more of the commands being specific to the displayed instant messaging contact, and the list of commands including a command associated with a calendar application. The user interface may be operable to automatically launch the calendar application in response to a user selecting the command associated with the calendar application. A field in the calendar application may be automatically populated with the instant messaging contact.
US08856657B2 User interface for managing network download and configuration tasks
A user interface for management of network operations, particularly networked electronic gaming machines, the user interface including operation assignment interfaces, each assignment interface providing information about the respective operation, a calendar interface on which the assignment interfaces are provided, the calendar interface providing at least date and time information, and at least one graphical linking indicator that provides visual relational information of related operations.
US08856651B2 Remote user interface cooperative application
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a remote user interface (UI) client is provided, the method comprising: establishing a first connection with a UI server; receiving a document over the first connection; closing the first connection; running the document, wherein the document contains first instructions on how to operate a user interface and second instructions on establishing a persistent connection with the UI server; and establishing a second connection with the UI server based on the second instructions.
US08856650B1 System and method for interactive digital content generation
The disclosure relates to a system for automated generation and/or execution of an interactive content object having content related to a video game application. In some implementations, the interactive content object may comprise interactive digital content that may be distributed to and/or executed on one or more computer system gaming platforms and/or other interactive media devices. Interactive content objects may be configured such that they may be included in the video game application and/or executed by the video game application. Interactive content objects may also be configured as standalone products. Interactive content objects may be configured such that they may be remotely patched and/or updated without updating the video game application. In some implementations, the interactive content object may comprise one or more of an instruction manual, a strategy guidebook, a cheat book, a mini-game, episodic content, and/or other applications.
US08856649B2 Aggregation level and measure based hinting and selection of cells in a data display
Described herein are methods and systems for providing hints for and selecting cells within a crosstab that are compatible. Providing hints manifests the compatible cells and the selection is limited to compatible members. Hinting at unselected but compatible cells provides leads for user for other operations they may seek to pursue. User selections that include incompatible cells are corrected to ensure integrity of group operations to be performed on the selections. Compatibility is determined by aggregation level, measure and the like.
US08856647B2 Font handling for viewing documents on the web
A request is received for a rendered document corresponding to a document. The document is retrieved from a storage device. The document is transformed into the rendered document. One or more server font files associated with the rendered document are generated. The rendered document and the server font files are stored.
US08856640B1 Method and apparatus for applying revision specific electronic signatures to an electronically stored document
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and systems for applying electronic signatures to an electronically stored document wherein the electronic signatures are associated with a specific revision of that electronically stored document (revision specific electronic signatures).
US08856633B2 Millimeter-wave communications for peripheral devices
A wireless device couples an electronic device employing a wired-link protocol to, for example, a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The wireless device comprises a wired interface configured for coupling to the electronic device, a wired transceiver coupled to the wired interface, the at least one wired transceiver configured for functioning as a terminus of a wired link coupled to the electronic device, and a wireless transmitter or transceiver coupled to the wired transceiver and configured for functioning as a terminus of a wireless link in the WPAN. The wireless device may be configured for coupling a plurality of dissimilar wired devices together via a wireless link.
US08856631B2 Systems and methods for parallel retry processing during iterative data processing
Systems, circuits, devices and/or methods related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for priority based data processing.
US08856622B2 Apparatus and method for encoding data for storage in multi-level nonvolatile memory
A controller for a nonvolatile memory includes an encoder and a decoder. The memory includes memory cells that each store data using more than two levels. The encoder generates first data for storage in first memory cells. For first and second subsets of cells of the first memory cells, the first data is stored at first and second levels, respectively. Measurable values of the first subset of cells are characterized by a first probability density function having a first width. Measurable values of the second subset of cells are characterized by a second probability density function having a second width. The first width is greater than the second width. The encoder generates the first data such that a size of the first subset of cells is less than a size of the second subset of cells. The decoder decodes encoded data from the memory.
US08856620B2 Dynamic graduated memory device protection in redundant array of independent memory (RAIM) systems
Dynamic graduated memory device protection in redundant array of independent memory (RAIM) systems that include a plurality of memory devices is provided. A first severity level of a first failing memory device in the plurality of memory devices is determined. The first failing memory device is associated with an identifier used to communicate a location of the first failing memory device to an error correction code (ECC). A second severity level of a second failing memory device in the plurality of memory devices is determined. It is determined that the second severity level is higher than the first severity level. The identifier from the first failing memory device is removed based on determining that the second severity level is higher than the first severity level. The identifier is applied to the second failing memory device based on determining that the second severity level is higher than the first severity level.
US08856619B1 Storing data across groups of storage nodes
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for storing data reliably across groups of storage nodes. In one aspect, a method includes receiving (n−f) data chunks for storage across n groups of storage nodes and generating (f−1) error-correcting code chunks using an error-correcting code and the (n−f) data chunks. The (n−f) data chunks are stored at a first group of storage nodes. Each data chunk of the (n−f) data chunks is stored at a respective second group of storage nodes. Each code chunk of the (f−1) code chunks is stored at a respective third group of storage nodes. Each second group of storage nodes and each third group of storage nodes is distinct from each other and from the first group of storage nodes.
US08856614B2 Semiconductor memory device detecting error
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes first to fifth units. The first unit compares first data being write target data before write in a memory, with second data written in the memory and then read out. The second unit stores the first data if a data comparison result indicates mismatch. The third unit stores a write address corresponding to the write target data if the data comparison result indicates mismatch. The fourth unit compares a read address corresponding to read target data with an address stored in the third unit. The fifth unit selects data read out from the memory in accordance with the read address as the read target data if a address comparison result indicates mismatch, and selects data read out from the second unit as the read target data if the address comparison result indicates match.
US08856611B2 Soft-decision compensation for flash channel variation
In an SSD controller reading from flash memory, subsequent to failure of an initial soft-decision decoding attempt based on a nominal LLR, soft-decision re-decoding attempts are made using compensated LLR soft-decision information sets, pre-calculated at respective read-equilibrium points corresponding to mean shifts and variance change in the actual charge-state distributions of the flash memory channel. According to embodiment, soft-decision re-decoding attempts are performed without a retry read, or overlapped with one or more retry reads. By overlapping re-decoding with one or more retry reads, the probability of successful decoding increases, the need for further retry reads diminishes, and throughput is improved. The LLR compensation becomes very effective over a large number of retry reads, improving decoding reliability and achieving close to optimal bit error rates, even in the presence of large channel variation.
US08856609B2 Accelerated cyclical redundancy check
Improved strategies for a Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC) are disclosed. A CRC check of a codeblock may be initiated by a CRC decoder before receiving all of the bits by a corresponding FEC encoder. Furthermore, an incremental CRC check with respect to the data packet without the need for requesting passed through data from higher layers.
US08856608B2 Modulation method and device implementing a differential modulation, corresponding demodulation method and device, signal and computer software products
A method and apparatus are provided for modulating a binary source sequence including of a plurality of source words to generate modulated symbols. The method implements error-correction encoding of the plurality of source words, implementing one or more encoding modules, each implementing a separate error-correction code to generate a plurality of code words, the source words being encoded in series. The code words are interlaced to generate an interlaced sequence. The interlaced sequence is differentially modulated to generate modulated symbols. Each code word is broken down into at least one group with a number of bits equal to the base-2 logarithm of a number of states of a modulation implemented by the step of differentially modulating. The interlacing step distributes the groups such that two adjacent groups in the interlaced sequence belong to separate code words.
US08856605B2 Method for transmitting data to user equipments, communication system, base station and user equipment
A method is provided for transmitting data to user equipments, a communication system, a base station and a mobile station. Data is transmitted to user equipments from a first base station (BBS) and from second base stations (CBS) in a time division multiplexed manner in frames (F). Each frame (F) has a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame. The user equipments are located in cells, each cell a second base station (CBS). Data is transmitted wirelessly, during a first sub-frame of a frame, data from the first base station (BBS) to user equipments in a plurality of cells. Data is transmitted wirelessly, during the second sub-frame of the frame (F), from second base station (CBS) to at least one the plurality of user equipments. The data being transmitted from the first base station (BBS) is also transmitted by the second base station (CBS) to at least one of the plurality of cells.
US08856599B2 Trouble prediction apparatus, trouble prediction method, and computer program product
A trouble prediction apparatus includes a trouble-occurred device information storage unit that stores therein trouble occurrence information of trouble-occurred devices in which a trouble has occurred out of a plurality of management target devices; a calculating unit that calculates a trouble occurrence probability based on the trouble occurrence information; and a predicting unit that predicts a trouble of a prediction target device out of the management target devices by referring to the trouble occurrence probability.
US08856598B1 Help center alerts by using metadata and offering multiple alert notification channels
A system and machine-implemented method relating to identifying anomalous events by estimating a processing time for an operation, estimating a processing time for an operation; calculating a maximum threshold time based on the estimated processing time for indicating anomalous processing of the operation, periodically determining during processing of the operation an amount of processing time used to perform the operation; and sending a notification to a user indicating an anomalous run of the operation has occurred if the determined amount of processing time exceeds the maximum threshold time.
US08856597B2 Validation of a system using a design of experiments processing technique
A validation system includes a test block that operates to apply a set of inputs to a system under test, such as a test system or an executable test algorithm, and receive from said system under test a first set of outputs produced by operation of the system under test in response to application of the set of inputs. The first set of outputs, as well as a second set of outputs reflecting output produced by operation of a reference system or executable reference algorithm in response to application of the same set of inputs, is processed to make a validation determination. A validation processing block compares the first and second sets of outputs to validate the system under test as an equivalent to the reference system.
US08856595B2 Method for verifying an application program in a failsafe programmable logic controller, and programmable logic controller for performing the method
A method and a programmable logic controller (SPS) for verifying an application program in a failsafe programmable logic controller, wherein a signature (desired value) is generated using program modules or a complete application program when creating a program, and a copy of the signature is stored in the programmable logic controller and in an external component, respectively. Before the safety-oriented application program is started, the copy of the signature stored by the programmable logic controller is transmitted to the external component and is compared with the copy in the external component. In a further comparison, a signature (actual value) is generated using the content of the main memory of the programmable logic controller and using the actually loaded application program and is then compared with the local copy of the desired value of the signature. Starting of the actual application program is enabled only when both comparisons are positive.
US08856594B2 Method and system for an end-to-end solution in a test automation framework
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer programs for providing an end-to-end solution in a test automation framework present in a communication network. A user can select at least one test script corresponding to a network service. The selected test script can be executed over a topology that can be generated by the user. The topology can be generated by a simple drag and drop function. Once, the selected test script is executed, a log report can be generated that includes details associated with the executed test script. The method can also facilitate reserving of the topology so that it can be used at a later point in time. The scripts can be generated automatically without user intervention.
US08856593B2 Failure recovery using consensus replication in a distributed flash memory system
Data replication in a distributed node system including one or more nodes. A consensus protocol for failure recovery is implemented. Data items and information relating to consensus protocol roles of participant nodes are stored in at least some of the plurality of nodes. Logical logs stored in at least some of the plurality of nodes are created. The logical logs contain additional consensus protocol information including container metadata and replicated data.
US08856591B2 System and method for data disaster recovery
A system includes a production computer machine that includes an operating system and a driver stack. The driver stack includes a file system layer, a recovery driver, a storage layer, a driver layer, a bus driver layer, and a storage device. The system also includes a backup computer processor coupled to the production computer machine via the recovery driver. The recovery driver is configured to commence a recovery of data from the backup computer processor, receive a disk access request from the file system layer, determine if the disk access request accesses data that has not yet been recovered from the backup computer processor, and initiate an on-demand recovery request from the backup computer processor when the data has not been recovered from the backup computer processor.
US08856588B2 Information processing apparatus, control method, and computer-readable recording medium
At least one node of a plurality of nodes in an information processing apparatus executes the following processing for data included in a memory of one node or other nodes and stored in a shared memory area which the node and the other nodes access. That is, the node detects an ICE which occurs over a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time or a PCE which occurs at a single location in the shared memory area. When the error is detected, the node performs control to prevent the node and the other nodes from accessing the shared memory. The node recovers the data in a memory area different from the shared memory area. The node notifies information about the different memory area to the other nodes. The node performs control to resume the access to the data from the node and the other nodes.
US08856587B2 Control of interrupt generation for cache
A data processing device includes a cache having a plurality of cache lines. Each cache line has a lockout state that indicates whether an error has been detected for data accessed at the cache line. The lockout state of a cache line is indicated by a set of one or more lockout bits associate with the cache line. When a cache line is in a locked-out state, the cache line is not used by the cache. Accordingly, a locked-out cache line is not employed by the cache to satisfy a cache accesses, and is not used to store data retrieved from memory in response to a cache miss. In response to determining the detected error likely did not result from a hardware failure or other persistent condition, memory error management software can reset the lockout state of the cache line.
US08856585B2 Hardware failure mitigation
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: detecting, by a resource allocation device, a failure of server hardware; identifying a first agent device that is configured to utilize the server hardware; and taking at least one action to effect a reconfiguration of the first agent device in response to the server hardware failure. Various embodiments additionally include one or more of the following: identifying a second agent device that is configured to utilize the server hardware; and taking at least one action to effect a reconfiguration of the second agent device in response to the server hardware failure. Various embodiments additionally include one or more of the following: receiving, by the resource allocation device from a second agent device, an indication of the failure of server hardware, wherein the second agent device is different from the first agent device.
US08856581B2 Method for resource information backup operation based on peer to peer network and peer to peer network thereof
The present invention provides a method for resource information backup operation based on peer to peer network, comprising: an initiating node sending an out-of-domain backup node determining request to a connecting node in backup domain, and said out-of-domain backup node determining request including the resource global identifier of said resource information to be backed up, and the connecting node in said backup domain and said host node in which the resource information is saved have different domain identifiers; the connecting node in said backup domain determining an out-of-domain backup node according to information of said resource global identifier and out-of-domain backup rules, and sending routing information of said out-of-domain backup node to said initiating node; and said initiating node sending an out-of-domain backup operation request to said out-of-domain backup node according to said routing information, and said out-of-domain backup node implementing corresponding processing according to said out-of-domain backup operation request.
US08856579B2 Memory interface having extended strobe burst for read timing calibration
Methods and systems for calibrating parameters for communication between a controller and a memory device. A memory controller may be configured to calibrate one or more of the read latency and/or the latency window of a memory controller such that a data signal and a data strobe signal are received by the memory controller within the latency window of the memory controller.
US08856578B2 Integrated circuit device including skew adjustment circuit and skew adjustment method
A skew adjustment circuit, provided in an integrated circuit device having a plurality of signal lines transmitting a plurality of signals respectively, and a plurality of buffer circuits to which a plurality of signals transmitted through the signal lines are respectively input, has: a plurality of delay circuits, respectively provided in stages preceding the buffer circuits; a monitoring circuit monitoring changes in the signals of the plurality of signal lines; and a delay adjustment circuit, which decides delay amounts for the plurality of delay circuits based on a monitoring result output of the monitoring circuit, and sets the delay amounts in the plurality of delay circuits. The monitoring circuit detects, as the monitoring result, a number of signal changes in the signal lines in which a signal change occurs in a monitoring period, and the delay adjustment circuit decides the delay amounts based on the number of signal changes.
US08856572B2 Computer that reduces power consumption while maintaining a specific function
A laptop PC is enabled to operate with small power consumption while maintaining a specific function. A laptop PC is provided with a HDD and can operate in a normal mode and a doze mode as a new operating mode. In the doze mode, the computer can operate with power consumption less than in the normal mode while executing a process to implement a specific function. In the doze mode a shift event is created, and a process existing at that time is force-suspended or an I/O processing completion notification is suspended to a process that makes an I/O request to the HDD. As a result, the laptop PC is enabled to operate with small power consumption by stopping the HDD while maintaining a specific function.
US08856570B2 Energy efficiency ethernet with low power active idle transmission mode
Energy efficient Ethernet with a low power active idle transmission mode. A low power active idle transmission mode is defined for the transmission of idle signals during inter-packet gaps. The low power active idle transmission mode can provide energy savings in those instances that preclude the use of a low power idle mode and/or subrating to produce greater energy savings.
US08856569B2 Microarchitecture controller for thin-film thermoelectric cooling
A device having multiple cores executes an algorithm to control Thin-Film Thermoelectric Coolers (TFTEC) that employ the Peltier effect to remove heat from the various cores of the multi-core processor. The algorithms may combine Thread Migration (TM) and Dynamic Voltage/Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to provide Dynamic Thermal Management (DTM) and TFTEC control.
US08856567B2 Management of thermal condition in a data processing system by dynamic management of thermal loads
A method, system, and computer program product for dynamic management of thermal load in a data processing system are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A component of the data processing system is identified whose temperature has reached a temperature threshold, the component forming a critical component. A workload is selected from a set of workloads that is using the critical component. The workload is modified such that work performed by the critical component is reduced, the modifying further causing the temperature of the critical component to reduce below the temperature threshold. A power consumption of a cooling system associated with the thermal zone is reduced responsive to the temperature reducing below the temperature threshold.
US08856566B1 Power management scheme that accumulates additional off time for device when no work is available and permits additional power consumption by device when awakened
In one embodiment, a system includes a power management controller that controls a duty cycle of a processor to manage power. By frequently powering up and powering down the processor during a period of time, the power consumption of the processor may be controlled while providing the perception that the processor is continuously available. Before powering the processor up, the power management control may determine whether or not there is work for the processor to perform. If there is no work to perform, the power management control may delay powering the processor up until there is work to perform, saving additional power. This additional power savings may be tracked, and may serve as a “credit” for the processor when subsequently powered up again.
US08856564B2 Method and apparatus for power profile shaping using time-interleaved voltage modulation
Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for dynamically time-interleaving supply voltage modulation to shape a power profile. An apparatus may comprise, for example, a power management module to monitor power information received from a plurality of devices and send a power control signal including delay information to each device having power information that exceeds a power threshold, the delay information comprising information for time-interleaving power usage among the devices having power information that exceeds the power threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08856563B2 Remote power down control of a device
In remote power down control of a device configured for externally initiated remote power down, such as over a network, activity of all externally connected sources of valid power down requests for the device is monitored; and the device is powered down in response to a combination of one of a received power down request and an inactivity time out with respect to each of the sources of valid power down requests for the device.
US08856562B2 Switched capacitor voltage regulator with high efficiency over a wide voltage range
In some embodiments, a voltage regulator device may include a switched capacitor voltage regulator to receive an input voltage and to provide an output voltage to a load, and a control unit to receive information related to a desired output voltage for the switched capacitor voltage regulator and to determine a desired input voltage for the switched capacitor voltage regulator based on the desired output voltage and selected operation mode or modes of switched capacitor voltage regulator. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08856561B2 Allocating and distributing power
Example apparatus and methods to allocate and distribute power are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an availability calculator to determine first and second power allocations based on an available power. The example apparatus includes a distributer to supply a first power to a first device and to supply a second power to a second device. The example apparatus includes a power identifier provider to send an identifier of the second power allocation to the second device.
US08856556B2 System and method for verifying and maintaining consistency between an intended power mode and an actual power mode in a semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit design support system having a partial power control mechanism includes a partial power control simulation program configured to perform a partial power control simulation on the basis of a circuit description of the semiconductor integrated circuit and a power specifications description, a power mode transition detection program configured to detect a power mode which is run during execution of the partial power control simulation and record power mode information of an examined power mode, and a power mode transition check program configured to check whether the examined power mode recorded at the time of execution of partial power control is used and output a check result.
US08856548B2 Public cloud data at rest security
An encryption switch which is used in a cloud environment to secure data on the LUNs used by the clients. A client provides a certificate to the cloud service. The encryption switch develops a cloud crypto domain (CCD) as a secure area, with the data at rest on the LUNs encrypted. The encryption switch develops a master key for client use in the CCD, which is provided to the client encrypted by the client's public key. Data encryption keys (DEKs) are created for each LUN and provided to the client. The DEKs are stored in a key vault by the client for use if needed. The cloud service provisions a client VM to be used with the encrypted LUN and develops a nexus between the LUN and the client VM for the encryption switch to use in data operations. The client communicates through the client VM to access the LUN.
US08856547B2 Speed up secure hash algorithm (SHA) using single instruction multiple data (SIMD) architectures
A processing apparatus comprises logic to, according to a selected secure hash algorithm (SHA) algorithm, generate hash values by preparing message schedules for a plurality of message blocks in parallel using single instruction multiple date (SIMD) instructions and performing compression in serial, and logic to generate a message digest conforming to the secure hash algorithm (SHA) algorithm.
US08856544B2 System and method for providing secure virtual machines
The present invention provides improved security in a virtual machine. By extending the capabilities of modern secure processors, privacy of computation is provided from both the owner of the equipment and other users executing on the processor, which is an advantageous feature for rentable, secure computers. In addition to the hardware extensions required to secure a virtualizable computer, an infrastructure for the deployment of such processors is also provided. Furthermore, a signaling flow to establish the various relationships between the owner, user and manufacturer of the equipment is disclosed.
US08856543B2 User identification with biokinematic input
Systems and methods for user identification based on biokinematic input are disclosed herein. The system may include a multi-touch sensitive display including a sensor configured to receive biokinematic input including data representing detected positions of digit touches made by digits of a user, in each of a series of successive time intervals during a defined identification gesture. The system may further include a user identification module executed by a processor of the computing device. The user identification module may be configured to receive the biokinematic input from the sensor, and to compare relative positions of the digit touches and/or relative rates of change in said positions of the digit touches to a stored user template of verified biokinematic data for the user. If a match is determined, an indication that the user has been successfully identified may be displayed.
US08856542B2 System and method for detecting malware that interferes with the user interface
System and method for detecting ransomware. A current user behavior pattern is monitored based on user input via a user input device. The user behavior is compared against a reference set of behavior patterns associated with user frustration with non-responsiveness of the user interface module. A current status pattern of the operating system is also monitored. The current status pattern is compared against a reference set of operating system status patterns associated with predefined ransomware behavior. In response to indicia of current user frustration with non-responsiveness of the user interface, and further in response to indicia of the current status pattern having a correlation to the predefined ransomware behavior, an indication of a positive detection of ransomware executing on the computer system is provided.
US08856538B2 Secured flash programming of secondary processor
A system and method for securely flashing a controller, where the controller includes at least one main processor and at least one secondary processor, and where the processing duties are distributed between the processors. A programming tool provides a content file to be flashed and a digital signature to the controller. The controller calculates a hash value of the content file, decrypts the digital signature using a public key to generate a decrypted hash value, compares the decrypted hash value to the calculated hash value, and determines that the content file is valid if the decrypted hash code matches the calculated hash value, where one or more of the steps of calculating the hash value, decrypting the digital signature, comparing the decrypted hash value to the calculated hash value and determining that the content file is valid, is performed by the main processor for the secondary processor.
US08856535B2 Determining response signature commonalities
An analyzer can obtain data regarding signal characteristics in each of multiple communication channels within an access network. The analyzer can use that data to create signatures corresponding to each of the multiple channels. Based on similarities between signatures, the analyzer may then identify clusters of signatures associated with devices that share channels or portions of channels.
US08856533B2 Device, system and method for determining authenticity of an item
This invention relates to physical uncloneable function (PUF) devices for determining authenticity of an item, systems for determining authenticity of a physical item, and methods for determining authenticity of an item. A PUF pattern of the PUF device is damaged when using the item for the first time.
US08856532B2 Digital signatures of composite resource documents
An embodiment of the disclosure can receive a composite resource document containing at least one resource. An updated manifest resource can be obtained. The updated manifest resource can list all resources in the composite resource document. A set of zero or more (0 . . . N) resources can be indicated. Each indicated resource is one that is to be subtracted from the list of resources in the updated manifest resource in order to create a generated signature reference list of identified resources to be signed. A hash token can be generated using the resources identified in the generated signature reference list to form a signature hash token. The signature hash token can be encrypted with a secret key.
US08856527B1 Graphical user interface for digital certificate profile configuration
A graphical user interface can be provided for creating a digital certificate profile for a digital certificate. In one embodiment, a security metric is determined using a first subset certificate profile attributes selected by a user, and a usability metric is determined using a second subset of certificate profile attributes. Graphical representations of the security metric and a graphical representation of the usability metric can then be provided the graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the first subset of certificate profile attributes is the same as the second subset.
US08856524B2 Cryptographic methods, host system, trusted platform module, computer arrangement, computer program product and computer program
A cryptographic method is provided for a host system having an associated trusted platform module. A first contribution to a message is computed by the TPM based on a first secret parameter stored in the TPM. The host system computes a second contribution to the message based on a second secret parameter stored in the host system outside the TPM. The first and second contributions to the message are then combined by either the host or the TPM and a first proof is conducted, proving to the host system that the contribution of the TPM was computed correctly or proving to the TPM that the contribution of the host was computed correctly.
US08856523B2 Method and device for communication on a communication link between an aircraft and a ground station
A communication method on a communication link between an aircraft and a ground station, the communication capable of being configured according to a plurality of safety levels in which, when the aircraft sends a request to a ground station to modify the safety level of the communication from a previous safety level to a new safety level and the aircraft does not receive an acknowledgement of the request by the ground station, the aircraft still accepts messages from the ground station according to the new security level.
US08856521B2 Methods and systems for performing secure operations on an encrypted file
The invention discloses a file protecting method and a system therefor, relating to the information security field. The method includes: an application receives an instruction for opening a protected file sent by a user and invokes an upper interface of an operation system, and the upper interface sends an instruction for opening the protected file sent by a file system, and a filter driver intercepts the instruction for opening the protected file sent by the upper-layer interface to the file system, if the filter driver determines that the application is valid, it creates an image file on a virtual disk for the protected file, and returns a handler of the image file and reads or writes the protected file by the handler, which avoids a possible disclosure of plain text of the protected file in a buffer in prior art.
US08856520B2 Secure key management
Secure key management includes populating a section of information associated with a key, the section of information being populated with information relating to a level of protection of the key accumulated over time. Secure key management further includes securely binding the section of information to the key, wherein the key is encrypted.
US08856519B2 Start method for application cryptographic keystores
Provided are techniques for encrypting a resource associated with an application with a first key; generating, at an install time of the application, a first hash code for an executable daemon associated with the application; encrypting the first key with the first hash code to produce a protected first key; generating, at a load time of an application, a second hash code for the executable daemon; deriving the first key by decrypting the protected first key using the second hash code to produce a derived first key; and accessing the resource by the executable daemon by employing the derived first key. Examples of protected resource include, but are not limited to, databases, communication devices and a lightweight directory access protocol server.
US08856518B2 Secure and efficient offloading of network policies to network interface cards
Techniques for efficient and secure implementation of network policies in a network interface controller (NIC) in a host computing device operating a virtualized computing environment. In some embodiments, the NIC may process and forward packets directly to their destinations, bypassing a parent partition of the host computing device. In particular, in some embodiments, the NIC may store network policy information to process and forward packets directly to a virtual machine (VM). If the NIC is unable to process a packet, then the NIC may forward the packet to the parent partition. In some embodiments, the NIC may use an encapsulation protocol to transmit address information in packet headers. In some embodiments, this address information may be communicated by the MC to the parent partition via a secure channel. The NIC may also obtain, and decrypt, encrypted addresses from the VMs for routing packets, bypassing the parent partition.
US08856517B2 Access management system using trusted partner tokens
A method of using an access manager server to establish a communication session between a resource and a user device may include receiving a request from the user device to access the resource, determining that the client system is registered as a trusted partner, sending the client system a first encrypted token that includes a resource identifier where the client system has access to a first cryptographic key that decrypts the first encrypted token. The method may also include receiving a second encrypted token that signifies that access to the resource has been granted by the client system where the second token comprises a user identifier and the access manager server has access to a second cryptographic key that decrypts the second token. The method may additionally include decrypting the second token and establishing the communication session between the user device and the resource using the user identifier.
US08856514B2 Renewal processing of digital certificates in an asynchronous messaging environment
A renewed digital certificate is obtained within an asynchronous messaging environment from a certificate server of an issuer of an existing digital certificate to replace the existing digital certificate. The renewed digital certificate includes an extended attribute that stores a serial number value of the existing digital certificate. A message is received with a symmetric key that is encrypted using the existing digital certificate. The symmetric key is identified within the message by the serial number value of the existing digital certificate. The message is processed using the renewed digital certificate.
US08856513B2 Programming on-chip non-volatile memory in a secure processor using a sequence number
An improved secure programming technique involves reducing the size of bits programmed in on-chip secret non-volatile memory, at the same time enabling the typical secure applications supported by secure devices. A technique for secure programming involves de-coupling chip manufacture from the later process of connecting to ticket servers to obtain tickets. A method according to the technique may involve sending a (manufacturing) server signed certificate from the device prior to any communication to receive tickets. A device according to the technique may include chip-internal non-volatile memory to store the certificate along with the private key, in the manufacturing process.
US08856512B2 Method and system for enterprise network single-sign-on by a manageability engine
A manageability engine (ME) receives an authentication response from a user during pre-boot authentication and registers the user with a key distribution center (KDC), indicating that the user has successfully authenticated to the PC. The KDC supplies the ME with single-sign-on credentials in the form of a Key Encryption Key (KEK). The KEK may later be used by the PC to obtain a credential used to establish secure access to Enterprise servers.
US08856509B2 System and method for cognizant transport layer security (CTLS)
A method of authentication and authorization over a communications system is provided. Disclosed herein are systems and methods for creating a cryptographic evidence, called authentication/authorization evidence, AE, when a successful authentication/authorization between a client and an authentication server is complete. There are a variety of methods for generating AE. For instance, the AE can be data that is exchanged during the authentication signaling or data that results from it. A distinctive point being that AE results from the authentication process and is used as prior state for the following TLS exchange. An example for creation of AE, is as follows: EAP authentications typically result in an Extended Master Session Key (EMSK). The EMSK can be used to create an Evidence Master Key (EMK) that can then be used to create AE for a variety of servers.
US08856507B2 Secure identity and personal information storage and transfer
The invention presented herein consists of systems and methods of secure storage for sensitive and confidential data, such as personal identity data, along with methods of securely accessing that data, and transferring information from that data, as necessary.
US08856506B2 Process for joining a computer to a directory based on either a newly created computer account or renewed computer account depending on a unique identifier associated with an end-user
A user-friendly system, method, and program product for installing an image on a computer, the method comprising: booting the computer (400) from an image source; receiving first information from an end-user of the computer (400), wherein the first information is at least one unique identifier associated with the end-user; obtaining automatically second information associated with the end-user based on the first information; determining automatically if there is an existing record associated with the computer based on the second information; renewing automatically, if there is an existing record associated with the computer, a computer account in a directory service based on the existing record; creating automatically, if there is not an existing record associated with the computer, a new computer account in the directory service; installing automatically the image to the computer; and joining automatically the computer to directory service domain based on the newly created computer account or based on the renewed computer account.
US08856504B2 Secure virtual machine bootstrap in untrusted cloud infrastructures
Techniques are described for securely booting and executing a virtual machine (VM) image in an untrusted cloud infrastructure. A multi-core processor may be configured with additional hardware components—referred to as a trust anchor. The trust anchor may be provisioned with a private/public key pair, which allows the multi-core CPU to authenticate itself as being able to securely boot and execute a virtual machine (VM) image in an untrusted cloud infrastructure.
US08856499B1 Reducing instruction execution passes of data groups through a data operation unit
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an instruction mapping table, which includes a plurality of instruction counts and a plurality of instruction pointers each corresponding with one of the instruction counts. Each instruction pointer identifies a next instruction for execution. Further, each instruction count specifies a number of instructions to execute beginning with the next instruction. The apparatus also has a data operation unit adapted to receive a data group and adapted to execute on the received data group the number of instructions specified by a current instruction count of the instruction mapping table beginning with the next instruction identified by a current instruction pointer of the instruction mapping table before proceeding with another data group.
US08856496B2 Microprocessor that fuses load-alu-store and JCC macroinstructions
A microprocessor receives first and second program-adjacent macroinstructions of the microprocessor instruction set architecture. The first macroinstruction loads an operand from a location in memory, performs an arithmetic/logic operation using the loaded operand to generate a result, and stores the result back to the memory location. The second macroinstruction jumps to a target address if condition codes satisfy a specified condition and otherwise executes the next sequential instruction. An instruction translator simultaneously translates the first and second program-adjacent macroinstructions into first, second, and third micro-operations for execution by execution units. The first micro-operation calculates the memory location address and loads the operand therefrom. The second micro-operation performs the arithmetic/logic operation using the loaded operand to generate the result, updates the condition codes based on the result, and jumps to the target address if the updated condition codes satisfy the condition. The third micro-operation stores the result to the memory location.
US08856495B2 Automatically routing super-compute interconnects
A mechanism is provided for automatically routing network interconnects in a data processing system. A processor in a node of a plurality of nodes receives network topology from neighboring nodes in the plurality of nodes within the data processing system. The processor constructs a system node map that identifies a physical connectivity between the node and the neighboring nodes. The processor programs a switch in the node with a connectivity map that indicates a set of point-to-point connections with the neighboring nodes. The set of point-to-point connections comprise locally-connected connections and pass-through connections.
US08856492B2 Method for vector processing
The present application relates to a method for processing data in a vector processor. The present application relates also to a vector processor for performing said method and a cellular communication device comprising said vector processor. The method for processing data in a vector processor comprises executing segmented operations on a segment of a vector for generating results, collecting the results of the segmented operations, and delivering the results in a result vector in such a way that subsequent operations remain processing in vector mode.
US08856481B1 Data processing system having host-controlled provisioning of data storage resources
A data processing system includes a host computer that executes a storage-aware component which (1) dynamically determines a need of the host computer for data storage resources of a necessary size and a necessary class, and (2) generates a storage allocation request message representing a request by the host computer that data storage resources of the necessary size and the necessary class be allocated to the host computer. The necessary class is one of a set of classes of a predetermined class-of-storage (CoS) scheme by which storage resources in the data processing system are classified. The details and complexity of the CoS scheme may vary from system to system. A data storage system communicatively coupled to the host computer includes available data storage resources of at least the necessary size and the necessary class which can be allocated for use by the host computer. The data storage system is operative to (1) receive the storage allocation request message from the host computer, and (2) in response to the storage allocation request message, allocate data storage resources of the necessary size and the necessary class from the available data storage resources to the host computer.
US08856475B1 Efficient selection of memory blocks for compaction
A method for storing data in a memory that includes multiple memory blocks, includes running a compaction process that selects one or more memory blocks containing both valid data and invalid data, copies the valid data from the selected memory blocks to other storage locations, and then erases the selected memory blocks. At least one memory block, which meets a criterion predictive of imminent invalidation of at least some of the data in the block, is identified. Selection of the identified memory block in the compaction process is inhibited.
US08856473B2 Computer system protection based on virtualization
Embodiments of the present invention provide a virtualization protection system (VPS) that leverages virtual machine monitor (VMM) technology. In some embodiments, a computer system contains a host operating system and one or more virtual machines that run on “guest” operating systems. The VPS makes certain areas of memory of the computer system read-only, making it essentially impossible for the virtual machines or other component to compromise the system.
US08856456B2 Systems, methods, and devices for cache block coherence
Systems, methods, and devices for efficient cache coherence between memory-sharing devices are provided. In particular, snoop traffic may be suppressed based at least partly on a table of block tracking entries (BTEs). Each BTE may indicate whether groups of one or more cache lines of a block of memory could potentially be in use by another memory-sharing device. By way of example, a memory-sharing device may employ a table of BTEs that each has several cache status entries. When a cache status entry indicates that none of a group of one or more cache lines could possibly be in use by another memory-sharing device, a snoop request for any cache lines of that group may be suppressed without jeopardizing cache coherence.
US08856453B2 Persistent prefetch data stream settings
A prefetch unit includes a transience register and a length register. The transience register hosts an indication of transient for data stream prefetching. The length register hosts an indication of a stream length for data stream prefetching. The prefetch unit monitors the transience register and the length register. The prefetch unit generates prefetch requests of data streams with a transient property up to the stream length limit when the transience register indicates transient and the length register indicates the stream length limit for data stream prefetching. A cache controller coupled with the prefetch unit implements a cache replacement policy and cache coherence protocols. The cache controller writes data supplied from memory responsive to the prefetch requests into cache with an indication of transient. The cache controller victimizes cache lines with an indication of transient independent of the cache replacement policy.
US08856451B2 Method and apparatus for adapting aggressiveness of a pre-fetcher
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for adapting aggressiveness of a pre-fetcher in a processor-based system. One embodiment includes modifying a rate for pre-fetching data from a memory into one or more caches by comparing a first address of a memory access request to addresses in an address window that includes one or more previously fetched addresses and one or more addresses to be fetched.
US08856445B2 Byte caching with chunk sizes based on data type
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing byte caching using a chunk size based on the object type of the object being cached. Byte caching is performed by receiving at least one data packet from at least one network node; extracting at least one data object from the at least one data packet; identifying an object type associated with the at least one data packet; determining a chunk size associated with the object type; and storing at least a portion of the at least one data packet in a byte cache based on the determined chunk size. The chunk size of the object type can be determined, for example, by evaluating one or more additional criteria, such as network conditions and object size. The object type may be, for example, an image object type; an audio object type; a video object type; and a text object type.
US08856437B2 System, method and computer program product for optimization of tape performance using distributed file copies
A tape performance optimization method may include accumulating data in a memory, monitoring the accumulation of data, determining whether a certain amount of data has been accumulated in the memory, causing the accumulated data to be migrated to a tape in a tape library, and tracking physical locations of files stored on tape. In one embodiment, the amount of data to be accumulated is set to be two wraps or a multiple thereof. In one embodiment, two copies of data are written to two tapes in an alternating fashion. When a file is to be read, a tape is accessed if it has a copy of the file whose physical location is determined to be closest to beginning of tape. Since file location on tape determines the time it takes to position the tape, this method can shorten the amount of time required to retrieve a file from tape.
US08856435B1 External, self-initializing content addressable memory free index storage device
A method, apparatus and computer program product for an external, self-initializing FIFO containing indexes of free CAM memory locations is presented. When data is sent to the CAM for a lookup, this external FIFO provides the CAM with the index of a free memory location within the CAM so that if the data word is not found in the CAM (i.e. a CAM miss), the data can be written to the designated available free entry in the CAM. Thus, if the same data word is searched in the CAM in the following cycle it will result in a hit.
US08856434B2 Memory system and method
In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory controller configured to control a plurality of daisy chained memory components connected over a daisy chained bus. The daisy chained bus includes a direct connection from the transmit interface of the memory controller to a receive interface of an initial memory component, and a daisy chain connection from a transmit interface of the initial memory component to a receive interface of a next memory component. A bus extends from a transmit interface of a last memory component directly to a receive interface of the memory controller.
US08856433B2 Data transfer in memory card system
A memory card system includes a host that issues a read command and a memory card that upon receiving the read command sends read data to the host in synchronism with a read clock signal generated within the memory card. In addition, the memory card sends the read clock signal to the host, and the host receives the read data in synchronism with the read clock signal, for increasing the allowable setup time period at the host.
US08856428B2 Nonvolatile memory device and nonvolatile memory system and random data read method thereof
A random data reading method of a nonvolatile memory device includes receiving an initial seed corresponding to a selected page of the nonvolatile memory device and relative location information of read-requested random data in the selected page. The method further includes generating a seed for randomizing the random data by subjecting the initial seed and the location information to a finite field arithmetic operation, and de-randomizing the random data based on a random sequence generated from the seed.
US08856425B2 Method for performing meta block management, and associated memory device and controller thereof
A method for performing meta block management is provided. The method is applied to a controller of a Flash memory having multiple channels, where the Flash memory includes a plurality of blocks respectively corresponding to the channels. The method includes: utilizing a meta block mapping table to store block grouping relationships respectively corresponding to a plurality of meta blocks, where blocks in each meta block respectively correspond to the channels; and when it is detected that a specific block corresponding to a specific channel within a meta block does not have remaining space for programming, according to the meta block mapping table, utilizing at least one blank block corresponding to the specific channel within at least one other meta block as extension of the specific block, for use of further programming. An associated memory device and a controller thereof are also provided.
US08856420B2 Multi-protocol I/O interconnect flow control
Described are embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems for multi-protocol tunneling across a multi-protocol I/O interconnect of computer apparatus. A method for managing flow across the multi-protocol I/O interconnect may include providing, by a first port of a switching fabric of a multi-protocol interconnect to a second port of the switching fabric, a first credit grant packet and a second credit grant packet as indications of unoccupied space of a buffer associated with a path between the first port and a second port, and simultaneously routing a first data packet of a first protocol and a second data packet of a second protocol, different from the first protocol, on the path from the second port to the first port based at least in part on receipt by the second port of the first and second credit grant packets. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08856419B2 Register access in distributed virtual bridge environment
Systems and methods to perform a register access are described. A particular method includes receiving a data frame at a bridge element of a plurality of bridge elements in communication with a plurality of server computers. The data frame may include a register access request and may be forwarded from a controlling bridge in communication with the plurality of bridge elements. A register may be accessed and execution of the register access request may be initiated in response to receiving the data frame.
US08856418B2 Receiving station for mobile host equipment, and method of sharing resources using the station
The invention relates to a receiving station (10) comprising a first physical connection port (20) intended for a first host equipment item and at least one second physical connection port (22) intended for at least one second host equipment item, detection means (24, 34) of host equipment connected to the ports, and the means (30) of automatic selection of combined use modes of the resources of the receiving station and/or connected host equipment, controlled by the detection means (24, 34). Application to handheld portable equipment.
US08856413B2 Device and method for addressing a slave unit
The invention relates to a dynamically addressable slave unit, comprising a bus interface, an enable circuit having a switch and two control ports which are connected via the enable circuit. The enable circuit only releases the slave unit for assigning an address by an address signal provided at the bus interface when a control signal is provided at one of the control ports and when the switch of the release signal is open. Otherwise, the enable circuit locks the slave unit for the assigning of an address. The switch locks depending on whether a switching signal is provided at the bust interface directed to the address assigned to the slave unit. The invention further relates to a master unit for use with one or more dynamically addressable slave units, to slave units according to the invention, and to a method for dynamically addressing slave units according to the invention.
US08856409B2 Systems and methods for compression of data for block mode access storage
Systems and methods for creating, reading, and writing compressed data for use with a block mode access storage. The compressed data are packed into plurality of compressed units and stored in a storage logical unit (LU). One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire storage logical unit while maintaining de-fragmented structure of the LU.
US08856406B2 Peripheral trigger generator
A microcontroller includes a central processing unit (CPU); a plurality of peripheral units; and a peripheral trigger generator comprising a user programmable state machine, wherein the peripheral trigger generator is configured to receive a plurality of input signals and is programmable to automate timing functions depending on at least one of said input signals and generate at least one output signal.
US08856401B2 Universal controller for peripheral devices in a computing system
An integrated controller is provided for controlling communications with a plurality of peripheral devices. The integrated controller includes a bus interface for processing communications with a processor; a switch for routing communications between the processor and one or more of the peripheral devices; and a plurality of controllers, where each of the controllers provide an interface to at least one peripheral device. The controllers include at least one PHY controller for a corresponding peripheral device that provides an electrical interface to a connection, such as a network connection. The controllers also include at least one MAC controller that stores and forwards packets to and from a network connection.
US08856394B2 Method and apparatus for a dockable display module
An electronic device comprising a plurality of onboard displays, wherein at least one of the onboard displays is removable from the electronic device, and wherein the at least one of the onboard displays aggregates and displays information received from a plurality of electronic devices.
US08856389B1 Efficient data transfers over serial data streams
Various techniques are provided to support efficient data transfers over serial data streams. In one example, a serial device may be used to efficiently transfer data between a host device and the serial device over a data stream of a serial interface. A data stream value identifying the data stream may be stored in a register indexed by a tag associated with a command received from the host device. The command may be passed to a storage media device, wherein the passing is controlled by a processor of the serial device. The tag may be extracted from an address value received from the storage media device in response to execution of the command by the storage media device. The data stream value may be retrieved from the register using the extracted tag as an index without requiring an interrupt to the processor to determine the data stream value.
US08856386B2 Cloud resource placement using placement pivot in physical topology
In one embodiment, a method comprises retrieving a request graph specifying request nodes identifying respective requested cloud computing service operations, and at least one request edge specifying a requested path requirements connecting the request nodes; identifying a placement pivot among feasible cloud elements identified in a physical graph representing a data network having a physical topology, each feasible cloud element an available solution for one of the request nodes, the placement pivot having a maximum depth in the physical topology relative to the feasible cloud elements; ordering the feasible cloud elements, according to increasing distance from the placement pivot to form an ordered list of candidate sets of feasible cloud elements; and determining an optimum candidate set, from at least a portion of the ordered list, based on the optimum candidate set having an optimized fitness function in the physical graph among the other candidate sets in the ordered list.
US08856385B1 Image display method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an image display method, apparatus, and system. After an image display instruction is obtained, an application program that triggers the image display instruction is determined, and an image is processed according to the application program and is sent to a client for display. Because image processing is performed according to an application program currently triggered by the client, a determined image processing policy meets current application requirements of the client, which avoids the problem in the prior art that an image finally displayed on the client does not meet current application requirements of the client when an image processing policy is determined according to image type recognition.
US08856384B2 System and methods for managing network protocol address assignment with a controller
A controller may help reduce network traffic that is associated with broadcasting of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) packets by converting broadcast DHCP packets into unicast DHCP packets and forwarding the unicast DHCP packets to appropriate DHCP servers. The servers may be identified from a database of servers that is updated with DHCP server address information based on DHCP reply packets that are received by the controller from servers in the network. To convert DHCP request packets into unicast packets, the controller may modify address header fields of the packets such as Ethernet addresses and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. The controller may forward the modified DHCP request packets to the server by providing packet forwarding rules such as flow table entries to the switches or by forwarding the modified DHCP request packets through the controller.
US08856377B2 Field communication test device and field communication test system using the same
A field communication test device is provided on a field bus, to which a plurality of field equipments are connected, and also connected to a debug network to apply a communication test to respective field equipments. The field communication test device transmits/receives cooperation data, which is used to apply the communication test in cooperation with each other, to and from other field communication test device provided on the field bus, via the debug network, and transmits test data for the communication test to the respective field equipments via the field bus base on the cooperation data.
US08856376B1 Stabilization tool for a high-capacity network infrastructure
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method to stabilize high-capacity network infrastructures by monitoring and regulating concurrent connections between a server and various service provider systems in a network. Based on the attributes of the concurrent connections, the connections are logically grouped to form adapters that represent particular combinations of connection attributes. The concurrent connections to an adapter are monitored and regulated to help identify failing components and to manage the load on the network through the use of autonomic computing to optimize network performance and automatically adapt to changing conditions. The regulation of the concurrent connections to an adapter includes the calculation and assignment of a timeout value to new connections to make certain that service provider system response times are low in terms of a success or failure to respond in a timely fashion.
US08856369B2 Systems and methods for IIP address sharing across cores in a multi-core system
In a multi-core system, multiple packet engines across corresponding cores may be working concurrently processing data packets from data flows of SSL VPN sessions. For example, a first core may establish a SSL VPN session with a client. Any one of the other cores, such as a second core, may received packets related to the session owned by the first core. Embodiments of the systems and method described below provide management of IIP addresses for the multi-core/multi-packet engine approach to providing SSL VPN service. In some embodiments, the approach to managing IIP addresses is to have one packet engine on a core act as a master or controller of the IIPs for the remaining packet engines and cores. The packet engines/cores use a protocol for communications regarding IIP management.
US08856368B2 Method for distributing a plurality of data portions
A method and computer system are provided for distributing a plurality of data portions from a server system to one or more client systems. The method includes receiving one or more first requests at the server, each first request being submitted by a client system and including a portion identifier, wherein a portion identifier is assigned to each data portion; in response to receiving the first request(s), transmitting a list of chunk identifiers to the requesting client systems, wherein the list of chunk identifiers specifies the data chunks whose meta-data includes the portion identifier contained in the first request; and transmitting some or all data chunks of a data chunk library to each of the requesting client systems. At the requesting client system, the client specifically selects the data chunks of the transmitted data chunks which are specified by the received list of chunk identifiers.
US08856365B2 Computer-implemented method, computer system and computer readable medium
The present application relates to a computer implemented method for processing a request to connect to a server from an application residing on a client device. The method may comprise, among other operations, receiving the request to connect to the server from the application residing on the client device. In response, the method determines a matched service interface and an access indicator of the matched service interface. The access indicator of the matched service interface is sent to the application residing on the client device in response to the request to connect to the server. If more than one matched service interface is determined, a best matching service interface may be determined. In some instances, the best matching service interface is the newest version of the matched service interface.
US08856363B2 Content delivery system where in a content marker information registered by one user may be viewed and/or requested by a user other than a specific user
This system 1 accepts content marker information including content identifier information, and executes a process of causing a storing device to store the content marker information. The system accepts sharing-user identifier information for identifying a user/users who shares/share the stored content marker information. Upon acceptance of a content marker output request, the system transmits content marker information extracted based on the accepted sharing-user identifier information, to user equipment 2a, 2b. Upon acceptance of the content transmission request based on the content marker information, the system determines whether to transmit content data to the user equipment based on stored viewing permission information.
US08856362B2 Application integrated gateway
In one embodiment, a network application may offload stateful operations to a user-plane application. In one embodiment, the network application receives state information for a user device. The network application then sends the state information to a user-plane application, which can maintain the state information. The network application may then offload a stateful operation to the user-plane application. For example, the network application may have the user-plane application perform stateful operations. Also, the network application may use the state information maintained at the user-plane application for error recovery after the network application fails. For example, the network application may recover the state information from the user-plane application after failure.
US08856360B2 Automatically identifying dynamic internet protocol addresses
Dynamic IP addresses may be automatically identified and their dynamics patterns may be analyzed. Multi-user IP address blocks are determined as candidates for further analysis. An entropy score is determined for each IP address in every candidate block to distinguish between a dynamic IP and a static IP shared by multiple users. IP addresses with high entropy scores are grouped, and then analyzed, and may be used in various applications, such as spam filtering.
US08856359B2 Caller-callee association of a plurality of networked devices
The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for establishing and maintaining communication between two or more communication devices coupled to communication networks. Some specific aspects relate to communication between a plurality of communication devices each of which is coupled to a respective network. Other aspects relate to establishing such communication by way of contact lists maintained and facilitated on systems coupled to the networks. Users of multiple communication networks, such as VoIP, PSTN and wireless, employ multiple communication devices to communicate with their contacts. For example, a VoIP enabled computer is necessary to access contacts on a VoIP network and a mobile or cellular telephone is used to access contacts on wireless and PSTN networks. A contact list, stored on one communication device, in some instances, cannot be accessed from another communication device. For example, a contact list stored in a VoIP enabled computer cannot be accessed from PSTN or wireless phone devices. Various embodiments described herein provide a convenient solution that can integrate contacts stored on different communication devices and make them accessible from a single device.
US08856356B2 Non-IMS Rich communication suite
This invention relates to telecommunications, and in particular, to a Rich Communication Suite (RCS) and RCS-e (“e” for enhanced) messaging infrastructure within a network without the need to deploy an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core within the network.
US08856352B2 System and method for supporting one-way remote method invocation for session replication in a server cluster
A system and method can support one-way Remote Method Invocation (RMI) session replication in a middleware machine environment, such as a server cluster. The server cluster can include a primary application server and a secondary application server. The primary application server receives a request with a session from a client, maintain the session information, and replicate the session information to a secondary application server using one-way Remote Method Invocation (RMI). The primary application server can then respond to the client based on the session information after receiving a return message of the one-way RMI from a network socket associate with the primary application server. The benefit of using one-way RMI is that the primary application server does not have to wait for an acknowledgment from the secondary application server instance, since the underlying transport protocol guarantees that the session data has been successfully transmitted to the second server instance.
US08856349B2 Connection priority services for data communication between two devices
A digital media player device includes, without limitation, a processor and a communication module coupled to the processor and configured to support data communication with a digital media place-shifting device. The processor and the communication module cooperate to attempt to establish data communication with the digital media place-shifting device in accordance with a connection mode sequence that identifies a plurality of different data communication modes supported by the digital media player device, until one of the plurality of different data communication modes can be used to initiate a data communication session between the digital media player device and the digital media place-shifting device. The processor and the communication module also cooperate to perform data communication with the digital media place-shifting device, using the one of the plurality of different data communication modes.
US08856341B2 Balancing management duties in a cloud system
A method for balancing management duties in a cloud system can include determining a relationship between a number of configuration items (CI) in a cloud system. The number of CIs are grouped into a number of cluster levels based on the relationship of the number of CIs. To balance management duties in the cloud system, one of the number of cluster levels is assigned to a management cloud server based on a capacity of the management cloud server.
US08856339B2 Automatically scaled network overlay with heuristic monitoring in a hybrid cloud environment
Techniques are provided for a management application in a first virtual network to start a first cloud gateway in the first virtual network. First messages are sent to a second virtual network, the first messages comprising information configured to start a second cloud gateway and a first virtual switch in the second virtual network. A connection is established between the first cloud gateway and the second cloud gateway, where the first cloud gateway, the second cloud gateway, and the first virtual switch form a first scalable cloud network element. One or more second messages are sent to the second virtual network, the one or more second messages comprising information configured to start a virtual machine and a first virtual machine interface configured to allow the virtual machine to access processing resources in the second virtual network. Data are stored that associates the virtual machine with the first virtual switch.
US08856338B2 Efficiently relating adjacent management applications managing a shared infrastructure
A linkage controller analyzes, for a first management application managing at least one common resource with a second management application adjacent to the first management application within a computing environment comprising multiple resources and relationships, a resource and relationship model known by the first management application of a selection of resources and relationships managed by the first management application from among the plurality of resources and relationships in the computing environment. The linkage controller identifies, for the first management application, only a minimal set of resources and relationships within the resource and relationship model providing at least one optimal linkage point between the first management application and the second management application as to the at least one common resource. The linkage controller outputs the minimal set of resources and relationships to the second management application for relating to the first management application.
US08856337B2 Method and apparatus of cluster system provisioning for virtual maching environment
A method relates to provisioning a cluster system in a virtual machine environment in a storage system. The storage system has a plurality of hosts, a fabric network, a storage array, and a management server. The method includes inputting information on a first cluster system to be defined, the information including selecting a scale unit wherein the first cluster system is to be defined. An inventory database including resource information for the scale unit selected is provided. A virtual I/O (“vIO”) information is provided. The vIO information assigns each of hosts selected for the first cluster system with a vIO device, at least one virtual computer network address, and at least one virtual storage network address. A first cluster definition for the first cluster system in the selected scale unit is created using the vIO information.
US08856336B2 Moving a partition between computers
In an embodiment, a request is received that requests to move a first partition from a source computer to a destination computer. In response to the request, charging is halted for a resource used by the first partition at the source computer while the first partition is executing at the source computer. In response to the request, a resource is allocated to a second partition at the destination computer. In response to the request, use of the resource is charged at the destination computer. In response to the request, execution of the second partition is started at the destination computer.
US08856335B1 Managing service level objectives for storage workloads
Described herein is a system and method for dynamically managing service-level objectives (SLOs) for workloads of a cluster storage system. Proposed states/solutions of the cluster may be produced and evaluated to select one that achieves the SLOs for each workload. A planner engine may produce a state tree comprising nodes, each node representing a proposed state/solution. New nodes may be added to the state tree based on new solution types that are permitted, or nodes may be removed based on a received time constraint for executing a proposed solution or a client certification of a solution. The planner engine may call an evaluation engine to evaluate proposed states, the evaluation engine using an evaluation function that considers SLO, cost, and optimization goal characteristics to produce a single evaluation value for each proposed state. The planner engine may call a modeler engine that is trained using machine learning techniques.
US08856334B2 Resource lending control apparatus and resource lending method
A resource lending control apparatus stores an assignment time and a deletion time in association with each other for each customer. The assignment time indicates a time for assigning an application used by each customer to provide a service to a server. The deletion time indicates a time for deleting the application from the server. The resource lending control apparatus calculates a lendable period of a remaining fixed resource of a lending customer by subtracting the deletion time and the assignment time of the lending customer from a remaining fixed period. The resource lending control apparatus calculates a total borrowing period, i.e., a period during which a borrowing customer is to use a borrowed resource, by adding the deletion time and the assignment time of the borrowing customer to a borrowing request period. Then, the resource lending control apparatus determines whether the calculated total borrowing period is covered by the calculated lendable period to determine to lend the remaining fixed resource.
US08856330B2 System for determining whether to block internet access of a portable system based on its current network configuration
A system for monitoring a portable system external to an enterprise network is provided that includes a network monitoring system that monitors any changes to the network configuration of the portable system. If a change is detected the network monitoring system determines if the portable system is not currently connected to the enterprise network and has access to Internet so as to block access to the Internet until the portable system is properly connected to the enterprise network. An event logger receives notification from the network monitoring system and logs the status as to whether the portable system has Internet access.
US08856327B2 Device and method for controlling dissemination of contents between peers having wireless communication capacities, depending on impatience reaction functions
A method is intended for controlling dissemination of content in a peer-to-peer mode between peers having wireless communication capacities. This method consists, each time a peer receives a content item it had requested and which is associated to a request counter, in creating at least one set of instructions intended for allowing replication of this content item by this peer, and in authorizing this peer to generate at most N replications of this content item for other peers it will meet and which does not possess it, where N is an integer value depending on the current value of this request counter and of an impatience reaction function which is representative of the mean time these peers are ready to wait for obtaining this content item.
US08856319B1 Event and state management in a scalable cloud computing environment
A scalable cloud infrastructure serves two or more customers, where each customer is associated with at least one unit of virtual resources. The virtual resources are established by apportioning physical resources in the cloud infrastructure that are partitioned into pods within one or more zones in a scalable manner. Additionally, the cloud infrastructure establishes one or more management server clusters each comprising one or more management servers. The two or more customers create a number of virtual machines within pods in one or more zones. As customers interact primarily with the management server cluster to manage their virtual machine, a state and event handling method is devised to centralize the management of a potentially vast number of customer and supporting system virtual machines.
US08856318B2 Network system, data processing method, and computer readable storage medium on which is stored a computer program
A delivery server association button of a Web screen 1103 for a monitoring center host computer is depressed to start a Web browser, opening a Web screen for a delivery server. A request from the Web screen for the delivery server and a retrieval request including retrieval conditions are transmitted to the monitoring center host computer. The monitoring center host computer retrieves an image forming apparatus according to the retrieval conditions and transmits the results of retrieval along with information for detecting the interpolation thereof from the monitoring center host computer to the delivery server via a PC with the delivery server as a redirection destination.
US08856317B2 Secure data transfer in a virtual environment
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at one of a plurality of servers, a request from a client for a secure communication session, storing context information associated with the secure communication session at a virtual context server in communication with the servers, and establishing the secure communication session between one of the servers and the client. The context information includes a session identifier, a secret, and a session state. The stored context information is available to the servers to allow the secure communication session to move between the servers. An apparatus for secure data transfer in a virtual environment is also disclosed.
US08856316B2 Recommendation of network object information to user
Recommending network object information to a user includes, for each of a plurality of network objects, a respective plurality of behavior frequencies by the user is determined; a network object among the plurality of network objects that is of interest to the user is identified, the identification being based at least in part on the respective plurality of behavior frequencies that corresponds to each of the plurality of network objects; and additional information relating to the identified network object is provided to the user.
US08856313B2 Systems and methods for using provenance information for data retention in stream-processing
A system and method for determining data usage based on provenance information, in a stream-processing system, includes progressively setting usage information for output stream data objects (SDOs), determining input SDOs that an output SDO depends on, based on a provenance dependency function; recursively feeding back the usage information for a subset of SDOs that can be discarded; and discarding the subset of SDOs. A system and method for data retention based on usage information, in a stream-processing system, includes managing retention of SDOs by deleting SDOs that are determined to be of null usage; and enhancing retention characteristics of SDOs that are deemed to have usage.
US08856312B2 Method and system for monitoring transaction based system
A method for monitoring transaction based systems monitoring their system resource and transaction performance data with thresholds on metrics, said method comprising the steps of collecting system resource data and transaction performance data on a period basis and each time a transaction performance metric is passed, triggering the collection of the system resource and storing an identifier correlating the transaction performance data and the system resource data; merging the collected system resource and transaction performance data; calculating the mean value for each system resource or transaction performance metric of merged data; identifying the metrics for which there is a significant difference between mean value obtained with triggering or without triggering; according to the identified metric mean value, calculating new thresholds of system resource metrics to be used for monitoring.
US08856308B1 Cloud scale automatic identity management
Embodiments are directed to towards cloud scale automatic identity management. A floating network may be established using agents operative on hosts across one or more networks. Each node of the floating network is resident on host (computer or cloud instance) that includes an agent configured to perform one or more networking tasks that establish the floating network. Parent nodes may be nodes designated as points in the floating network for adding additional nodes. Accordingly, each parent node includes at least one parent agent that includes at least parent credentials. Agent installers provided to a host may generate a child agent for the host that includes child credentials generated based on its parent credentials. An unambiguous identity value for the new child node may be determined by tracing a trust relationship path from the child node to the root node of the floating network.
US08856306B2 Determining an active zone manager based on disruption prediction metrics
Examples disclosed herein relate to determining an active zone manager based on disruption prediction metrics. Examples include providing a first disruption prediction metric of a first fabric to a second fabric, acquiring a second disruption prediction metric from a second fabric, and determining the active zone manager based on the first and second disruption prediction metrics.
US08856304B2 Accelerating UDP traffic
Systems and methods are disclosed for the acceleration of UDP traffic. tive action may be taken. Dynamic TCP tunnels may be established as the traffic flows from a source to a destination device. As the present approach is dynamic, the operational complexities are drastically reduced/eliminated. High availability systems become much easier to implement with acceleration that is dynamic and adapts to the traffic flow.
US08856303B2 Server virtualization
A resource requirements method and system is provided. The method includes identifying dependencies and calculating a utilization value for a source server. The source server is mapped to an application and a source infrastructure is compared to a target infrastructure. Deficiencies and differences associated with the target infrastructure are determined and dependency requirements for fulfillment in the target infrastructure are generated. The utilization value is compared to a resource capability of the target server and resource requirements for fulfillment on the target server are generated.
US08856295B2 System and method for providing an enterprise deployment topology with thick client functionality
In accordance with an embodiment, one or more software application products, such as Oracle Fusion Applications, can be installed and/or configured according to an integration and deployment design/blueprint that is built or optimized for use within a multi-tiered deployment topology at an organization's (i.e., customer's) data center. Based on the customer site topology, provisioning of the software applications can be optimized; and application life cycle operations performed. This enables each product to be aware of the topology, which in turn provides customers with an “out-of-the-box” solution. The topology can also be optimized for security, performance and simplicity. In accordance with an embodiment, the deployment topology can include thick client functionality.
US08856292B2 Managing command compliance in internetworking devices
In an embodiment, an internetworking device is configured with compliance proxy logic that is configured for sending, to a compliance server, a request to determine whether the command conforms to one or more compliance policies, wherein the request includes the command; receiving a compliance response from the compliance server; in response to determining whether the compliance response indicates success, executing the command only when the compliance response indicates that the command conforms to the one or more compliance policies. Thus the device can determine actively whether a proposed user command or configuration change will violate established standards or policies, before the command or change is applied to the device.
US08856291B2 Providing configurable workflow capabilities
Techniques are described for providing clients with access to functionality for creating, configuring and executing defined workflows that manipulate source data in defined manners, such as under the control of a configurable workflow service that is available to multiple remote clients over one or more public networks. A defined workflow for a client may, for example, include multiple interconnected workflow components that are specified by the client and that each are configured to perform one or more types of data manipulation operations on a specified type of input data. The configurable workflow service may further execute the defined workflow at one or more times and in one or more manners, such as in some situations by provisioning multiple computing nodes provided by the configurable workflow service to each implement at least one of the workflow components for the defined workflow.
US08856284B2 Processing a spreadsheet for storage in a database
Generally, systems, methods and media for processing a spreadsheet for storage in a database are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for processing records of a spreadsheet by receiving a request to process a spreadsheet having a plurality of records for storage in a database. Embodiments may also include accessing a configuration file associated with the spreadsheet and, for each record of the spreadsheet, creating a new business object and populating the new business object based on the record and the configuration file associated with the spreadsheet. Embodiments may also include passing each new business object to a back-end business component for processing. The configuration file may include a name of a business object associated with a record of the spreadsheet, metadata for one or more columns of the spreadsheet, and/or a name of a back-end business component associated with the spreadsheet.
US08856283B2 Playlists for real-time or near real-time streaming
Methods, systems and machine readable storage medium for allowing playback of streaming media at playback rates of other than 1× are described. In one embodiment, a method can determine different sets of I-frames that are available before a display deadline, where each set can have a different cadence, and one of the sets can be selected for download and display to achieve playback at other than 1×. Byte range requests from a client device can be used to retrieve each of the I-frames. Other methods, system and media are also described.
US08856281B2 Internet protocol version 6 content routing
A content delivery system includes a cache server, a domain name server, and a redirector. The domain name server is configured to receive a request for a cache server address, and provide an IPv6 anycast address. The redirector is configured to receive a content request addressed to the IPv6 anycast address from a client system, receive load information from the cache server, and determine if the cache server is available. The redirector is further configured to forward the content request to the cache server when the cache server is available. The cache server is configured to receive the content request forwarded from the redirectors, send a response to the content request to a client system, the response including an IPv6 unicast address of the cache server as a source address, an IPv6 unicast address of the client system as a destination address, and the IPv6 anycast address as a home address, and provide the content to the requestor.
US08856279B2 Method and system for object prediction
A method including communicating with a content server, wherein the communication includes transmitting request data to the content server and receiving first response data associated with the request data; identifying response object data within the first response data; determining whether the response object data is to be downloaded; querying the content server for second response data that corresponds to the response object data based on the determination; transmitting the first response data to a user agent; and storing the second response data, wherein the second response data can be provided to the user agent in a subsequent request.
US08856275B2 Optimized peer-to-peer file transfers on a multi-node computer system
A method and apparatus performs peer-to-peer file transfers on a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster such as a Beowulf cluster. A peer-to-peer file tracker (PPFT) allows operating system, application and data files to be moved from a pre-loaded node to another node of the HPC cluster. A peer-to-peer (PTP) client is loaded into the nodes to facilitate PTP file transfers to reduce loading on networks, network switches and file servers to reduce the time needed to load the nodes with these files to increase overall efficiency of the multi-node computing system. The selection of the nodes participating in file transfers can be based on network topology, network utilization, job status and predicted network/computer utilization. This selection can be dynamic, changing during the file transfers as resource conditions change. The policies used to choose resources can be configured by an administrator.
US08856266B2 Apparatus and associated method for downloading an application with a variable lifetime to a mobile terminal
Apparatus, and associated method, provides for downloading an application with a selectable lifetime from an application database to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal user's identification information and the selected lifetime for the application are stored in an application-license database. When the user seeks to download the same application on a subsequent occasion the user is able to download that application for a reduced fee if lifetime remains from when the application was first downloaded. In addition, the application may be configured to delete or uninstall itself from the mobile terminal when the selected lifetime for the application expires.
US08856262B1 Cloud-based image hosting
Data including information regarding a display of the host device may be received. A display of a client device may correspond to the display of the host device. Information regarding the display of the host device may be received and evaluated identify the images in the display. The identified images may be stored in memory and associated with a uniform resource locator (URL). A bitstream describing the display may be generated in which each image is referenced using the associated URL. The bitstream may then be provided to a client device, where rendering of the bitstream results in a display corresponding to the host device. Rendering the display may include retrieving the images associated with the URLs in the bitstream.
US08856259B2 Multi-domain co-browsing utilizing localized state management
A master and a slave computing device within a co-browsing session can be identified. The devices can be associated with a first Unified Resource Identifier (URI) where a portion of the URI is a fully qualified domain name of a Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. The devices can be associated with a co-browsing application. A request associated with a second URI from the master computing device can be detected. The second URI can share a root domain with the first URI. A portion of a master artifact associated with the master device can be conveyed to the slave device. The master artifact can be associated with state information of the session. A portion of a slave artifact linked to the slave device can be modified with the portion of the master artifact. The devices can be navigated to the second URI in response to the request.
US08856258B2 Host device and slave device controlling method
A host device is provided, which includes a network communication unit connected to network; a local communication unit locally connected to a slave device; a virtualization unit to virtualize the slave device as a network device within the network; and a controlling unit to control the virtualized slave device as the network device. Therefore, a developer may implement an application in consideration of a single type of network without considering various physical input and output ports.
US08856252B2 Method and apparatus for locating communities over an ad-hoc mesh network
An approach is provided for locating communities over an ad-hoc mesh network. Community identifiers are used to locate communities and community members over an ad-hoc mesh network. The community identifiers are also associated with keys to authenticate members of the community and to protect the privacy and anonymity of information exchanged between the members.
US08856251B2 Picture processing method and apparatus for instant communication tool
A method and an apparatus for processing a picture of an instant messenger are disclosed, which belong to the field of computers comprising: obtaining related information of an edit region, wherein the related information comprises at least a horizontal coordinate range and a vertical coordinate range; obtaining and recording position information of an initial cursor when a start notice is received, wherein the position information comprises at least coordinates; and obtaining position information of a current cursor in real time, generating a line segment according to the position information of the current cursor, the recorded position information and the related information, and updating the recorded position information into the position information of the current cursor. The apparatus comprises a first obtaining module, a second obtaining module and a generation module. The present disclosure can draw a line according to the movement path of the cursor.
US08856247B2 Communicating electronic mail
Proposed is the use of an email-stamp for representing an email address. By comprising information about one or more email addresses of a recipient, an email stamp may be processed in accordance with an optical recognition process so as to identify the email address of the recipient and enable an email to be automatically sent to the recipient.
US08856244B2 Mechanism for implementing reminders in an electronic messaging system
A mechanism is disclosed for generating a composite email for an email conversation. The composite email includes content automatically extracted from a plurality of the emails in the email conversation, and may be generated in response to a user accessing just one of the emails in the email conversation. A mechanism is also disclosed for discovering and recovering lost emails in an email conversation. A mechanism is further disclosed for automatically moving emails from one container to another after an email has been read. These and other advantageous email generating, manipulation, and organization mechanisms are disclosed herein.
US08856240B2 Method, system and computer program to provide support for sporadic resource availability in SIP event environments
Disclosed is an event notification system and a method to operate an event notification system that has servers and a subscriber unit. The method includes associating with a particular event subscription an “available” event template subscription; sending an initial notify message to the subscriber unit with a current availability of an event state of the event subscription and, for the duration of the particular event subscription, upon detecting a change in the availability of the event state sending an “available” event template notification to the subscriber unit from the event server for informing the subscriber unit of the change in the availability of the event state. The change can be from available to unavailable, or from unavailable to available.
US08856237B2 Systems and methods for providing a client-server infrastructure for asynchronous and synchronus collaboration including co-editing activity collision prevention
In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods provide a client-server infrastructure capable of supporting a variety of asynchronous and synchronous collaboration activities in a so-called collaboration place. Some of these activities include chatting, viewing and/or editing one or more data files, and sharing one or more applications, data files, and/or displays. The client-server infrastructure supports seamless navigation between the supported asynchronous and synchronous activities in the collaboration place. Additionally, the client-server architecture supports data persistence, so that data files associated with the collaboration place can be stored for subsequent access.
US08856233B2 Peer-to-peer redundant file server system and methods
Peer-to-peer redundant file server system and methods include clients that determine a target storage provider to contact for a particular storage transaction based on a pathname provided by the filesystem and a predetermined scheme such as a hash function applied to a portion of the pathname. Servers use the same scheme to determine where to store relevant file information so that the clients can locate the file information. The target storage provider may store the file itself and/or may store metadata that identifies one or more other storage providers where the file is stored. A file may be replicated in multiple storage providers, and the metadata may include a list of storage providers from which the clients can select (e.g., randomly) in order to access the file.
US08856232B1 Social network automation
Methods and systems for social network automation are disclosed. A system can generate a user interface that permits a user to provide criteria for posting particular content to the social network at a first time. The system can receive from the user one or more criteria for posting the particular content to the social network. The system can determine at a second time, after the first time, that a condition satisfying the one or more criteria has occurred. The system can post the particular content to the social network and attribute the post to the user.
US08856231B2 Information processing device and method, recording medium, and program
An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a recording medium, and a program for allowing communicating parties at remote locations to view the same displayed content and to point to desired positions on the displayed image of the content. A user A and a user B viewing themselves and the content on a cross-faded mode may point to desired positions on the content image with their fingertips. Motion vectors of the fingertips are then detected in particular areas extracted from the image in a manner containing the detected positions. The detected motion vectors are translated into a pointer for the user A and a pointer for the user B, the pointers being alpha-blended with the content image. The two pointers extracted from a single image are associated with the users A and B by use of different Cyber Codes attached to the fingertips of each user, for example.
US08856230B2 In browser real time collaboration lists and forms
Real time collaboration is enabled by providing a notification to users attempting access to an item, such as a document or a resource, that another user has currently access to the item. The users may be notified automatically when the other user is done accessing the item or periodically as the item is being accessed by the other user. The notification(s) may also include a summary or complete list of changes such that any user accessing the item after the other user has the latest version.
US08856229B2 System and method for social networking
Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for social networking. In one method, a network builder receives a digital object from the user. The digital object contains information associated with the user. The network builder extracts the information associated with the user from the digital object. The network builder further access the strength of relationships between the user and a plurality of other users, each associated with one or more social networks. The relationships strength is extracted based at least in part on the extracted information. The network builder then adds the user to one or more social networks based on the information associated with the user and the strength of the relationships between the user and the plurality of other users.
US08856228B2 System and method for comparison of physical entity attribute effects on physical environments through in part social networking service input
A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining status information about one or more physical attributes associated with one or more first physical entities and one or more second physical entities, the one or more physical attributes each being perceived by one or more humans as being capable of having one or more effects upon one or more physical environments, obtaining input information from at least one of the one or more humans through at least in part one or more social networking services, the input information associated with at least one of the one or more physical attributes, and determining assessment information comparing the one or more first physical entities with the one or more second physical entities based at least in part upon the status information and based at least in part upon the input information. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08856225B2 System and method of automatic entry creation for blogs, web pages or file-sharing sites based on game events
Systems and methods are provided for at least partially automating content generation of blog entries chronicling an entity's interaction with a multiuser environment. The same may combine automatic data generation with user-generated and/or user-edited or created narrative. The systems and methods may be employed for automatically generating and publishing descriptions, such as posting blog articles. In one implementation, a system automatically posts blog articles with automatic screenshots and automatically-generated descriptive copy of events that occur within a video game, such as in a massive multiplayer online role-playing game.
US08856220B2 Shared analytics and forecasting system
A first server may receive first sets of data from multiple second servers and may receive a query from a client device. The query may include an identifier associated with one of the one or more second servers, a timeframe, and a request for forecast information relating to the timeframe and relating to a first set of data received from the one of the one or more second servers. The first server may determine a second set of data associated with the one of the one or more second servers associated with the identifier. The first server may also determine subsets of the first sets of data that relates to the historical data for the timeframe; determine the forecast information based on the subsets of the first sets of data and the second set of data; and provide, to the client device, a query response including the forecast information.
US08856208B2 Method and apparatus for forming image
A method of forming an image includes displaying a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; selecting at least one editing item from the displayed list; and converting the image t using the at least one selected editing item and processing the image. An apparatus for forming an image includes a display unit that displays a list of one or more editing items to be used in editing the image; an input panel unit that receives a selection of at least one editing item from the displayed list of editing items; and a control unit that converts the image using the at least one selected editing item. The editing items may be stored in the apparatus for forming an image or may be registered to a server. Therefore, the editing items having an image editing function can be shared between users and thus an image desired by a user can be easily and conveniently obtained.
US08856207B2 Click detection method, apparatus and system
A click detection method, apparatus and system is provided. An embodiment includes a method that receives a request from a client destined for a server and a unique identifier for the client. The method of the method also includes generating a representation of the unique identifier, and forwarding the unique identifier and the request to the server.
US08856206B2 Maintaining message versions at nodes in a network
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for maintaining message versions at nodes in a network. The nodes in the network maintain version information of nodes in the network. The version information for the nodes indicates a message version number of messages supported at the node. The nodes supporting one message version number can receive messages having that message version number. The nodes use the version information to determine whether there is at least one common message version number among the nodes The nodes supporting the at least one common message version number negotiate to join a quorum of the nodes having the at least one common message version number.
US08856193B2 Merge monitor for table delta partitions
At runtime first and second cost functions associated with a request for a merge of a main partition of a table with a delta partition of the table can be calculated. The first and second cost functions can respectively quantify an urgency of the merge relative to availability of system resources required to perform the merge and an urgency of the merge relative to other merges. Determining whether the merge should occur can include comparing the calculated first and second cost functions with calculations of other first and second cost functions for other merge requests of one or more other tables. If the merge should occur, a merge thread can be assigned to execute the merge, and execution of the merge by the merge thread can be commenced if at least one merge token representing system resources usable for merge operations is available.
US08856192B2 Method and apparatus for updating composition database by using composition pattern of user, and digital photographing apparatus
A method and apparatus update a composition database for storing information for setting a composition. The method includes extracting and displaying at least one composition stored in the composition database, counting a composition selected by a user from among the at least one composition, and updating the composition database according to the result of the count. According to the method, compositions selected by a user from among compositions displayed on a screen are counted, and the result of the count is reflected on the composition database. Accordingly, compositions are displayed in a user-centered manner and photographing convenience is increased, a digital photographing apparatus automatically learns compositions preferred by a user during photographing so as to automatically display the compositions preferred by the user, and a composition based on a pattern of the user is suggested instead of a composition according to a certain place or scene.
US08856188B2 Electronic linkage of associated data within the electronic medical record
The present invention provides a mechanism to define an association between different data elements from disparate sources of data and databases, and different database elements, and track that association over time. This mechanism track multiples related data elements throughout the continuum of an individual patient's medical record and identifies consistent data relationships across large patient populations.
US08856186B1 Object grouping for garbage collecting
Methods, systems, and computer program products for memory garbage collection via object grouping are disclosed. Normative objects are allocated in a non-native memory referencing respective one or more native objects in a native memory. The non-native objects are grouped into non-native object groups based upon information regarding object references associated with respective ones of the native objects. Objects in respective ones of the one or more non-native object groups are provided one or more references to other said objects of the non-native object groups to create connected object groups. Unused ones of the connected object groups are detected. And objects of the detected unused ones of the connected object groups are de-allocated.
US08856185B2 Method and system for attribute management in a namespace
A computer-based method and system for managing attributes of objects in a namespace and for allowing multiple views into the namespace. The namespace system allows the objects identified by the names of the namespace to be hierarchically organized. The namespace system allows for attributes of various objects, including directory objects and data objects, to be dynamically defined after creation of an object. The namespace system also allows for the querying of objects based on their dynamically defined attributes. When the namespace system receives a query specification that includes a newly defined attribute, it identifies the objects that match that query specification.
US08856184B1 Methods and systems for encoding the maximum resolution data level for a quadtree
A method and system for searching for data covered by nodes in a quadtree are disclosed. Nodes at a selected level of the quadtree are encoded with an index. The index nodes store data related to the level of descendants and ancestors of each index node. To search for data covered by a particular desired node, the index node ancestor or descendant of the desired node is determined. Based on the data in the index node, the desired node can be located without a full traversal of the quadtree. The quadtree nodes store elevation data for points on the Earth.
US08856183B2 Database access using partitioned data areas
To provide an information processing apparatus, a database system, an information processing method, and a program which ensure efficient database accesses by partitioning. The apparatus includes a partition generating unit (222) which generates a value partition in which a unit subtree including target data to be partitioned is separated and registered according to the target data, and a base partition which includes an index for uniquely identifying the unit subtree, an XML parser (224) which identifies positions of a start tag and an end tag defining an attribute value of the structured document and generates a cutting position list corresponding to the hierarchical structure of the attribute value for registration in a storage area, an XML cutting unit (226) which identifies the start tag position and the end tag position of the unit subtree to be cut, and separates the unit subtree and its index from the structured document, and a cut-XML registration unit which registers the unit subtree and the index in the separate partitions.
US08856181B2 Semantic matching
In a method, system, and computer-readable medium having instructions for semantic matching, a configuration for one or more ontologies is determined with an ontology that has one or more concepts and a representation for the one or more concepts, and the configuration has an assignment of concepts to positions and one or more relationships between concepts in accordance with the representation. The configuration is optimized in accordance with one or more constraints, and a constraint has a relationship defined in a representation for an ontology and a judgment on a similarity of a plurality of concepts from the one or more ontologies, and an estimate is calculated for a similarity between a first concept and a second concept using the configuration.
US08856180B2 System and method for formatting multifunctional electronic books for electronic readers
A platform agnostic digital publication format that supports rendered and resizable text, illustrations and graphics, “read to me” features and interactive functionality. The format takes advantage of the alternate renditions feature of the OCF of the EPUB® specification and includes both a ShockWave Flash (SWF) based rendition and a HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Java Script (JS), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) based implementation. In order to avoid duplicating large components (graphics, audio, etc.), files containing those components are not embedded in the SWF files, but are rather externally referenced by both the SWF and the HTML files. A strict and consistent folder structure and file-naming convention improves efficiency and reduces the potential for error.
US08856174B2 Asset managing apparatus and asset managing method
A search extend setting unit that identifies a layer made to correspond to an asset specified by referencing a first database for recording assets made to correspond to each of users by relating each of the assets to a first layer that is a layer related to a virtual system individually used by each of the users, or to a second layer that is a layer related to hardware and software, and to set an extent for extracting information about other assets having a relationship with the specified asset according to a layer of the specified asset, and an extracting unit that extract other assets that have a relationship with the specified asset and are present in the extent set by referencing the first database and a second database for recording information indicating a relationship among the assets, and the first database based on the first asset.
US08856171B2 Locating and executing objects in a distributed network
The subject disclosure relates to interaction and execution of objects in a distributed network or in the cloud. Each object comprises a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) path that names the object in the cloud through a distributed object directory. A client device can directly interface with a live instance of an object based on the URI path. The object can be agnostic to remote procedure call semantics. In some aspects, the object can be connected to an interacted with either remotely or locally. Further, single instances or multiple instances of the object can exist at substantially the same time.
US08856169B2 Multi-modality, multi-resource, information integration environment
A multi-modality, multi-resource, information integration environment system is disclosed that comprises: (a) at least one computer readable medium capable of securely storing and archiving system data; (b) at least one computer system, or program thereon, designed to permit and facilitate web-based access of the at least one computer readable medium containing the secured and archived system data; (c) at least one computer system, or program thereon, designed to permit and facilitate resource scheduling or management; (d) at least one computer system, or program thereon, designed to monitor the overall resource usage of a core facility; and (e) at least one computer system, or program thereon, designed to track regulatory and operational qualifications.
US08856162B2 Cross language search options
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for cross-language image search. One method includes receiving an image search query and image search results responsive to the image search query. Translations of the image search query into other languages are obtained, and search results responsive to each of the translations are received. Instructions are provided to a client device. The instructions cause the client device to present a user interface that includes one or more of the image search results responsive to the image search query and a cross-language search option for each of the translations. Each cross-language search option includes the translation and a preview of the image search results responsive to the translation.
US08856156B1 Ontology mapper
Systems, methods and computer-readable media are provided for facilitating patient health care by providing discovery, validation, and quality assurance of nomenclatural linkages between pairs of terms or combinations of terms in databases extant on multiple different health information systems that do not share a set of unified codesets, nomenclatures, or ontologies, or that may in part rely upon unstructured free-text narrative content instead of codes or standardized tags. Embodiments discover semantic structures existing naturally in documents and records, including relationships of synonymy and polysemy between terms arising from disparate processes, and maintained by different information systems. In some embodiments, this process is facilitated by applying Latent Semantic Analysis in concert with decision-tree induction and similarity metrics. In some embodiments, data is re-mined and regression testing is applied to new mappings against an existing mapping base, thereby permitting these embodiments to “learn” ontology mappings as clinical, operational, or financial patterns evolve.
US08856153B2 Creating data in a data store using a dynamic ontology
In one embodiment, a method comprises creating and storing an ontology for a data store in response to receiving first user input defining the ontology, wherein the ontology comprises a plurality of data object types and a plurality of object property types; creating one or more parser definitions in response to receiving second user input defining the parser definitions, wherein each of the parser definitions specifies one or more sub-definitions of how to transform first input data into modified input data that is compatible with one of the object property types; and storing each of the one or more parser definitions in association with one of the plurality of object property types.
US08856144B2 Typed relevance scores in an identity resolution system
Techniques are disclosed for configuring an identity resolution system to support distinct relevance types. Identity records are accessed that are assigned relevance scores of distinct relevance types. Upon determining that the identity records refer to a common individual, the identity records are resolved into an entity representing the common individual. Relevance scores of the distinct relevance types are then determined for the entity, based on the identity records.
US08856143B2 Classification of ambiguous geographic references
A location classifier generates location information based on textual strings in input text. The location information defines potential geographical relevance of the input text. In determining the location information, the location classifier may receive at least one geo-relevance profile associated with at least one string in the input text, obtain a combined geo-relevance profile for the document from the at least one geo-relevance profile, and determine geographical relevance of the input text based on the combined geo-relevance profile.
US08856142B2 Systems and methods for graphical search interface
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a graphical user interface as a means of inputting search parameters to database search engines. In some embodiments, two or three dimensional projections spatially represent relationships between search parameters, located along the periphery of the projections and search hits whose significance are represented by position relative to the center of the projection and comparative distance from each of the search parameters. As the user manipulates the overall shape of the search projection, the weighting of search parameters adjusts, reconfiguring the search. The present disclosure also provides, in some embodiments, an intuitive means of assimilating search parameter weightings based on peer or social network preferences with global search results.
US08856139B2 File managing system
A correspondence table 0121 for recording the correspondence relationship of file titles, file IDs and managing IDs, hash tables 0122 for recording the correspondence relationships of hash values of files and managing IDs and a file memory 0123 for keeping managing IDs and files are provided. When registering files, a file with any registered same title file is managed as a separate file by giving a separate managing ID. File content comparison with registered files is done, and a file with any registered same content file is registered as single file even if it has been registered with a separate file ID. When calling out a file, the file to be called is specified by the combination of the file title and the file ID.
US08856134B2 Aircraft maintenance data retrieval for portable devices
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a system for facilitating transfer of data and information over a network includes a database component, a communication component adapted to communicate with a user via a portable communication device over the network, and a processing component adapted to receive a request for data and information from the user via the portable communication device over the network and process the request by accessing one or more documents from the database component related to at least one component of a machine specified by the user passed with the request. The communication component transfers the one or more documents from the database component to the portable communication device for viewing by the user.
US08856133B2 Information providing apparatus and method, terminal apparatus and information processing method, and program
An information providing apparatus, including a storage configured to store registration information as related with a category; recognition means configured to recognize the category corresponding to acquisition information acquired from a terminal apparatus; and communication means configured to transmit the registration information corresponding to the category of the acquisition information to the terminal apparatus.
US08856127B2 Method of visualizing the collective opinion of a group
A computerized method of visualizing the collective opinion of a group regarding one or more qualitative issues. The group initially selects N issues from the universe of potential issues and often assigns the issues images and titles. The system presents each user with graphical user interface screens wherein individual users vote on the relative importance and degree of relationship between the N aspects (Data Points) and issues, often using drag and drop methods. The software computes N×N similarity matrices based on users voting input and clusters various aspects into groups of greater and lesser similarity and importance, and presents results of users qualitative ranking in easy to read relationship tree diagrams where the relative importance and qualitative relationship of the issues may be designated by size and other graphical markers. The software may reside on a network server and present display screens to web browsers running on user's computerized devices.
US08856125B1 Non-text content item search
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for selecting labels for a non-text content item. In one aspect, a method receives a set of initial labels for a non-text content item, wherein the set of initial labels specifies text that has been identified as descriptive of the non-text content item and a web page to which the text corresponds. Initial labels corresponding to sets of matching web pages are grouped into separate initial label groups that correspond to each set of matching web pages. Sets of matching labels are grouped into other separate initial label groups that correspond to the sets of matching labels. One or more words that are included in at least a threshold number of the separate label groups are selected as final labels for the non-text content item.
US08856123B1 Document classification
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for classifying a collection of documents. A term is identified based on an indication of ability of the term's presence within a given document to predict whether the given document should be classified into an identified category. A document index is then queried using the identified term and, in response, search results that define a candidate set of documents are received. Finally, a classifier is applied to documents within the candidate set to determine which of the documents should be classified into the identified category.
US08856119B2 Holistic disambiguation for entity name spotting
A method resolves ambiguous spotted entity names in a data corpus by determining an activation level value for each of a plurality of nodes corresponding to a single ambiguous entity name. The activation levels for each of the nodes may be modified by inputting outside domain knowledge corresponding to the nodes to increase the activation value of the nodes, spotting entity names corresponding to the nodes to increase the activation value of the nodes, searching the data corpus to spot newly posted entity names to increase the activation value of the nodes, and searching the data corpus to reduce or deactivate the activation value of the nodes by eliminating false positives. The ambiguous entity name is assigned to the node determined to have the highest activation level and is then outputted to a user.
US08856116B2 Method and apparatus for information exchange
A method and apparatus includes a portable electronic memory storage device and a plurality of exhibitor computers, each having at least one specifically identified electronic uploadable file and a port adapted to selectively interface with the portable device. When a portable device engages a port, electronic content corresponding to the port is uploaded from the computer to the portable device. In another embodiment, data from the portable device, such as demographic data, is also downloaded to the exhibitor computer.
US08856110B2 Method and apparatus for providing a response to a query
Providing a response to a query comprising receiving a query request, to which a response containing a numerical value is expected, from a querying device, identifying at least one input series as relating to the query request, the or each input series having at least one numerical input measurement, assigning a weighted score to the or each input series identified as relating to the query request, selecting at least one input series from among the input series identified as relating to the query request, the selection being dependent on the weighted score assigned to the or each input series identified as relating to the query request, generating a response to the query request, the response containing a numerical value based on the or on one of the numerical input measurements of the selected at least one input series, thereby providing said response to the querying device.
US08856108B2 Combining results of image retrieval processes
A MMR system for newspaper publishing comprises a plurality of mobile devices, an MMR gateway, an MMR matching unit and an MMR publisher. The MMR matching unit receives an image query from the MMR gateway and sends it to one or more of the recognition units to identify a result including a document, the page and the location on the page. The MMR matching unit also includes a result combiner coupled to each of the recognition units to receive recognition results. The result combiner produces a list of most likely results and associated confidence scores. This list of results is sent by the result combiner back to the MMR gateway for presentation on the mobile device. The result combiner uses the quality predictor as an input in deciding which results are best.
US08856106B2 Method and system for limiting share of voice of individual users
A system and method for limiting shares of voice of individual users in a result set are provided. In example embodiments, a listing user providing each listing in a result set of a search is identified. Sorting criteria indicating a number of listings a same listing user is allowed within a number of consecutive listings of the result set are reviewed. Using the sorting criteria, a sorted result set is generated by sorting the plurality of listings in accordance with the sorting criteria. The sorted result set is provided to a searching user.
US08856100B2 Displaying browse sequence with search results
Systems and computer program products may display a browse sequence for a plurality of statically paginated web pages with search engine results. The system may include a processor and a memory. The system may additionally include a program comprising a plurality of instructions stored in memory that are executed by the processor to (1) identify, in the source code of one web page, one or more links to at least another web page; (2) identify, in the source code of the at least another web page, one or more links to the one web page; (3) determine a browse sequence for the one web page and the at least another web page based on the identified one or more links to the at least another web page and to the one web page; and (4) display the browse sequence along with search results on a search engine results page.
US08856095B2 Configurable plug-in architecture for manipulating XML-formatted information
A method and system is described for building a document using a configurable plug-in architecture. In one example, a configuration file containing information of building the document with one or more components is received. The one or more components execute to modify or manipulate the document. The document may further be passed from one component to another component, where each of the components performs a function on the document. The sequence of execution of the components, the type of function or activity executed by each of the components, and/or configuration data of the components may be provided by the configuration file. The document may further be output to a user or stored.
US08856092B2 Systems and methods for managing databases
Systems and methods for managing databases are disclosed. One system includes a processor-addressable physical memory and a processor in communication with the processor-addressable physical memory and configured to execute an environment and to allocate an environment memory to the environment. In such a system, the environment is configured to maintain a database of objects in a database memory within the environment memory. An application executes in an application memory within the environment memory, and upon instantiation of a database object, the application environment allocates memory in the database for the database object, the database providing master storage for the database object. Upon an instruction to obtain the database object from said application, the environment provides to the application a reference to the database object; and upon an access operation on the database object by the application, provides to the application direct access to data of said database object.
US08856089B1 Sub-containment concurrency for hierarchical data containers
A sub-container concurrency component of a tiered middleware framework ensures optimistic concurrency for transactions on hierarchical data containers. The component identifies an uppermost container level of a data read for performing a requested data modification to one or more data containers. The component further reads one or more of a parent version value or a child version value of the data container in the uppermost container level at a first time and a second time. Thus, the component writes data to the one or more data containers when each version value, such as the parent version value or the child version value, read at the first time matches its corresponding read version value read at the second time.
US08856084B2 Data processing method and device
The invention concerns a method of processing data to provide output data based on a group of data samples having a time stamp falling within at least one rolling time period, the method comprising: receiving a new data sample and associating said new data sample with a first time stamp; updating said output data corresponding to a first rolling time period to be based on said group of data samples including said new data sample; programming a first callback based on said first time stamp and on the duration of said first rolling time period; and in response to the occurrence of said first callback, updating said output data corresponding to said first rolling time period to no longer be based on said new data sample.
US08856081B1 Single retention policy
The invention provides instructions to a retention-base archiving application or other enterprise content management application (such as EMC Documentum) for identifying which data objects should share the same retention policy based upon content and context, even if the retention policies for each data object was originally selected by different archiving applications. By matching together data objects with the same retention interval, and/or matching together data objects with the same policy name (i.e., policy ID), a single retention policy can be assigned to related data objects, no matter the source of each related data object or which application selected the particular retention policy for each data object.
US08856080B2 Backup using metadata virtual hard drive and differential virtual hard drive
Methods and systems are disclosed for backup using a metadata virtual hard drive (VHD) and a differential VHD. A particular system includes a memory device that stores files and a backup agent configured to detect changes to the files. The system includes a translation module configured to translate the detected changes into VHD formatted changes and a VHD module configured to write the VHD formatted changes to a metadata VHD stored at the memory device. The VHD module is also configured to generate a differential VHD based on the metadata VHD. A network interface at the system is configured to transmit the metadata VHD and the differential VHD to a remote storage device.
US08856072B2 Method for providing of content data to a client
The present invention relates to a method for providing an interoperable digital rights management system for content data on a client based on synchronization technology, the method comprising the steps of: —receiving of a selection of content data from the, client, —generating of an XML file having a defined DTD format, the XML file comprising license information and a locator for the content data, —sending of the XML file to the client, synchronizing any license status relates data produced on the client back to the server.
US08856071B2 Minimizing staleness in real-time data warehouses
Data tables in data warehouses are updated to minimize staleness and stretch of the data tables. New data is received from external sources and, in response, update requests are generated. Accumulated update requests may be batched. Data tables may be weighted to affect the order in which update requests are serviced.
US08856070B2 Consistent replication of transactional updates
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for consistent replication of transactional updates. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for consistent replication of data in a transaction processing system is provided. The method includes recording entries in a replication log of different data updates and corresponding transactions and additionally recording entries in the replication log indicating whether or not the transactions have been backed out. The method also includes replicating only those data updates referenced in the log which do not correspond to transactions indicated in the log to have been backed out. For instance the additionally recorded entries in the replication log indicate when a transaction has been backed out. Alternatively, the additionally recorded entries in the replication log indicate when a transaction has been committed.
US08856064B2 Method and system for information workflows
A method and apparatus for information repository workflows to transfer information between a first domain, such as healthcare sites, and a second domain, such as medical research facilities. Large quantities of medical information may be directly transferred to an information repository or indirectly transferred to the repository through the use of pointers. The information is cleansed and normalized prior to storage in a production database within the repository. The cleansing process is conducted while ensuring integrity of the production database is maintained and while continuing to receive additional information transfers. Errors encountered during processing are logged and reported.
US08856063B2 Smart device personalization assistance tool
A personalization of a batch of smart cards is provided. A user is provided with a plurality of queries regarding smart card features. Responses to the plurality of queries are received from the user. A personalization data file is generated using the responses to the plurality of queries, where the personalization data file comprises values, which may be used to provide features on a batch of smart cards.
US08856062B2 Rule creation and application
A computing device receives a rule that includes information describing conditions associated with a consequence, and identifies rule components corresponding to the rule. The computing device creates a rule formula, based on the rule components, by creating a first-order logic version of the rule and creating a rule formula table based on the first-order logic version of the rule. The computing device stores the rule formula table in a relational database.
US08856061B2 User experience adjustment in controllable events
A method for adjusting a user's experience of a controllable event including determining a user somatic state, using a computer device, from user sensor data collected from at least one physiological sensor; determining a user cognitive state, using the computer device, from user experience data collected from the user; determining a user experience model, using the computer device, from the user somatic state and the user cognitive state; correlating, using the computer device, at least one user hypothesis with the user experience model; and adjusting the controllable event, using the computer device, based upon the at least one user hypothesis.
US08856060B2 Creating stream processing flows from sets of rules
Techniques for creating a distributed application flow from a set of rules are provided. The techniques include creating a control-flow graph for each rule, creating one or more dependency links between two or more rules, partitioning a resulting graph, wherein the resulting graph comprises one or more control-flow graphs and one or more dependency links, into one or more operators by determining an optimal set of one or more cuts through the resulting graph such that a cost function is minimized, and generating stream processing flow code from the partitioned graph.
US08856059B2 Inference device and inference method
An inference device is disclosed including a rule base including a graph data structure corresponding to a table formed from columns, each column corresponding to a symbol, and one or more rows including cells, each cell arranged in a position of a column and storing a value for forming a logical expression by applying to each symbol corresponding to a column where the cell is located, the graph data structure including a root node and sequences of nodes connected in series, each sequence of nodes corresponding to a row and each node corresponding to a cell. An end-node of each sequence nodes is connected to the root node, the nodes can be scanned in order following pointers from the root node, each row represents a rule in which logical expressions are arranged on the left side as a logical conjunction and logical expressions are arranged on the right side.
US08856058B1 Business rules engine with dynamically addressable facts
A business rules engine includes dynamic objects to support dynamically addressable facts. The business rules engine is configured to reduce the need for developer resources to provision resources and adjust/adapt input data and output which would traditionally be required. As a result significant cost advantages are provided in the use of a business rules engine.
US08856053B2 Methods and systems for employing artificial intelligence in automated orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
Methods and systems for diagnosing and identifying a treatment for an orthodontic condition can include a server configured to receive patient data through a website. Methods and systems can include the use of a database that includes or has access to information derived from textbooks and scientific literature and dynamic results derived from ongoing and completed patient treatments. Methods and systems can include the operation of at least one computer program within the server, which can be capable of analyzing patient data and identifying at least one diagnosis of an orthodontic condition. Methods and systems can include assigning a probability value to at least one diagnosis, and the probability value can represent a likelihood that a diagnosis is accurate. Methods and systems can include instructing a computer program to identify at least one treatment approach, a corrective appliance, or a combination thereof for the at least one diagnosis.
US08856051B1 Augmenting metadata of digital objects
A metadata augmentation system determines similarities between digital objects, such as digital videos, that may or may not have metadata associated with them. Based on the determined similarities, the metadata augmentation system augments metadata of objects, such as augmenting metadata of objects lacking a sufficient amount of metadata with metadata from other objects having a sufficient amount of metadata.In one embodiment, the similarities are used to determine training sets for training of classifiers that output degrees of more specific similarities between the corresponding video and an arbitrary second video. These classifiers are then applied to add metadata from one video to another based on a degree of similarity between the videos, regardless of their respective locations within the object similarity graph.
US08856049B2 Audio signal classification by shape parameter estimation for a plurality of audio signal samples
An apparatus for classifying an audio signal configured to: estimate at least one shaping parameter value for a plurality of samples of the audio signal; generate at least one audio signal classification value by mapping the at least one shaping parameter value to one of at least two interval estimates; and determine at least one audio signal classification decision based on the at least one audio signal classification value.
US08856048B2 Method, system, and computer program product for automatically applying a predictive temporal profile to computer resource management decisions
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for defining normal usage of a computing system resource. A method for defining normal usage of a computing system resource includes receiving a repeating schedule that represents system usage of one or more computing resources and receiving one or more demand events that will affect the system usage of the one or more computer resources. The method also automatically creates a predictive temporal profile that represents the system usage of the one or more computer resources from information comprising the repeating schedule and the one or more demand events. The predictive temporal profile is displayed for the user to review.
US08856045B1 Mobile-device-to-machine payment systems
Described herein is a mobile-device-to-machine payment system and method for facilitating a cashless transaction for purchase of at least one product or service by a user from a payment accepting unit.
US08856043B2 Method and system for managing data and enabling payment transactions between multiple entities
A system for conducting payment transaction includes a network-enabled server that communicates with one or more user devices, other network-enabled server computers, and a payment processing network server computer. The network-enabled server facilitates transactions between one or more merchants and users by a managing data flow and interactions between the merchants and the users, providing storage area for storing of all transaction related documents, and providing seamless integration with a payment processing network for payment processing.
US08856040B2 System providing commodity price-move protection for small risk holders
A system for providing small to medium sized entities commodity price move protection is disclosed. The system may have the steps of receiving information from a client, selecting an appropriate commodity instrument, aggregating the client with other clients, and selecting an appropriate hedge in the event that the instrument provides for more protection than is sought by the aggregated clients and protection for the service provider is desired.
US08856039B1 Integration of secondary content into a catalog system
A system is disclosed that integrates secondary content, such as articles retrieved from a collaborative encyclopedia or other content site, into an electronic catalog system or site that hosts an interactive electronic catalog. In some embodiments, the system operates by retrieving secondary content articles from an external system or site, and by supplementing these articles with interactive display elements for accessing related catalog content and/or functions. For example, if an article mentions a particular catalog item or group of catalog items, it may be supplemented with a selectable display element for viewing catalog content associated with the referenced item or item group. The supplemented articles are made available to users via pages of the electronic catalog system or site.
US08856028B2 Inventory allocation for advertising with changeable supply landscape
An advertisement impression distribution system is programmed to generate an allocation plan for serving a number of advertisement impressions changeable as a result of one or more events, the allocation plan to allocate a first portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy guaranteed demand and a second portion of advertisement impressions to satisfy non-guaranteed demand. The system includes an optimizer programmed to establish a relationship between the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions, the relationship defining a range of possible proportions of allocation of the first portion of advertisement impressions and the second portion of advertisement impressions; and to impose at least one objective on the relationship including moderating an increase in the number of advertisement impressions available for allocation to the first and second portions, to minimize a cost associated with reducing a quality of the advertisement impressions as their volume increases. The system outputs the allocation plan to an ad serving module to control serving of the advertisement impressions according to the range of possible proportions of allocation between the first and the second portions.
US08856025B2 Method and system for redeeming product marketing rebates
A system and computerized method of processing a rebate claim from a purchaser comprising means for or steps of receiving and storing: (a) personal information about the purchaser, including an account identifier associated with a designated account, (b) promotion information comprising one or more promotional offers associated with one or more promoted products, (c) purchase information corresponding to the at least one purchase transaction in which the designated account was used as an instrument of payment. Purchase information is associated with the purchaser using the designated account identifier, the rebate claim is validated, and the collective value associated with the rebate claim is provided to the purchaser. One embodiment may comprise means for or a step of receiving an instruction from the purchaser via an online user interface prior to the end of a qualifying period authorizing completion of rebate claim processing.
US08856024B2 Determining companion and joint cards in transit
Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for detecting potential misuse of a primary account number (PAN) associated with a first handheld media in a transit system having one or more access points. Embodiments may creating a user account and include enrolling the first handheld media for use as a fare media for a transit product, where the PAN is stored in the user account. Embodiments may further include receiving, a plurality of fare transaction records. Each fare transaction record may include the PAN associated with the first handheld media and a transaction identifier. Embodiments may additionally include determining a potential misuse of a handheld media associated with the PAN based, at least in part, on the relationship between a plurality of the transaction identifiers. In response, an action may be taken related to using the first handheld media as a fare media for the transit product.
US08856023B2 Methods and apparatus for interactive specification of context-sensitive service level agreements; for provisioning of resources required during service delivery events regulated by service level agreements; and for monitoring compliance with service level agreements during service delivery events
In a first aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus implement graphical user interfaces for interactively specifying service level agreements used to regulate delivery of services to, for example, computer systems. An interactive graphical user interface allows a user to see the effects of varying values of service delivery variables on the level of service achievable in a particular service delivery context. In a second aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention provision resources required for service delivery. In the second aspect, the methods and apparatus of the present invention select a service delivery model dependent on context. The selected service delivery model is used to provision resources that will be required during service delivery. In a third aspect, methods and apparatus of the present invention monitor compliance with a service level agreement during a service delivery event. In instances where a given service delivery does not comply with service level attributes specified in a controlling service level agreement, the methods and apparatus of the present invention take corrective action.
US08856019B2 System and method of storing data related to social publishers and associating the data with electronic brand data
A system and method of storing data related to social publishers and associating the data with electronic brand data is disclosed. The system includes an online persona definition module configured to receive information about a social publisher and, based on the received information, associate personality traits with the social publisher. A social influence measurement module receives social network metrics and social network activities related to social publishers and determine a level of social influence for the social publishers. A brand promoter management module is configured to receive data from the brand promoter, the including targeting elements for an advertising campaign, including a specified a level of social influence and a set of personality traits. The brand promoter may also upload brand art to display within the social network. An association is configured to determine if social publishers meet the targeting elements. An offer selection module allows selected social publishers to accept sponsorship offers and display the brand art within their social content.
US08856018B2 Methods and systems for optimizing production forecasts using statistically prioritized discrete modeling methodology
A computer-based method for dynamic path regeneration in a production environment as a function of stochastic event-driven parameters and constraints is described. The method includes examining existing status codes, for a plurality of remaining production jobs, to determine a current status for a production unit, applying at least one of predecessor relationships and successor relationships for the remaining production jobs to the existing status codes, analyzing historical job performance statistics for a number of previous production units based on production job performance data associated with the previous production units, and providing a user interface that depicts the remaining production jobs in order of criticality, the order of criticality determined based on the existing status codes, the at least one of predecessor relationships and successor relationships, and the analysis of the historical job performance statistics.
US08856015B2 Presenting offers to users of wireless devices
A system and method facilitating the management of current and prospective customers and customer information is provided. The invention includes an aggregation system adapted to provide management and generation of current and prospective customers. The invention further provides management of current and prospective customer information. Additionally, the aggregation system provides for generating advertisements based at least in part upon market information. Finally, the present invention also includes a printstream aggregation method facilitating the printing of print orders.
US08856011B2 Excitation signal bandwidth extension
An apparatus for generating a high band extension of a low band excitation signal (eLB) defined by parameters representing a CELP encoded audio signal includes the following elements: upsamplers (20) configured to upsample a low band fixed codebook vector (uFCB) and a low band adaptive codebook vector (uACB) to a predetermined sampling frequency. A frequency shift estimator (22) configured to determine a modulation frequency (Ω) from an estimated measure representing a fundamental frequency (F0) of the audio signal. A modulator (24) configured to modulate the upsampled low band adaptive codebook vector (uACB↑) with the determined modulation frequency to form a frequency shifted adaptive codebook vector. A compression factor estimator (28) configured to estimate a compression factor. A compressor (34) configured to attenuate the frequency shifted adaptive codebook vector and the upsampled fixed codebook vector (uFCB↑.) based on the estimated compression factor. A combiner (40) configured to form a high-pass filtered sum of the attenuated frequency shifted adaptive codebook vector and the attenuated up-sampled fixed codebook vector.
US08856007B1 Use text to speech techniques to improve understanding when announcing search results
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for generating synthesized utterances related to output of commands. A command is received at a computing device. A textual output for the command is determined using the computing device. A spoken output of the computing device is generated that utilizes a plurality of vocal characteristic sets. At least a portion of the spoken output corresponds to the textual output. At least a first part of the spoken output utilizes vocal characteristics of a first vocal characteristic set. At least a second part of the spoken output utilizes vocal characteristics of a second vocal characteristic set, where at least some of the vocal characteristics of the first vocal characteristic set differ from the vocal characteristics of the second vocal characteristic set.
US08856006B1 Assisted speech input
Methods and systems are provided for assisted speech input. In one example, the method may involve (a) designating a first node of a tree as a current node. Each node in the tree is associated with a speech input data, and the first node includes one or more child nodes. The method may further involve (b) removing all nodes from a first group of nodes, (c) copying each child node of the current node to the first group, (d) removing all nodes from a second group of nodes, (e) moving a selection of nodes from the first group to the second group, and (f) presenting information associated with each node in the second group. The method may include additional elements depending on whether there is a match between a received speech input and a child node of the current node.
US08856005B2 Location based responses to telephone requests
A method for receiving processed information at a remote device is described. The method includes transmitting from the remote device a verbal request to a first information provider and receiving a digital message from the first information provider in response to the transmitted verbal request. The digital message includes a symbolic representation indicator associated with a symbolic representation of the verbal request and data used to control an application. The method also includes transmitting, using the application, the symbolic representation indicator to a second information provider for generating results to be displayed on the remote device.
US08856004B2 Text processing using natural language understanding
Techniques for converting spoken speech into written speech are provided. The techniques include transcribing input speech via speech recognition, mapping each spoken utterance from input speech into a corresponding formal utterance, and mapping each formal utterance into a stylistically formatted written utterance.
US08856003B2 Method for dual channel monitoring on a radio device
A method for dual channel monitoring on a radio device as provided enables efficient use of communication network resources. The method includes receiving at the radio device a first speech signal over a first channel, while simultaneously receiving at the radio device a second speech signal over a second channel. The first speech signal is then processed at the radio device to generate a text transcription of the first speech signal, and the text transcription of the first speech signal is displayed on a display screen of the radio device. An audible voice signal is then produced from a speaker that is operatively connected to the radio device simultaneously with displaying the text transcription of the first speech signal.
US08856001B2 Speech sound detection apparatus
A speech sound detection apparatus receives an input audio signal (as a sound reception unit), and computes input power that indicates a magnitude of the sound represented by the audio signal (as an input power computation unit). The apparatus estimates a correction function that is a continuous function defining a relation between a certain frequency and a correction coefficient used to approximate the input power computed at that frequency to the reference power predetermined for that frequency (as a correction function estimation unit). The apparatus corrects the input power at every frequency, based upon the correction coefficient that is obtained in accordance with the relation defined by the estimated correction function (as an input power correcting unit). The apparatus further determines whether or not the sound represented by the received audio signal is speech sound, based upon the corrected input power (as a speech sound detection unit).
US08856000B1 Model-driven candidate sorting based on audio cues
Methods and systems for model-driven candidate sorting based on audio cues for evaluating digital interviews are described. In one embodiment, a processing device converts audio data of a candidate in a digital interview into voice-to-text data. An audio cue generator executing on the processing device, generates audio cues of the digital interview based on the voice-to-text data. The audio cues are applied to a prediction model to predict an achievement index for the candidate based on the audio cues. The processing device displays the candidate in a list of candidates based on the achievement index. The list of candidates is sorted according to the candidates' achievement index.
US08855997B2 Linguistic error detection
Potential linguistic errors within a sequence of words of a sentence are identified based on analysis of a configurable sliding window. The analysis is performed based on an assumption that if a sequence of words occurs frequently enough within a large, well-formed corpus, its joint probability for occurring in a sentence is very likely to be greater than the same words randomly ordered.
US08855992B1 Graphical modeling blocks that execute in more than one domain
A time-driven block provided in a block diagram model may be executed in an event domain without user modification. The time-driven block is connected to one or more event-driven blocks using event domain signals. The time-driven block automatically adapts to the execution rules of the event domain modeling and simulation environment. The blocks that are configured to execute in more than one modeling and simulation environments are called polymorphic blocks. The polymorphic blocks are identified during the compilation stage of the block diagram model taking into consideration the port and line styles of the blocks. The execution rules of the polymorphic blocks are also determined during the compilation stage of the block diagram model.
US08855991B2 Method and system for assessing environmental impact of a processing device
Methods and systems for assessing the environmental impact of one or more processing devices, such one or more printers, are disclosed. The system queries a life cycle assessment (LCA) service to receive a life cycle phase model for each device. The life cycle phase model includes a set of consumption variable categories associated with potential device usage during a life cycle phase. The system then receives consumption data for the device, identifies a portion of the consumption data that corresponds to the consumption variable categories in the model, and obtains an assessment of environmental impact of the device during the life cycle phase based on the consumption data.
US08855990B1 System, method, and computer program for providing validation of network model objects within a network model design process
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for providing validation of network model objects within a network model design process. In use, a request to create a design of at least a portion of a network model is received via an interface utilized for creating a network model design. Additionally, at least one object of the network model capable of being utilized to create the design of the at least a portion of the network model is identified, in response to the request. Furthermore, it is determined whether at least one discrepancy has been identified for the at least one object. Moreover, a response to the request to create the design of the at least a portion of the network model is provided that is based on the determination of whether the at least one discrepancy has been identified for the at least one object.
US08855986B2 Iterative method and system to construct robust proxy models for reservoir simulation
A method, system and computer program product is disclosed for utilizing proxy models to evaluate a subterranean reservoir. The method includes constructing a proxy model from a set of sampling points to approximate simulation outputs of a reservoir model. The set of sampling points is updated by adding at least one new sampling point that is selected from a location associated with surface non-linearities such as gradients, curvature, and bending energy. Response surface values at new sampling points and distances to existing sampling points can also be used to evaluate new sampling points. Proxy models are refined with the updated set of sampling points until the proxy model satisfies a predetermined stopping criterion, such as when a predetermined number of iterations are reached or when changes to the response surface are below a predetermined threshold.
US08855984B2 Method and system for providing information from a patient-specific model of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for providing blood flow information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system including a touchscreen. The at least one computer system may be configured to display, on the touchscreen, a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of an anatomical structure of the patient based on patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may also be configured to receive a first input relating to a first location on the touchscreen indicated by at least one pointing object controlled by a user, and the first location on the touchscreen may indicate a first location on the displayed three-dimensional model. The at least one computer system may be further configured to display first information on the touchscreen, and the first information may indicate a blood flow characteristic at the first location.
US08855975B2 Adjusting wheel diameter
A method and apparatus for adjusting wheel diameter by acquiring a current wheel diameter distribution vector; calculating similarity scores between the current wheel diameter distribution vector and known wheel diameter distribution vector clusters to determine a potential wear rate of the current wheel diameter distribution vector; calculating similarity scores between candidate target wheel diameter distribution vectors and the known wheel diameter distribution vector clusters to determine a potential wear rates of the candidate target wheel diameter distribution vectors; and selecting a target wheel diameter distribution vector from the candidate target wheel diameter distribution vectors, such that the reduction of potential wear rate achieved by switching the current wheel diameter distribution vector to the target wheel diameter distribution vector meets a predetermined condition. Future potential wear rates and the amount of grinding required during train maintenance can be optimized through changing wheel diameter distribution vectors.
US08855968B1 Analytical evaluation tool for continuous process plants
A method for evaluating the operation of a continuous process plant uses operational data. The operational data includes data points representing the quantity of a substance processed by the continuous process plant during a plurality of time periods. The quantity of substance processed during these time periods is compared to a goal value. A reliability score is calculated. A banked opportunity score is calculated. An equivalent lost stream days score is calculated. The average quantity processed during periods that equaled or exceeded the goal is calculated. The average quantity processed during periods that were below the goal is calculated. The components of the equipment or machinery of the continuous process plant are classified and correlated to the quantity of lost opportunity. The scores are reported. The scores are also compared to historical data.
US08855966B2 Electronic device having proximity sensor and method for controlling the same
An electronic device includes a main body; at least one proximity sensor arranged in the main body to detect a motion of a user in a predetermined range from the main body. A memory arranged in the main body store a relationship table defining a relationship between an operation event and an executable function. The operation event includes: the times of the proximity of a user to the main body, the duration of a stationary state of the user relative to the main body, and the distance of the movement of a user with respect to the main body. In addition, includes a processor receiving data from the at least one sensor determining an operation event and executing an executable function according to the relationship table.
US08855961B2 Binary definition files
A computer implemented system for testing electronic equipment where files are provided to aid in the conversion of device generic messages into device specific messages and conversion of device specific messages into device generic messages.
US08855960B2 Device and method for testing sensors
An apparatus and a method for testing of sensors for documents of value and a pertinent test medium. A test medium (1) having an electronic data memory (7) for data is provided, the data being used for testing the sensor (11). The data are transmitted from the test medium to a test device (12), which tests the sensor in dependence on the transmitted data.
US08855959B2 Integrated cross-tester analysis and real-time adaptive test
Processing test results from a plurality of individual semiconductor testers by analyzing each test result at an adaptive test engine. A centralized system jointly analyzes all the test results from the plurality of individual semiconductor testers. The adaptive test engine or the centralized system identifies, based on the analysis of each test result or the joint analysis of all the test results, one or more of: a test environmental issue, a tester variability issue, a tester calibration issue, a product variability issue, and a manufacturing process variability issue. The adaptive test engine or the centralized system determines whether one or more of the plurality of individual semiconductor testers causes one or more of the identified issues or whether semiconductor products tested by the plurality of individual semiconductor testers causes one or more of the identified issues.
US08855957B2 Method for calibrating read sensors of electromagnetic read-write heads
Described are embodiments to ensure that the equipment utilized to detect antigens is reliable and accurate. If it is determined that a read sensor is degraded a method of calibrating a read sensor of a read head is described. In one embodiment, a method of calibrating a magnetic read sensor includes measuring a first resistance of the magnetic read sensor upon an application of a forward bias current to the magnetic read sensor and measuring a second resistance of the magnetic read sensor upon an application of a reverse bias current to the magnetic read sensor. A calibration constant is determined based on at least the first measured resistance and the second measured resistance. In one embodiment the method further includes storing the determined calibration constant for the magnetic read sensor in memory. Further, in one embodiment the head module having the magnetic read sensor is swept over at least one nanoparticle to obtain a read response of the magnetic read sensor to the nanoparticle. The read response from the magnetic read sensor of the at least one nanoparticle is adjusted based on the determined calibration constant. Calibration of each individual read sensor allows for uniform read responses from each of the read sensors on a read head, and prevents unreliable an inaccurate detection of analytes due to sensor degradation.
US08855953B2 Electrical power control device and electrical power calculation method in electrical power control device
A motor drive device including a battery 10; switching elements 15 and 16 which are connected in series with a condenser C2 having a voltage Vdc resulting from an increase action of battery voltage and which are operated in a chopper control; a reactor L2 whose one end is connected with a common connection point of the switching elements 15 and 16; and an inverter 19 for driving a PM motor 20 which is connected between another end of the reactor L2 and a negative-pole terminal of the battery 10. In such a motor drive device, an electrical power W is determined based on the voltage Vdc of positive-side point P of the condenser C2, a current Idc flowing in the reactor L2, and a switching duty d1 of the switching element 15 which satisfies a condition of 0≦d1≦1, i.e., is determined by calculating Vdc·d1·Idc.
US08855952B2 Ram air turbine with flux regulated permanent magnet generator and testing method
A deployable ram air turbine assembly includes a rotatable turbine, a drivetrain mechanically connected to the rotatable turbine, and a flux regulated permanent magnet generator operably connected to the drivetrain.
US08855942B2 Anode bleed control strategy for improved water management and hydrogen utilization
A control strategy for bleeding an anode side of fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system that improves water management and addresses durability and performance concerns. The method includes determining when to begin the anode bleed, typically by estimating or measuring the amount of nitrogen in the anode side of the stack. The method also includes determining when to end the anode bleed based on the volume of gas that has been bled. The method determines the mole flow rate of the anode gas flowing through a bleed valve, integrates the mole flow rate to get the number of moles of the gas that have passed through the bleed valve, determines a desired amount of moles to be bled, and ends the bleed when the actual number of moles of the gas equals the desired number of moles of the gas.
US08855940B2 Method of detecting coliform bacteria from reflected light
The present invention relates to a method of detecting coliform bacteria in water from reflected light, and also includes devices for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to that method.
US08855934B2 Noise attenuation of seismic data
The present invention relates to a method of filtering seismic data for noise attenuation. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of processing seismic data in which the seismic data is transformed into an f-x domain using a discrete Fourier transform and is then filtered at each discrete frequency using an infinite impulse response (HR) filter.
US08855932B1 Method and apparatus for measuring surface air pressure
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for remotely measuring surface air pressure. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention utilizes the steps of transmitting a signal having multiple frequencies into the atmosphere, measuring the transmitted/reflected signal to determine the relative received power level of each frequency and then determining the surface air pressure based upon the attenuation of the transmitted frequencies.
US08855927B2 Method for a two-way radio system to make an electronic map enabling each two-way radio to independently perform a function of GPS positioning and display under a condition of no GPS electronic map provided
A group two-way radio system, in a condition of failing to obtain a GPS standard map, is capable of utilizing a console to control a computer to convert any paper map or electronic map not in compliance with a GPS standard to be an electronic map drawing file in compliance with the GPS standard. The map drawing file is transmitted through a RF repeater over an existing RF channel to one or multiple two-way radios in the group so as to enable the two-way radio to perform a method of group positioning and displaying based on the map drawing file.
US08855923B2 Method and system for mapping road conditions by means of terminals
The present invention relates to methods, computer software products, server and system for mapping road conditions, especially friction. In the method according to the invention the acceleration of the vehicle is measured by means of an acceleration sensor, the position of the vehicle is monitored by means of positioning means and the measured acceleration value is combined with the position data of the measurement location. The method compares whether the measured position-specific acceleration value exceeds the value on the server for the said area and in case the value is exceeded, a measured position-specific acceleration value is sent to the server.
US08855922B1 Managing use of location-identification services
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for identifying a location of a mobile computing device. A first location estimate of a mobile computing device and an accuracy of the first location estimate is determined at a mobile computing device based on wireless signals received from one or more beacons. A time period based on the accuracy of the first location estimate is determined. One or more subsequent location estimates of the mobile computing device and respective accuracies are determined. The determination of the subsequent location estimates is stopped at an end of the time period. A preferred location estimate from the determined location estimates is determined at the mobile computing device.
US08855916B2 Comparison of multi-dimensional datasets
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for comparing multi-dimensional datasets are provided. A multi-dimensional dataset comparison includes receiving a plurality of datasets, each including a plurality of coordinates, wherein a subset of coordinates defines a geo-fence. For a coordinate within a geo-fence of one of the plurality of datasets, determining analogous coordinates in each of the other datasets, the analogous coordinates defining a coordinate input set, and performing in parallel an operation on the coordinate input set to determine whether an entry is present at a coordinate of the coordinate input set.
US08855912B2 Travel route evaluation system and travel route evaluation program
A travel route evaluation system is provided which is capable of enhancing the driver's consciousness of traveling on the a recommended route, in order to improve a degree of attainment of purposes, such as suppression of a fuel consumption and shortening of a required time, that would be obtained by presenting the recommended route.The system includes: a route setting unit for setting a recommended route from a departure point to a destination, based on traveling environment information associated with a traveling environment of a vehicle and map data, a ratio calculation unit for calculating a recommended route travel ratio which is a proportion of the recommended route in a traveled route on which the vehicle traveled; and an evaluation information acquisition unit for acquiring evaluation information based on the recommended route travel ratio.
US08855909B2 Route determining system for a vehicle with navigation system
A system for determining an optimum route to a destination by a navigation system of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a navigation system, a remote information system, and a data communication network linking the navigation system and the remote information system. A method is also disclosed that includes the steps of establishing a communication connection between the navigation system and the remote information system, and determining the optimum route to the destination where the optimum route is determined based on requested information received from the remote information system.
US08855908B2 Method and apparatus for providing traffic information associated with map requests
A method and apparatus for enabling users who request a map of a specified route to invoke a data session to see images of the key markers and a video session to see live views of key points along the route are disclosed. If traffic appears congested, the subscriber can request an alternative route from the network along with image and video sessions to verify the traffic conditions of the alternative route.
US08855905B1 Real-time traffic condition measurement using network transmission data
Improved capabilities are described for identifying a first location, at time one, of a plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate a cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, identifying a second location, at time two, for each of the plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate the cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, calculating a vehicle speed for each of the plurality of automobiles using the first and second locations already identified, and creating a traffic condition measure for a route in proximity to the first and second locations. The computer program product may repeat this process in real-time to calculate a real-time traffic condition measure that may be a traffic density measure the computer program product may use to predict a travel time.
US08855902B2 Wireless vehicle detection system and associated methods having enhanced response time
Embodiments of the invention include a wireless vehicle detection systems and associated methods with extended range and battery life. The wireless vehicle detection system can include a plurality of sensor pods in communication with an access point without repeaters. Embodiments of the sensor pod can include a vehicle detector controller adapted to determine the presence of vehicles and a communication controller connected to the vehicle detector and adapted to transmit data 300 feet or more to an access point, which in turns communicates with the base station. To extend the battery life of the sensor pod, the sensor pod can be adapted to detect received communication signal strength and adjust transmitting power based upon said strength to thereby conserve power. Embodiments of the sensor pod can also include a battery connected in parallel to an HLC capacitor to further extend the life of the battery.
US08855900B2 System and method for self-optimizing traffic flow using shared vehicle information
A system and method for self-optimizing traffic flow using shared vehicle information that utilizes multiple controllers in dynamic communication to optimize the flow of traffic. The system and method utilizes one or more traffic synchronization controllers (TSCs) (receivers) that receive information from one or more vehicle based transmitters called vehicle information agents (VIAs) and/or a network of traffic control devices (TCDs) associated with the traffic synchronization controllers to determine a variety of information related to traffic within a geographic region, including volume, speed, destination, intended route of the vehicle, as well as other vehicle related information, in order to determine the optimal flow of traffic within the region. The system and method then transmits traffic control signals to the various traffic control devices within the region or adjacent regions in order to optimally control the flow of traffic. The system and method may also share information amongst traffic synchronization controllers within the network in order to optimize the flow of traffic over a larger region.
US08855899B2 Virtual traffic sensors
Techniques are described for virtual traffic sensors (VTS). In an implementation, an electronic device provides a variety of functionality including at least functionality to determine position. The electronic device may be further configured to ascertain locations of one or more virtual traffic sensors. In at least some embodiments, locations of virtual traffic sensors are determined by the electronic device using a variety of VTS criteria. Using a determined position, the electronic device may detect proximity to the virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may collect traffic related data when in proximity to the one or more virtual traffic sensors. The electronic device may then communicate the collected traffic data over a suitable network connection to a service provider.
US08855897B2 Vehicle start control apparatus
An apparatus includes a first switch turned ON in response to depression of a pedal, and OFF in response to depression being released; a second switch that assumes a first state in response to depression of the pedal, and a second state in response to pedal release; and a control unit that determines whether the first switch is in the first state. The control unit starts the engine, if in the first state and if the engine start switch is operated.
US08855895B2 System and method for reducing vehicle generated carbon dioxide emissions
A system is disclosed having a primary vehicle and a secondary vehicle that is carried by the primary vehicle when not in use. The system further includes at least one of an immobilizing device to immobilize the primary vehicle if the secondary vehicle is removed from the primary vehicle, a data storage device for storing information regarding usage of the primary and secondary vehicles, a user interface device for displaying information regarding usage of the primary and secondary vehicles, and a user prompt for providing information regarding potential opportunities for use of the secondary vehicle to encourage usage of the secondary vehicle and lower CO2 emissions.
US08855886B2 Device for calculating and communicating the true aircraft braking coefficient of a runway or taxiway using data from the flight data management systems of landed aircraft
A computer network for calculating a value for the true braking coefficient of friction for an aircraft runway or taxiway using data from one or more aircraft's flight data recorders or flight data management systems, and reporting the calculated value information to individuals and agencies including air traffic control, airport operations and maintenance, and aircraft pilots and ground crews is described and claimed herein. The data may be obtained in real-time by either an onboard or an off-aircraft high-power computing system, calculating the aircraft's true braking coefficient of friction, and reporting the calculated information to the individuals and agencies.
US08855879B2 Method for operating a clutch
A method of operating a clutch serving as a shift element and/or starting clutch of a drive train. During engagement, the clutch will be filled by a fast filling up to a defined minimum pressure. The fast filling is at least subdivided into two phases comprising a basic filling phase and an extension and/or a cutout phase. At the end of the basic filling phase, the actual clutch pressure is measured, and then, when the actual clutch pressure is equal to or larger than the minimum pressure, the extension and/or cutout phase is activated immediately following the basic filling phase. When the actual clutch pressure is lower than the minimum pressure, activation of the extension and/or the cutout phase is at least delayed by a pressure holding phase and, if necessary, by a pressure surplus phase.
US08855874B2 Method and device for controlling a vehicle cruise control
A method and device are provided for controlling a vehicle cruise control in a vehicle, the method including registering a starting point and an end destination for a possible traveling route of the vehicle, registering a desired traveling time for the traveling route, calculating and setting limits for parameters of the cruise control in order to arrive at the end destination on the desired traveling time with as low fuel consumption as possible.
US08855871B2 Engine overrun-preventing control device for work vehicle
In an engine-overrun-preventing control device, if an engine speed exceeds a maximum speed, a minimum value of an inching rate is set such that higher the actual engine speed results in a higher minimum value of an inching rate. The hydraulic pump displacement is adjusted to obtain a higher inching rate between the minimum value of the inching rate and an inching rate set based on a brake stroke. If the engine speed exceeds a commanded speed and a pressure time-rate-of-change at the pump intake exceeds a prescribed value, the minimum value of the inching rate is set such that the higher the pressure time-rate-of-change, the higher the minimum value of the inching rate. The pump displacement is adjusted to obtain a higher inching rate between the minimum value of the inching rate set based on the pressure time-rate-of-change and the inching rate set based on the brake stroke.
US08855866B2 Rear end advanced collision technology
A method of controlling stability of a vehicle comprises monitoring vehicle information with an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit determines if a rear collision from a second vehicle approaching from a rear direction is likely. A first response signal is sent to at least one vehicle system from the electronic control unit prior to the rear collision. The at least one vehicle system changes state based upon the first response signal to prepare the vehicle for the rear collision.
US08855865B2 Collision determination device, collision determination method, and occupant protection device
A collision determination device for determining a collision occurrence against a door part of a vehicle has: a door acceleration detector that detects an acceleration generated on the door part of the vehicle and a direction of the acceleration; and a collision determination part that determines that a collision has occurred against the door part from the outside, when the direction of the acceleration detected by the door acceleration detector is a closing direction of the door part, and determines that no collision has occurred against the door part from the outside, when the direction of the acceleration detected by the door acceleration detector is an opening direction of the door part.
US08855861B2 Vehicle drive control systems and the related vehicles
Vehicle control systems that can be used, for example, to configure a vehicle (e.g., a lawn tractor or riding lawn mower) to make low- to substantially zero-radius turns. Some of the present vehicle control systems utilize at least one steered wheel position sensor to generate a signal that indicates the actual position of the steerable structure (e.g., wheel) to which the sensor is coupled, rather than a projected or anticipated position of that steerable structure. Vehicles that include such control systems.
US08855857B2 Electric motor controller and electric motor controller for vehicle steering apparatus
An electric motor controller for controlling an electric motor that includes a rotor and a stator that faces the rotor. The electric motor controller includes a current drive unit; an addition angle calculation unit; a control angle calculation unit; a torque detection unit; a changing unit and a suspending unit.
US08855855B2 Vehicle control apparatus
S vehicle control apparatus that includes a touch panel configured to be touched by a user and a sound wave generator. The sound wave generator including a plurality of patterns formed in different shapes and heights on the touch panel, and is configured to generate sound waves having unique shapes when the user touches the patterns. A sound wave detection sensor is configured to detect the sound waves generated by the sound wave generator. A controller is configured to receive the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection sensor and output vehicle control signals corresponding to the respective sound waves.
US08855849B1 Object detection based on known structures of an environment of an autonomous vehicle
An autonomous vehicle may be configured to detect objects based on known structures of an environment. The vehicle may be configured to obtain image data from a sensor and be configured to operate in an autonomous mode. The image data may include data indicative of a known structure in the environment. The vehicle may include a computer system. The computer system may determine, based on a first portion of the image data, information indicative of an appearance of the known structure. The computer system may determine, based on a second portion of the image data, information indicative of an appearance of an unknown object in the environment. The computer system may also compare the information indicative of the appearance of the known structure with the information indicative of the appearance of the unknown object and provide instructions to control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the comparison.
US08855848B2 Radar, lidar and camera enhanced methods for vehicle dynamics estimation
A system for estimation vehicle dynamics, including vehicle position and velocity, using a stationary object. The system includes an object sensor that provides object signals of the stationary object. The system also includes in-vehicle sensors that provide signals representative of vehicle motion. The system also includes an association processor that receives the object signals, and provides object tracking through multiple frames of data. The system also includes a longitudinal state estimation processor that receives the object signals and the sensor signals, and provides a correction of the vehicle speed in a forward direction. The system also includes a lateral state estimation processor that receives the object signals and the sensor signals, and provides a correction of the vehicle speed in the lateral direction.
US08855846B2 System and method for onboard vision processing
An unmanned aerial vehicle with a camera and conventional sensors, where the processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on the image data and the sensor data. A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle where a processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on image data corrected by traditional sensor data.
US08855845B2 Systems and methods for controlling operation of a vehicle
A method of controlling operational modes of a hybrid electric vehicle includes: determining whether an all-electric range (AER) of the vehicle is at or less than a first predetermined value; activating a first operational mode if the AER is determined to be at or less than the first predetermined value; determining, while the first operational mode is active, whether the AER of the vehicle is greater than a second predetermined value; activating a second operational mode if the AER is determined to be greater than the second predetermined value.
US08855842B2 Vehicular charging facility guidance device, vehicular charging facility guidance method, and computer program
A vehicular charging facility guidance device is provided. The guidance device includes a route setting unit that sets a route from a departure point of a vehicle to a destination, a map display unit that displays a map on a display device, and a route display unit that displays the route set by the route setting unit to be overlapped with the map displayed on the display device. The guidance device also includes a frame display unit that displays a frame to be overlapped with the route on the display device and a frame movement unit that moves a reference position of the frame displayed by the frame display unit along the route. The guidance devise further includes a charging facility guidance unit that provides information on a charging facility located within an area delimited by the frame on the map.
US08855838B2 Automatic takeoff method for an aircraft with a flexible airfoil, and airfoil and aircraft
The invention relates to an automatic takeoff method for an aircraft with a flexible airfoil, comprising a carriage suspended by rigging lines from an airfoil. According to said method: —said carriage is provided with an autopilot controlling actuators that control said rigging lines; —said airfoil is provided with an airfoil attitude sensor, comprising a biaxial accelerometer and a biaxial rate gyro, capable of defining the position of an airfoil reference frame in relation to the ground, and means for communicating with said autopilot; —during takeoff, information is received from said airfoil attitude sensor and transmitted to said autopilot for the purpose of controlling said actuators. The invention also relates to an airfoil for the implementation of said method, comprising an airfoil attitude sensor with an inertial unit with a biaxial accelerometer and a biaxial rate gyro, and means for communicating with an autopilot. The invention further relates to an aircraft comprising such an airfoil.
US08855836B2 Methods and systems for implementing software-selectable multipurpose aircraft pins
An avionics system configurable through software to support more than one pin-out design. An exemplary system includes configuration pins that receive one or more signals from an external source, one or more subcircuits, one or more multipurpose input/output pins, a controller that determines a configuration mode based on one or more received signals, and a selection circuit that connects one of the subcircuits with one or more of the multipurpose input/output pins, based on the determined configuration mode.
US08855834B2 Sensing system for following a stringline
A sensing system for providing string line vehicle automation. The system includes a master controller that is electrically connected to a receiver that has a transceiver that provides over-the-air communication to a plurality of sensors that are aligned along a string line. The transceivers receive information from the plurality of sensors in order to automate the control of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle drives in a straight line.
US08855830B2 Energy management system and method
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a network device disposed at a residence and a wireless home energy network capable of establishing communication with the network device. A server is disposed remotely from the residence and capable of generating a control action report to control the network devices. A controller is located at the residence and in communication with the server and configured to establish the wireless home energy network; initiate a plurality of operating status requests of the network device; receive device data in response to at least one of the operating status requests; generate a site report including the device data; initiate a communication of the site report to the remote server; and detect an availability of the control action report at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the site report.
US08855829B2 Method for controlling energy resources
A system and method for managing power consumption and storage in a power grid. Measurements are received from a plurality of geographically distributed energy management controllers. Each energy management controllers has energy storage units with stored energy. The measurements comprise the energy production and storage capacity of the energy management controllers and their associated energy storage units. The measurements are processed, e.g., aggregated, and displayed on a graphical user interface. Commands are transmitted to a first subset of the energy management controllers to command the units to discharge their stored energy into a power grid through an inverter. Commands are transmitted to a second subset of the plurality of energy management controllers to store energy in each unit's energy storage unit.
US08855828B2 Facilitating distributed power production units in a power group to store power for power conditioning during an anticipated temporary power production disruption
In an embodiment, a server monitors a set of parameters associated with future power production capacity of a set of distributed power production units that belong to a power group supplying power to a given serving area of a power grid during a given period of time. The server predicts, for a portion of the given period of time, a temporary power production disruption that will affect the power group based on the monitoring. The server sends a control message to the power group based on the prediction. At least one power production unit in the power group receives the control message, and responsive to the control message diverts at least a portion of power being supplied to the given serving area to local storage, detects the temporary power disruption and conditions power supplied to the given serving area during the temporary power distribution based upon the locally stored power.
US08855820B2 Leg motion trajectory generation device for legged mobile robot
A device 11 includes a floor surface information acquisition portion 21 which acquires floor surface information in a plurality of local regions of a floor surface. The gait generator 22 of the device 11 sets the desired landing position and posture of a free leg 3 of a robot 1 within one local region and determines a desired horizontal motion trajectory of the distal end of the free leg 3 to determine a desired vertical motion trajectory of the distal end of the free leg 3 so that the height of the distal end of the free leg 3 is equal to or higher than a lower-limit height determined to prevent a contact between the distal end of the free leg 3 and the floor surface of the local region at the positions of a plurality of sampling points on the desired horizontal motion trajectory.
US08855819B2 Method and apparatus for simultaneous localization and mapping of robot
A SLAM of a robot is provided. The position of a robot and the position of feature data may be estimated by acquiring an image of the robot's surroundings, extracting feature data from the image, and matching the extracted feature data with registered feature data. Furthermore, measurement update is performed in a camera coordinate system and an appropriate assumption is added upon coordinate conversion, thereby reducing non-linear components and thus improving the SLAM performance.
US08855818B2 Monitoring apparatus for robot
The invention is a monitoring apparatus for monitoring a condition of an end-effector of a robot having a vacuum absorption pad to hold an article. The pad is elastically supported by the end-effector. The apparatus includes a pad receiving part having a front surface and a through hole, the pad receiving part being movable in a direction perpendicular to the front surface; an elastically supporting unit for elastically supporting the pad receiving part in a direction perpendicular to the front surface; a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the pad receiving part; a vacuum sensor connected to the through hole; and a judging unit for judging conditions of an elastic support of the pad and a vacuum absorption of the pad based on detection results of the movement detection unit and the vacuum sensor.
US08855816B2 Piezoelectric actuator, robot hand, and robot
A piezoelectric actuator includes a frequency controller that controls the frequency and power of the driving signal, wherein when the phase difference falls within a predetermined range, the control unit stores the value of the frequency of the driving signal as a first frequency memory value, sets a voltage to a upper limit voltage value, and performs control of adjusting the frequency of the driving signal so that the phase difference is maintained to be within a predetermined range, and when the frequency of the driving signal is changed from the first frequency memory value by an amount exceeding a first value determined in advance, the control unit stores the value of the frequency of the driving signal as a second frequency memory value and sets the voltage to a lower limit voltage value lower than the upper limit voltage value.
US08855815B2 Motion path search device and method of searching for motion path
A motion path search device which searches for a motion path of a movable part of a robot capable of being taught a motion by direct teaching in which the robot is directly moved by an operator includes: a first space identification unit which identifies a space swept through by the movable part of the robot in the direct teaching; a second space identification unit which identifies a space swept through by at least a portion of a body of the operator in the direct teaching; a space combining unit which calculates, as an accessible space, a union of the space identified by the first space identification unit and the space identified by the second space identification unit; and a path search unit which searches for a motion path of the movable part within the accessible space calculated by the space combining unit.
US08855814B2 Robot and control method thereof
A robot and a control method thereof which execute grasp planning of hands of the robot separately from motion planning of arms of the robot so as to apply a result of the grasp planning of the hands of the robot to the motion planning of the arms of the robot, and thus more rapidly, naturally and stably grasp an object in a grasp manner suited to a desired working purpose and judge whether or not grasping is executable prior to the motion planning of the arms of the robot, thereby more stably grasping the object.
US08855809B2 Material sorting technology
Systems for sorting materials, such as those made of metal, are described. The systems may operate by irradiating the materials with x-rays and then detecting fluoresced x-rays, transmitted x-rays, or both. Detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be performed using an x-ray fluorescence detector array. The systems may be configured to provide high throughput sorting of small pieces of materials.
US08855808B2 Storage magazine with integrated targeting
Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features.
US08855800B2 Method for manufacturing dental implant components
A method for making a rapid prototype of a patient's mouth to be used in the design and fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The method takes an impression of a mouth including a first installation site having a dental implant installed in the first installation site and a gingival healing abutment having at least one informational marker attached to the dental implant. A stone model is prepared based on the impression. The model is scanned. The scan data is transferred to a CAD program. A three-dimensional model of the installation site is created in the CAD program. The at least one informational marker is determined to gather information for manufacturing the rapid prototype. Rapid prototype dimensional information is developed. The rapid prototype dimensional information is transferred to a rapid prototyping machine which fabricate a rapid prototype of the patient's dentition as well as a dental implant analog position.
US08855797B2 Managing playback of synchronized content
A computing device may provide a control interface that enables the user to manage the synchronized output of companion content (e.g., textual content and corresponding audio content). For example, the computing device may display a visual cue to identify a current location in textual content corresponding to a current output position of companion audio content. As the audio content is presented, the visual cue may be advanced to maintain synchronization between the output position within the audio content and a corresponding position in the textual content. The user may control the synchronized output by dragging her finger across the textual content displayed on the touch screen. Accordingly, the control interface may provide a highlight or other visual indication of the distance between the advancing position in the textual content and the location of a pointer to the textual content indicated by the current position of the user's finger.
US08855785B1 Circuits for minimizing heating of an implanted lead and/or providing EMI protection in a high power electromagnetic field environment
An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire and at least one non-linear circuit element switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy to the energy dissipating surface. The non-linear circuit element switch is typically a PIN diode.
US08855782B2 Medical accessory proximity testing, detection, and alerting system
Disclosed is a system having an implanted component and external component which are configured to provide a test of wireless communication in order to assess the success or failure of such communication and to store attributes related to such test in a memory log. To provide the communication test the implantable and external components can attempt wireless communication according to communication test parameters which relate to number of times to retry communication, duration of sending communication test signals, durations of waiting for communication test signals and the schedule of the communication tests. The schedule of tests may be periodic or may change over time in order to become more or less frequent according to a programmable schedule that may also decrease if the communication tests are successful and indicate patient compliance in keeping the external components close by. The communication tests can assist in determining if the patient is maintaining external components within a suggested proximity (e.g. 6 feet) of the patient and may assist to determine if transmission or reception difficulties are the source of communication failure. A physician programmer can provide for programming, conducting, summarizing and assessing the results of communication tests.
US08855778B2 Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerve chain
The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected.
US08855776B2 System and method for treating a nerve symptom
An implantable electrical stimulation system for treating a nerve symptom, the system comprising an implantable device. The implantable devices includes a wave generator that is operable to generate a signal wave and a white noise, mix the signal wave and the white noise, and produce an electrical stimulating signal. The system further comprises an electrode unit located in close proximity to a target nerve and is operable to provide the electrical stimulating signal to the nerve. The system further comprises an external controlling device.
US08855775B2 Systems and methods of reducing artifact in neurological stimulation systems
Systems and methods for neuromonitoring a subject are described. The system may include a stimulation assembly including a pulse generator that generates one or more stimulus waveforms; an electrode array coupled to the stimulation assembly and configured to deliver a stimulation signal to nervous system of the subject; a sensing assembly adapted to acquire a signal from a subject indicative of the subject's brain activity; a power supply configured to supply power to the stimulation assembly and the sensing assembly; and a timing controller programmed to control the use of the power supply by the stimulation assembly and the sensing assembly, said timing controller being programmed to control the time the sensing assembly is powered to acquire the signal to be substantially different than the time the stimulation assembly is powered to stimulate the subject.
US08855770B2 Duodenal eating sensor
Apparatus is described including a sensing electrode that detects electrical activity of a duodenum of a subject. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to facilitate a treatment of the subject responsively to the detected electrical activity. Other embodiments are also described.
US08855768B1 Capacitor for an active implantable medical device (AIMD) for handling high RF power induced in an implanted lead from an external RF field
An RF filter for an active medical device (AMD), for handling RF power induced in an associated lead from an external RF field at a selected MRI frequency or range frequencies includes a capacitor having a capacitance of between 100 and 10,000 picofarads, and a temperature stable dielectric having a dielectric constant of 200 or less and a temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) within the range of plus 400 to minus 7112 parts per million per degree centigrade. The capacitor's dielectric loss tangent in ohms is less than five percent of the capacitor's equivalent series resistance (ESR) at the selected MRI RF frequency or range of frequencies.
US08855767B2 Neural stimulation devices and systems for treatment of chronic inflammation
A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator.
US08855765B2 Fault tolerant methods and architectures for embedded intelligence in medical leads
The present disclosure pertains to methods, devices and systems for detection of a lead-related condition in a medical electrical lead. In accordance with the disclosure, a physiological waveform interpreter module embedded within the lead functions to sense the occurrence of a cardiac event and to generate a minimal impact signal. In an example implementation, the physiological waveform interpreter module is disposed proximate to the sensing site or vicinity of cardiac signals. The physiological waveform interpreter module transmits the minimal impact signal that may include one or more predetermined properties to a remotely located lead monitoring module upon sensing a cardiac event. The lead monitoring module receives and processes the minimal impact signal to determine whether a cardiac depolarization has occurred and simultaneously verify the integrity of the transmission medium.
US08855759B2 Method of treating a rheumatic disorder using combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and a ginsenoside
The present invention relates to a method of treating rheumatic disorders, and symptoms of arthritis specifically. The method involves utilizing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in combination with administration of a ginsenoside, such as Rb1.
US08855757B2 Mobile wellness device
The invention is directed to a system for acquiring electrical footprint of the heart, electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and heart rate variability monitoring, incorporated into a mobile device accessory. The ECG signal is conveniently acquired and transmitted to a server via the mobile device, offering accurate heart rate variability biofeedback measurement which is portable and comfortable during normal daily life. The invention provides a reliable tool for applications such as wellness, meditation, relaxation, sports and fitness training, and stress-relief therapy where accurate heart rate variability measurement is desired.
US08855754B2 Apparatus and method for detecting epilepsy seizure
An apparatus for detecting an epilepsy seizure, includes: a graph generating unit configured to generate an orthogonal graph where values of heart beat intervals are sequentially plotted while a heart beat interval at an arbitrary timing is set as a first coordinate and a next heart beat interval is set as a second coordinate; and a seizure detecting unit configured to detect the epilepsy seizure based on: a change of a distribution of a group of the plotted values in a first direction perpendicular to a straight line passing an origin and a point where the first and second coordinates are equal to each other; and a change of a distribution of the group of the plotted values in a second direction parallel to the straight line.
US08855753B2 Apparatus and method for measuring a biological signal
Provided is a method and apparatuses for measuring a biological signal, in which a biological signal of an examinee is detected via at least one interface that touches skin of the examinee, and a dummy signal is detected via a dummy interface Noise that is generated by a fluctuation in the electrical characteristics of the at least one interface is removed from the biological signal using the biological signal and the dummy signal.
US08855751B2 Multidirectional scan and algorithmic skin health analysis
Technologies generally applicable to detecting skin conditions are disclosed. A computer graphics scanning apparatus may be configured to capture skin image data, and use the captured skin image data to calculate a subsurface transfer function for the skin, which may identify subsurface properties of the skin. The identified subsurface properties may be correlated to one or more skin conditions for medical and/or cosmetic treatment diagnosis.
US08855747B2 Engaged fiducials and system for deployment
Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system including a needle and at least two adjacent and releasably-engaged fiducials retained within a lumen of the needle by engagement with each other and/or by engagement with a pusher element. A fiducial may include one or more mechanical engagement structures that interengage with and/or are rupturably attached to one or more adjacent fiducials. The needle, which may include echogenic enhancements, may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. A variety of releasably-engaged fiducials are disclosed, as are methods for use.
US08855745B2 Mammography installation
A mammography installation or a mammography system allows x-ray projections of the breasts for at least one 3D volume image to be calculated with and without a contrast agent progression, and without repositioning of the patient within an examination cycle.
US08855744B2 Displaying a device within an endoluminal image stack
Apparatus and methods are described including, while an endoluminal data-acquisition device is being moved through a subject's lumen, acquiring a plurality of endoluminal data points of the lumen using the endoluminal data-acquisition device. It is determined that respective endoluminal data points correspond to respective locations along the lumen. A display is driven to display at least some of the plurality of endoluminal data points in a stack. While a second endoluminal device is inside the lumen, a current location of at least a portion of the second endoluminal device with respect to the lumen is determined. In response thereto, an image of the second endoluminal device is displayed within the stack, at a location within the stack corresponding to the current location of the second endoluminal device. Other applications are also described.
US08855743B2 Non-contrast magnetic resonance perfusion imaging
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system acquires MRI data within one patient breath-hold sufficient to generate (a) at least one tag-off first type non-contrast cardiac perfusion image using a data acquisition sub-sequence including a non-selective IR (inversion recovery) pulse and (b) at least one tag-on second type non-contrast cardiac perfusion image using a data acquisition sub-sequence including a non-selective IR pulse and a spatially selective IR pulse. A set of registered tag-on and tag-off images are differentially combined to produce an accurate cardiac perfusion image.
US08855740B1 System and method for determining size and size distribution of magnetic nanoparticles using VSM magnetization data
A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness.
US08855727B2 Mobile electronic device with an adaptively responsive flexible display
A mobile electronic device having a flexible display device is disclosed. A request to retrieve information from a server over a wireless network is triggered based on flexing the flexible display device and other gestures.
US08855724B2 Hearing aid compliant mobile handset
A hearing aid compatible mobile handset is provided with a parasitic element which is electrically connected to a groundplane of a circuit board. The parasitic element may have a length of around one-quarter wavelength of a frequency of interest. The parasitic element may be are arranged as a pair of parasitic elements. The parasitic element can be disposed in a location where the near field strength is near a peak so as to help reduce the near field level to a point that will allow operation of the handset adjacent a hearing aid.
US08855718B2 Signal transmission method, apparatus, and base station
Embodiments of the present invention provide a signal transmission method, apparatus, and base station. The method includes: sending downlink signals through N sectors, where the N sectors are created by using M sectors used to receive uplink signals, and N>M. In the embodiments of the present invention, the base station creates N sectors by using M sectors used to receive uplink signals and sends downlink signals through the N sectors, so that the multi-sector technology is mainly used in the downlink and the multi-antenna technology is mainly used in the uplink. This may resolve an existing conflict between the uplink and the downlink when system capacity is being improved, thereby improving system capacity of a wireless communication network.
US08855712B2 Mobile phone using dedicated and programmable processors for pipelined image processing, and method thereof
Cell phones and other portable devices are equipped with a variety of technologies by which existing functionality is improved, and new functionality is provided. Some aspects relate to imaging architectures, in which a cell phone's image sensor is one in a chain of stages that successively act on instructions/data, to capture and later process imagery. Other aspects relate to distribution of processing tasks between the device and remote resources (“the cloud”). Elemental image processing, such as filtering and edge detection—and even some simpler template matching operations—may be performed on the cell phone. Other operations are referred out to remote service providers. The remote service providers can be identified using techniques such as a reverse auction, through which they compete for processing tasks. Other aspects of the disclosed technologies relate to visual search capabilities, and determining appropriate actions responsive to different image inputs. Still others concern metadata generation, processing, and representation. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
US08855710B1 Apparatus and method for a web programmable telephone
A web programmable telephone and a method for operating a web programmable telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a voice module of a wireless household telephone is controlled by an internal web module that can retrieve and execute data operations from a remote portal or server thus adding data functionality to the conventional functions of a telephone. The programmable web module controls all functionality of the web programmable telephone so that every function of the telephone can be programmed and customized by a user.
US08855707B2 Camera as input interface
A portable handheld electronic device contains a camera lens and accelerometer to allow a user to control voicemail and call features by swiping his finger across the camera lens and/or tapping the device. Therefore, the user can comfortably input commands into the device with a single hand and without needing to move the phone away from his ear to apply these inputs. In another embodiment, the camera lens can also be used to control navigation of the display screen or a displayed document of the device. For example, if a user wishes to shift a scrollbar for a page displayed on the screen downwards to view the bottom of the page, the user should move his finger over the camera lens in an analogous downward direction.
US08855706B2 Communication terminals and methods for controlling a receiver of a communication terminal
A communication terminal is described comprising a determiner configured to determine, for at least one communication connection of the communication terminal, a type of the physical channel used by the communication connection and a type of data transmitted via the communication connection and a controller configured to control a receiver of the communication terminal to use a reception performance enhancement functionality depending on the type of the physical channel and the type of data transmitted via the communication connection.
US08855700B2 Uplink power control
A power control applied to a radio network controller (40) when a user equipment (300) is in communication with a serving radio base station (10) and at least one other radio base station (20) involves the radio network controller (40) providing a quality representation of an uplink control channel (12) from the user equipment (300) to the serving radio base station (10). The radio network controller (40) generates an updated power quality target for a reference control channel based on the quality representation and transmits the updated power quality target to at least one of the serving radio base station (10) and the at least one other radio base station (20). Alternatively, the radio network controller (40) generates an updated power offset for the uplink control channel (12) relative a reference control channel based on the quality representation and transmits the updated power offset to the user equipment (300).
US08855699B2 Method and arrangement for determining a minimum transmit power gain factor for an enhanced uplink data communication
A minimum value or range for a transmit power gain factor is determined that controls the transmit power level over an enhanced uplink data channel relative so as to ensure delivery of a minimum data service requirement over the enhanced uplink data channel. The minimum value or range for the enhanced uplink data channel power gain factor may be determined based on a selected enhanced uplink transmission format and/or a maximum number of allowable transmission attempts over the enhanced uplink data channel for a communications session so that the required Quality of Service (QoS) for the communications session can be fulfilled and an expected uplink coverage gain can be reached. The minimum value or range for the enhanced uplink data channel power gain factor is also compatible with other techniques to increase enhanced uplink coverage such as autonomous retransmission and improved L2 techniques.
US08855695B2 Combined base transceiver station and base station controller data call
A system, method, and computer readable medium for a data call setup comprises receiving an origination message by a radio call control (RCC) and by a main call control (MCC), receiving an assignment request message by the MCC and by the RCC, and receiving a traffic channel assignment message by a channel element control (CEC) and by the MCC.
US08855693B2 Method and apparatus for controlling wireless devices
A wireless device operates in a first mode in which the device can send data to and receive data from an access point. The device receives control data from the access point comprising first data indicative of a time period and second data indicative of a control parameter. The device operates in a second mode for the time period specified by the first data and on the basis of the control parameter. In the second mode, at least some circuitry of the device used for sending data and at least some circuitry of the device used for receiving data is placed in a low power state, and data to be sent to the access point is stored in a buffer of the device. After expiry of the time period, the device operates in the first mode to send the data stored in the buffer to the access point.
US08855689B2 Direct SMS message delivery over broadband data networks through an SMS-C
SMS-C's and associated methods are disclosed that attempt to deliver SMS messages over a broadband data network as opposed to a voice network. An SMS-C described herein stores session information for a mobile device that has established a data session over the broadband data network. When the SMS-C receives a Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS message destined for the mobile device, the SMS-C stores the SMS message for delivery. The SMS-C then identifies a routing address for the mobile device over the broadband data network based on the stored session information, and forwards the SMS message to the mobile device directly over the broadband data network based on the routing address.
US08855686B1 Method and system of paging a mobile station
A method and system of paging a mobile station. In response to receiving a request to set up a communication with a mobile station, a radio network controller (RNC) may identify a last-known location of the mobile station. The RNC may then identify two or more paging areas based on the mobile station's last-known location. In turn, the RNC may determine an indication of traffic for each of the identified paging areas. For example, the RNC may determine an indication of traffic for a paging area by (a) determining a number of communication requests received by BTSs located in the paging area within a given time period, (b) determining a number of BTSs located in the paging area, and (c) dividing the number of communication requests by the number of BTSs. Thereafter, the RNC may page the mobile station in the identified paging area having the highest indication of traffic.
US08855678B2 Selected acknowledgment positioning optimizations
A location server, such as a Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) or E-SMLC and mobile terminal selectively implement the reliable transport mechanism used in, e.g., LPP or LPPe protocols, thereby decreasing unnecessary delays. The reliable transport mechanism may be selectively implemented by not requiring an acknowledgement for specific messages, such as an unsolicited assistance data message. When assistance data is solicited, however, the responsive assistance data message includes an acknowledgement request as per the reliable transport mechanism.
US08855674B2 Transmitter position integrity checking
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining whether a reported position of a wireless transmitter is sufficiently accurate in accordance with an accuracy metric based at least in part on a calculated range between an estimated position of a mobile station and the reported position and also based at least in part on one or more measurements taken from one or more signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter.
US08855673B2 Network location management entity
The present invention relates to a network location management entity for managing location information indicating a location of a mobile terminal in a communication network. The network location management entity comprises a provider (101) for providing pre-stored information on a network communication node which handled communications of the mobile terminal, and a transmitter (103) for transmitting a subscriber location request towards the network communication node if the pre-stored information fulfills a validity criterion, the subscriber location request requesting a transmission of the location information.
US08855671B1 System and method for determining position
Systems and methods for determining a position of a mobile device including a magnetic signal source deployed at a predetermined location. The magnetic signal source is adapted to transmit a low frequency modulated magnetic signal. The position and orientation of the mobile device relative to the predetermined location of the magnetic signal source is determined based on the signal bearing and the signal strength.
US08855665B2 Location privacy enforcement in a location-based services platform
A method for determining the privacy settings for location-based services without some of the disadvantages of the prior art is disclosed. This is done by establishing a session between the location generator and the location recipient. The session is created by a validator that is capable of keeping track of the rules for a stream of location objects created by a location generator. The validator determines what information to send to the location recipient without having to determine the rules for each location object and each location recipient every time a new location object is received by the location server.
US08855661B1 Adaptive power control with an overall power control command
Methods and computer-readable media are provided to determine which sector the mobile device will bias during soft handoff. Signals are received from multiple sectors, and for a first quantity of time slots of a frame, the signals are inspected to determine whether a quality threshold is met. Based on whether the quality threshold is met, each sector is assigned a power control command indicating that either a decrease or increase of output power is recommended when a subsequent signal is sent to the mobile device. For a second quantity of time slots, the overall power control command sent to the sectors corresponds to the power control command assigned to the sector that has communicated the highest quality signals for the first quantity of time slots of the frame.
US08855659B2 Transmission device and transmission method
A transmission device includes a transmission power setting unit that respectively sets a transmission power for transmitting a main sound signal indicating a main sound and transmission powers for transmitting one or two or more subsidiary sound signals which pertain to the main sound signal and which realize a predetermined sound effect, and a first communication unit that respectively transmits the main sound signal and the one or two or more subsidiary sound signals on time division channels using the same frequency band, based on the transmission powers set by the transmission power setting unit, wherein the transmission power setting unit sets the transmission power for the main sound signal to a first reference value, and sets the transmission powers for the subsidiary sound signals to a second reference value smaller than the first reference value.
US08855658B2 Interference avoidance on common channels in uncoordinated network deployments with flexible spectrum use
A network access node selects one chunk of spectrum from a plurality of chunks of spectrum to be a primary chunk for a particular cell; transmits in the primary chunk from a broadcast channel BCH that contains information needed by a terminal to at least perform initial cell access; and uses a synchronization channel SCH to indicate which chunk of the plurality of chunks is the primary chunk. A user equipment receives a SCH in a particular chunk of spectrum; determines from it that one chunk is a primary chunk for a particular cell; tunes its receiver to a BCH in the primary chunk and uses information received on the BCH to obtain initial access to the particular cell. In various embodiments the SCH is only in the primary chunk or the SCH has some indication (e.g., cell ID or relative position of primary chunk) telling which chunk is primary.
US08855655B2 Methods and apparatus for signaling parameter distribution for neighboring radio frequencies
Methods and apparatus for signaling parameter distribution for neighboring radio frequencies. A method includes identifying selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs) and one or more neighboring LOIs, generating a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the selected LOIs and their respective neighbors and specifies SP information for each RF channel associated with the selected LOIs and their respective neighbors, and distributing the NDM over each of the selected LOIs. An apparatus includes a message decoder configured to receive a NDM that identifies RF channels associated with selected LOIs and one or more neighboring LOIs, wherein each RF channel is associated with SP information, and processing logic configured to receive a request to obtain selected SP information associated with a selected RF channel, determine the selected SP information associated with the selected RF channel based on the NDM, and output the selected SP information.
US08855652B2 Mobile communication terminal, network device, mobile communication system, and mobile communication method
A mobile communication system 100 is configured to determine whether to or not to measure a reception quality of a signal broadcasted from the specific cell, based on at least one piece of information of a moving speed of the mobile communication terminal 10, location information of the mobile communication terminal 10, and a usage state of the specific cell. The mobile communication terminal 10 is configured to measure the reception quality of the signal broadcasted from the specific cell when it is determined that the reception quality of a signal broadcasted from the specific cell has to be measured.
US08855651B2 Base station, gateway, mobile communication system, and handover target specifying method and program used therefor
In order to specify a handover target of a mobile station regardless of allocation of PSCs, each of femto base stations (10—1-10—3) forming a mobile communication system (1) stores phase differences between one timing for each base station to start generation of SFN and timings for other base stations to respectively start generation of SFN. The phase differences differ from each other. Each base station adds SFN, the generation of which is started at the one timing, to each broadcast information (101—1-101—3) to be wirelessly transmitted. One femto base station (10—1), on which a mobile station (20) camps, specifies as a handover target of the mobile station (20) a femto base station (10—2) starting generation of SFN with a phase difference equivalent to a difference between one SFN1 added to the broadcast information (101—1) and another SFN2 received at the mobile station (20) with respect to the base station itself.
US08855650B2 Communication system
A communication system in which a network side and a mobile station apparatus communicate with each other through a base station apparatus. In the mobile station apparatus, a position information acquisition device acquires the position information regarding the mobile station apparatus. At the network side, a network side quality information receiving device receives the data in which the position information transmitted from the mobile station apparatus and quality information regarding each cell are associated with each other. A network side quality information storage device stores the data received by the network side quality information receiving device or a result after processing the data. A network side quality information transmitting device transmits the quality information regarding each cell, which corresponds to the position information regarding the mobile station apparatus, to the mobile station apparatus on the basis of the content stored in the network side quality information storage device.
US08855648B2 Method and device for adaptably controlling bandwidth of channel
Disclosed are a base station and mobile station to adaptively control a bandwidth of a channel. The base station includes a state information recognition unit to recognize neighboring-state information related with a traffic load of at least one neighboring network adjacent to a target network, a control state information transmitting unit to transmit control state information related with the controlled bandwidth of the target channel to mobile stations of the target network, and a bandwidth control unit to control a bandwidth of a target channel used in the target network according to a bandwidth of a channel used in the neighboring network based on the neighboring-state information.
US08855646B2 User equipment, base station device, and mobile communication method
User equipment 100n comprises a connection state processing section configured so that the connection state processing section measures the communication quality in a cell belonging to two or more layers, reports the result of the measurement to a base station device 200, and performs handover processing according to the instruction from the base station device 200 on the basis of first priority notified by a first control signal notified from the base station device 200 in an RRC_Connected state and a stand-by state processing section configured so that the stand-by state processing section measures the communication quality in the cell belonging to the two or more layers to determine a cell for performing a stand-by according to the result of the measurement on the basis of second priority notified by a second control signal notified from the base station device 200 in an Idle state.
US08855643B2 Method for improving handover success rate of group mobile terminals, mobile proxy, and mobile terminal
A method for improving a handover success rate of a group of mobile terminals include obtaining a minimum backoff time value according to obtained access parameters, receiving a message from a mobile terminal after entering a new cell, and sending the message to a base station if the message is a handover request message. If the message is not a handover request message, the method includes sending the received message to the base station upon expiry of a predetermine time after the message is received. The predetermined time is greater than or equal to the minimum backoff time value, and the minimum backoff time value is a minimum time value of the predetermined time when the received message from the mobile terminal is not the handover request message.
US08855640B2 Partitioning resources on a target side of a handover of a user equipment based on data traffic indication
It is described a method for partitioning radio transmission resources within a telecommunication network. The method includes (a) preparing a handover of a user equipment from a source access point being assigned to a source side of the telecommunication network to a target access point being assigned to a target side of the telecommunication network, (b) transferring a pre-announcement message from the source side to the target side indicating the handover, wherein the pre-announcement message is indicative for the amount of data traffic being associated with the user equipment, and (c) partitioning the radio transmission resources on the target side based on the pre-announcement message. It is further described a source side network element and a target side network element for controlling a partitioning of radio transmission resources within a telecommunication network. Furthermore, a computer program for controlling the above described method is described.
US08855638B2 Method for transitioning communications of a mobile subscriber station from a serving base station to a target base station
A method for transitioning communications of a mobile subscriber station from a serving base station to a target base station includes receiving from the mobile subscriber station a transition request message having an identifier which identifies the mobile subscriber station, and transmitting a transition request notification message having the identifier to the target base station. The method further includes receiving a transition request notification response message having information relating to capabilities of the target base station, and transmitting a transition response message having the information to the mobile subscriber station.
US08855637B2 Methods and apparatus for performing handoff based on the mobility of a subscriber station
In a wireless communication system, a mobility factor is used to influence handoff. If a subscriber station has been in a low mobility state for some period of time, the system may handoff operation from a first service type to a second service type. If the mobility factor indicates that the subscriber station is moving, the system may handoff operation from the second service type back to the first service type.
US08855636B2 Methods and apparatus for system selection in a multimode wireless device
Devices and methods are provided for system selection from a plurality of wireless system access technologies, such as a first group (e.g., 3GPP2 technologies) and a second group (e.g., 3GPP technologies). In one embodiment, the method may involve storing identification information pertaining to the first group in a database, wherein the database may concern the priority of ones of the access technologies pertaining to the second group. The method may also involve selecting a preferred access technology from one of the first and second groups based at least in part on the identification information stored in the database.
US08855632B2 Measurement termination of higher-prioritized layers for priority-based cell reselection algorithms in cellular communication systems
A user equipment (UE) is operated in a cellular communication system in which radiofrequency resources are partitioned into layers, each layer being associated with one of a set of hierarchical priority levels. While camped on a serving cell whose signals are transmitted on a first layer associated with a first priority level, the UE repeatedly measures a characteristic of a second layer that is present within its surroundings and generates from these measurements a plurality of measured surroundings data, wherein the second layer is associated with a second priority level that is higher than the first priority level. The UE ceases measuring the characteristic of the second layer that is present within the UE's surroundings in response to detecting both that at least one of the measured surroundings data is less than a predetermined threshold level and that a trend of the measured surroundings data is negative.
US08855629B2 Synchronization of mobility management data between a circuit-switched domain and a packet-switched domain
Systems and methods for synchronizing mobility management (MM) data between a CS domain and a PS domain. In one embodiment, a visitor location database of the CS domain stores MM data for a mobile device. If the visitor location database updates MM data for the mobile device to add an association for an MM node for mobility management, then the visitor location database determines if a prior association existed with another MM node. If so, the visitor location database removes the prior association with the other MM node, and transmits a release indicator to the other MM node indicating that the association has been removed. In response to the release indicator, the other MM node removes an association with the visitor location database, and the MM data for the mobile device is synchronized between the CS domain and the PS domain.
US08855628B2 Call setup for roaming subscribers
A wireless communication assembly (20) includes a visitor location register (42) that accesses a mobile station memory portion (44) that stores a visiting mobile subscriber's profile including an indication of the wireless features available to that subscriber. When a call needs to be setup involving the visiting mobile subscriber, the visitor network locally sets up the call by using the stored indication of the visiting mobile subscriber's profile from the mobile station memory portion (44). There is no need for contacting the subscriber's home network for purposes of setting up the call, which reduces the amount of signaling and communication between the visitor network and the subscriber's home network.
US08855627B2 System and method for enhanced diagnostics on mobile communication devices
A system and method may comprise providing to a device user in response to one of a user request for troubleshooting assistance and a mobile telecommunications user device monitoring software conclusion that a problem exists, a diagnostic application specific to the mobile telecommunication user device of the device user; receiving from the device user an indication of a problem with the mobile telecommunication user device experienced by the device user; selecting an application update; providing to the device user the application update updating an application running on the mobile telecommunication user device; and determining whether the problem has been solved. If determining indicates that the problem has not been solved the method may further include deleting the application and further determining whether the problem has been solved, and if so forwarding problem solution data to a knowledge database.
US08855625B2 Dynamic steering of traffic across radio access networks
Intelligent radio access technology sensing and selection are applied in a dynamic traffic steering network. Network characteristics and network policies are determined. A server sends network characteristics and network policies to user equipment devices. User equipment devices can determine a radio access technology to connect to based on network policies and network characteristics. Further, it can be determined how to select user equipment devices for connection to a radio access network via a radio access technology. In one aspect, user equipment devices dynamically select a radio access network for connection based on real-time or near real-time radio access network conditions. In another aspect, a self-organizing network can monitor and determine radio access network conditions and the radio access network conditions can be sent to user equipment devices in given cellular broadcast area.
US08855623B2 Radio wave state measurement system, radio wave state measurement method, and storage medium storing radio wave state measurement program
A propagation state measurement system includes a parameter update information reception means (101) and a measurement control means (102). The parameter update information reception means (101) stores a time when a radio parameter of a base station (30a) is updated. The measurement control means (102) indicates measurement of a radio wave state to a mobile terminal (40a) that can communicate with the base station (30a) at a timing determined according to the time stored by the parameter update information reception means (101). Then, when the radio parameter of the base station (30a) of a mobile communication system is updated, a change of the radio wave state by the radio parameter update is quickly and efficiently measured.
US08855621B2 Cellphone controllable car intrusion recording and monitoring reaction system
A cellphone controllable car intrusion system is provided. This system includes a vehicle OEM system, including an electronic control unit (ECU), a diagnostic port, a plurality of OEM cameras, a plurality of OEM sensors, an OEM satellite communication system, and an OEM local communication system. The diagnostic port, OEM cameras, OEM sensors, OEM satellite communication system, and the OEM local communication system being in electric communication with the ECU. A cellphone is provided having a local communication system disposed therein. The cellphone is in wireless communication with the ECU. The cellphone is adapted to configure the ECU to enable operation of the OEM cameras in response to receipt by the cellphone of an alert signal from the OEM sensors, indicating that an intrusion is in process. The alert signals are representative of detection of a monitor event by one or more of the OEM sensors.
US08855616B2 Method and apparatus for caller identification
The subject disclosure describes monitoring when a headset is in communication with a mobile communication device, detecting the headset, comparing a name of a caller and a telephone number of the caller against a list of names and telephone numbers previously stored in a memory, determining that the name of the caller or the telephone number of the caller matches one of the names and telephone numbers in the list, determining that the one of the names and telephone numbers is associated with a pre-recorded message that the user previously recorded and stored in the memory, retrieving the pre-recorded message, and performing a text-to-speech conversion on the name and telephone number of the caller to generate a synthesized speech signal spoken text message and sending the synthesized speech signal and the pre-recorded message to the headset. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08855612B2 Systems and methods of terminating telephony communications to mobile telephony devices
Systems and methods for terminating telephony communications to a mobile telephony device that is roaming outside of its native service area make use of a forwarding termination service. The forwarding termination service causes the native mobile telephony service provider that provides service to the mobile telephony device to forward incoming telephony communications directed the native telephone number of the mobile telephony device to a forwarding access number. The forwarding termination service receives telephony communications directed to the forwarding access number, and then terminates the telephony communication to the mobile telephony device via any one of multiple different methods. The mobile telephony service provider can be instructed to implement and cancel call forwarding instructions by dialing a special character string on the mobile telephony device.
US08855607B2 Message forwarding and retrieval with a single messaging service
Embodiments described herein generally relate to a method and system of integrating a user's voice mail onto a single voice messaging service, e.g., a Unified Messaging (UM) service, such that a client may access this single source for voice mail retrieval, even where such voice mails are from a variety of sources, e.g., work, mobile phone, etc. A user, or the user's mobile operator, need only agree to accept the service, and the registration and configuration requirements for providing the service and forwarding calls to the service are automatically configured. The user's existing “speed dial” key or other setting for retrieving voice mail may also be automatically configured to the access number(s) for the service. Configurations may monitor the status of the service and update access and/or forwarding numbers. Voice mail forwarding and settings may also be automatically reverted back to the user's original service.
US08855605B2 Associating a particular account configuration during the out of box experience for a mobile device
A method of providing particular account configurations to a user of a mobile device based on a predetermined account configuration offering between a mobile device manufacturer and a third-party service provider based on a code stored on the mobile device. During the out-of-box experience (OOBE) when the user is initially configuring the mobile device, the third-party provider receives user information, a code, and a mobile device identification number. The third-party service provider confirms that the mobile device is eligible for the particular account configuration by using the code and mobile device identification number. Once account configuration eligibility is confirmed, the third-party service provider associates the particular account configuration with either an existing user account or with a new user account established during the OOBE.
US08855602B2 Master cipher key
A mobile telecommunications network and method of operation that includes establishing a first user plane connection between a telecommunications device registered with the network and a network gateway device of the network via a first access point; providing the telecommunications device with a token using the first user plane connection; establishing a second user plane connection between the telecommunications device and the network gateway device via a second access point by using the token information to validate the telecommunications device; and, subsequent to establishment of and corresponding to the second user plane connection, establishing a control plane connection between the telecommunications device and the network gateway device via the second access point. The token includes information indicative to the network that the telecommunications device has authorization to send a quantity of data to the network gateway device prior to full conventional authentication of the telecommunications device.
US08855598B2 Methods, systems, and products for sharing usage plans
Shared usage plans are popular with families, friends, and small businesses. These shared usage plans share some cumulative utilization of resources, such as communications services. Even though multiple devices may share a monthly allotment of resources, an individual threshold is established for each device. The multiple individual thresholds may then be dynamically regulated to maintain the monthly allotment of resources.
US08855597B2 User equipment timestamps for offline charging in IMS networks
Communication networks and associated methods are disclosed that provide offline charging in IMS networks. One of the methods includes receiving call signaling for a call from an access network serving user equipment for the call. The call signaling includes an access network identifier for the access network. The method further includes identifying location information related to the access network identifier. The method further includes determining a local time for the user equipment based on the location information. The method further includes generating a charging message for the call, and inserting a timestamp in the charging message based on the local time for the user equipment. The timestamp in the charging message provides the billing system with the local time for the user equipment to allow for variable-rate billing.
US08855592B2 Arrangements for narrow band interference detection
A method is disclosed for mitigating narrowband interference within a system for wideband communications. The method can include separating a wideband signal into a plurality of sub bands, detecting energy levels in the sub-bands, and activating a control signal if the energy levels of the sub-bands differ by a predetermined amount. Such a difference in energy levels can indicate that narrowband interference is present and interference mitigation features can be activated. In another embodiment, a system is disclosed that has a band splitter and a plurality of energy level detectors to detect energy differences in the sub bands. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08855589B2 Tuner
A center frequency F0 of an IF filter is effectively adjusted. The IF filter filters a down-converted signal centering around the center frequency F0. A pseudo sine wave generation circuit generates a pseudo sine wave having a level change of at least two steps respectively on both positive and negative sides. The pseudo sine wave is made to pass through the IF filter by a switch circuit, and in the state, an F0 adjustment circuit adjusts the center frequency F0 in the IF filter 14 by comparing a phase of the pseudo sine wave with a phase of a signal after passing through the IF filter.
US08855586B2 Active antenna array and method for transmitting radio signal
An active antenna array (10) for transmitting radio signals is disclosed. The active antenna array comprises a heat dissipating body (20), at least one first power amplifier (30) in thermal contact with the heat dissipating body (20), at least one second power amplifier (40) in thermal contact with the heat dissipating body (20) and an power level controller (50) for adjusting relative power levels of a first output signal (32) emanating from the at least one first power amplifier (30) and a second output signal (42) emanating from the at least one second power amplifier (40). A method for the transmission of radio signal is also disclosed.
US08855584B2 Matching network for transmission circuitry
The present disclosure relates to transmission circuitry of a wireless communication device. The transmission circuitry includes power amplifier circuitry, an output matching network, and impedance control circuitry. The power amplifier circuitry amplifies a radio frequency (RF) input signal to provide an amplified RF output signal, which is passed through the output matching network and transmitted via one or more antennas. As the center frequency of the RF input signal and conditions of operating parameters change, the impedance control circuitry adjusts the values of one or more variable impedance elements of the output matching network in a desired fashion. The values of the variable impedance elements are adjusted such that the output matching network concurrently and dynamically presents the desired load impedances at the center frequency and at one or more harmonics of the RF input signal to achieve a given performance specification.
US08855583B2 Communication system, communication terminal, server, communication method to be used therein and program therefor
Terminals 1 and 2-1 to 2-n refer to information on the state of the terminals 1 and 2-1 to 2-n and a user to add functions for modifying the operation of the terminal and processing data thereby allowing the operation of the terminal to be modified, and the communication data to be processed, when the state information is in a specific condition. A server 3 accesses the information on the state of the terminals 1 and 2-1 to 2-n and the user on the side of the server 3, extracts terminal group information under a specific condition, generates a new group, and adds a presence linking function for performing registration with a group management function, thereby allowing the above state information to be used to generate a dynamic group.
US08855575B2 Device-vehicle interoperability verification method
A device-vehicle interoperability verification method is disclosed herein. Vehicle information is obtained by a mobile communications device, and this vehicle information pertains to a vehicle within which the device is being used or is going to be used. The vehicle information and device identification information is transmitted from the device to a server. The transmission occurs in response to a command generated by an application resident on the device, which includes computer readable code, embedded on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium, for performing the transmission. A data aggregator at the server queries a database to obtain data pertaining to an interoperability between the device and the vehicle, and a communications module at the server sends a message to the device that includes at least the data pertaining to the interoperability between the device and the vehicle.
US08855572B2 Method and apparatus for link control in wireless communications
Methods and Systems are disclosed for use in a communication system 200 to selectively delay transmitting a second negative acknowledgement (NAK) after an initial NAK has already been sent requesting retransmission of a corrupted packet. The receiving entity 210 initiates a NAK prohibit timer 641 associated with a specific NAK 631 which prevents status reports to transmitting entity 220 from including a retransmission of the specific NAK until the timer expires. Use of the NAK prohibit timer 641 reduces the likelihood of spurious retransmissions from the transmitting entity 220 caused by a second NAK from the receiving entity 210 when the retransmission process has already been initiated.
US08855566B2 Apparatus for managing radio resources of base station and method for managing the same
A method for managing radio resources of a base station is provided. The method includes evaluating a radio environment between a base station and at least one neighboring base station or a radio environment between the base station and terminals connected to the base station, if the evaluated radio environment does not meet predetermined criteria, selecting a new radio resource, deactivating the existing radio resource, and reactivating the new radio resource. Accordingly, the radio resources can be efficiently managed.
US08855564B2 Zero client device with integrated Bluetooth capability
System and method for zero client communications. A zero client device includes a housing, and in the housing, a transcoding processing unit (transcoder) and a communications processing unit coupled to the transcoder. The transcoder is configured to receive input data from human interface device(s), encode the input data, and provide the encoded input data to the communications processing unit for transmission over a network to a server. The communications processing unit is configured to receive the encoded input data from the transcoder, transmit the encoded input data over the network to the server, receive output data from the server, and send the output data to the transcoder. The transcoder is further configured to receive the output data from the communications processing unit, decode the output data, and send the decoded output data to at least one of the human interface devices.
US08855562B2 Method and system for enabling discovery of services and automated exchange of data between bluetooth devices
A method and system for enabling discovery of services and automated exchange of data between multiple Bluetooth devices are disclosed. The method includes measuring signal attenuation of a Bluetooth signal between a first Bluetooth device and a second Bluetooth device. The method further includes comparing the signal attenuation with a set of predefined threshold values. The set of predefined threshold values is associated with a set of services. The method also includes activating a corresponding service from among the set of services based on the comparison. Activating the corresponding service enables discovery of the service and automated exchange of data between the first Bluetooth device and the second Bluetooth device.
US08855561B2 Device data collection using bluetooth
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method is described that includes establishing a wireless communication link between a mobile device and a document processing device; transmitting, by a transmitter of the document processing device, data stored in a memory of the document processing device related to the functionality of the document processing device to the mobile device; and receiving, by a receiver of the document processing device, data to control a functionality of the document processing device from the mobile device.
US08855557B2 Mobile communications device providing enhanced near field communication (NFC) mode switching features and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a near field communication (NFC) device operable in a first NFC mode or a second NFC mode, wherein the second NFC mode has a lower power consumption level associated therewith than the first NFC mode. The mobile wireless communications device may further include a processor coupled with the NFC device and capable of detecting a field change via the NFC device when the NFC device is in the second NFC mode, determining a condition of the mobile communications device, and switching the NFC device from the second NFC mode to the first NFC mode based upon the field change and the condition.
US08855554B2 Packaging and details of a wireless power device
A wireless power system includes a power source, power receiver, and components thereof. The system can also include a parasitic antenna that can improve the coupling to the power source in various modes. The antenna can have both a variable capacitor and a variable inductor, and both of those can be changed in order to change characteristics of the matching.
US08855553B2 Scalable millimeter-wave wireless network architecture for high user concentrations
Technologies are presented for an architecture and infrastructure for a scalable, very high bandwidth, wireless network that can accommodate arbitrarily high geographic concentrations of high-bandwidth users. The architecture may include a network of highly localized service areas that communicate with a central access point through a hierarchy of aggregate-and-relay stages. Communications may be mediated by a hybrid combination of ad-hoc and infrastructure-network features that are supported separately within the framework of a standardized system, for example in the 60 GHz (millimeter-wave) band. The infrastructure may include a dense mesh of fixed control points that communicate over lossy, high-bandwidth, directional channels permitting dense spatial frequency sharing and providing for highly localized coverage, thereby enabling high user densities.
US08855549B2 Mobile station association procedures with type II relays
A relay node including one or more components configured to measure a signal strength of sounding reference signals (SRS) received from a mobile station, and in response to the signal strength being above a predetermined threshold, to transmit a first request to an access node. The first request is for the access node to associate the mobile station with the relay node.
US08855547B2 Method and device for band translation
A band translation method and device for selecting two or more desired frequency bands of data and bandstacking the two or more desired frequency bands of data into a single output.
US08855543B2 Transfer device
In a transfer device, a first side of a flexible guide plate faces to a recording medium being conveyed along a medium conveyance path to guide the recording medium toward an image carrying member. A support frame supports an upstream end portion of the guide plate, and includes an opposite portion disposed from and opposite to a second side (reverse to the first side) of the guide plate and a rib configured to protrude from the opposite portion toward the medium conveyance path. The rib has a first edge which is positioned at an upstream side and beyond which the guide plate protrudes downstream. The rib has an inclined surface extending from the first edge in a direction obliquely downstream toward the image carrying member. The guide plate includes an indentation to allow the guide plate to be deflected without being blocked by the rib.
US08855541B2 Heating device and image forming apparatus
A heating device includes a magnetic-field generating unit that generates an alternating-current magnetic field, an endless belt, and a heat transfer unit that includes a heat storage layer, a thermosensitive layer, and a diffusion layer. The thermosensitive layer extends so as to separate the magnetic-field generating unit and the heat storage layer from each other, and forms a magnetic path that allows a magnetic flux of the alternating-current magnetic field to pass therethrough in a direction in which the thermosensitive layer extends at a temperature below a Curie temperature and a magnetic path that allows the magnetic flux to extend therethrough and reach the heat storage layer at a temperature higher than or equal to the Curie temperature. The diffusion layer has a higher thermal conductivity than thermal conductivities of the thermosensitive layer and the heat storage layer, and diffusing heat of the belt.
US08855539B2 Induction heating type fuser and image forming apparatus
A fuser includes: a heat generating section including a heat generating layer and configured to rotationally travel; an induction-current generating section provided around the exterior of the heat generating section and including an exciting coil and an external ferrite core that covers the outer circumference of the exciting coil; an opposing section set in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the heat generating section; and an internal ferrite core arranged inside of the heat generating section in a position opposed to the exciting coil, a first center angle connecting both edges of the internal ferrite core and a rotation center of the heat generating section being larger than a second center angle connecting both edges of the external ferrite core and the rotation center of the heat generating section.
US08855536B2 Development device, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus including same in which an angle formed using an end face of a buffer area is smaller than an angle of twist of a spiral blade
A development device includes a development casing, a developer bearer, a first developer conveyance member to supply developer to the developer bearer, a second developer conveyance member to transport developer axially, and a partition dividing an interior of the development casing into a supply channel and a collecting channel via which developer received from a downstream end portion of the supply channel is forwarded to an upstream end portion of the supply channel. The supply channel includes a conveyance area and a buffer area disposed adjacent to the conveyance area in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction to temporarily retain developer and midway in the developer conveyance direction inside the supply channel, and an upstream end face defining an upstream end of the buffer area is inclined relative to the axial direction to draw away from the conveyance area downstream in the developer conveyance direction.
US08855532B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method for forming an image covering another image by a color erasable recoding material
According to one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes an image carrier the surface of which is charged at a predetermined potential, an exposure device which forms a latent image by exposing the surface of the image carrier, a developing unit which develops a toner image generated using color erasable toner on the latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier, a transfer unit which transfers the toner image to a recording medium, and a controller which controls an operation for transferring a toner image of the color erasable toner to a printed surface of the recording medium to cover a printed portion of the recording medium to which the color erasable toner has been fixed.
US08855529B2 Devices and methods for remanufacturing toner printer cartridges
There is provided a device and method for aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper of toner printer cartridge. In one embodiment there is provided a device for aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge where the device has a base portion, at least one cartridge portion holding element on the base portion, and an alignment assembly portion setting a doctor blade alignment setting and aligning a doctor blade in a toner hopper retained by the cartridge portion holding element.
US08855525B2 Developing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A developing apparatus includes a first chamber for accommodating a developer, the first chamber being provided with a developer carrying member for carrying the developer; a second chamber communicated with the first chamber through communication openings provided at opposite end portions to establish a circulation path; a feeding member, provided in the second chamber, for feeding the developer in a feeding direction which is from one of the communication openings toward the other communication opening; a sealing portion for openably sealing the communication openings; a moving mechanism for opening the communication openings by moving the sealing portion; and a reverse feeding member for feeding the developer in a direction which is opposite the feeding direction.
US08855522B2 Toner conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A toner conveying apparatus includes a conveying unit providing a toner conveyance path having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and provided for conveying toner from the inlet portion to the outlet portion, and a first rotation member that is rotatable and located upstream in a toner conveying direction of the conveyance path, wherein the first rotation member rotates about a first rotating shaft to convey toner from an outside of the toner conveyance path toward the inlet portion. In addition, a second rotation member is rotatable and located downstream in the toner conveying direction of the conveyance path, wherein the second rotation member rotates about a second rotating shaft to convey toner from the outlet portion away from the toner conveyance path, and an agitation device agitates toner in the toner conveyance path. One end portion of the agitation device is connected to a first eccentric shaft eccentric with regard to the first rotation member and another end portion of the agitation device is connected to a second eccentric shaft eccentric with regard to the second rotation member.
US08855521B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including: an image forming section having a intermediate transfer body to carry a toner image on a photoreceptor and transfer the toner image onto a sheet of paper; a cleaning section for removing residual toner on the intermediate transfer body by bringing a cleaning blade into close contact with the intermediate transfer body; and a control section for controlling a rotation of the intermediate transfer body so as to carry out a return action of a blade configuration which stops or reverses the rotation of the intermediate transfer body, when a rotation amount reaches a predetermined value, wherein the control section carries out the return action when the rotation amount reaches a value smaller than the predetermined value, in a case where a plurality of previous printing jobs is determined to be intermittent printing.
US08855520B2 Image forming apparatus and sensing device thereof
An image forming apparatus and a sensing device thereof. The sensing device includes a sensor, and a cleaning unit adapted to be operated by a moving printing medium and used to clean the sensor. The sensing device is operable according to delivery of a printing medium, to remove pollutants attached to the sensor.
US08855518B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a printing engine to form an image on a printing medium through printing processes, an engine frame to support the printing engine having a driving system to drive the printing engine, a high voltage power supply provided in a surface of the engine frame to apply a high voltage to at least one of units performing the printing processes, a main board provided in a surface of the engine frame adjacent to the surface having the high voltage power supply, and having a system engine controller to control the printing engine and a video controller to control a video signal, first and second main connectors respectively provided at lateral sides of the high voltage power supply and the main board adjacent to each other, and a connection control line to connect the first and second main connectors.
US08855517B2 Image forming apparatus having looped belt and method of detecting index
An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt, an index provided at part of an end edge of the belt, a detecting member, a processing unit, and a storage unit. The detecting member changes an output value thereof based on the passing states of the index and the end edge of the belt in a detection area of the detecting member. The processing unit processes the output value and determines whether the index is present in the detection area by comparing the present output value with a threshold value. The storage unit stores the processed output value. The processing unit acquires a reference value based on the stored output value. The processing unit, when determining whether the index is present in the detection area, sets as the threshold value a value obtained by changing the most recently acquired reference value by a predetermined value.
US08855515B2 Control apparatus and method, image forming apparatus and system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A control apparatus includes the following elements. A page specifying unit specifies, concerning image data representing images included in plural pages, among the plural pages, plural pages including images each having a similarity which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. A controller controls a transfer bias to be applied to a transfer device which transfers a toner image formed on an image carrier onto a medium. The controller performs control, for the plural pages specified by the page specifying unit, such that each of values of the transfer bias to be applied to the transfer device when toner images corresponding to the plural pages specified by the page specifying unit are transferred onto the medium is within a predetermined range.
US08855514B2 Image forming apparatus having stretching roller correction
An image forming apparatus includes first and second image bearing members configured to bear electrostatic latent images, a rotatable belt configured to receive toner images from the first and second image bearing members, and an executing portion configured to execute an operation in a correction mode for determining timing at which formation of the electrostatic latent image starts on at least one of the first and second image bearing members with respect to a widthwise direction of the belt between test toner images transferred onto the belt from the first and second image bearing members. In addition, first and second detecting members detect positions of the belt with respect to the widthwise direction, and a calculating portion calculates a movement distance of a predetermined point on the belt with respect to the widthwise direction. An adjusting portion adjusts the timing determined by the executing portion on the basis of a result of the calculation in the correction mode and a result of the calculation of the calculating portion when the image is to be formed in accordance with an image formation signal.
US08855513B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer portion that transfers a toner image from a first image forming element to a second image forming element when transfer voltage is applied; and a control portion, at time of cleaning the plurality of image forming elements, after integrally forming a cleaning toner image to be supplied to the first image forming element and the second image forming element on the surface of the photoreceptor along a revolving direction, that controls the application of the transfer voltage to the transfer portion to transfer the toner image in a manner such that the toner image is divided into at least four sections along the revolving direction, out of which at least two sections that are not adjacent to each other are transferred from the first image forming element to the second image forming element.
US08855510B2 Image forming apparatus and fixing unit control method thereof
Disclosed are an image forming apparatus and a fixing unit control method thereof, the image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a fixing unit, a power supply to supply operating power to the fixing unit, a temperature sensor to sense a temperature of the fixing unit, a first protection unit to compare the sensed result of the temperature sensor with a first predetermined reference value and to output a signal, a switching unit to turn on/off power supplied to the fixing unit in accordance with the signal output from the first protection unit, a second protection unit to compare the sensed result of the temperature sensor with a second predetermined reference value and to output a signal, and a relay unit to turn on/off the operating power supplied to the fixing unit in accordance with the signal output from the second protection unit.
US08855507B2 Lubricant supplying device, and image forming apparatus
In the present invention, a lubricant supplying device includes a lubricant end determining unit that determines that a solid lubricant is in an end state when the amount of a lubricant supplying operation reaches a threshold after a residual amount detecting unit detects that the residual amount of the solid lubricant is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount. The lubricant end determining unit makes a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of equal to or lower than a predetermined value lower than a threshold of the amount of the lubricant supplying operation at temperature or humidity of higher than the predetermined value.
US08855504B2 Optical transmission method and optical receiver
An optical receiver has an adaptive optical compensator and/or an adaptive electrical equalizer for compensating signal distortion in a received optical signal. In order to achieve a very fast adaptation of the receiver to the actual signal distortion, which is important for example for bursts mode optical signals in a packet-switched optical transmission network, at least one predetermined trainings sequence is provided in the optical signal, which is known at the receiver and thus enables fast adaptation of the compensator and/or equalizer to the actual signal distortion.
US08855499B2 Power recapture in an optical communications system
In an n-node optical communications system, energy harvesting photodetectors at each node receive extraneous electromagnetic wavelengths that are not used for communication or other purposes by the associated node. The energy harvesting photodetectors convert the unused electromagnetic energy into reusable electrical energy. The harvested electrical energy may be used as auxiliary power at the node or elsewhere in the communication system, or stored in a battery, capacitor, or other energy storage device. The system may be used in an “all-to-all” broadcast and select communication scheme or in some other broadcast and select interconnect system that has extraneous wavelengths at node receivers.
US08855498B2 Skew suppression method and optical transmission system
A method for suppressing a skew between a first channel and a second channel in an optical transmission system having a transmitter that transmits an optical signal with the first channel and the second channel and a receiver that receives the optical signal, the method includes: controlling dispersion added to the optical signal to be larger than a specified amount; and controlling a delay time of at least one of the first channel and the second channel in the receiver based on a quality of the optical signal monitored in the receiver to suppress the skew between the first channel and the second channel in the receiver.
US08855494B2 Multi-band reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) system
A device includes a first band coupler, a first reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM), a second ROADM, and a second band coupler. The first band coupler is configured to decouple a regular band and an extended band. The first ROADM is configured to add or drop one or more frequencies in the decoupled regular band to produce a first output in the regular band. The second ROADM is configured to add or drop one or more frequencies in the decoupled extended band to produce a second output in the extended band. The second band coupler is configured to couple the first output and the second output to produce a third output occupying the regular band and the extended band.
US08855491B2 Techniques for protecting passive optical networks
A method for performing a protection in passive optical networks. The method comprises forming a protection maintenance link between an active optical line terminal (OLT) and a standby OLT; forming a synchronization link between the active OLT and the standby OLT; computing a base differential distance value; continuously measuring round trip time (RTT) values by the active OLT using the protection maintenance link; periodically sending at least RTT values calculated by the active OLT to the standby OLT over the synchronization link; and computing, by the standby OLT, a new RTT value based on at least a RTT value measured by the active OLT and a standby differential distance value, when a switch-over action is triggered, thereby allowing the standby OLT to serve optical network units (ONUs) in the PON without performing a ranging process.
US08855489B2 Communications method, particularly for a mobile radio network
Communications method between a main station and processing nodes includes interconnecting the main station and the nodes in an optical path defining adjacent nodes and non-adjacent nodes, operatively grouping the nodes in a plurality of distinct sub-groups, each formed by non-adjacent nodes, at least one of said sub-groups including at least two nodes generating at the main station a multiplexed optical signal propagating along the path for serving the nodes, the multiplexed optical signal including a plurality of optical channel signals having a respective plurality of distinct carrier wavelengths, each carrier wavelength being associated with a respective sub-group of nodes, and serving each node of each sub-group of nodes with a respective portion of the optical channel signal having the associated carrier wavelength.
US08855486B2 Remotely controlled fiber testing method
A remotely controlled fiber testing method has the steps of: building a fiber network system including a local fiber station and a remote fiber station; sending a modulated signal to the remote fiber station by the local fiber station; demodulating the modulated signal to obtain a control command by the remote fiber station; executing the control command to obtain a testing result by the remote fiber station; modulating the testing result and sending the testing result back to the local fiber station; and demodulating the testing result by the local fiber station. Only one technician appointed to the local fiber station is sufficient to do the testing action. Therefore, the personnel cost is effectively reduced.
US08855484B2 Method for controlling optical power and extinction ratio over entire temperature range
The present invention is to provide a method applicable to a fiber-optic transceiver including a transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) provided therein with a laser diode, but without a monitoring photodiode, a laser driver controlled by a controller IC for driving the laser diode to generate a laser beam, and a thermal sensor for sensing temperature of the laser diode. The method includes executing an approximation process to characteristic data, i.e. threshold currents of the laser diode at a plurality of specific temperatures and corresponding slope efficiencies (SE), provided by manufacturer for obtaining relationship therebetween over entire temperature range, manually adjusting operation parameters (such as bias current and modulation current) of the laser diode for generating expected optical power and extinction ratio at a normal temperature and for subsequently determining the operation parameters over the entire temperature range, and writing the relationship and operation parameters thus obtained into the controller IC.
US08855483B2 Restoration scheme for an optical network and method of using such a scheme
A method of restoration for an optical network, the network comprising a plurality of nodes (40, 50) interconnected with each other by optical links (130), a subset of the nodes (40) each comprising a regenerator, the method comprising: storing 160) a quality of transmission parameter and a regenerator availability at each of the plurality of nodes (40, 50); notifying (170) a branch node (110) in response to detecting a failure (140) within a link (130) forming part of the path between a source node (20) and a destination node (30), wherein the branch node (110) is the neighbouring upstream node (40, 50) upstream of the link failure (140), the branch node (110) having a regenerator; the branch node (110) computing (190) a restoration segment (100) to a merge node (120) having a regenerator which is a neighbouring downstream node which is downstream of the link failure (140), the restoration path (100) being based on the quality of transmission parameter and regenerator availability information; restoring (180) the path between the source node (20) and the destination node (30) using the restoration segment (100).
US08855481B2 Apparatus and method for photographing timer control of a camera of a terminal
Terminals, methods, and apparatuses for controlling a photographing timer of a camera operating in a terminal, such as a mobile terminal, including a photographing timer control apparatus, and may include: a display unit to display a photographing icon on the terminal to set a time for a photographing timer of a camera of the terminal, a timer value computing unit to compute or determine a self-timer value based on a touch duration of a touch input on the photographing icon when the touch input is provided at a position corresponding to the photographing icon, and a control unit to control a photographing operation of the photographing timer of the camera of the terminal, based on the self-timer value computed or determined by the timer value computing unit.
US08855480B2 Camera module
A camera module comprises an housing and at least two metal plating layers. The housing comprises a base and two platforms. The base includes a bottom surface, a top surface and an outer wall surface. A receiving hole configured to receive a lens device may be formed in the base, the receiving hole may pass through the base in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface. The two platforms may be positioned above the top surface of the base and may have different heights. The metal plating layers extends on the outer wall surface of the base. A first end portion of each of the two metal plating layers extends to the top surface of the corresponding platform and the other end portion of the each metal plating layer extends to the bottom surface of the base.
US08855474B2 Inhibiting compressor backspin via a condenser motor
Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor that is susceptible to backspinning and capable of generating electric power when backspinning. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.
US08855473B2 Apparatus for and a method of storing a real time stream of digital information signals
An apparatus for recording a substantially real time stream of digital information signals on a disc like record carrier has been proposed. The stream of information signals represents information arranged in a sequence of video frames, each video frame arranged in separate, consecutive data blocks comprised in separate, consecutive data packets. The apparatus comprises input means (1) for receiving the stream of digital signals, processing means (100) for processing the stream of digital information signals to obtain digital information signals and writing means (102) for writing the digital information signals into the units of recording on the disc like record carrier. The processing means (102) are adopted to detect the data blocks in the data packets and to allocate consecutive data blocks comprised in multiple data packets into consecutive logical units, a size of each logical unit corresponding to the predetermined size of the unit of recording. This apparatus is specifically suitable for recording digital video (DV) signals in a manner that preserves the format of original data as much as possible.
US08855468B2 Video stream index generation at a video content transmitter
A method of generating and using indexing information for video content is presented. In the method, an index stream for a video stream is generated at a video content transmitter. The video stream includes video frames, and the index stream includes an index for each of at least some of the video frames within the video stream. The video stream and the index stream are transmitted from the video content transmitter to a video content receiver, which receives and stores the video and index streams. Further, at the video content receiver, the index stream is processed to locate the video frames within the video stream that are associated with at least some of the indexes of the index stream, and at least some of the located video frames of the video stream are presented to an output device under control of a user of the video content receiver.
US08855464B2 Video reproductions apparatus and video reproduction method
According to one embodiment, a video reproduction apparatus includes a processor and a controller. The processor is configured to perform signal processing on a video signal including a plurality of videos, The controller is configured to determine that a battery usable time of glasses for viewing the plurality of videos is shorter than a reproduction time of a content corresponding to the video signal, and to stop output of a video signal on which the signal processing has been performed by the processor and to display a warning message for replacement or charging of a battery of the glasses when determines that the battery usage time of the glasses is shorter than the reproduction time of the content corresponding to the video signal.
US08855463B2 Image storing apparatus, control method for image storing apparatus, and control program for image storing apparatus
In an image storing apparatus (photostorage), files are enabled to be certainly copied (or moved) without overlapping by the fairly simple operation. When image data is read out of a recording medium connected through a slot and stored into a high capacity storage unit, a management table in which a unique ID of the recording medium and the maximum value of file IDs of image files stored in the recording medium have been associated is used and the image files having the file IDs larger than the maximum value of the file IDs corresponding to the unique ID of the recording medium in the management table are read out and stored into the high capacity storage unit. The file ID is formed by combining a directory number and a file number in the DCF standard.
US08855461B2 Moving image shooting apparatus capable of changing frame rate during shooting, method of controlling the moving image shooting apparatus, and storage medium
A technique enabling a moving image reduced in image disturbance to be recorded even when a frame rate is changed during shooting. In a moving image shooting apparatus, an image pickup device picks up an image of an object. An image synthesis section combines images picked up by the image pickup device into a composite image. A moving image is recorded in a storage medium using the image or the composite image. When an instruction for changing the frame rate of the moving image is issued, the moving image shooting apparatus performs control such that a frame rate transition time period is provided. During the transition time period, images are picked up at a first frame rate, and a composite image is generated at the first frame rate. Then, the composite image is recorded at a second frame rate lower than the first frame rate.
US08855458B2 Fiber optic connector removal clips
A removal clip is provided for disconnecting a fiber optic connector from an array of installed fiber optic connectors. The removal clip includes an engagement portion for engaging the connector and a force transmitting structure that allows digital removal force from a user to be applied at a distance from the connector. The engagement portion may be generally U-shaped and includes opposing latch arms configured to accommodate the body of a fiber optic connector. The latch arms permit the engagement portion to snap attach to the connector. The force transmitting structure may include a beam and a handle extending axially or radially from the gripping section. Also included is an assembly of a removal clip attached to a fiber optic connector.
US08855457B2 Optical splitting component
The present disclosure relates to an optical device that includes an optical splitting component that optically couples an optical input fiber to a plurality of optical output fibers. The optical output fibers have non-connectorized free ends that have been processed to reduce the ability of the non-connectorized free ends to reflect light back towards the optical splitting component.
US08855451B2 Optical isolator
Various optical isolator embodiments are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a waveguide section utilizing materials that induce a propagation constant shift that is propagation-direction-dependent. Embodiments are characterized by a cutoff frequency for forward propagating waves that is different than the cutoff frequency for reverse waves. A particular embodiment is constructed as a single-mode waveguide on a substrate. The cross-section of the waveguide is inhomogeneous in terms of materials. This inhomogeneity induces a propagation constant shift, which is propagation-direction-dependent. This device works as an optical isolator from the cut-off frequency of the lowest forward wave (lower frequency) to one for the lowest reverse wave (higher frequency). Various configurations consistent with the principles of the invention are disclosed.
US08855449B1 Adiabatic waveguide polarization converter
Embodiments of the invention enable polarization diversity using a more general component than current polarization splitter and rotator solutions. Devices such as an optical receiver, transmitter or duplexer may utilize polarization diversity to efficiently process incoming signals regardless of the signal's polarization. Embodiments of the invention may be described as enabling polarization diversity via an adiabatic waveguide polarization converter. When utilized in an optical system of discrete components or in a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), this adiabatic waveguide polarization converter may receive an unknown single-mode polarization of light. This light may, for example, originate from a remote location and come through a single mode fiber. As described in further detail herein, embodiments of the invention reduce the requirements and component complexity for polarization handling for polarization diversity systems. By reducing the component complexity, insertion loss is reduced, device footprint is reduced, and device reliability and tolerances may be improved.