Document	Document Title
US07958437B2	MAP detector with a single state metric engine A maximum a posteriori detector includes a single state metric engine that performs forward and backward processing to produce forward and backward state metrics. The state metric engine includes a plurality of processes that each perform both the forward and the backward processing operations. The system further includes memory that stores the forward and backward state metrics that are produced by the engine in appropriate orders for the forward and backward processing. A number of multiplexers provide the appropriate branch metrics and apriori values to adder strings in each of the processors in accordance with an associate decoding trellis.
US07958435B2	Packet transmission apparatus, communication system and program A packet transmission apparatus is provided. The packet transmission apparatus transmits a packet having a limited arrival deadline through a best-effort network. The packet transmission apparatus includes an automatic packet retransmission section to control retransmission of an undelivered packet, a forward error correction coding section to add a redundant packet to a data packet block, and a redundancy determining section to dynamically determine redundancy of the redundant packet based on observed network state information, so that a loss rate after error correction at a receiver achieved by only the retransmission of the undelivered packet satisfies an allowable loss rate after error correction.
US07958424B2	Multi-channel LDPC decoder architecture A multi-channel decoder system has a decoder core at least a portion of which is configurable as a LDPC decoder that, during decoding processing, divides check nodes of a node representation of a LDPC code into a plurality of groups, and, during an iteration, sequentially processes the groups while processing in parallel the check nodes within each group, thus improving decoding throughput.
US07958420B2	Clock delay circuits and multiplexer connected to boundary scan circuitry A Propagation Test instruction, a Decay Test instruction and a Cycle Test instruction provide testing of DC and AC interconnect circuits between circuits including JTAG boundary scan cells. A few additions to the Test Access Port circuitry, including gating producing a Capture Test Strobe (CTS) signal, and the boundary scan cells are required to implement the additional instructions. The instructions are extensions of the conventional JTAG operating structure.
US07958418B2	Circuit arrangement, electronic mechanism, electrical turn out and procedures for the operation of one circuit arrangement A circuit arrangement may include a scan test input stage having a test input for receiving a test signal, wherein the scan test input stage can be switched in high-impedance state; a data input stage having a data input for receiving a data signal, wherein the data input stage can be switched in high-impedance state. The circuit arrangement may further include a latch coupled to at least one output of the scan test input stage and to at least one output of the data input stage; and a drive circuit, which is configured to generate a pulsed clock signal for the data input stage and a signal for driving the scan test input stage.
US07958402B2	Generate diagnostic data for overdue thread in a data processing system Disclosed is a computer implemented method, computer program product, and apparatus for generating diagnostic data for a thread. A service processor may begin by executing the computer usable program code to allocate a first thread to a monitoring function. The service processor determines if a second thread is running, wherein the second thread is associated with an operation. The service processor obtains an object pointer from a list of running threads, wherein the object pointer references a time data structure associated with the second thread, the time data structure comprising a maximum running time interval and a check time. The service processor calculates the check time as a maximum running time interval added to an initially sampled timestamp. The service processor determines if a current time exceeds the check time. In addition, the service processor generates an error log, responsive to a determination that the current time exceeds the check time.
US07958401B2	Debug trace messaging with one or more characteristic indicators In a data processing system, an address associated with a processing operation is received. A modified address is generated which includes a characteristic indicator within the address at a first predetermined bit position when the characteristic indicator is of a first type or at a second predetermined bit position when the characteristic indicator is of a second type. A first value of the characteristic indicator indicates a characteristic of the address. A modified address may also be generated which includes a characteristic indicator at a first predetermined bit position when a position indicator has a first value or at a second predetermined bit position when the position indicator has a second value. Address information can then be generated from the modified address, and a debug message can be created which includes the address information.
US07958394B1	Method of verifying a triple module redundant system A method of verifying a triple module redundant circuit. The method comprises providing three circuits, each comprising a redundant circuit; coupling a feedback voter circuit at the output of each circuit of the three circuits, each feedback voter receiving the output of each of the three circuits; disabling a first circuit of the three circuits; enabling the first circuit; disabling a second circuit of the three circuits; and verifying the output of the triple module redundant design to determine whether an error has occurred. A article of manufacture for verifying a design implemented as a triple redundancy module is also described.
US07958392B2	Assigning a processor to a logical partition Assigning a processor to a logical partition in a computer supporting multiple logical partitions that include assigning priorities to partitions, detecting a checkstop of a failing processor of a partition, retrieving the failing processor's state, replacing by a hypervisor the failing processor with a replacement processor from a partition having a priority lower than the priority of the partition of the failing processor, and assigning the retrieved state of the failing processor as the state of the replacement processor.
US07958391B2	Storage system and control method of storage system A fault-tolerant storage system is provided. The storage system is composed of a controller having a plurality of processors and other units. When an error occurs in any one of the components in the controller, the storage system cuts off an I/O path of the controller, specifies the failed component in the cutoff status, and invalidates the failed component. After invalidating the failed component, the storage system determines whether it is operable only with the normal components, cancels (releases) the cutoff of the I/O path when it determines that it is operable, and resumes operation by rebooting.
US07958386B2	Method and apparatus for providing a reliable fault management for a network A method and apparatus for providing reliable fault management for a network are disclosed. For example, a method receives one or more alarms from one or more network elements (NEs) by an element management system, and determines whether the one or more alarms need to be forwarded to a fault management platform (FMP) over a wireless data network. The method then forwards the one or more alarms over the wireless data network if it is determined that the one or more alarms need to be forwarded over the wireless data network.
US07958384B2	Backup power source used in indicating that server may leave network A server of a network of servers determines that its power source is failing. In response, the server communicates to one or more other servers of this network that it is leaving the network. This communication is powered by another power source.
US07958381B2	Energy conservation in multipath data communications A method, system, and computer usable program product for energy conservation in multipath data communications are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A current utilization of each of several of I/O devices is determined. A violation determination is made whether an I/O device from the several I/O devices can be powered down without violating a rule. The I/O device is powered down responsive to the violation determination being false. A powering up determination may be made whether an additional I/O device is needed in a multipath I/O configuration. The I/O device may be located, powered up, and made available for multipath I/O configuration. A latency determination may be made whether a latency time of the I/O device can elapse before the time when the additional I/O device is needed. The powering on may occur no later than the latency time before the time the additional I/O device is needed.
US07958376B2	Write once system and method for facilitating digital encrypted transmissions A digital interface device is provided for facilitating key encryption of a digital signal which is communicated from a computer system to an associated peripheral device, such as a digital display device. The digital interface device has a digital output, digital output formatting circuitry associated with the output and a non-volatile RAM for storing a basic input/output system (BIOS) for, inter alia, controlling digital output formatting. The interface device is configured such that the non-volatile RAM has a specific addressable write-protectable area allocated for storing an encryption key flag at a flag address along with encryption key data. The write-protectable area is rendered read-only when a predetermined flag value is stored at the flag address. Thus, encryption key data may be stored in the specific write-protectable area of the non-volatile RAM in connection with storing the predetermined flag at that flag address such that encryption data cannot be altered when the flash RAM is subsequently written to, such as when a BIOS stored in the non-volatile RAM is updated.
US07958371B2	Methods and apparatus for secure operating system distribution in a multiprocessor system Methods and apparatus provide for: decrypting a first of a plurality of operating systems (OSs) within a first processor of a multiprocessing system using a private key thereof, the plurality of OSs having been encrypted by a trusted third party, other than a manufacturer of the multiprocessing system, using respective public keys, each paired with the private key; executing an authentication program using the first processor to verify that the first OS is valid; and executing the first OS on the first processor.
US07958352B2	Method and system for verifying and updating the configuration of an access device during authentication A system and method is provided to verify configuration of a client access device requesting access to a network by establishing a communications link between a network access system and the client access device to authenticate and authorize the client access device and a user associated with the client access device. The network access system further receives client device configuration data from the client access device over the communications link during an authentication and authorization exchange and processes the client device configuration data to determine if the client access device will be granted access to the network.
US07958350B2	Proactive forced renewal of content protection implementations A system for proactive forced renewal of content protection implementations in devices includes a key generation facility to generate and allocate keys for the devices, and to generate revocation data corresponding to revoked keys in response to at least one of a security compromise and on a periodic basis independent of a security compromise; and a device manufacturer to receive the keys from the key generation facility, to embed the keys in content protection implementations for the devices, to distribute the devices, and to renew the content protection implementations in devices after the devices are distributed, in response to at least one of a security compromise and on a periodic basis independent of a security compromise.
US07958349B2	Method for revoking a digital signature A method and apparatus for revoking a digital signature using a signature revocation list. In one embodiment, the method includes generating the signature revocation list to indicate revocation status of a signature. The signature is created from an encryption key and a document. The method also includes computing an identifier of the signature in the signature revocation list based on contents of the signature. The method further includes publishing the signature revocation list for access by users of the document.
US07958345B2	Method for adjusting setup default value of BIOS and main board thereof A method for adjusting setup default value of a basic input output system (BIOS) and a main board are provided. The main board offers a BIOS memory which includes a boot block and a main block. The boot block includes an adjusting table, and the main block includes an original setup default value and a dynamic table. The adjusting table is used to read the dynamic table, and the original setup default value is adjusted to be a customized setup default value according to the adjusting table and the dynamic table. Afterwards, the customized setup default value is stored in a setup value memory.
US07958342B1	Methods for optimizing computer system performance counter utilization A Nyquist sampling frequency is determined for performance counter events to be measured. Based on the Nyquist sampling frequencies, a schedule for measuring the performance counter events is determined. The performance counter event measurements are then conducted in accordance with the schedule, whereby the measurements yield a set of sample data for each performance counter event. A signal reconstruction algorithm is applied to the set of sample data for each performance counter event to reconstruct an essentially complete signal for each performance counter event. The essentially complete signal for each performance counter event is then used to improve either a design or a utilization of either a microprocessor or an application to be executed on the microprocessor.
US07958333B2	Processor with memory access stage adapted to fetch an instruction of a thread when no memory access operation is detected A processor and method for executing threads. The processor comprises multiple instruction buffers, each for buffering the instructions of a respective associated thread, and an instruction issue stage for issuing instructions from the instruction buffers to a memory access stage. The memory access stage includes logic adapted to detect whether a memory access operation is defined in each issued instruction, and to fetch another instruction if no memory access operation is detected.
US07958332B2	Parallel data processing apparatus A controller operable to control an array of processing elements comprises a retrieval unit operable to retrieve instruction items for each of a plurality of instructions streams, each instruction stream having a plurality of instructions items, a combining unit operable to combine the plurality of instruction streams into a serial instruction stream, and a distribution unit operable to distribute the serial instruction stream to an array of processing elements.
US07958328B2	Computer system, storage system and method for saving storage area by integrating same data Provided is a storage system capable of saving actually used physical storage areas and of achieving a high speed in write processing. There is disclosed a computer system including a server and a storage system, in which physical storage areas of a disk drive are managed for each one or more physical blocks of predetermined sizes, and allocation of one or more physical blocks to a plurality of logical blocks of predetermined sizes is managed, and the storage system stores data written in a first logical block in a first physical block allocated to the first logical block and allocates the first physical block to a second logical block where the same data as the data stored in the first physical block is to be written.
US07958320B2	Protected cache architecture and secure programming paradigm to protect applications Embodiments of the present invention provide a secure programming paradigm, and a protected cache that enable a processor to handle secret/private information while preventing, at the hardware level, malicious applications from accessing this information by circumventing the other protection mechanisms. A protected cache may be used as a building block to enhance the security of applications trying to create, manage and protect secure data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07958316B2	Dynamic adjustment of prefetch stream priority A method, processor, and data processing system for dynamically adjusting a prefetch stream priority based on the consumption rate of the data by the processor. The method includes a prefetch engine issuing a prefetch request of a first prefetch stream to fetch one or more data from the memory subsystem. The first prefetch stream has a first assigned priority that determines a relative order for scheduling prefetch requests of the first prefetch stream relative to other prefetch requests of other prefetch streams. Based on the receipt of a processor demand for the data before the data returns to the cache or return of the data along time before the receiving the processor demand, logic of the prefetch engine dynamically changes the first assigned priority to a second higher or lower priority, which priority is subsequently utilized to schedule and issue a next prefetch request of the first prefetch stream.
US07958313B2	Target computer processor unit (CPU) determination during cache injection using input/output (I/O) adapter resources A method, system, and computer program product for target computer processor unit (CPU) determination during cache injection using input/output (I/O) adapter resources are provided. The method includes storing locations of cache lines for pinned or affinity scheduled processes in a table on an input/output (I/O) adapter. The method also includes setting a cache injection hint in an input/output (I/O) transaction when an address in the I/O transaction is found in the table. The cache injection hint is set for performing direct cache injection. The method further includes entering a central processing unit (CPU) identifier and cache type in the I/O transaction, and updating a cache by injecting data values of the I/O transaction into the cache as determined by the CPU identifier and the cache type associated with the address in the table.
US07958304B1	Dynamically adapting the fault tolerance and performance characteristics of a raid-based storage system by merging and splitting raid groups Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) groups in a storage system are dynamically reconfigured by merging and splitting the RAID groups. When an indication of a change to data or system characteristics is received, disks in the RAID groups of the storage system can be reorganized to adapt to the change.
US07958301B2	Memory controller and method for memory pages with dynamically configurable bits per cell A memory controller includes a page configure module that communicates with a memory array comprising B memory blocks each including P pages. The page configure module selectively configures memory cells in the P pages of each of the B memory blocks to store from 1 to T bits per cell. The page configure module also generates a memory map based on the configuration. B, P, and T are integers greater than 1. At least one of a write module selectively writes data to the memory array based on the memory map or a read module selectively reads data from the memory array based on the memory map.
US07958293B2	Virtualized serial attached SCSI adapter A method, computer program product and computer system for the virtualization of an SAS storage adapter for logical partitions of a computer system, which includes providing a hypervisor, assigning a logical storage adapter to an operating system on one of the logical partitions, configuring the logical storage adapter using the hypervisor, and enabling data storage operations to use the logical storage adapter.
US07958289B2	Method and system for storing memory compressed data onto memory compressed disks A method (and system) of storing information, includes storing main memory compressed information onto a memory compressed disk, where pages are stored and retrieved individually, without decompressing the main memory compressed information.
US07958282B2	Method, apparatus and system for serial attached SCSI (SAS) zoning management of a domain using initiator isolation Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for managing SAS zoning using initiator isolation. The method includes assigning initiator devices in the SAS domain to a first initiator zone group, assigning target devices in the SAS domain to a second target zone group, and establishing an access control policy in which each of the initiator devices assigned to the first initiator zone group can communicate with each of the target devices assigned to the second target zone group but no initiator devices assigned to the first initiator zone group can communicate with any other initiator devices assigned to the first initiator zone group. Assignment of devices can be based on attachment information associated with each device, such as the ZPSDS entry point of the device, the SAS address of the device, and the phy of the zoning expander device in the SAS domain that is closest to the device.
US07958280B2	Parallel data transfer in solid-state storage A process of data storage utilizing a data management system that transfers data between a host system and multiple storage devices through multiple channels. The data management system receives data from the host system and writes the data as data segments to the multiple storage devices. Each data segment may comprise one sector, more than one sector, or a portion of a sector, depending on the embodiment. The data segments are transferred to and from the multiple storage devices in parallel fashion while the data in each data segment is transferred to its corresponding data storage device sequentially. The data management system reassembles data segments received from the data storage devices and sends the data to the host system.
US07958278B2	Image forming apparatus, job execution apparatus, and job execution method An image forming apparatus includes a job execution portion, a connecting portion for detachably connecting an external storage, a detection portion for detecting connection to the connecting portion of the external storage, a stored information reading portion for reading stored information of the external storage based on connection detection of the external storage by the detection portion, an internal storage portion for storing the read stored information, and a job administration portion for making the job execution portion execute a job about the stored information stored in the internal storage portion and for registering the job about the stored information as a processing wait job when the job execution portion is executing another job.
US07958271B2	Method and system for radio frequency management in a mesh network with a path distance factor A method and system for radio frequency management (RFM) in a mesh network using a path distance factor (PDF) is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises calculating a path distance factor (PDF) between a first mesh router and a portal. A frame is transmitted to a second mesh router, wherein the frame includes the path distance factor.
US07958267B1	Message traffic interception system The present invention is a message traffic interception system including a computer-readable medium, a protocol independent execution manager module stored on the medium, the execution manager module having one or more scenario modules which can process an array of predetermined rules for intercepted message traffic, and an interface communication emulator module communicatively coupling protocol-specific message traffic to the execution manager.
US07958261B2	Domain name cache control system generating series of varying nonce-bearing domain names based on a function of time Domain name caching is controlled by adding a nonce to a domain name to force propagation of lookup to an authoritative server or service. Desired caching behavior is dictated by controlling when a new and unique nonce-bearing name is created. For example, caching can be completely eliminated by generating a new nonce-bearing name for every request. While a nonce can simply correspond to a random or pseudo random value, it can also be time based. Furthermore, nonces can be phase or time shifted to limit authoritative server load as well as improve response time.
US07958255B1	Partial coalescing of transmit buffers The present invention facilitates overall system performance by balancing system resource utilization and network throughput. The invention analyzes packets received from host software selects one or more of buffers to coalesce into a single, coalesced buffer. The selection is based upon an initial fragment size selected to facilitate overall system performance. The coalesced buffer and non-coalesced buffers, are passed to a network device for transmission.
US07958244B2	Imposed policies for handling instant messages Chat sessions are managed between at least one sending computer and a receiving computer. A first chat session is initiated by a receiving computer in response to a first request from a first sending computer. A second chat session is initiated by the receiving computer in response to a second request from a second sending computer. The first and second chat sessions are prioritized in accordance with priority parameters to identify a higher priority chat session and a lower priority chat session. The lower priority chat session is restricted until the higher priority chat session is downgraded to a priority level that is below the lower priority chat session.
US07958243B2	Direct file transfer between subscribers of a communications system Systems and techniques for transferring a file from a first client associated with a first subscriber to a communications system to a second client associated with a second subscriber to the communications system by connecting from the first client to a communications system host; sending, through the communications system host, a request to the second client to establish a direct connection to the second client; when the second client accepts the request, establishing a direct connection to the second client that bypasses the communications system host; and transferring a file over the direct connection.
US07958241B2	Method and system for optimally allocating a network service A network service allocation device is disclosed. The device comprises a probe, a module, and an engine. The device collects performance data relating to the physical characteristics of a distributed data processing system. The module utilizes the performance data to identify two or more node clusters on the distributed data processing system. The engine correlates the node clusters and one or more performance rules as related to the network service to provide a map of node cluster(s) for supporting the network service, or a list of one or more servers within a node cluster for supporting the network service.
US07958240B2	Group judgment device In a server, an echo-request transmitting unit transmits echo-request data to a target device, and an echo-reply receiving unit receives echo-reply data from the target device. A time measuring unit measures, as the target time, the time required between transmission of the echo-request data and reception of the echo-reply data, and compares the target time with the reference time. In this way, the server judges whether the target device connected to its network belongs to a predetermined group.
US07958238B1	System and method for managing network access for an end user A method for managing network access is provided that includes receiving a signal indicating a change in a network parameter, the change reflecting that an end user associated with a communication session has changed from using a first network node to a second network node. Each of the network nodes is operable to facilitate the communication session associated with the end user. The method also includes communicating with a billing system element to notify the billing system element of the change in the network parameter and receiving quota information for the end user associated with the second network node. The billing information associated with the second network node may be applied to the communication session, the billing information being based on the quota information.
US07958237B2	Method for managing computer network access A client computer initiates a first communication session at a first network address and receives therefrom a second network address. The client computer then initiates a second communication session at the second network address and receives therefrom an access configuration including a control setting for a communication protocol capable of being utilized during a third communication session. Concurrent with the second communication session, the client computer initiates a third communication session at a third network address whereupon the conveyance of data to or from an instantiated process on the client computer via the third communication session is controlled based on the control setting for the communication protocol.
US07958233B2	Method for lawfully intercepting communication IP packets exchanged between terminals A method for lawfully intercepting communication IP packets exchanged between terminals is provided. The method involves assigning an IP address associated with a telecommunication service provider to, for example, a sending terminal for use as its IP address in communications with a receiving terminal, the telecommunication service provider providing SIP proxy services for establishing communication between the sending and receiving terminals. The communication IP packets are intercepted in such a way that the terminals are unaware of the interception.
US07958230B2	Test driven deployment and monitoring of heterogeneous network systems A test system (and corresponding method and computer program product) for generating unit tests for a heterogeneous network system and validating test results to ensure that the network system functions properly is described. In one embodiment, the test system is an appliance that is capable of normalizing communication protocols supported by component systems of the network system. The test system creates objects and methods corresponding to component systems and their supported protocol commands in the network system, and generates unit test cases based on the objects, the methods, and the normalized protocols. The test system transmits the unit test cases to the component systems, receives test results, and validates the test results to ensure that the network system functions properly.
US07958219B2	System and method for the process management of a data center An architecture for a data center is disclosed that manages the computational, power, and cooling elements of the data center according to a feedback process control function in which the operation of the data center is continuously monitored and adjusted according to monitoring data collected from the data center and a set of business rules concerning the operation of the data center.
US07958217B2	Job management system and method for minimizing log data Provided is a job management system includes: a terminal for executing a job, and for collecting operation information corresponding to respective operations executed by an operator; and a management server for managing the operation information collected by the terminal, the management server being connected to the terminal via a network, in which: the terminal transmits, to the management server, operation log data including the operation information capable of identifying the respective operations executed by the operator; and the management server stores, in advance, information indicating categories for the operation information and combinations thereof which are used for interpreting the operation information transmitted from the terminal as the corresponding operation executed by the operator with respect to the terminal, and selects categories for the operation information and a combination thereof which minimize a data size of the operation log data to be transmitted by the terminal.
US07958207B2	Method of installing software for enabling a connection of a phone to an interconnected network Method of installing software for enabling a connection of a phone to an interconnected network A method of installing a software on a computer using an operating system in order to enable a connection of a phone to an interconnected network, said method comprising the steps of: reading (303) audio input and audio output keys in operating system registers, said keys indicating devices which will be used for recording and playback, respectively, checking (304) if audio input and audio output key contents match with the phone, if yes, asking (305) end user to unplug the phone and returning to the reading step, if no, saving (306) audio input and audio output keys in a buffer, inviting (307) end user to plug in his phone to the computer, —installing (308) the software, writing (310) the saved audio input and audio output keys in the operating system register.
US07958202B2	System and method for processing transaction data Computer system provided with a software architecture for processing transaction data which comprises a platform (5) with at least one logical processing unit (21) comprising the following components: a plurality of gates (G(k)); one or more message queues (MQ(k)), these being memories for temporary storage of data; one or more databases (DB); a hierarchical structure of managers in the form of software modules for the control of the gates (G(j)), the messages queues (MQ(k)), the one or more databases, the at least one logical processing unit (21) and the platform (5), wherein the gates are defined as software modules with the task of communicating with corresponding business components (BC(j)) located outside the platform (5), which are defined as software modules for carrying out a predetermined transformation on a received set of data.
US07958193B2	Social network notifications for external updates Various technologies for notifying users of a social network service of updates to services external to the social network service by members of the social network. The external service may be a typical web service, such as blogging, and video and photo sharing services. In one implementation, a member of a social network may register the external service with the social network service. Thereinafter, updates that the user makes on the external service may trigger notifications to members of the user's social network.
US07958191B1	System and method for client management A computer-based method and system for selectively triggering client actions including: providing directions for obtaining client instructions, from a content provider to a client device, over a network, in response to a content request from the client device, providing the client instructions to the client device, receiving an initial image request at the computer-based management server from the client device wherein the initial image request is submitted by the client device upon execution of the client instructions, and composing and sending a beacon from the computer-based management system to the client device in response to the initial image request with the properties of the beacon triggering the client selection and execution of the action.
US07958190B2	Method and apparatus of end-user response time determination for both TCP and non-TCP protocols End-user response time in a network is determined by an analyzer which measures client data transfer time, server response time, server data transfer time and, if the protocol is a TCP protocol, further measuring server network round trip time. End-user response time may be approximated by the sum of these determined times.
US07958177B2	Method of parallelly filtering input data words to obtain final output data words containing packed half-pel pixels The present invention is to provide a parallel filtering method, which is implemented to an interpolation filter and comprises the steps of separating coefficients of the interpolation filter into two sets comprising the positive and negative coefficients respectively for parallelly filtering a plurality of input data pixels packed into data words inputted to the interpolation filter concurrently to obtain a first result data word, and clipping and shifting the first result data word to obtain a final output data word containing packed half-pel pixels for parallelly and efficiently filtering data stream of video without increasing the complexity, cost, size and power consumption of circuitry of an electronic video apparatus.
US07958174B2	Random number generators and systems and methods relating to the same A random number generator comprising a sigma-delta modulator, the sigma-delta modulator having a modulation unit and a feedback loop arranged to receive a digital output signal from the modulator and form an adjustment signal in dependence on the digital output signal such that at any given time the absolute difference between an amplitude of a summation output signal of the modulator and a quantizer threshold of the modulator is less than the first voltage range. The random number generator is thus capable of forming a digital output signal that has a high degree of entropy.
US07958173B2	Population count approximation circuit and method thereof A circuit and method provides an estimate of a population count (popcount) of a plurality of input bit values. In one form the input bit values represent respective nodes of an integrated circuit. An approximation circuit uses an approximation input stage which receives a plurality of data inputs and has a plurality of logic circuits. Each logic circuit provides a single bit output. The approximation circuit provides monotonic accuracy. A reduction tree receives the single bit outputs of the plurality of logic circuits and provides an approximate count of how many of the plurality of data inputs are asserted. Size and speed are improved by providing the estimate as opposed to an exact value.
US07958170B2	Method and apparatus for collecting and displaying data associated with network devices In one particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a network management system. The network monitoring system includes at least one device definition file, a simple network management protocol enabled communications interface, and a data access interface. The definition file includes query instructions associated with portions of MIBs associated with a network device. The simple network management protocol enabled communications interface may access the network device using the query instructions and may receive response data from the network device. The data access interface may be configured to provide external access to the response data and configure thresholds.
US07958169B1	System and method for supporting change notify watches for virtualized storage systems A technique supports Change Notify watches in virtualized storage systems. In particular, techniques of the present invention advantageously emulate Change Notify features (e.g., as documented by the CIFS protocol) on virtualized storage systems by leveraging virtualization mapping information (e.g., an inode-to-path or “I2P” mapping) to walk a file system tree backwards from the data blocks to their ancestors to determine whether there are applicable watches on ancestor directories, and to obtain a pathname (e.g., relative) of the watched (changed) data. In particular, changes to data received from different protocols (e.g., CIFS, NFS, HTTP, etc.) can trigger watches to clients on the virtualized storage system. Also, performance may be enhanced using various caching techniques, and watch state may be retained while moving watched data across volumes of the virtualized storage system.
US07958167B2	Integration of unstructed data into a database The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that extends transactional guarantees to unstructured data in a file system. A database engine, configured to retain structured data, can reserve a portion of the file system to store unstructured data to be managed by the database engine. A kernel component can associate a transaction with at least one stream that corresponds to the reserved portion of the file system. The association enables transaction based access to the reserved portion of the file system managed by the database engine.
US07958158B2	Aggregating database queries Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for aggregating database queries for energy efficiency. In one embodiment, queries received by a DBMS are aggregated and staged according to hard-disk drives required for query execution. Each group of queries accessing a given drive may be dispatched for execution together. Further, the queries received by a DBMS may be matched to patterns of previously received queries. The matching patterns may be used to predict other queries which are likely to be received by the DBMS. The received queries may be staged to be dispatched with the predicted queries. By aggregating queries to be executed, access to each hard-disk drive may be optimized, thus reducing the overall energy consumption required for executing the queries.
US07958156B2	Graphical/rich media ads in search results A method and system for mixing rich media content with textual listing on a webpage includes receiving a plurality of advertisement parameters associated with an advertisement from an advertiser. The advertisement parameters define the advertisement and are used for booking the advertisement. Additional media content associated with the advertisement is obtained from the advertiser. The additional media content includes rich media content. A dynamic content window is defined for rendering the additional media content. A graphical icon is provided for the advertisement to indicate that additional media content is available for the advertisement. The graphical icon is activated through a control or is activated by default. The graphical icon is associated with the dynamic content to provide access to the additional media content on the webpage in response to detecting a user action at the graphical icon.
US07958143B1	Context search to refine a search Systems, methods, computer readable media having computer-executable components, and user interfaces for performing a search within a selected category are disclosed. One or more categories are presented where each of the categories is associated with at least one search result of a first set of search results retrieved in response to a first search. A selected category is specified by a user and, in response to receiving the user selection of the selected category, a search input field is produced at a location proximate to the selected category. The search input field receives at least one search term to be used in a refined search of at least one item resulting from the search that is associated with the selected category.
US07958138B2	Method and apparatus for enhancing electronic reading by identifying relationships between sections of electronic text An apparatus, method and article of manufacture of the present invention detects the presence of references to the same concept in separate sections of text, and, with no input required from the reader, presents the reader with information concerning the detected references to the concept. The information provided may comprise information related to the location of the reference to the concept in other sections of text, and the reader also is provided the ability to move from one reference to a concept directly to another reference to the same concept.
US07958128B2	Query-independent entity importance in books A corpus contains information including text from books and metadata about the books. The book texts mention entities of various types, such as location, date, event, and person entities. An entity importance engine analyzes the information in the corpus to identify the entities mentioned therein, and ranks the entities using query-independent importance scores. The importance scores can be based in part on the contexts in which the entities are mentioned by the books. A presentation engine enables searching of the corpus to identify books satisfying a search query. The presentation engine presents information about a designated book. Entities mentioned in the book are presented in a style selected to enhance comprehension and utility. For example, location entities can be presented on a map with markers showing the locations of the entities. The number of entities presented are limited and ordered based on the query-independent importance scores.
US07958123B2	System and method for managing bundle data database storing data association structure A bundle database management system comprises a search server including a bundle definition unit for defining a core word and a relevant word connected to the core word, and connection relation between the core and relevant words to generate and store bundle data; a description definition unit for defining description data corresponding to the core and relevant words; a search request receiving unit for receiving a search request including a specific search word input by a user; a search result page generating unit for generating a search result page including the bundle data retrieved by the search word as a core word and the description data retrieved by the core word; and a search result page transmitting unit for transmitting the search result page to the user; and a user terminal connected to the search server for transmitting the search request and receiving the search result page.
US07958122B2	Data domains in multidimensional databases Systems and method for creating multidimensional data cubes containing data domains for analyzing large amounts of data are provided. Data domains may be included in the major object of a multidimensional data cube. Further embodiments of the present invention provide methods for querying multidimensional data cubes having data domains. Embodiments of the present invention provide for defining data domains by any object in the major object model and for defining parent and child data domains.
US07958120B2	Method and apparatus for distributed community finding Methods and apparatus for a new approach to the problem of finding communities in complex networks relating to a social definition of communities and percolation are disclosed. Instead of partitioning the graph into separate subgraphs from top to bottom a local algorithm (communities of each vertex) allows overlapping of communities. The performance of an algorithm on synthetic, randomly-generated graphs and real-world networks is used to benchmark this method against others. An heuristic is provided to generate a list of communities for networks using a local community finding algorithm. Unlike diffusion based algorithms, The provided algorithm finds overlapping communities and provides a means to measure confidence in community structure. It features locality and low complexity for exploring the communities for a subset of network nodes, without the need for exploring the whole graph.
US07958118B2	Method for retrieving keyword showing difference between two groups and system for executing the method A method and system for sorting out a keyword showing a difference between two groups is provided. The method includes the steps of: defining a tuple with respect to an N number of keywords and defining a data group including a group of the tuple; creating a keyword value for each of the N number of keywords by using the data group; and creating a keyword group associated with the keyword value, and creating an output group including the keyword group, wherein the two groups includes a first group and a second group.
US07958109B2	Intent driven search result rich abstracts Techniques for providing useful information to a user in response to a search query are provided. Based on the search query, one or more potential intents of the user are identified and a plurality of matching resources are identified. For at least one matching resource, a particular abstract template is selected based on the one or more potential intents. Each abstract (a) corresponds to a different intent than any other intent to which any other abstract template of the plurality of abstract templates corresponds, and (b) dictates a different manner of displaying information about a matching resource than any other manner of displaying dictated by any other abstract template of the plurality of abstract templates. A search results page is generated and sent to the user. The search results page includes an abstract for the at least one matching resource. The abstract is displayed based on the particular abstract template.
US07958099B2	Unified management method of various types of messages of a personal information terminal The present invention relates to a method of displaying several types of messages all together through a single window and of enabling a user to write and transmit a message with no consideration of message type. This unified message management method displays various types of messages all together along with their respective message types through a single window, converts the type of a written message, if needed, to match it to a protocol determined based on information written in its field distinguishing a message type, and transmits the type-converted message, whereby a user can confirm all types of received messages at a time and user's inconvenience that a message type to write should be distinguished in advance prior to choosing a message input screen can be removed.
US07958097B1	Method and system for implementation of data storage quota The present invention provides a methodology of organization of control over the process of space or other quantitative parameter of resource allocation in computer data storages. More specifically, the present invention organizes areas of quoted space or time. A method and system of the present invention includes an establishment of quotas for an area of a file system that takes into account the belonging of a file to a certain subtree or subtrees of the file system. The quota management of the present invention is established within a usual computer system which includes a hierarchic file system, as well as a set of unique users, that could be united into groups.
US07958094B2	Management of deletion requests for related documents in a content management system A method and system for the management of deletion requests for related documents in a content management system. When a user requests to delete a related document associated with a record in the content management system, the request determines whether there are other documents associated with the record, collects the documents and determines if any of the collected documents are parent documents, removes the association between each collected document and the record, and initiates a deletion process to delete the parent documents.
US07958091B2	Method for fast bulk loading data into a database while bypassing exit routines System, method, computer program for fast bulk loading data into database while bypassing exit routines. Method for bulk loading of data into database tables with exit routines defined for operations on such tables, method characterized by existence of exit routines is by-passed by performing data preprocessing in batch mode before loading; and loading preprocessed data into database by performing operations on lower level of tablespace and index spaces where database tables reside and not on database tables themselves. Method for bulk loading data into database tables with exit routines defined for operations on such tables comprising: batch processing data that requires processing to generate processed data; switching tablespace and related index spaces to stop mode; marking required space map entries used; loading previously processed data into claimed data pages; updating database index pages; resetting consistency tokens in updated page; and switching the tablespace and related index spaces to start mode.
US07958085B1	Managing media-content licenses, including option formation Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, systems and/or devices for managing content are disclosed. Briefly, in accordance with one particular embodiment, managing content includes presenting one or more references to one or more digital media assets. A request to reserve one or more of the referenced digital media assets is received, and the references to one or more digital media assets are updated such that the references include data indicating that one or more of the referenced digital media assets have been reserved.
US07958084B2	System, method, and computer-readable medium for providing a regionalized file system A system, method, and computer readable medium that facilitate operation of a file system capable of dividing an existing homogeneous file system into a series of regions, with each region accommodating storage devices having compatible characteristics are provided. The file system is divided into logical regions, with each region containing a particular class of storage devices possessing a particular set of common storage traits. The regionalization of the file system provides for all cylinders of storage devices sharing a common storage characteristic to be contained within a single region, and dedicated file system logic can be written to service that region. A master index configuration implemented in accordance with disclosed embodiments includes a region descriptor construct that enables cylinder index descriptors associated with cylinders of storage devices sharing a common storage characteristic to be grouped into regions.
US07958082B2	Application data replication between computers A method for replicating application data, the method including monitoring at least one application running on a first computer, detecting an inactivity trigger on the first computer, and, responsive to detecting the inactivity trigger, copying data associated with the software application, and placing the copied data in a network-accessible location.
US07958081B2	Apparatuses, methods and systems for information querying and serving on mobile devices based on ambient conditions The disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods, and systems for information querying and serving on mobile devices based on ambient conditions. Such conditions may include weather, traffic, market prices, news and events, and/or the like. Information and/or advertisement providers may use a code triggered information server to serve context, demographic, and behavior targeted information to users via mobile devices. Users, in turn, trigger the provision of information by scanning or observing codes or information. The scans, together with geographic, temporal, and user-specific information, are obtained by the server that receives, processes, and records the message. Based on these messages and a user profile—which may include continuously updated user-specific behavior information, situational and ambient information, an accumulated history of scanned code messages, and integration with outside database information—the server selects information to serve to the users' mobile devices from an information base. In one embodiment, information may also be served to users based solely on the user profiles and ambient conditions, and without any initiating code scan. This is based on the accumulated history of scanned codes, which yields behavioral information about a user, including user space-time trajectories.
US07958080B2	Idea page system and method Ideas, groups of ideas, projects, documents, and related materials may be depicted, organized, modified, and shared according to Idea Page systems, methods, and user interfaces. Published workflow templates may additionally be copied into a user context, modified, and depicted in a multi-level visual space, including first-level ideas organized and visually arranged in a first-level idea page, and second-level ideas organized and visually arranged in a second-level idea page.
US07958077B2	Rules engine for enterprise system An example embodiment provides a process relating to an inference engine for enterprise systems and enterprise contracts. In the example, the inference engine receives a fact and stores it in an input queue. Then the inference engine retrieves the fact from the input queue and routes the fact to a schedule queue on the basis of the fact's processing schedule and a condition that is part of a rule. The inference engine retrieves the fact from the schedule queue in accordance with the processing schedule and routes the fact to a rule executer on the basis of the fact's contents. The rule executer applies an action to the fact, where the action is also part of the rule and the action transforms the fact or creates new facts. Then the inference engine routes the transformed fact or new facts to the input queue and possibly to a persistent storage device.
US07958073B2	Software and methods for task method knowledge hierarchies A system is disclosed for the graphical entry of knowledge information in Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) notation into a computer system. The system comprises methods for entering the TMK hierarchy, defining new tasks 510, methods 512, procedures 522, and subtasks 518. Defined elements may be reviewed, modified, or deleted. Inputs to the tasks may be defined and the outputs of methods and procedures may be assigned. The hierarchy may be processed towards a solution. The entered hierarchy is displayed with visual clues as to the state and progress of the solution process.
US07958066B2	Interactive machine learning advice facility In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for helping a user make a decision through the use of a machine learning facility. The process may begin with an initial question being received by the machine learning facility from the user. The user may then be provided with a dialog consisting of questions from the machine learning facility and answers provided by the user. The machine learning facility may then provide a decision to the user based on the dialog and pertaining to the initial question, such as a recommendation, a diagnosis, a conclusion, advice, and the like. In embodiments, future questions and decisions provided by the machine learning facility may be improved through feedback provided by the user.
US07958065B2	Resilient classifier for rule-based system A resilient classifier for using with a rule-based system is provided. A system for classifying data for a rule-based system, may include: a system(s) for generating two training data sets, one data set is generated from input data while the second data set is generated from disturbed data; a system for merging the two training data sets; and a system for training a data classifier with the merged training data sets. As a result, the classification of data becomes more accurate, including when disturbed data is encountered.
US07958063B2	Methods and systems for identifying and localizing objects based on features of the objects that are mapped to a vector A method of identifying and localizing objects belonging to one of three or more classes, includes deriving vectors, each being mapped to one of the objects, where each of the vectors is an element of an N-dimensional space. The method includes training an ensemble of binary classifiers with a CISS technique, using an ECOC technique. For each object corresponding to a class, the method includes calculating a probability that the associated vector belongs to a particular class, using an ECOC probability estimation technique. In another embodiment, increased detection accuracy is achieved by using images obtained with different contrast methods. A nonlinear dimensional reduction technique, Kernel PCA, was employed to extract features from the multi-contrast composite image. The Kernel PCA preprocessing shows improvements over traditional linear PCA preprocessing possibly due to its ability to capture high-order, nonlinear correlations in the high dimensional image space.
US07958054B2	Apparatus for reproduction song data with limitation dependent on preview or purchase A song data reproduction apparatus has a storage for song data composed of performance data and order information. The performance data represents a content of a music performance and contains reproduction limiting information for limiting a reproduction state of the music performance. The order information indicates either of a purchase or a preview associated to a usage right of the content of the music performance. A usage right identification section refers to the order information of the song data containing the performance data to be reproduced, for identifying the usage right of the content of the music performance in terms of the purchase or preview. A limiting information read section reads the reproduction limiting information from the performance data when the identified usage right indicates the preview. A reproduction control section controls the reproduction state of the music performance in accordance with the read reproduction limiting information.
US07958053B2	Method and system for extending credit with automated repayment A system and method for extending a firm offer of credit contingent upon receiving a one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals from a deposit account is provided. In providing the one-time authorization to execute recurring automatic withdrawals, a prospective borrower may elect from a plurality of automatic withdrawal repayment options. One such option is electronic fund transfer, such as the initiation of a withdrawal entry into the Automated Clearing House network. A second option is by the remote creation of a paper negotiable instrument, which is then converted into an electronic substitute check capable of electronic routing. Upon receiving the one-time authorization, the lender may make recurring automatic withdrawals from the borrower's deposit account.
US07958052B2	Methods and systems for cardholder initiated transactions A cardholder-initiated financial transaction using a cardholder controlled input device in communication with a payment card network and a database is disclosed. The cardholder uses a payment card issued to the cardholder by an issuer bank. An exemplary method includes the steps of storing merchant data within the database including data identifying the merchants registered to utilize the card network and receiving from the input device transaction data relating to the financial transaction. The transaction data includes an authorization request and merchant identifying data that identifies the merchant involved in the transaction. The method further includes determining that the identified merchant is registered to utilize the card network by comparing the transaction data with the merchant data stored in the database, forwarding the authorization request to the issuer bank, receiving a response to the request from the issuer bank, and automatically forwarding the response to the input device.
US07958051B2	Using payment mode rankings responsive to item attributes Methods and systems for obtaining at least some mode rankings responsive to one or more categorical attributes of a first item and to one or more payment mode use constraints, and transmitting at least an indication of a payment mode.
US07958050B2	Payment account monitoring system and method A network includes an account status system for checking the status of checking accounts used to make payments, and a payment account monitoring system that includes linking files that store, for individual credit card accounts, the account numbers for checking accounts used to pay the credit card accounts. The monitoring system periodically retrieves checking account numbers from the linking files and checks the account numbers at the status system. If a negative status is indicated at the status system, an alert is provided to the credit card company.
US07958045B2	System and method for graphically displaying market related data using fixed size bars A system and method are provided for displaying market related data, such as traded volume at each price level, or any other trader-selected values, using one or more fixed size bars. In one preferred embodiment, a graphical display interface is provided and includes a plurality of fixed size bars that display traded volume at different price levels. In such an embodiment, the length of each bar may correspond to a predefined maximum value, and each bar may be progressively color-coded using a first graphical format to represent traded volume that is lower than the maximum value. If the traded volume exceeds the maximum value, the overflow value may be represented by progressively color-coding the bar using a second graphical format that may be used in relation to the first graphical format color-coding.
US07958044B2	Method and system for modeling volatility A method for determining the implied volatility of a swap option employs intuitive factors to arrive at a close approximate of volatility. The volatility curve is a convex shaped curve which more closely follows real market volatility than previous methods. The slope of the curve is provided by employing a premium model which allows for a correlation between rates and volatility. The convex shaped curve is arrived by assuming a lognormal distribution for the underlying volatility.
US07958041B2	Spectrum management system Transferring spectrum use rights may include ascertaining information regarding available spectrum for use in wireless communications. A request for spectrum use from a spectrum user system may be matched with available spectrum. A spectrum certificate may be issued to the spectrum user system, where the spectrum certificate contains at least one spectrum-related variable under which the spectrum user system is to engage in wireless communications.
US07958035B2	Accelerated benefit insurance product management and distribution system and method Disclosed is a novel insurance product that provides an accelerated death benefit to the insured individual. The insurance product contains a lifeaccess accelerated benefit feature that allows the insured individual to file a claim and receive benefits under a life insurance product if the insured individual becomes chronically or terminally ill.
US07958023B1	System and method for legal billing in a networked environment A computer-implemented method and system is disclosed in which a network-based e-commerce environment includes billing a client at a periodic flat rate for a pre-defined scope of legal advice in pre-defined areas of legal services and offering the client, as part of the periodic flat rate, an alternative billing option of participating in a litigation defense program having a graduated fee structure based on an outcome of a litigation. In other embodiments, a network-based e-commerce environment includes offering the client participation in an accrual of credits at a predetermined multiplier of the periodic flat rate paid whereby such credits are accrued over time and may be redeemed to offset legal fees otherwise payable.
US07958022B2	Pre-pay communication services A method and system for crediting a user account of a pre-pay communication service is presented. The method comprises the steps of: providing a shared credit resource to which a plurality of users of the pre-pay communication service are authorized access and to which at least one user contributes credit; and transferring credit from the shared credit resource to the user account, thereby enabling the user associated with the user account to use the pre-pay service.
US07958015B2	Method, medium, and system for marketing integrated circuits A system and method for marketing and/or providing integrated circuits. Various aspects of the present invention may provide a computer system adapted to receive and process a request for information regarding an integrated circuit. A database may comprise information of a first set of the integrated circuits that meet performance requirements at nominal power supply characteristics, and information of a second set of the integrated circuits that do not meet the performance requirements at the nominal power supply characteristics and meet the performance requirements at non-nominal power supply characteristics. A processor module may, upon receipt of a request for information regarding the integrated circuit, process information in the database to determine whether the second set of integrated circuits is available. A communication interface module may electronically communicate information of the second set of the integrated circuits (e.g., to the source of the request for information regarding the integrated circuit).
US07958014B2	Method and apparatus for building commercial distributed computing networks via computer cost subsidization A method and apparatus for distributed computing in a network data processing system. A task is accepted for distributed computing. Work units are sent to a plurality of data processing systems on a network, wherein each data processing system within the plurality of data processing systems includes a software for accepting a work unit, processing the work unit to generate a result, and returning the result, wherein the software is monitored for compliance with an operation policy requiring a connection to the network and allocating a period of time for processing work units. Results are received from the plurality of data processing systems. These data processing systems may be individually owned by consumers in which the systems are provided at no cost or some lower cost in return for making available processing resources for processing work units.
US07958013B2	Method, system and business model for a buyer's auction with near perfect information using the internet A methodology, system and business model are disclosed for facilitating a fully automated buyer's auction in which the major types of transaction costs are significantly reduced by providing the buyer and the sellers with near-perfect information about one another, including information about buyer preferences and competing sellers' offers. The system implements a buyer's auction with multidimensional bidding that minimizes market intelligence, search, bargaining and transaction execution costs and thus creates more competitive, frictionless markets. Buyers and sellers can efficiently conduct the buyer's auction within a unified environment, thereby minimizing buyer integration costs as well. The buyer's auction generates commercially marketable proprietary information and a revenue stream for the auctioneer providing such a service.
US07958008B1	Providing customized media at physical point of sale A method of providing to a customer customized media at a physical point of sale (PPOS) of a good/service includes the steps of (a) receiving an identifier from the customer at the PPOS, (b) retrieving a media profile that is maintained in a database in association with the identifier, the media profile identifying at least one media content type, (c) generating a deliverable in accordance with the retrieved media profile by obtaining an item of the media content type identified in the retrieved media profile, and (d) communicating the generated deliverable to the customer at the PPOS.
US07958004B2	Methods for supply chain management According to various embodiments, the present teachings include inventory control policies that are defined in terms of functions of aggregate cost rates, involving thresholds Ω and an order-up-to point S. An embodiment of the present teachings includes a method. The method includes tracking an inventory position of each of the plurality of items by a logistics network and determining an item cost rate for each of the plurality of items based on the tracked inventory position. The method also includes determining an aggregate cost rate for the plurality of items based on the determined item cost rates, comparing the aggregate cost rate with a cost rate threshold Ω, and ordering the plurality of items to an order-up-to point S if the compared aggregate cost rate is greater than or equal to the cost rate threshold Ω.
US07957998B2	Systems and method for generating planogram images A retail system for implementing planograms includes a communications network, a central computing system, and a plurality of retail computing systems. The central computing system is configured to receive and to transmit a plurality of planograms, each planogram being associated with one retail store of a plurality of retail stores and a plurality of products to be displayed for sale at the associated retail store. Each planogram includes data indicating threshold quantities of each product of the associated plurality of products. Each retail computing system is at a corresponding one of the plurality of retail stores and is configured to receive, via the communications network, planograms associated with the corresponding retail store and to receive inventory information indicating in-stock quantities of the plurality of products associated with each planogram. Each retail computing system is also configured to provide a readiness rating value for each planogram, the readiness rating value being based on a comparison of the threshold quantities and in-stock quantities of each product associated with the planogram and being indicative of whether the planogram is ready to be implemented.
US07957997B2	Systems and methods for third party order processing Systems and methods are provided for processing a product order which is directed from a customer to a first supplier. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes receiving a product order from a customer. Based on the received product order, the method determines products to be procured by a supplier that is external with respect to the first supplier. The method further determines at least one external supplier which is able to provide the products and transmits a purchase order for the available products to the external supplier.
US07957992B2	Modification of a diagram for business process optimization System and method for displaying information regarding a business process. A diagram of the business process may be displayed on a display. The diagram may include a plurality of icons connected by lines, where each of the icons represents a respective step in the business process and the lines indicate flow paths between the steps. Historical data regarding the business process may be received. The historical data may be analyzed to determine information regarding steps and/or flow paths in the business process. Graphical indications associated with one or more icons and/or lines in the diagram may be displayed. The graphical indications may visually indicate characteristics of corresponding steps and/or flow paths in the business process. For example, the graphical indications may indicate lengths of time, costs, or other characteristics associated with various ones of the steps. The graphical indications may indicate path traversals of ones of the flow paths.
US07957984B1	Device for facilitating compliance with medication regimen A device and method for facilitating compliance with a medication regimen are disclosed. The device incorporates an icon set that illustrates concepts relating to the medication regimen in a pictographic form that is easily recognized and comprehended. The device is programmed with medication instructions, and generates medication reminders for the medication instructions by displaying icons from the icon set. The device may additionally display text, play audio, vibrate, send text messages to other devices, etc. The device may accept input from the individual and/or caregiver regarding the medication instructions or the medication events. The device may also contain the medication, control access and dosing of the medication, and administer the medication to the individual. The device may also communicate information regarding the medication regimen to the caregiver, such as prescription renewal requests. This device and method may improve the accuracy and thoroughness of compliance and communication regarding the medication regimen.
US07957976B2	Establishing a multimodal advertising personality for a sponsor of a multimodal application Establishing a multimodal advertising personality for a sponsor of a multimodal application, including associating one or more vocal demeanors with a sponsor of a multimodal application and presenting a speech portion of the multimodal application for the sponsor using at least one of the vocal demeanors associated with the sponsor.
US07957969B2	Systems and methods for building a native language phoneme lexicon having native pronunciations of non-native words derived from non-native pronunciatons Systems and methods are provided for automatically building a native phonetic lexicon for a speech-based application trained to process a native (base) language, wherein the native phonetic lexicon includes native phonetic transcriptions (base forms) for non-native (foreign) words which are automatically derived from non-native phonetic transcriptions of the non-native words.
US07957956B2	Systems and methods for normalization of linguistic structures A text passage is analyzed to determine whether it contains a “be” verb or a “have” verb. If so, syntactic dependencies are obtained from the text passage, a direct object relation involving the “be” verb or “have” verb is obtained, and a verbal form of a noun appearing in the first direct object relation is obtained. The syntactic dependencies are rewritten based on the verbal form of the noun. Different syntactic rewriting criteria are applied if the text passage also contains a noun object preceding a past participle verb, or also contains an active present participle verb.
US07957951B2	Address translation system for use in a simulation environment Methods and systems for simulation of a testable system are provided in which a virtual testable system is used. One method includes inputting a system definition file into a translation utility, where the system definition file includes a plurality of physical addresses required for execution of the system definition file in the testable system. The method also includes inputting a memory map file into the translation utility, the memory map representing a virtual memory space for a virtual testable system. The method further includes generating virtual translation information by translating the physical addresses into virtual addresses using the memory map file.
US07957949B1	Hierarchical system design A method of system design, and more particularly a method of designing systems that achieve a set of performance goals using a hierarchically partitioned system representation wherein performance simulations are performed at multiple levels within the hierarchy and are combined to simulate a system level result in order to reduce the aggregate time required for performance simulation.
US07957948B2	System and method for capacity planning for systems with multithreaded multicore multiprocessor resources A method for expressing a hierarchy of scalabilities in complex systems, including a discrete event simulation and an analytic model, for analysis and prediction of the performance of multi-chip, multi-core, multi-threaded computer processors is provided. Further provided is a capacity planning tool for migrating data center systems from a source configuration which may include source systems with multithreaded, multicore, multichip central processing units to a destination configuration which may include destination systems with multithreaded, multicore and multichip central processing units, wherein the destination systems may be different than the source systems. Apparatus and methods are taught for the assembling of and utilization of linear and exponential scalability factors in the capacity planning tool when a plurality of active processor threads populate processors with multiple chips, multiple cores per chip and multiple threads per core.
US07957945B2	Inundation simulator and program An inundation simulation program and device using the same for displaying a map, receiving input from a user indicating a starting point and an ending point in a bank breakage section on the map, and displaying on the map a line connecting the starting point and the ending point. Further, the computer program and device calculates a direction of a flow quantity in the bank breakage section by calculating a normal line to the side of the inside area of the bank at the input band breakage section and making the bank breakage section discrete in the calculation grids of the inundation simulation.
US07957944B2	Using historical data to estimate wear profiles of consumable wear products An example method for estimating a wear profile of a consumable wear product used in conjunction with the processing of ore includes obtaining historical data related to wear of the consumable wear product, building a historical wear model based on the historical data, and obtaining a current single measurement point for the consumable wear product. The method includes extrapolating an estimated wear profile using the current measurement point and the historical wear model, and estimating a performance characteristic based on the estimated wear profile.
US07957943B2	Method and system for modeling effects visually A system for defining the effect of forces on a model. The model is displayed and the model includes a goal axis and an equilibrium line. A plurality of qualitative effects are added to the equilibrium line. Each of the added qualitative effects apply a force to the equilibrium line. A qualitative strength and a quantitative strength are assigned to one or more of the added qualitative effects. The equilibrium line is bent in a positive and a negative direction based on an amount and a direction of force applied to the equilibrium line by each of the added qualitative effects. Also, the equilibrium line is moved in a positive or a negative direction along a goal axis based on a net effect of forces applied to the equilibrium line by the added qualitative effects. In addition, the model as effected by the added qualitative effects is saved to storage.
US07957935B2	Analyzer and method of restarting sample measurement An analyzer includes a specimen preparing section for preparing a measuring specimen including a specimen and a reagent, the specimen preparing section including a plurality of units; a detecting section for detecting a predetermined component from the specimen; a start command receiver for receiving a starting measurement instruction; a measurement controller for controlling the units and the detecting section when the starting measurement instruction is received; an error detecting section for detecting an error in the operations of the units; a measurement abort controller for stopping the operations of the units when the error is detected; a restart command receiver for receiving a restart measurement instruction after the abortion of the measurement; and a remeasurement controller for moving the units to initial positions thereof and controlling the units and the detecting section when the restarting measurement instruction is received is disclosed. A method of restarting sample measurement is also disclosed.
US07957934B2	Method and system for processing application performance data ouside of monitored applications to limit overhead caused by monitoring The present invention provides a system and method that aggregates and processes monitoring data acquired inside a monitored application outside of the said application to reduce overhead caused by monitoring tasks in the monitored application. Monitoring data acquired by monitoring sensors is stored in a ring buffer after acquisition, which decouples acquisition of data and its transfer, enabling asynchronous sending of performance data to a monitoring server for analysis. Memory consumption of said ring buffer is limited to a fixed size which keeps memory consumption caused by monitoring processes low and predictable. Correlation, analysis, all computation of monitoring data, and bytecode manipulation to place sensors is performed outside of the monitored application, by a monitoring server.
US07957933B2	Performance monitor device and information processing apparatus An information processing apparatus includes a receptor for receiving an event signal occurring in hardware during program execution in time series, a feature event counter for counting the number of occurrences of a feature event to determine the feature of the program, a stored event counter for counting the number of occurrences of stored event determined from the feature event with the maximum number of occurrences, and a storage for storing the count result of the number of occurrences of the stored event.
US07957931B2	Positioning pattern An absolute position detection device, system and method using a pattern comprising two types of position data: location of the pattern relative an object and position of the pattern relative a sensing device, e.g. a camera. The device comprise the sensing device acquiring images of the pattern located on the object and a computational unit analysing the images for determining absolute position of the object relative the sensing device. The present invention is realized in a number of applications, such as forming part of a torque sensor, a theodolite, an articulating arm, or an angular detector.
US07957926B2	System and process for calibrating pyrometers in thermal processing chambers A method and system for calibrating temperature measurement devices, such as pyrometers, in thermal processing chambers are disclosed. According to the present invention, the system includes a calibrating light source that emits light energy onto a substrate contained in the thermal processing chamber. A light detector then detects the amount of light that is being transmitted through the substrate. The amount of detected light energy is then used to calibrate a temperature measurement device that is used in the system.
US07957921B2	Model-based estimation of battery hysteresis A method of battery state of charge estimation considering battery hysteresis includes using a Preisach-model-based algorithm to calculate a battery state of charge.
US07957911B2	Method and apparatus for screening chemical compounds Methods and apparatus for screening large numbers of chemical compounds and performing a wide variety of fluorescent assays, including live cell assays. The methods utilize a laser linescan confocal microscope with high speed, high resolution and multi-wavelength capabilities and real time data-processing. Imaging may be done at video-rates and with use of ultraviolet illumination.
US07957906B2	Method for attenuating low frequency noise in a dual-sensor seismic streamer A calculated vertical velocity sensor signal is determined from a recorded pressure sensor signal. A constructed vertical velocity sensor signal is determined as a linear combination of the calculated vertical velocity sensor signal and a recorded vertical velocity sensor signal in dual-sensor seismic streamer data, using a mixture coefficient as a proportionality constant. An upgoing pressure wavefield component is determined as one half of a difference of the recorded pressure sensor signal and the constructed vertical velocity sensor signal, as a function of the mixture coefficient. An error in the upgoing pressure wavefield component is determined by propagating errors in the recorded pressure sensor signal and constructed vertical velocity sensor signal terms. A value of the mixture coefficient is determined that minimizes the error in the upgoing pressure wavefield component.
US07957903B1	Gas trap for sampling fluid from a well A low maintenance adjustable gas trap with a plurality of couplings, each coupling securing to a flow line of a drilling rig; a plurality of hammer unions each engaging a coupling; a plurality of base manifold pipes, each engaging a hammer union; a base manifold flow line engaging the base manifold pipes, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line with a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney opposite the base manifold flow line; an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer; a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component opposite the reducer, wherein the restrictor has a diameter no more than ⅓rd a diameter of the expansion chamber component; and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.
US07957901B2	System for guiding an obstacle avoidance direction including senses for supersonic waves An obstacle avoidance system having an ultrasonic sensor is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic sensor array having at least one ultrasonic sensor for measuring a distance to an obstacle using an ultrasonic wave, an orientation tracker for tracking a proceeding direction, an controller for receiving distance data and orientation data from the ultrasonic sensor array and the orientation tracker, respectively, and for determining an avoidance orientation based on the distance data and the orientation data, and an avoidance orientation guiding unit for informing the pedestrian of the avoidance orientation determined by the controller. The controller stores distance data for a certain number of previous frames and, if the controller determines that distance data of a first frame is noise, the distance data of the first frame is replaced with an average between the distance data of a frame prior to the first frame and the distance data of a frame after the first frame. Also, the controller calculates an amount of orientation change for a second frame using the orientation data of the orientation tracker and regards the distance data of the second frame as noise, if the calculated amount of orientation change is greater than a threshold.
US07957900B2	Tracking vehicle locations in a parking lot for definitive display on a GUI A computer implemented method for displaying on a map a definitive image of precise locations of multiple mobile objects such as vehicles in a lot. The lot is mapped digitally to display precise locations of sub-areas of different types, such as parking and movement slots and their raw, approximate distances from vehicles are determined from approximate coordinates of vehicles obtained remotely. A data base of vehicle and sub-area types is established and a vehicle placement matrix is determined providing probabilities of respective sub-areas being occupiable by respective vehicles derived from business environment rules based on compatibilities of respective vehicle types with respect sub-area types. Raw, approximate distances of vehicles from sub-areas are divided by the probabilities to provided adjusted distances, sub-areas ranked by least adjusted distances and the respective vehicles placed in their top ranked sub-areas for more accurate display of location on a GUI.
US07957894B2	Optimum route determination with tiling An optimum route search may be conducted through the use of a tiling overlay on the network of road segments. Overlaying the tiling (grid) over the road segments allows for a reduction of the number of road segments considered for an optimum path as road segments can be evaluated on whether the road segment is part of an optimal path to the borders of a first tile and then successively larger frames of tiles around the initial tile. By reducing the number of road segments considered for the optimum route search to road segments that are part of optimal routes to various tile boundary edges, the computation of the optimum route for the route of interest may be quicker and less resource intensive than efforts to determine optimum routes through other methods.
US07957889B2	Adjustment system for balancing the cylinders of a gas-burning internal combustion engine The invention relates to balancing the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The invention comprises cylinder-specific pressure sensors (1) installed in the cylinders of an internal combustion engine for measuring the cylinder pressures as well as an adjustment unit (2). The adjustment unit is arranged to determine the maximum pressure and knock value of each cylinder as well as the mean maximum pressure of the cylinders as a response to the measurements of cylinder pressures and to determine the differences between the maximum pressure of each cylinder and the mean maximum pressure. The differences are compared to a certain deviation range of the mean maximum pressure and the knock value to a certain knock limit value. The duration of the fuel injection of the cylinder is adjusted in case the difference of a single cylinder exceeds the lower limit of the deviation range and the knock value of the cylinder is less than the knock limit value or the difference of the cylinders exceeds the upper limit of the deviation range.
US07957885B2	Method for operating a group of glow plugs in a diesel engine Method for controlling a group of glow plugs in a diesel engine, which are connected with a direct current source via individual supply lines and which are to be controlled by a pulse width modulation process at the same temperature, at least in time average. The electric resistance of the glow plugs, less the resistance of the supply line to the heating element of the glow plugs, is determined during operation of the engine and a relative pulse width at which the glow plugs are to be operated is calculated from the value so obtained.
US07957882B2	Onboard controller system A system and method for safely slowing or stopping a vehicle by selectively replacing a genuine engine control signal with a spoofed engine control signal to slow or stop a vehicle in a gradual or stepped manor. The operator is allowed control of the vehicle (e.g. genuine engine control signal) if the speed is below a threshold speed and the operator is denied control of the vehicle (e.g. spoofed engine control signal) if the speed is above the threshold speed, thus forcing the vehicle to slow to the threshold speed. The threshold is gradually reduced over time, causing the operator to stop the vehicle.
US07957875B2	Method and apparatus for predicting braking system friction A brake system control method determines vehicle operating conditions, compares the conditions to an allowable range, and uses a neural network to predict an expected coefficient of friction when the conditions are within the range. When the conditions fall outside of the range, the method determines an amount of required braking force using a constant coefficient of friction, and calculates the required braking force using the expected coefficient of friction when the conditions are within the range. The vehicle operating conditions include a vehicle speed, brake pressure, modeled brake rotor temperature, and apply state. The expected coefficient is multiplied by a constant or a calculated correction factor. A vehicle has an engine, transmission, and braking system, with a controller and an algorithm for predicting a coefficient of friction for two brake rotors, calculating a hydraulic brake pressure, and for applying the braking system using the hydraulic brake pressure.
US07957870B2	Torque distribution system for a vehicle A torque distribution system is provided for a vehicle that uses a planetary gear set, an electric motor, and a torque-transmitting mechanism to control a torque difference between two axially-aligned wheels on a vehicle. The torque distribution system includes a planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to connect the first and second members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. The second and third members of the planetary gear set are continuously operatively connected with the first and second rotatable connecting elements, respectively. The motor is continuously connected with the first member of the planetary gear set such that the motor adds or subtracts torque to the first member when the motor is energized and also adds or subtracts torque to the second member when the motor is energized and the torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged.
US07957868B2	Electronic power module for an agricultural vehicle An electronic power module (EPM) for an agricultural vehicle is provided. The EPM is configurable by an electronic control unit (ECU) to which it is connected by way of a controller area network (CAN) bus. The CAN bus network includes a plurality of electronic control unit (ECU)s and a plurality of EPMs, wherein each of the EPMs is coupled to a corresponding ECU of the plurality of ECUs to be controlled thereby. Each EPM includes an EPM circuit having at least one microcontroller, a driver circuit and a CAN bus communication circuit. The driver circuit is coupled to the microcontroller and is configured by the microcontroller. The driver circuit has a plurality of driver subcircuits. The CAN bus communication circuit is coupled to the microcontroller configured to receive CAN bus messages that include driver configuration instructions and driver current limits from a corresponding ECU and instructions to the microcontroller. The microcontroller receives the driver configuration instructions from the CAN bus communications circuit and responsively configures the driver subcircuits according to the driver configuration instructions.
US07957860B2	Method and system for optimizing vehicle diagnostic trees using similar templates A method and system for optimizing vehicle diagnostic trees using similar templates is provided. Diagnostic trees may be modified to include diagnostic code tips or further suggestions or instructions indicating what tool to use or how to use the tool. The diagnostic tree cab be modified or customized by comparing the diagnostic tree to previously modified diagnostic trees corresponding to similar vehicles, and suggestions within the previously modified tree that are referenced within a library can be linked to the diagnostic trees.
US07957859B2	Methods for cleaning lines on a game playing surface A method for clearing lines on a playing surface is provided. The method includes automatic direction of a cleaning device along the lines to clean the lines. The method also preferably includes calibrating the means of measuring the distances moved by the cleaning device along the surface. Associated software is provided as well.
US07957858B1	Method for determining projected obstacle areas for moving obstacles A method involves calculating a closest point of approach (CPA) between a vehicle and a moving obstacle, determining the CPA is within a pre-determined distance from the vehicle at a point in time along the vehicle path, calculating a projected obstacle area (POA) for the moving obstacle, and modifying the vehicle path so the vehicle avoids the POA. The POA is a polygonal region between the boundaries calculated by determining a first point in time along the obstacle path that the moving obstacle is within the pre-determined distance, determining a second point in time along the obstacle path that the moving obstacle is within the pre-determined distance, creating a first line on one side of a midpoint line based upon a pre-determined angle of uncertainty, and creating a second line on the other side of the midpoint line based upon the pre-determined angle of uncertainty.
US07957856B2	Control device and control method of hybrid vehicle An ECU calculates a drive torque request value Td0 (S102) when a creep torque generation condition is satisfied (YES in S100), calculates a creep torque reflection rate Kcrp using a gear rattle prevention map instead of an ordinary map (S110) when a vehicle speed V is substantially zero and an engine is in a load drive state (YES in S106 and NO in S108) while a forward drive range is being selected (YES in S104), and calculates a product of Td0 and Kcrp as a creep torque request value Tp (S114). The ordinary map is a map decreasing Kcrp to 0 with increase in brake torque, and the gear rattle prevention map is a map decreasing Kcrp to a predetermined value larger than 0 with increase in brake torque.
US07957852B2	Aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system An aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system enhances flight safety. The system incorporates a multi-controlled HSI with a yoke heading adjustment control, a yoke VOR radial selector, and a yoke heading centering control positioned on the captain yoke. The system may also incorporate a first officer multi-controlled HSI with a first officer yoke heading adjustment control, a first officer yoke VOR radial selector, and a first officer yoke heading and course centering control positioned on the first officer yoke. An autopilot mode indicator visually indicates whether an autopilot is flying according to a desired heading or according to a VOR radial signal. A side selector-indicator control permits selection of which side controls the flight of the aircraft. A first control unit and a second control unit may be in electrical communication with both sides to fly the aircraft in autopilot.
US07957849B2	Method of updating electronic operating instructions of a vehicle and an operating instructions updating system A method and system for updating electronic operating instructions of a vehicle is provided. Local operating instruction data objects are stored in a local storage device arranged in the vehicle so that they can be used by the driver. Corresponding current operating instruction data objects are stored in an external storage device. One data object category, respectively, is assigned to the operating instruction data objects. For updating, a current operating instruction data object is transmitted from the external storage device to the local storage device in order to modify the corresponding local operating instruction data object in the local storage device The frequency of the updating of a local operating instruction data object depends on the data object category assigned to the data object.
US07957847B2	Voltage regulating systems responsive to feed-forward information from deterministic loads Voltage regulating systems are provided that adjust their output control signals in response to feed-forward information that is indicative of deterministic changes in the load current. A feed-forward circuit provides a feed-forward signal in response to an input signal generated from a source that is external to the voltage regulating system. The voltage regulator systems can proactively respond to the predictive information by adjusting their output, thereby improving the regulation tolerance to dynamic loading. As an example, the feed-forward information can include signals indicating multiple deterministic events that affect the load. Signals from multiple events can be summed together to generate a feed-forward term. As another example, the voltage regulating systems can be responsive to feedback information and feed-forward information from internal to the regulator, in addition to external deterministic information.
US07957820B2	Conduction block verification probe and method of use Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium.
US07957817B1	Medical electrode and tool for delivering the electrode Disclosed herein is a tool for delivering an implantable electrode about a body structure of a patient. In one embodiment, the tool includes a shaft and an electrode tray. The shaft includes a proximal end and a distal end. The electrode tray is articulatably coupled to the distal end and configured to maintain the electrode in an open configuration until the electrode is delivered about the body structure.
US07957810B2	Motion compensation for a visual prosthesis The present invention is a motion compensation system for a visual prosthesis to adapt a visual image to movement of a user's eyes and head. The system includes a camera providing a video signal, an eye movement tracking device, a head movement tracking device, and a video processing unit processing the video signal and correcting the video signal for eye and head movement. The corrected video signal is sent to an implanted neural stimulator including electrodes stimulating visual neurons to create a perception of the video image.
US07957800B2	Preferred ADI/R: a permanent pacing mode to eliminate ventricular pacing while maintaining backup support A preferred atrial-based pacing method and apparatus is provided using an intelligent cardiac pacing system to having the ability to continue atrial-based pacing as long as relatively reliable AV conduction is present. In the event that such relatively reliable AV conduction is not present, mode switching to a DDD/R or a DDI/R pacing mode while continually biased to mode switch back to atrial-based pacing. The standard or relatively reliable AV conduction may be changed either automatically or manually. This increases pacing that utilizes natural AV conduction however possible so as to gain all the benefits of cardiac contractile properties resulting therefrom, while tolerating the occasional missed ventricular depolarization (i.e., non-conducted P-wave). In the event where relatively reliable AV conduction is not present, the pacing mode is switched to a DDD/R mode while detecting a return of the relatively reliable AV conduction (and resulting mode switch to preferred atrial based pacing).
US07957798B2	Defibrillator/monitor system having a pod with leads capable of wirelessly communicating A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base.
US07957796B2	Using physiological sensor data with an implantable medical device A method, system, and apparatus for providing an electrical neurostimulation therapy to a neural structure of a patient's body using an implantable medical device (IMD). A first electrical signal is provided using the implantable medical device. A first electrical signal is applied to the neural structure. An implanted sensor is provided. A physiological parameter is sensed using the implanted sensor. The physiological parameter is selected from the group consisting of a neurotransmitter parameter, a neurotransmitter breakdown product parameter, a neuropeptide parameter, and a glucocorticoid (GC) parameter. The first electrical signal is modified based upon the sensed physiological parameter to generate a second electrical signal. The second electrical signal is applied to the neural structure.
US07957791B2	Multi-beat integration for cardiac mapping A non-contact cardiac mapping method is disclosed that includes: (i) inserting a catheter into a heart cavity having an endocardium surface, the catheter including multiple, spatially distributed electrodes; (ii) measuring signals at the catheter electrodes in response to electrical activity in the heart cavity with the catheter spaced from the endocardium surface; and (iii) determining physiological information at multiple locations of the endocardium surface based on the measured signals and positions of the electrodes with respect to the endocardium surface. Related systems and computer programs are also disclosed.
US07957787B2	Method of examining dynamic cardiac electromagnetic activity and detection of cardiac functions using results thereof A method of examining cardiac electromagnetic activity over a heart for diagnosing the cardiac functions of the heart is disclosed. The method includes collecting a plurality of sets of spatially distributed, time-varying magnetic field signals of the heart of a subject, wherein the magnetic field signals exhibit features of at least a wave, identifying a time corresponding to a local maximum intensity of the magnetic field signals of the wave at each measurement position and plotting a temporal evolution of the local maximum intensity of the magnetic field signals during a time interval of the wave.
US07957785B2	Waterproof bioelectrode A waterproof bioelectrode includes an electrode pad (101) to be mounted on a living body and a lead wire (110) to be connected to the electrode pad. The electrode pad includes a waterproof base (106) having an adhesive contacting surface and a hole substantially at its center, a waterproof seal member (105) which fixes the lead wire to a lower surface of the contacting surface of the base while covering the hole such that a detection electrode provided to a distal end of the lead wire is exposed from the hole of the waterproof base, and a conductive gel (103) arranged on the contacting surface to come into contact with the detection electrode.
US07957784B2	Body surface mapping system A body-surface mapping system is disclosed that uses a plurality of electrodes to map at least a portion of a human torso without having to adjust the positions of the electrodes. The body-surface mapping system energizes groupings or regions of electrodes, then compares and adjusts the current driven through each grouping or region of electrodes to produce near-uniform fields. The electrodes of the body-surface mapping system may be interconnected by wires capable of sensing interelectrode distances, such that the system can reconstruct a detailed model of a patient's torso surface. The body-surface mapping system may also use a catheter in addition to the body surface electrodes to compute both endocardial and epicardial voltage distributions.
US07957779B2	Slidable mobile phone A slidable mobile phone includes a main body, a sliding cover and a positioning device. The main body includes a first combining component and an upper casing. The sliding cover includes a second combining component and a lower casing. A first sliding part is provided on the first combining component, and a second sliding part and a pointing device by detecting the pressed direction are provided on the second combining component. The second sliding part is connected to and relatively slides along the first sliding part, and the pointing device by detecting the pressed direction is used for controlling the slidable mobile phone. The positioning device includes two magnetic elements which are provided on the first combining component and the second combining component, respectively.
US07957774B2	Hands-free communication system for use in automotive vehicle A hands-free system, through which a driver communicates without using hands with an on-board mobile phone such as a cell phone, is mounted on an automotive vehicle. Plural speakers including a center speaker installed in an instrument panel and door speakers each installed in each door are mounted on the vehicle. Whenever the center speaker is mounted on the vehicle, the center speaker is selected as a speaker from which voices transmitted from the mobile phone are outputted. Only when the center speaker is not mounted, the door speakers are selected. When the center speaker is selected, the voices transmitted from the mobile phone can be heard from a direction to which a driver's eye line is directed. Accordingly, the driver is able to hear the speaker sounds from the natural direction for him/her.
US07957764B1	Personal lifestyle device A wireless device including memory and a control module. The memory is configured to store authentication information in the wireless device. The authentication information is used to authorize communication between the wireless device and a service provider. The control module is configured to establish communication between the wireless device and the service provider using the authentication information. The control module is further configured to transmit an order for a service from the wireless device to the service provider based on at least one of (i) an ambient temperature, (ii) a body temperature of a user of the wireless device, and (iii) a heart rate of the user.
US07957760B2	Method and apparatus for transmit power control in wireless data communications systems The distance between a first Multi Band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (MB-OFDM) data transceiver and a second or more such transceiver is determined using known techniques. The radio frequency path loss between transceivers is estimated given said distance, using a known relationship between distance and path loss, and further accounting for line-of-sight or non-line-of-sight conditions if desired. This path loss value is added to the typically minimum transmit power level, absent path loss, needed for reliable data communication. This modified initial transmit power level is then used by the first transceiver to begin the known iterative feedback process of transmit power control (TPC). Because this modified initial transmit power level, based on distance, is closer to the final optimum level, convergence in the TPC process occurs in fewer steps and less time than had the initial transmit power been maximum power as is typical in known TPC systems.
US07957759B2	Wideband reference signal transmission in SC-FDMA communication systems Embodiments of the invention provide methods for transmitting reference signals (RS) from user equipments (UEs) in wireless communication systems. These RS are used, among other functions, by a serving base station to schedule data transmission from UEs and perform power and timing control of the UE signal transmissions. The RS are constructed based on constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequences, including their possible modifications. The invention describes methods to multiplex transmission of RS from multiple UEs by having the serving base station control the CAZAC sequence and the associated cyclic shift, transmission bandwidth, transmission period, and transmission power applied to the RS transmission by each UE.
US07957758B2	Method of and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a mobile telephony system A method of decoding data comprising a plurality of data-bursts, comprising the steps of: i) receiving a first one of the data-bursts, ii) associating hypothesis data with the or each received data-bursts; iii) attempting to decode the data; and iv) if the decode is successful to power down the receiver, and if the decode is unsuccessful receiving a further one of the data-bursts and repeating steps ii) to iv), until all of the data has been received.
US07957756B2	Method and apparatus for floor control in multi-media push-to-talk network An apparatus and method for floor control in a multi-media push-to-talk network is disclosed. A device for communication in the multi-media network includes a floor request sensor. The floor request sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The method includes sending a floor grant request message for a first media type in a multi-media dispatch communication session and a floor request message for a second media type in the multi-media dispatch communication session by a floor request sensor of a communications device to a dispatch network controller.
US07957755B2	Mobile station, radio access network apparatus, mobile communication system and broadcast information transmitting and receiving method A mobile station for establishing a signaling control channel and a shared data channel between a radio access network apparatus and the mobile station to perform communication includes discontinuous reception means configured to perform discontinuous reception of broadcast information using the signaling control channel, shared data channel reception determination means configured to determine whether to receive the shared data channel based on an item of broadcast information and information indicating presence or absence of change of content corresponding to the item of the broadcast information that are transmitted by the signaling control channel, and shared data channel reception means configured to receive the shared data channel according to the determination.
US07957752B2	Location-aware fitness training device, methods, and program products that support real-time interactive communication and automated route generation In at least one embodiment, a server receives user input describing a route of an activity. A graphical representation of the route is served to a user device in association with a toolset including at least one of a set including an annotation tool, a rating tool, and a review tool. The server receives route-related information including at least one of a set including a user annotation, a user rating and a user review of the route entered utilizing the toolset. The route and the route-related information is stored on the server, and the server permits access to the route and the route-related information by a plurality of users.
US07957744B2	Method and system for delivering telematics services via a handheld communication device A method for providing vehicle services to a user of a motor vehicle includes receiving a text message from the user via a handheld communication device in wireless communication with a call center and requesting vehicle information from a telematics unit in a vehicle associated with the user via a wireless connection. At least one vehicle service is provided based on the text message and the requested vehicle information. Another embodiment provides a method for transmitting a text message to a hearing impaired user of a motor vehicle includes receiving a trigger-based request from a telematics unit at a call center, via a wireless communication and determining a handheld communication device associated with the telematics unit. A text message is transmitted to a hand-held device associated with the user.
US07957742B2	WLAN having load balancing by access point admission/termination A network includes access points that admit/terminate mobile station associations based upon the loading level of the access point and/or whether a mobile station can associate with a further access point. Mobile stations transmit information indicative of the access points to which they can associate. The access points determine whether to admit/terminate a mobile station association based upon access point loading.
US07957738B2	Adaptive and scalable QoS architecture for multi-bearer multicast/broadcast services The invention relates to a method for filtering and a network entity of the core network or the radio access network of a mobile communication system filtering streams belonging to a single user service. The packet streams, each being transported by a bearer service, provide a multicast or broadcast service and is delivered from a service center via the network entity to a mobile terminal. The network entity comprises a service manager providing a quality-of-service management function. The invention further relates to a communication system comprising the network entity. To provide an adaptive multimedia broadcast/multicast service QoS architecture that is scalable to a great number of users, the invention suggests providing the service in form of a packet streams, each being provided via a single bearer service, and equipping nodes within the distribution tree of the service filter capability allowing to (de)register bearer services providing the service based on the downlink quality-of-service constraints obtained from a service manager.
US07957736B1	Identifying a mobile station in a packet radio network In conventional cellular systems, the identifier of network elements (SGSN) allocating a temporary identity (TLLI) to a mobile station (MS) can be derived from the identities of the cells they serve. In the future, this assumption may no longer be valid. One paging area could be handled by several network elements, such as SGSN nodes, or one network element could serve many paging areas. When the mobile station changes its paging area, the new supporting network element may have trouble in determining the old supporting network element on the basis of the paging area identifier. It is also possible for two supporting network elements to allocate the same TLLI to two different mobile stations. Therefore the network element (SGSN, BSC, RNC) allocating a temporary identity (TLLI) to a mobile station (MS) should incorporate at least part of its own identifier (NEI) into the temporary identity (TLLI).
US07957729B2	Communication system and method for operating such a system The present invention relates to communication system comprising first and second communication devices (11,12) each capable of communicating with a telecommunications network (10), and both being connectable to each other by a data link (17) for information transfer and to a method for operating the same. The first communication device (11) contains individual information, and the second communication device (12) comprises a special memory area (21) for storing individual information acquired from the first communication device (11). To enable an improved and facilitated usage of the system comparator means (22) for comparing the individual information contained in the first communication device (11) with that stored in the special memory area (21) of the second communication (12) device are provided. Therefore, only changes of the individual information of the first communication device (11) are stored in the second communication device (12) after comparing the individual information from the first communication device (11) stored in the second communication device (12) with the individual information in the first communication device (11) when the first communication device (11) is connected again to the second communication device (12).
US07957723B2	Sharing information feed data Sharing information feed data via a network involves forming a token describing the information feed data. The token is received at a first data processing arrangement via the network. The token is processed at the first data processing arrangement to determine the information feed data. Access to the information feed data is provided at the first data processing arrangement based on processing of the token.
US07957720B2	Systems and methods for providing multiple simultaneous calls from the same prepaid account Prepaid services include associating a plurality of users with a prepaid services account. The account is configured to track a prepaid balance associated with the account as well as to allow at least a subset of the plurality of users associated with the account to draw down the prepaid balance at least generally at the same time. Drawing down the prepaid balance includes allocating a portion of the prepaid balance to each respective user, monitoring a provision of service, and repeating, selectively, the allocating and monitoring.
US07957718B2	Method and apparatus for telecommunication expense management The user of a handheld wireless communicator, for example a cell phone or so-called smartphone completes a call or email or other communication event. The event is timed by the device or the duration is calculated, or otherwise the event is quantified and the information is stored in for example a log within the device. At the end of the communication event, the telecommunication expense management system provides a pop up user interface asking the user to decide whether to capture the communication event so as to assist in billing the event, to delay capturing the communication event to a future time, to dismiss the communication event as if it had not occurred, or to add the communication event to a list which is of personal interest to the user but which is not in the user's opinion billable or the costs not recoverable or otherwise of a business nature that requires capturing.
US07957711B2	Apparatus for transmitting a signal below a standard transmit power in a network A transmitter includes a detection element to determine when a current power requirement of a communication link is less than the standard transmit power. The current power requirement may be determined by a current operation condition of the communication link, for instance. The transmit power of the transmitter may be set to be less than the standard power in any of a variety of ways. For example, a center tap voltage of the transmitter may be reduced. In another example, a class of operation of the transmitter may be changed. In yet another example, the transmitter may include a current mirror having a plurality of diode-connected transistors coupled in parallel, thereby reducing the current at output terminals of the transmitter. Reducing the current at the output terminals decreases the output power of the transmitter, which may reduce the power consumed by the transmitter.
US07957710B2	DCDC converter unit, power amplifier, and base station using the same A DCDC converter includes a signal splitting unit that splits an input signal into N signal components; N DCDC converter elements that process individually the N split signals; and an adder that adds outputs from the plural DCDC converter elements to generate output signals. Each of the DCDC converter elements has an operation band narrower than an applicable frequency band of the input signal, and selects a design parameter that allows a conversion efficiency of the DCDC converter elements to be optimized for any band of the applicable frequency bands. For example, the parameter of a PMOS transistor and a NMOS transistor, which configure an inverter is designed to optimize the efficiency at any of frequency bands. The frequency band of the input signal is split, and each of the split outputs is input to a DCDC converter element that has a corresponding frequency and high efficiency characteristic.
US07957708B2	Process device with improved power generation A wireless field device is disclosed. The field device includes a wireless communications module and an energy conversion module. The wireless communications module is configured to wirelessly communicate process-related information with another device. The energy conversion module is coupled to the wireless communications module. The energy conversion module is configured to couple to a thermal source, and to generate electricity from thermal potential energy in the thermal source.
US07957702B2	Adaptive duplex modes in telecommunication equipment A transceiver is operated in a cellular communications system, wherein the transceiver has a variable transmitter output power that spans a range of power levels comprising a low-power domain and a high-power domain. Operation includes determining whether the transmitter output power of the transceiver is in the low-power domain or the high-power domain. If the transmitter output power of the transceiver is in the low-power domain, then transceiver operation is initiated in a full-duplex mode in which transmitted and received signals pass through a duplexer associated with a transceiver antenna. If the transmitter output power of the transceiver is in the high-power domain, then transceiver operation is initiated in a half-duplex mode and bypassing the duplexer.
US07957701B2	Closed-loop multiple-input-multiple-output scheme for wireless communication based on hierarchical feedback The present invention provides methods implemented in a base station having a plurality of antennas and one or more user terminals. One embodiment of the method includes receiving feedback from at least one user in response to transmitting a first frame to said at least one user. The first frame is formed by pre-coding at least one symbol using at least one first code word selected from at least one first code book associated with the at least one user. The method also includes transmitting at least one second frame to the user(s). The second frame(s) are pre-coded using at least one second codeword selected from at least one second codebook. The second codebook(s) determined based on the feedback and the first codeword(s).
US07957687B2	Image forming apparatus and conveyance malfunction decision method Preventing a paper jam as much as possible when actual paper size differs from designated paper size with increasing throughput by starting conveyance of a second sheet before detecting the length of a first sheet. Unless a register sensor has detected the rear edge (step S303), start of feeding the next sheet is checked (step S304). If started, a prescribed value 1 is applied (step S305). If not started, a prescribed value 2 is applied (step S306). Unless the rear edge is detected before a timer measures “estimated time+prescribed value” (step S307), a paper jam decision is made (step S308). If the rear edge is detected before the timer measures the “estimated time+prescribed value” (step S303), the processing is completed without making a paper jam decision. Making the prescribed value 1 less than the prescribed value 2 enables reducing the paper jam caused by incorrect setting.
US07957686B2	Image forming apparatus and fuser unit cleaning method An image forming apparatus includes a fuser unit that includes a first roller and a second roller opposite to each other, a first conveyance unit, a second conveyance unit, a drive unit, and a control unit to control the drive unit to rotate one or both of the first roller and the second roller in a state where a sheet contacts with the first roller and the second roller and the sheet is held by the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit, or in a state where after the sheet is held by the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit, one or both of the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit move in a direction of approaching at least one of the first roller and the second roller and the sheet contacts with the first roller or the second roller.
US07957684B2	Intermediate transfer belt and methods for making the same An image forming apparatus having an improved intermediate transfer belt, and processes for making the same. More specifically, there is provided an intermediate transfer belt having one or more steering ribs formed into the belt such that a separate steering rib need not be employed.
US07957681B2	Developing device A developing device includes a developing container in which a developer is contained; a developer carrying member for carrying the developer and feeding the developer by rotation thereof to a developing zone in which the developer carrying member opposes an image bearing member on which a latent image is formed and develops the latent image with the developer; and an electrode, disposed opposed to the developer carrying member, to which a bias for forming an electric field for moving regular-charge toner in the developer container toward the developer carrying member is to be applied. The electrode is provided downstream of the developing zone with respect to a rotational direction of the developer carrying member and is provided vertically above the developer carrying member. At least a part of the electrode is located downstream of a rectilinear line connecting a rotation center and top point of the developer carrying member with respect to the rotational direction of the developer carrying member.
US07957678B2	Image forming apparatus capable of effectively developing images An image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, and a developing unit includes a developer carrying member to carry developer, first and second rotary members arranged in parallel to each other and configured to rotate to agitate and convey the developer, and an enclosure having an inside space to contain the developer, the inside space being divided by a partition with communication openings formed therein at opposite ends thereof into a first chamber configured to maintain the developer above a first level and to hold the first rotary member therein which supplies the developer to the developer carrying member while agitating and conveying the developer, and a second chamber configured to communicate with the first chamber through the communication openings, to maintain the developer at a second level lower than the first level, and to hold the second rotary member therein which circulates the developer with the first chamber through the communication openings.
US07957674B2	Image forming device whose upper cover is provided with discharge roller and pinch roller In order to facilitate removal of jammed sheets in an image forming device placed at a low place, there is provided an image forming device including a main body formed with an upper opening; an image forming unit that forms images on recording medium, and an upper cover pivotably movably supported to the main body for covering the upper opening. The main body accommodates the image forming unit. The upper cover includes a discharge roller and a pinch roller pressed against the discharge roller. The discharge roller discharges the recording medium conveyed from the image forming unit outside the main body of the image forming device in cooperation with the pinch roller.
US07957665B2	Dual-range power supply for an image forming device The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and devices for a control system to regulate the output voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) in an image forming device. In one embodiment, the HVPS comprises at least two voltage sources connected in series. A print engine controller is configured to disable at least one of the voltage sources when a voltage draw of a load exceeds a maximum differential voltage of the at least two voltage sources.
US07957664B2	Image forming apparatus which determines billing amount There is provided an image forming apparatus in which when printing is performed based on an electrophotographic process, counting is performed by a counter for each print operation, and billing corresponding to the kind of the print operation is performed based on the count value of the counter, and which includes, as counters, a number-of-sheet counter to count the number of sheets for each print operation, an integrating counter to integrate the counter value of the number-of-sheet counter, and a billing counter to determine billing from the counter values of the number-of-sheet counter and the integrating counter, and a multiplication rate previously stored in a data table.
US07957658B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus include an image bearing member, a developing container receiving a developer, a developer carrying member for carrying and conveying the developer, a developer feed member for supplying the developer to the developer carrying member, a detection device for detecting an amount of developer in the developing container by detecting an electrostatic capacitance between the developer carrying member and the developer feed member, and a control device for changing a rotational speed of the developer feed member into a plurality of speeds corresponding to the plurality of image forming speeds. The control unit controls the rotational speed of the developer feed member prior to the execution of a detection operation of the detection device so as to be faster than the slowest speed of said plurality of speeds.
US07957655B2	Systems and methods for imaging components A cartridge chip for use with a first type of imaging cartridge and a second type of imaging cartridge comprises a controller and a resistive element connected between the controller and a reference potential, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a first mode of operation compatible with the first type of imaging cartridge when the controller detects the reference potential through the resistive element, the cartridge chip adapted for operation in a second mode of operation compatible with the second type of imaging cartridge when the controller cannot detect the reference potential through the resistive element.
US07957651B2	Configurable optical transceiver feature specific cost transaction An environment that facilitates the purchasing and updating of specific operational features in an optical transceiver (or optical transmitter or optical receiver). The environment includes a host computing system (hereinafter referred to as the “host”), a network, a remote computing site, and an optical transceiver having a system memory and at least one processor. The host determines what specific operational feature is desired. A request to purchase the specific operational feature is sent over the network from the host to the remote computing site. The remote computing site responds to this request by providing the host information by which microcode corresponding to the purchased specific feature may be accessed. The host may then access the feature specific microcode. Finally, the host provides the feature specific microcode to the optical transceiver memory where it may later be executed by the processor.
US07957649B2	Module command interface for an optical transceiver An operational optical transceiver (or transmitter or receiver) configured to contain a module command interface. The optical transceiver includes at least one processor, a memory location dedicated for high level commands, and a library of microcode that control specific optical transceiver operations. A high level command is written to the memory location dedicated for high level commands. The processor determines that the high level command has been written to the memory location, identifies what the command is, and executes microcode from the microcode library that corresponds to the high level command. The executed microcode causes the optical transceiver to perform the operation directed by the high level command.
US07957647B2	Passive optical network system and ranging method In a WDM-PON system wherein a plurality of ONUs transfer signals by sharing wavelengths, one wavelength dedicated to a ranging procedure is set, and the ranging is performed with only the dedicated wavelength, so as to measure reciprocating delay times. At the other wavelengths, transmission signals from a plurality of ONUs are transferred in time division multiplexing based on the obtained reciprocating delay times. An OLT includes a burst receiver circuit for only the wavelength dedicated to the ranging, and subsequently to the ranging, the OLT adjusts transmission amplitudes and transmission phases for the ONUs, so as to equalize received amplitudes and received phases in the OLT. For this purpose, the OLT includes means for measuring the amplitudes and phases of received signals, as the burst receiver circuit, and it includes a table for managing the received amplitudes and received phases of the respective ONUs.
US07957638B2	Image pickup apparatus and method of controlling the same An image pickup apparatus which is capable of achieving excellent moving image shooting even when strobe popup is not successfully performed during moving image shooting. A camera implementing the image pickup apparatus has a strobe that shifts between a retracted position and a service position. When a motor for operating the camera performs reverse rotation, the strobe is driven to the service position. An MPU instructs the motor to drive the strobe to the service position, and determines, based on a signal from a popup position-detecting switch, whether or not the strobe has been normally driven to the service position. When the strobe has not been normally driven to the service position, the MPU performs error handling. The error handling is carried out differently between a case where moving image shooting is being performed and a case where the moving image shooting is not being performed.
US07957635B2	Method and system for providing background blurring when capturing an image using an image capture device A method and system are described for providing background blurring when capturing an image using an image capture device. According to one aspect, input is received for initiating an image capture process for capturing an image of a subject at an image capture device. A depth of field for capturing the image of the subject in a half of the depth of field furthest from the image capture device is automatically determined. The image is captured using the automatically adjusted depth of field to provide background blurring in the captured image.
US07957629B2	Image recording/reproducing apparatus A multidirectional operation switch is disposed on the same surface as a display area of an image display unit rotatable about a rotating shaft of a hinge when an image recording/reproducing apparatus is in use, and is positioned near the display area and at the other end of the hinge. A concave portion is provided on a recording/reproducing unit so as to prevent a protruding portion of the multidirectional operation switch from coming into contact with the recording/reproducing unit when the image display unit is housed in the main body of the image recording/reproducing apparatus. Thus, regardless of the state of the image display unit with respect to the main body of the image recording/reproducing apparatus, the multidirectional operation switch is located at a position that allows easy operation thereof. The image recording/reproducing apparatus that is compact, lightweight, thin, and has a good design can thus be provided.
US07957624B2	Rear latch arrangement for sliding drawer A cable management panel including a chassis, a drawer, and a rear latch arrangement. The rear latch arrangement including a latch having a free tab end. The free tab end engaging the front edge of a top wall of the chassis to prevent inadvertent closing movement of the drawer relative to the chassis.
US07957622B2	Manufacturing method of opto-electric hybrid board and opto-electric hybrid board obtained thereby A method of manufacturing an opto-electric hybrid board which is capable of reducing the number of steps for the manufacture of the opto-electric hybrid board and which achieves the reduction in thickness of the opto-electric hybrid board to be manufactured, and an opto-electric hybrid board obtained thereby. A plurality of protruding cores (optical interconnect lines) 3 are formed in a predetermined pattern. Thereafter, a thin metal film 4 is formed in grooves defined between adjacent ones of the cores 3. Electroplating is performed on the thin metal film 4 to fill the above-mentioned grooves with an electroplated layer 6a. The electroplated layer 6a serves as electrical interconnect lines 6.
US07957612B1	Image processing device, method and distribution medium A device and method and a distribution medium for performing image processing with a low-cost are provided, in which a main CPU issues instructions to a rendering engine to perform convolution filtering operations using rendering commands. In response to these instructions, the rendering engine repeatedly executes a process by which values calculated by computing convolution filter coefficients on the image data of the texture area of an image memory are overwritten in the rendering area, and thereby executes convolution filtering.
US07957602B2	Encoding device, decoding device, encoding method, decoding method, and storage medium storing programs thereof An encoding device includes a binary image generation unit that generates at least two binary images from a multivalued image by applying different methods, a check image generation unit that generates a check image based on the plural binary images generated by the binary image generation unit, and a code generation unit that generates coded data by encoding at least one of the binary images generated by the binary image generation unit and the check image generated by the check image generation unit by using different methods.
US07957595B2	Database management program, database management apparatus and database management method A database management program, a database management apparatus and a database management method can determine the sameness of shape data at high speed. The program causes a computer to execute a first edge line acquisition step that acquires the edge lines of the first shape data, an information registration step that generates information showing the characteristics of the edge lines acquired by the first edge line acquisition step as first edge line characteristic information, associates the first edge line characteristic information with the first shape data and registers them in a database, a second edge line acquisition step that acquires the edge lines of the second shape data showing the requirements of retrieval, an information generation step that generates edge line characteristic information of the edge lines acquired by the second edge line acquisition step as second edge line characteristic information and a retrieval step that retrieves the third shape data that is the part of the first shape data that agrees with the second shape data according to the first edge line characteristic information and the second edge line characteristic information.
US07957588B2	Image processor and computer program product To acquire the signal values of all the color components (RGB) at the positions of all the pixels constituting an image, the processing for interpolating the signal value of a lacking color component is performed by converting the gradation space from a linear gradation space into a square root gradation space with offset as follows. An offset ε in proportion to the ISO sensitivity preset for an imaging device is added to a linear gradation signal x. The value (x+ε) after the offset is converted into a gamma space of one-half power. Therefore, the errors contained in the signal values after the gamma conversion are equalized over the whole gradation by the error propagation rule. The slope of the curve 23 indicating the square-root gradation space with offset is not steeper in a region (e.g. 0
US07957585B2	Apparatus and method for spatially predicting, encoding, compensating and decoding image data An apparatus and method for spatially predicting image data, an apparatus and method for encoding image data, an apparatus and method for compensating for spatial prediction of image data, and an apparatus and method for decoding image data. The spatial prediction apparatus of image data includes: a spatial prediction unit performing a spatial prediction of pixel values of a current block using pixel values of blocks adjacent to an upper row of the current block. A pipeline process is possible when the spatial prediction is performed, thereby performing real time encoding and decoding.
US07957582B2	Method and system for correction of fluoroscope image distortion Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for modeling S-distortion in an image intensifier. In an embodiment, the method may include identifying a reference coordinate on an input screen of the image intensifier. The method also includes computing a set of charged particle velocity vectors. The method also includes computing a set of magnetic field vectors. The method also includes computing the force exerted on the charged particle in an image intensifier. Certain embodiments of the present invention include an iterative method for calibrating an image acquisition system with an analytic S-distortion model. In an embodiment, the method may include comparing the difference between the measured fiducial shadow positions and the model fiducial positions with a threshold value. If the difference is less than the threshold value, the optical distortion parameters are used for linearizing the set of acquired images.
US07957580B2	Workpiece picking device A workpiece picking device capable of correctly detecting the size of a workpiece. The picking device has a robot capable of picking the same kind of workpieces contained in a work container, a robot controller for controlling the robot, a video camera positioned above the work container so as to widely image the workpieces and an image processor for processing an image obtained by the video camera. The three-dimensional position and posture of each workpiece is measured by a three-dimensional vision sensor arranged on a wrist element of the robot.
US07957579B2	Pattern inspection method and apparatus An apparatus for processing a defect candidate image, including: a scanning electron microscope for taking an enlarged image of a specimen by irradiating and scanning a converged electron beam onto the specimen and detecting charged particles emanated from the specimen by the irradiation; an image processor for processing the image taken by the scanning electron microscope to detect defect candidates on the specimen and classify the detected defect candidates into one of plural classes; a memory for storing output from the image processor including images of the detected defect candidates; and a display unit which displays information stored in the memory and an indicator, wherein the display unit displays a distribution of the detected and classified defect candidates in a map format by distinguishing by the classified class, and the display unit also displays an image of a defect candidate stored in the memory together with the map which is indicated on the map by the indicator.
US07957569B2	Orientation of radiographic images An apparatus for determining orientation of an image, comprising: an image receiver, configured to receive the image, and an orientation determiner, associated with the image receiver and configured to automatically determine the orientation of the image, based on analysis of internal image information.
US07957568B2	Image interpretation report creating apparatus and image interpretation support system An image interpretation report creating apparatus for retrieving a key image corresponding to that in the previous examination from among images taken in this examination to display it on an image display terminal. The apparatus includes: a follow-up observation examination determining unit for determining whether this examination is an object of follow-up observation; a previous report determining unit for determining, as previous report data, report data on the same patient from among the report data; a previous report data acquiring unit for acquiring the previous report data; an image data acquiring unit for acquiring image data at this time; a key image estimating unit for estimating a key image at a slice position corresponding to the previous examination based on the previous report data; and an image data output unit for outputting image data representing examination images containing the key image to the image display terminal.
US07957566B2	Eyelid detection apparatus, eyelid detection method and program therefor An eyelid detection apparatus includes a face-image storing apparatus for storing an image of a face of a subject, an eyelid-candidate extracting apparatus for processing the image stored in the face-image storing apparatus to extract a pair of lines, which becomes a candidate of a combination of a line corresponding to an upper eyelid and a line corresponding to a lower eyelid, a parameter calculating apparatus for calculating a parameter, which indicates a possibility that a pan of the image stored in the face-image storing apparatus, the part corresponding to the pair of lines extracted by the eyelid-candidate extracting apparatus, includes at least one of outer and inner corners of an eye, and an eyelid detecting apparatus for detecting a position of an eyelid of the subject on the basis of the parameter calculated by the parameter calculating apparatus.
US07957553B2	Digital watermarking apparatus and methods The present invention relates to various digital watermarking methods, apparatus and systems. One claim recites a method of determining a size or denomination of a momentary object. The method includes: utilizing a configured, multi-purpose electronic processor, decoding a digital watermark embedded in a monetary object, the watermark including data corresponding to a denomination of the monetary object; based on the data, determining feedback to indicate the denomination of the monetary object; and providing the feedback. Handheld computing devices can be advantageously employed with this combination. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed.
US07957552B2	Optimized digital watermarking functions for streaming data A digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer for receiving an incoming stream of data. The detector includes a registration module for determining registration of embedded data in blocks of the incoming stream of data, and logic for re-using the registration for subsequent blocks of the incoming stream of data to detect machine readable signals. Another digital watermark detector comprises a message reader for extracting message estimates from blocks of media signal data and a decoder for combining the extracted message estimates and decoding a message from the combined message elements. Another digital watermark detector comprises a memory buffer and pipelined watermark processor segments. The segments each perform a different watermark detector operation. These segments concurrently operate on different data segments of the block of data in a processing pipeline.
US07957544B2	Audio signal output control device that suppresses pop sound The potential of a smoothing capacitor for a speaker is smoothly changed by controlling the potential with use of a PWM signal and switching between outputting the PWM signal and an actual audio signal, thereby suppressing a pop sound. The scale of circuitry is reduced and cost is lowered by implementing a PWM circuit in a one-chip microcontroller. Noise is eliminated by outputting a pulse that has been divided in the PWM signal generation stage.
US07957543B2	Listening device In a listening device such as for example a hearing aid (1) where an input signal (10) is received by a microphone (2), converted from analog to digital (3), digitally processed (4) including a conversion from a time domain into a frequency domain, converted from digital to analog (5) and transmitted to a user by means of a loudspeaker (6), the internal digital processing (4) generates an unwanted noise signal, the so called undesired periodic noise (12), at specific frequencies. The undesired periodic noise is coupled via ground and the battery (7) into the signal processing path. According to the invention, the undesired periodic noise is filtered out of the input signal (10.2) during the digital signal processing (4), after the conversion of the digital signal into the frequency domain.
US07957541B2	Acoustic compliance adjuster A speaker arrangement is described, suitable for improving the sound quality of a small size first speaker. The arrangement comprises a cavity, to which the first speaker is acoustically coupled. A second speaker is also acoustically coupled to the cavity, and the first and second speakers are excited in phase with each other. The first speaker may be an earphone speaker tuned to be held to a user's ear, whereas the second speaker may be a larger ring alert speaker with lower compliance than the first speaker, both of which are incorporated in the same mobile phone. By exciting the second speaker in phase with the first speaker, the second speaker will aid the smaller first speaker's reproduction of sound, particularly in the lower frequency range.
US07957536B2	Method for key administration for cryptography modules The invention relates to a method for a central key station (SS), for setting a new key (nK) in a cryptography module (KM) without a public key being stored in the cryptography module (KM), the authenticity of the new key (nK) being secured by a protocol. According to said method, the public key (KMpub) of the cryptography module is only transported in an encoded manner and only transmitted to key points (SS) that have access to the cryptography module (KM).
US07957530B2	Method and system for ensuring secure scrambling and de-scrambling and the distribution of vectoral visual sequences A process for secured distribution of vector visual sequences in at least two dimensions, animated and including a succession of frames containing at least one multidimensional geometric object to be displayed on a screen of a user and determined by at least one parameter including: analyzing the stream prior to transmission to addressee equipment to generate a modified main stream by deletion and replacement of information coding the original visual signal, having a format the same as the format of the original stream, but of which at least one frame was modified, and complementary information of any format including digital information suitable for permitting reconstruction of the modified frames, which modified main stream and which complementary information are transmitted separately to the addressee equipment.
US07957525B2	Encryption and signature schemes using message mappings to reduce the message size According to some embodiments of the invention, a message is processed before encryption so that the encryption method generates a short ciphertext. The message processing can be viewed as a mapping (610) that maps the message into another message that generates the short ciphertext. The mapping is reversible at least if the (possibly encoded) message (H(M)) is in a restricted set, e.g. a set [0,h″] of short messages. In some embodiments of the present invention, short signatures are provided by mapping the signature into a short signature. The mapping (810) is reversible at least if the original message (H(M)) used to generate the signature is short. Signcryption, aggregate signature, and ring signature outputs are also shortened.
US07957518B2	Communication handoff between telephone devices A method of moving telephone communication from a first device engaged in a call, to a second device. The method includes initiating a determination of status of the first device from the second device, joining the second device to the call to form a conference in response to an active call status indication, and removing the first device from the conference, leaving the second device engaged in the call.
US07957515B1	Selective telephone blocker with timer Disclosed is a selective telephone call blocker, preferably with timer. The user preferably sets the current time and one or more beginning and ending time periods during which the call block feature is active. The user then selects, one or more codes, such as two letter or number code(s). During the period of time in which the call block feature is active the device will automatically ask the caller to enter the code in order for the call to be completed. If the correct code is entered within a preset time period the call will be transmitted to the telephone or answering machine. If an incorrect code or no code is entered, the invention preferably repeats the request for correct code entry. If within a next preset time period the correct code is not entered the call will be disconnected. Preferably, the call block feature is not operational if the receiving phone is in use. In this case, the calling party will get a busy signal if the receiving party does not have a call waiting feature. If the receiving party does have a call waiting feature, then it is the option of the receiving party to acknowledge the receipt of the telephone call. The device is compatible with existing telephone devices and can be connected between the standard telephone wall outlet and a telephone set with or without an answering machine. Alternatively, the blocker can be connected at the portion of the phone line before the phone line diverges into multiple lines.
US07957513B2	Method, system and computer program product for providing a no-ring telephone call service A method provides a no-ring telephone call service. The method includes receiving notification that a telephone call from a calling party device requesting to use the no-ring telephone call service has arrived at a switch. The notification includes a called party telephone number. The method also includes determining if the called party telephone number corresponds to a voice mail platform telephone number in a region wide messaging database. When the called party telephone number corresponds to a voice mail platform telephone number, instructions to route the telephone call to the voice mail platform telephone number are communicated to the switch. When the called party telephone number does not correspond to a voice mail platform telephone number, instructions to play a pre-recorded no voice mailbox message are communicated to the switch.
US07957510B2	Notifying network contacts of inquiries A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.
US07957506B2	Automobile scanning system A dual energy x-ray imaging system searches a moving automobile for concealed objects. Dual energy operation is achieved by operating an x-ray source at a constant potential of 100 KV to 150 KV, and alternately switching between two beam filters. The first filter is an atomic element having a high k-edge energy, such as platinum, gold, mercury, thallium, lead, bismuth, and thorium, thereby providing a low-energy spectrum. The second filter provides a high-energy spectrum through beam hardening. The low and high energy beams passing through the automobile are received by an x-ray detector. These detected signals are processed by a digital computer to create a steel suppressed image through logarithmic subtraction. The intensity of the x-ray beam is adjusted as the reciprocal of the measured automobile speed, thereby achieving a consistent radiation level regardless of the automobile motion. Accordingly, this invention provides images of organic objects concealed within moving automobiles without the detritus effects of overlying steel and automobile movement.
US07957502B2	Method for scaling scattered ray intensity distribution in multi bulbs X-ray CT and multi bulbs X-ray CT apparatus A method for scaling a scattered ray intensity distribution in a multi bulbs X-ray CT apparatus configured to irradiate a subject with X-rays from a plurality of X-ray generation sections, respectively and configure a cross-sectional image of the subject by detecting the X-rays passing through the subject. A first difference is achieved, the first difference being the difference between a real data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of X-rays through the subject, the X-rays being radiated from the plurality of the X-ray generation sections, respectively and an opposed data of X-ray intensity achieved by passing of these X-rays through the subject at the same position in an opposite direction, a second difference between scattered ray intensity included in the real data and scattered ray intensity included in the opposed data being achieved. Primary scattered ray included in the real data of the X-ray intensity achieved by passing of the X-rays through the subject, the X-rays being radiated from the plurality of the X-ray generation sections, respectively are estimated. Primary scattered ray included in the opposed data of the X-ray intensity achieved by passing of the X-rays through the subject at the same position in an opposite direction, respectively, and performing scaling the primary estimated scattered ray intensity distribution on the basis of a ratio between the first difference and the second difference are estimated.
US07957498B2	Data receiver device and data transmission/reception system The data receiver device includes: a bit phase synchronizing circuit (10) for performing phase adjustment of a received data signal to set a predetermined phase relationship between the data signal and a corresponding clock signal; and a state detection circuit (20) for outputting a detection signal once detecting that the data signal inputted into the bit phase synchronizing circuit (10) is in a stable state based on a data signal phase-adjusted by the bit phase synchronizing circuit (10) and a corresponding clock signal. The bit phase synchronizing circuit (10) initializes the phase adjustment of the data signal when receiving the detection signal.
US07957487B1	Spurious component reduction Apparatus, systems, and methods implementing techniques for reducing spurious components are described. According to one aspect, a wideband polyphase filter filters an input signal that has an associated first frequency. The wideband polyphase filter has poles corresponding to a first filter frequency and a second filter frequency, where the two filter frequencies are different. According to another aspect, a mixer mixes the filtered signal with a local-oscillator signal at a second frequency to produce an upconverted signal, where the second frequency is substantially an integer multiple of the first frequency.
US07957485B2	Reduced complexity parametric covariance estimation for precoded MIMO transmissions A model-based technique for estimating impairment covariance associated with a MIMO signal is disclosed. In an exemplary method, an impairment model is constructed for a received composite information signal comprising at least a first data stream transmitted from first and second antennas according to a first antenna weighting vector. The impairment model includes first and second model terms corresponding to the first and second antennas, respectively, but in several embodiments does not include a cross-antenna interference term. In another embodiment, an impairment model for a received MIMO signal is constructed by computing an impairment model term for each antenna and an additional term to account for preceding interference in a single-stream MIMO transmission scenario. The impairment terms are grouped so that only two associated scaling terms are unknown; values for the scaling terms are estimated by fitting the model to measured impairment covariance values.
US07957482B2	Bit-operated rearrangement diversity for AICO mapping Transmit diversity system in which constellation rearrangement is used. Both diversity signals contain the same data and both are 16-QAM, but the location of the data bits within the constellation is different. This averages the effect of the different levels of reliability of the different constellation points. A method for modifying a quadruple of data bits in a data transmission system using Quadrature. Amplitude Modulation with 16 different modulation states, 16-QAM, using an Antipodal Inverted Constellation AICO) mapping, swapping bits selecting contiguous symbol regions with bits selecting non-contiguous symbol regions. Depending on the particular pre-defined mapping and on the particular permutation of bits, inversion of selected bits may be performed in addition. The quadruples thus obtained are mapped to modulation symbols according to a pre-defined AICO mapping. In the corresponding method for receiving the symbols, likelihood values are swapped and modified in a way which is complementary to the permutation and inversion of bits, before they are combined with likelihood values from other symbols representing the same bits. Method ensures that there is a one to one correspondence between Hamming distance and Euclidian distance for the combined received data. In other words it ensures that, once combined, all 4 bit data words which differ by the same number of bits (Hamming distance) are the same distance apart in the constellation (Euclidian distance).
US07957475B2	Dual carrier modulation (DCM) demapper and DCM demapping method A DCM demapper and a DCM demapping method are provided. The DCM demapper includes: a basic signal generation unit generating a plurality of basic signals using a signal and channel information of two subcarriers; a soft decision generation unit generating a plurality of soft decisions using the plurality of basic signals; and a soft decision selection unit selecting a soft decision corresponding to each bit of the two subcarriers among the generated soft decisions.
US07957474B2	Robust detection of packet types Disclosed herein is a system and method for determining the presence of rotated-BPSK modulation. In addition, disclosed herein is a system and method for determining if a received packet is a Legacy, Mixed-Mode, or Green-Field packet in accordance with the determination of the presence of rotated-BPSK modulation. The presence of a Green-Field packet may be determined by detecting if additional tones are being excited in an LTF symbol of the received packet and/or if a SIG field symbol following the LTF symbol is modulated by rotated-BPSK. The presence of a Mixed-Mode packet may be determined by detecting if the first four bits of the SIG field symbol following the LTF symbol are [1 1 0 1] and/or detecting if a symbol following an L-SIG symbol is modulated by rotated-BPSK. The presence of a Legacy packet may be determined by detecting if the symbol following the L-SIG symbol is modulated by BPSK.
US07957469B2	Video comfort noise addition technique A decoding arrangement for decoding pictures in an incoming video stream includes a noise generator for adding a dither signal containing random noise to the pictures after video decoding, to improve the subjective video quality. The noise generator adds noise to each pixel in an amount correlated to additive noise of pixels in a prior picture, either a previously displayed picture (i.e., a previously decoded picture to which noise has been added), or a previously decoded picture.
US07957468B2	Method for processing motion image A method for processing a motion image comprises of receiving a plurality of frames of a motion image, and dividing each frame into a plurality of macro blocks. Then, one of the macro blocks defines a comparing block. The pixels in the comparing block of a current frame are processed using a SAD operation with the pixels in a macro block in a searching of the pre-frame to obtain a SAD threshold value. In addition, the present invention lets the pixels in the comparing block process a SAD operation with the macro block that has not yet been processed by a SAD operation, thus obtaining an accumulation value of a plurality of the SAD values. When the accumulation value is greater than or equal to the SAD threshold value, the SAD operation is interrupted.
US07957467B2	Content-adaptive block artifact removal in spatial domain An image processing method and system removes block artifacts in compressed image/video. Block artifacts are detected based on content analysis performed based on knowledge of the contents of the image/video. Then, a set of priority conditions is evaluated to generate a detection decision for each pixel at the block boundary. A higher priority is given to a short-term temporal processing result and a spatial processing result. The long-term temporal processing result and quantization information are treated as auxiliary information to adjust the strength of filtering. Depending on the result of the detection decision, appropriate filtering is applied to the pixel to remove the block artifacts.
US07957463B2	Adaptive frequency equalizer An adaptive frequency equalization system providing an equalizer that has programmable taps that adjusts magnitude and phase of symbol information of a received signal and that provides equalized symbol information. The system includes a hard decision circuit that selects ideal symbol values using the equalized symbol information. A frequency response circuit determines frequency response update values using the ideal symbol values and the received signal. An adjust circuit updates stored frequency response information using the frequency response update values, and also updates the programmable taps of the equalizer using the stored frequency response information.
US07957460B2	Method of and a device for generating a signal having a predetermined quality criterion for use in or on a communication system There is disclosed a signal having a predefined quality criterion for use with a communication systems, a method of and a system for generating, such a signal, a method of testing the operation of a communication system using such a signal and a (tele)communication system arranged for operating such a method. The method for generating the signal having a predefined quality the steps of:—representing a first signal (10) comprising a plurality of frequency components each having spectral amplitude and phase properties, and—processing the represented signal by arranging (11) its spectral amplitude properties, and processing the represented signal by arranging (11) its spectral amplitude properties in accordance with the predefined quality criterion.
US07957444B2	Surface-emission laser diode, surface-emission laser diode array, optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus A surface-emission laser diode of a vertical-cavity surface-emission laser structure includes a substrate and a mesa structure formed on the substrate, the mesa structure including therein a current confinement structure, wherein the current confinement structure includes a conductive current confinement region and an insulation region surrounding the conductive current confinement region, the insulation region being an oxide of a semiconductor material forming the conductive current confinement region, and wherein a center of the current confinement region is offset from a center of the mesa structure in a plane perpendicular to a laser oscillation direction.
US07957440B2	Dual pulse-width medical laser A laser device that includes a dual pulse-width laser-pumping circuit generates long and short laser pulses. The laser-pumping circuit employs a single power supply with dual high voltage outputs that are selectable under control of a user. The laser device conveniently generates long and short laser pulses or a mix of the two for performing specialized surgical procedures.
US07957432B2	Light coupler and fiber laser system including the same A light coupler emitting a high power laser with a high beam quality and a fiber laser system including the light coupler is disclosed. The light coupler includes a first optical fiber bundle comprising a plurality of first optical fibers having either a single-mode core or a few-mode core and a second optical fiber, which guides multi-mode beams and is connected to the first optical fiber bundle. The optical fiber laser system includes a light coupler having a first optical fiber bundle comprising a plurality of first optical fiber having either a single-mode core or a few-mode core and a second optical fiber, which is connected to the first optical fiber bundle, is either a single cladding optical fiber or a double cladding optical fiber, and guides multi-mode beams, and one or more gain medium optical fiber, which is connected to the light coupler and emits light.
US07957429B2	Transmission system In order to increase the efficiency of large-capacity transmission, the continuity of divided signals generated by dividing a multiplexed signal is maintained and the original large-capacity multiplexed signal is restored. A signal dividing section divides a multiplexed signal to generate a plurality of divided signals in the STS or STM transmission interface format. A guarantee information adding section adds guarantee information for guaranteeing the continuity of the divided signals to each of the divided signals to generate transmission signals. A signal sending section sends the transmission signals via a transmission line in the transmission interface format. A signal receiving section receives the transmission signals. A signal restoring section restores the multiplexed signal by constructing the divided signals on the basis of the guarantee information.
US07957428B2	Methods and apparatuses to effect a variable-width link Embodiments of the invention provide an algorithm for dividing a link into one or more reduced-width links. For one embodiment of the invention, a multiplexing scheme is employed to effect a bit transmission order required by a particular cyclic redundancy check. The multiplexed output bits are then swizzled on-chip to reduce on-board routing congestion.
US07957426B1	Method and apparatus for managing voice call quality over packet networks The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for maintaining voice call quality over a packet network by providing optimal de jitter buffer depth and rate of change of depth. Buffer depth and rate of change of buffer depth may be initially determined by classifying the incoming call. Classification of the incoming calls may be accomplished by categorizing calls into groups based on characteristics of the calls. The buffer depth and rate of change of depth may be further optimized at the start of calls based on voice-path delay and packet loss probability measurements over one or more calls of the same class such that the voice-path delay is minimized while maintaining a certain packet loss probability, the packet loss probability is minimized while maintaining a certain voice-path delay, or an R-factor, which is an objective measure of voice quality, is maximized.
US07957421B2	Method and system for managing data service network of metropolitan area network The present invention discloses a method and system for managing data service network of Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), as well as a method for searching data service paths based on the MAN system. The solution of the present invention includes binding Virtual Channel Trail Termination Points (VCTTPs) at each end of at least two Virtual Channels (VCs) as Path Trails with Trunk Trail Termination Points (TrunkTTPs) of a Trunk trail by Trunkbind to form a Trunk trail; and connecting the TrunkTTPs to termination points of a data service trail by Ethernet cross connection to carry data service. The present invention converges the data service with the prior Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) service smoothly, facilitates the management of data service network of MAN, increases the compatibility of network system and efficiency of service management and improves the transport efficiency and the reliability of data services of MAN.
US07957417B2	Methods of allocating access across a shared communications medium A method of providing network access across a shared communications medium between competing users includes the steps of monitoring network access usage by each user for a past time interval and, based on the monitored network access usage, allocating network access for each user during a future time interval. Features include forecasting network access that will be utilized or requested by users in a future time interval, and prioritizing the users for allocating network access to the users.
US07957416B2	Data transfer system and method A transmission source bridge collects packets sent from nodes connected to a serial bus in accordance the IEEE1394 Standards, into one packet in an order they are to be transmitted and then sends them onto an ATM network, so that a transmission destination bridge receives this packet and divides it into a plurality of smaller packets and transfers them, in the order they were sent, to nodes connected to the serial bus in accordance with the IEEE1394 Standards.
US07957408B2	Routing protocol support for half duplex virtual routing and forwarding instance A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing dynamic routing support for Half-Duplex Virtual Routing and Forwarding (HDVRF) environments. The method, apparatus and computer program function to configure a forwarding Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) table for a router with information to forward incoming packets to a central location within a hub and spoke environment. The method, apparatus and computer program also function to populate a routing Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) table for the router with routing information received from ingress interfaces of the router. The method, apparatus and computer program function further forwards packets received on egress interfaces of the router according to the forwarding VRF table.
US07957407B2	Heterogeneous media packet bridging Methods and systems for bridging Ethernet frames transmitted over heterogeneous media channels are provided. According to one embodiment, multiple Ethernet frames encapsulated within multiple in-bound media transmissions having different media formats are received via a first set of multiple network interfaces of a network-computing device. The multiple in-bound media transmissions are relayed via a switch fabric of the network-computing device to a virtual bridge application running on a processing resource shared by the network interfaces and which acts as a single bridging domain for all Ethernet frames. The virtual bridge application encapsulates the multiple Ethernet frames within multiple out-bound media transmissions by performing media agnostic Ethernet bridging of the multiple Ethernet frames. The multiple Ethernet frames are transmitted by relaying, via the switch fabric, the out-bound media transmissions to a second set of the multiple network interfaces.
US07957406B2	Method and apparatus for packet traversal of a network address translation device A characterization method for a network address translation (NAT) device by an internal computer behind the NAT device includes creating a plurality of sockets; binding the plurality of sockets, respectively, to a plurality of ports; transmitting a plurality of STUN requests in user datagram protocol (UDP) packets to a plurality of STUN servers, wherein each STUN request is associated with one of the sockets; determining that the NAT device does not support UDP packets if responses are not received from the STUN servers; and determining a set of NAT characteristics of the NAT device if a response is received from each of the STUN servers.
US07957404B1	Method for bandwidth management by resizing pipes Signaling messages are exchanged for a call between a calling party to a called party. A setup message for the call is exchanged through at least one gate controller. Network resources are reserved for the call based on the exchanged setup messages. An end-to-end message for the call is exchanged without the end-to-end message being routed through the at least one gate controller.
US07957402B2	UDP to TCP bridge A bridge module bridges communications between computing systems using the UDP (user datagram protocol) communication protocol and computing systems using the TCP (transmission control protocol) communication protocol. Communications between the bridge and the computing system having UDP communication drivers are handled with the UDP protocol. Communications between the bridge and the computing system having TCP communication drivers are handled with TCP protocol. The UDP computing system sends data packets to the bridge module. The bridge module converts these packets from UDP protocol to packets in TCP protocol and sends them to the TCP computing system. The TCP computing system can send data back to the UDP computing system by sending packets to the bridge module using the TCP protocol. The bridge module will convert the TCP data packets from the TCP computing system to data packets in UDP protocol and forward them on to the UDP computing system.
US07957400B2	Hierarchical network topology A network including a hierarchical structure of nodes is described. The structure of nodes includes n layers including n−1 layers of switch nodes and 1 layer of computational nodes. Each layer in the structure can include mn-L nodes grouped into units, where m represents a number of nodes in a unit and L represents a layer in the structure, where L=0 represents a lowest layer and L=n−1 represents a highest layer. Each node in a layer other than the computational layer can include a switch node for a unit in a next lower layer. For each unit, each node can be connected to each other node by a point to point link and to a local switch node for the unit by a point to point link. Each node can be connected to each other node and to the local switch node by a local broadcast network for the unit.
US07957398B1	Methods and systems for dynamic division of path capacity Methods and systems are disclosed that relate to selecting a path for sending an I/O request from a host to a data storage subsystem from among a plurality of paths from the host to the subsystem. An exemplary method includes identifying a limitation on the traffic level for the plurality of paths, tracking a first metric corresponding to the limitation on the traffic level for each path, and transmitting a first I/O request having an urgency level other than the highest urgency level by one of the plurality of paths whose first metric does not exceed its limitation on the traffic level.
US07957396B1	Targeted flow sampling A device may include two or more line interfaces. One of the line interfaces may include a component to buffer a packet that is received at the line interface, perform a lookup of information related to selecting a flow based on a header of the packet, apply a symmetric hash function to addresses in the header to obtain a hash when the information related to selecting the flow indicates the flow is to be selected based on a random method, compare the hash to a particular number using the information related to selecting the flow, the particular number being same for the line interfaces, sample a flow when the hash matches the particular number, create a flow record for the flow, and sample packets based on the flow record.
US07957394B1	Automatic network switch configuration to support quality of service A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for a network device comprises a plurality of ports to exchange packets of data with one or more networks according to Quality of Service parameters configured for each of the ports; a forwarding engine to forward the packets of data between the ports; and a control plane processor to identify one or more planned data flows through the network device between the ports; wherein the control plane processor identifies associations between each of the planned data flows and one of a plurality of services for the planned data flows; and wherein the network device automatically configures the Quality of Service parameters of the ports according to the services and the associations between the planned data flows and the services.
US07957390B2	Detection of signatures in disordered message segments A method of detecting signatures in message segments comprises employing a state machine for the detection of character strings in the message segments. The state machine executes for each input character a transition determined by a current state of the machine and a current input character. The message segments conform to TCP or other ordering transport protocol. The order of arrival of the message segments is monitored. In the event that an intermediate message segment is missing between a processed segment and an immediately subsequent message segment, the current state of said state machine at the end of the said processed segment is stored. The machine is restarted from its null or datum state for the examination of the immediately subsequent message segment, which is then temporarily stored. When the missing segment eventually arrives, it and the stored segment are successively examined for signatures by means of the state machine, beginning at the stored state. The invention allows for examination of overlapping signatures without requiring re-assembly of the segments or substantial buffering.
US07957387B2	Packet classification An apparatus for classifying a data packet includes an interface for receiving the data packet; a classification controller for parsing the data packet to identify a plurality of data items required for classifying the data packet; memory for storing a set of range identifiers for each data item in the data packet corresponding to a rule range defined in the rule sets; and a controller for performing a preliminary test of at least one of the data items to determine whether any of the data item's values match known frequently-occurring values for that data item.
US07957377B1	Reducing and load balancing link-state requests in OSPF A method of administering a plurality of routers in a computer network, comprising initializing a router in the plurality; receiving initial database description packets from at least first and second neighboring routers; processing the data description packet received from the first neighboring router; generating a request for link state advertisements from the first neighboring router; processing the database description packet received from the second neighboring router; if requesting link state advertisements from the second neighboring router that were not requested from the first neighboring router.
US07957376B2	Efficient MBMS backbone distribution using one tunnel approach The present invention relates to a method, signal and devices for facilitating distribution of multimedia broadcast multicast services, i.e. MBMS, in a telecommunications network by receiving an MBSM session start message from a broadcast/multicast service center; sending control traffic on a control network; sending as control traffic to a serving node an MBMS session start request message and including a common tunnel end-point identifier, i.e. common TEID, in the MBMS session start request message; receiving information from the serving node indicating the acceptance of using IP multicast; and sending media content on an IP multicast backbone to hosts that have joined the multicast group using the common TEID. If any part of the communication network does not accept the IP multicast backbone as distribution method tunnels will be used between the gateway and serving node and between the serving node and control node.
US07957371B2	Linearly expandable broadcast router apparatus A linearly expandable router is comprised of first, second, third and fourth router components. First, second and third discrete links couple an input side of a routing engine of the first router component (102) to an input side of a routing engine of the second, third and fourth router components. Similarly, fourth and fifth discrete links couple the input side of the routing engine for the second router component to the input side of the routing engine of the third and fourth router components, respectively. Finally, a sixth discrete link couples the input side of the routing engine for the third router component to the input side of the router engine for the fourth router component.
US07957358B2	Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for transmitting data via a plurality of network interfaces An apparatus, a method, a computer program, and a computer readable medium for transmitting data via a plurality of network interfaces are provided. The apparatus derives statuses of transmission media and then transmits data based on the statuses. In addition, each base station adopts tunneling technique by adding a tunnel header to each of the transmitted packets. By the aforementioned arrangement, a mobile device is capable of adjusting the data amount for each of the network interfaces. Thus, the throughput of mobile host can be increased and connection can be dependable.
US07957356B2	Scalable media access control for multi-hop high bandwidth communications A scalable medium access control (“MAC”) module is provided that avoids conflict resource reservation so that network performance does not degrade as the number of hops or nodes in a wireless network increases. The MAC also provides different access schemes for traffic with different quality of service (“QoS”) requirements such that QoS is guaranteed and network resources are efficiently utilized. Furthermore, the resource allocation scheme determines the routing path as resources is allocated for data traffic, thereby achieving more robust layer-2 routing at the MAC layer. Finally, the scalable MAC is compliant with both WiMedia MAC and IEEE 802.15.3 MAC.
US07957354B1	Internet enabled cellular telephones A voice web browser system includes a telephone, an access system coupled to a TCP/IP network, a telephone system coupling the telephone to the access system, and a speech-to-text system for “reading” text that had been sent over the TCP/IP network to the telephone user. Preferably, the access system receives TCP/IP packets from web pages accessible over the TCP/IP network and parses the HTML code of the web pages into text and non-text portions, such that the text portion can be read to the telephone user. A computer implemented process for obtaining web page information over a TCP/IP network includes implementing a connection of a telephone user to an access system that is coupled to a TCP/IP network, detecting a selection of at least one navigation command by the telephone user to access a web page accessible over the TCP/IP network, and navigating over the TCP/IP network to the web page in response to the navigation command, resulting in a verbal communication of at least some information derivable from the web page to the telephone user. A method for retrieving e-mail that was sent over a TCP/IP network includes calling from a user telephone to an access computer coupled to a TCP/IP network, providing user identification to the access computer, retrieving e-mail via the access computer that was sent over the TCP/IP network and addressed to the user, and reading the e-mail to the user of the user telephone utilizing a text-to-speech system.
US07957347B1	System and method for estimating bandwidth requirements of and allocating bandwidth to communication devices operating in a network A wireless network includes a base station and N stations where N is an integer greater than one. During a first period, M of the N stations transmit packets to the base station at M bandwidths, respectively, using carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), where M is an integer greater than one and less than or equal to N. During a second period after the first period, the M stations transmit packets to the base station during M sets of timeslots having durations based on the M bandwidths during the first period, respectively.
US07957344B2	Path setting method, mobile terminal, and path managing device A technique is disclosed, by which a mobile terminal (mobile node) performing handover can quickly and continuously receive after the handover the additional services as it has been receiving before the handover. According to this technique, MN (mobile node; mobile terminal) 10 transmits a message including a session identifier or the like of a path 24 to QNE (proxy) 68 under the condition connected to AR (access router) 21 before the handover. QNE 62 and QNE 63 on a path 34 where this message is transferred are present on the path 24, and its own interface address is added to the message. On the other hand, QNE 67 is not present on the path 24 and transfers the message as it is. As a result, QNE (proxy) 68 determines QNE 63 as a crossover node and turns the path upstream from QNE 63 to an identical path, while a path 35 as changed from a downstream path can be set as a path to be used by MN after the handover.
US07957343B2	Motion-aware mobile time and frequency tracking A method is provided for compensating for clock drift error and movement error of an access terminal. A forward link error is obtained that is attributable to at least a first error (e.g., clock drift error) component and a second error (e.g., movement error) component. The first error component and the second error component are estimated based on the obtained forward link error. A receive clock of the access terminal is compensated based on a combination of the first error component and the second error component. A transmit clock of the access terminal is compensated based on a difference between the first error component and the second error component. The forward link error may include a timing synchronization error between the access terminal and an access point as well as a frequency synchronization error between a forward link frequency and a baseband reference frequency.
US07957341B2	Frequency correction in a multi-carrier communication system Methods and systems for correction of frequency errors in multi-carrier communication systems. The composite frequency error associated with the downlink signals are used to infer or derive the composite frequency error associated with the uplink signals, which are used to pre-compensate the uplink signals. Special signal components are transmitted by multiple base stations to facilitate frequency-error estimation and other system control functionalities at a mobile device. The mobile device carries out temporal, spatial, or spatial-temporal processing of the composite frequency errors associated with one or more base stations to determine the clock frequency error and the Doppler shift with respect to its serving base station.
US07957340B2	Method of allocating frequency subband and apparatus adopting the same A method of allocating frequency subbands in an ultrawideband (UWB) wireless communication system and an apparatus adopting the same are provided. The method of allocating frequency subbands to a device in a communication system, the method including: (a) determining whether usage of a first frequency band including upper frequency subbands is necessary; and (b) if it is determined that the usage of the first frequency band is necessary, not setting usage permission for the first frequency band to the device and not granting access to the first frequency band if a request for usage of the first frequency band is received from the device. When generation of a new piconet is necessary or generation of a new piconet is requested in a multi-piconet environment, since subbands of a high frequency group are allocated through negotiation, frequency resources are efficiently managed.
US07957338B2	Apparatus and method for providing data service in portable terminal Provided are a method and an apparatus for providing a high-speed data service in a portable terminal which supports a 1X-Evolution Data Only (EVDO) system. The method includes if an access to an EVDO data service is performed, setting whether a voice service is to be used; and determining whether a 1X paging channel is to be searched during the access to the EVDO data service, according to the set result. Thus, the portable terminal can set a communication mode during the access to the EVDO data service to enter a mode, which supports only the EVDO data service, without searching for a 1X paging channel.
US07957328B2	Method and system for communicating to radio frequency integrated circuit A method and system for managing change-over in radio functionality at a radio front-end in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) system is provided. The method comprises storing one or more control commands. The one or more control commands may correspond to the change-over. The change-over may be a transmitter-to-receiver change-over or a receiver-to-transceiver change-over. The method further comprises receiving a trigger time corresponding to the one or more control commands. The trigger time comprises a timing requirement for the change-over. Thereafter, one or more control commands are released based on a predetermined condition.
US07957309B1	Utilizing multiple distortion measures Utilizing multiple distortion measures. A first distortion measure for at least one packet is received. A second distortion measure for the at least one packet is received, wherein the second distortion measure is different than the first distortion measure. A processing operation is performed based at least in part on the first distortion measure and the second distortion measure.
US07957308B2	Selectable training signals based on stored previous connection information for DMT-based system In a DMT based system, training signals can be chosen based on stored prior connection information to reduce using extra tones in transmitted training signals to improve receiver performance. By choosing training signals based on the stored prior connection information, training signals may be made to indirectly represent a function of the loop impairments. Certain training signal tones in the training signals may be omitted, based on previous connection information, on a loop-by-loop basis. Local echoes are effectively reduced and local receiver training is improved without affecting eventual data transmission performance. Higher AGC gain and higher signal-to-quantization-noise ratios can be achieved, especially in the case of long loops. These benefits can allow (1) improvements in the loop performance in the receiving direction and/or (2) reductions in the requirements on the receiving ADC. Crosstalks into other wire pairs of a bundle, are reduced, improving the transmission environment on those pairs.
US07957307B2	Reducing effects of packet loss in video transmissions An error correction system determines a level of error correction protection to apply to a frame of video data to be transmitted by a sending endpoint to a receiving endpoint based on the predicted impact of packet loss as well as the importance of the frame based on inter-frame dependencies, frame size, packet loss probability, historical packet loss pattern, central processing unit (CPU) load, and available network bandwidth. At the receiving endpoint, when packet loss is detected for a particular frame, the receiving endpoint will attempt to recover the frame using protection packets received along with the video data.
US07957305B2	Hierarchical cable modem clone detection A hierarchical cable modem clone detection system: A cable modem clone detection system uses a cable modem media access control (MAC) address and physical location information such as information relating to a cable interface, upstream and downstream port numbers, fiber node information, and load balancing group descriptors to determine if a cable modem is a clone. The hierarchical approach first make a clone determination at a cable modem termination system, then at a regional operations center and finally at a network operations center.
US07957300B2	Network management apparatus and method thereof A network management apparatus in a network that includes a physical network, and a logical network assigned to the physical network performs: acquiring nodes stored in a distance information storage unit with distances larger than a distance for a node identified by fault information, and a service providing device to which the nodes are connected from the distance information storage unit when the fault information is received; acquiring link information stored in a link information storage unit based on the nodes acquired by a node acquisition unit; and a fault area identification unit that acquires information on a device connected to nodes indicated by the link information acquired by a link information acquisition unit, and identifies the acquired device information, the service providing device acquired, and link information acquired as an area on which the fault influences.
US07957297B2	Termination message for wireless wide area network routers A wireless router device is configured to detect a fault that would prohibit wireless communications between the router and a wireless wide area network. A message, referred to herein as a termination message, is then generated. The termination message contains information describing the fault and is configured to cause termination of wireless communication with the wireless wide area network. The wireless router than transmits the termination message to at least one base transceiver station that is part of the wireless wide area network. The base transceiver station is then able to assess and reallocate resources, including power management, based on the fault information contained in the received termination message.
US07957296B2	Apparatus for and method of detecting loss of signal in a radio frequency cable A novel apparatus and method of detecting loss of signal events in RF cable. The loss of signal may be caused malicious cable cuts, inadvertent disconnects, loss of signal from the cable head-end or for any other reason. The invention is particular applicable to use in cable modems which provide cable service, Internet service and telephone service to subscriber premises including both homes and businesses. All RF channels are scanned and the signal power of each is measured and compared to a threshold. If the signal power on all channels is below the threshold, then it is concluded that a “cable signal loss” event has occurred. The telephone line originating in the cable modem is shut down which causes the alarm system connected thereto to generate an alert.
US07957295B2	Ethernet performance monitoring One embodiment is a source router that monitors the performance of an Ethernet network. The source router generates an Ethernet connectivity check request frame that includes a transmission timestamp, and transmits the Ethernet connectivity check request frame to a destination router. The source router receives a reply from the destination router that is transmitted in response to receiving the Ethernet connectivity check request frame and determines a round trip time between the source router and the destination router based on a time of receipt of the reply and the transmission timestamp.
US07957293B2	System and method to identify and communicate congested flows in a network fabric The invention provides a system and method for identifying and communicating congested paths throughout a network fabric. Briefly, the present invention augments the congestion management mechanism defined in ASI to allow for the communication of congested paths through the fabric, rather than the simple congested output port notification supported today through the use of DLLPs. Further, it also uses the communication mechanisms already defined in the ASI specification to implement this additional capability. Specifically, the present invention uses Transaction Layer Packets (TLPs) to communicate the information concerning congested flows throughout the network. This packet type allows the inclusion of much more information than DLLPs, allowing a more comprehensive and elegant solution to the issue of congestion management in an Advanced Switching network fabric.
US07957292B2	Token-based congestion control method for the internet A computer network system with congestion control includes an edge router, a core router, and an inter-domain router in a computer network domain. A token level is inserted into the packet header of a data packet for congestion control in the computer network domain.
US07957288B2	Method and system of efficient packet reordering A method and system is provided to efficiently order packets received over a network. The method detects breaks in sequences for one or more packet flows by detecting out-of-sequence packets and enters the segment of sequential packets into a separate memory area, such as a linked list, for a particular flow. A transmission queue and reorder table is used to record the beginning sequence number for each segment. The transmission queue is consulted to locate the segment beginning with the lowest packet sequence number for a flow. The packets associated with the segment are transmitted in order. The transmission queue is then repeatedly searched for the next lowest packet sequence number for transmission of the associated packet chain until the transmission queue is emptied.
US07957287B2	Broadband wireless access network and method for internet protocol (IP) multicasting Embodiments of a wireless access network and method for IP multicasting are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a serving base station receives a dynamic service addition request from a mobile station on a primary management connection identifier (CID) to join an existing multicast session, and the serving base station responsively establishing a multicast CID for use on a link between the mobile station and the serving base station.
US07957282B2	Method and apparatus for improving MIMO operation in a wireless communications system In order to improve Multi-input Multi-Output (MIMO) operation, the present invention provides a method of improving MIMO operation for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communications system. The method includes receiving a first value according to a number of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes in a HARQ procedure for the UE, receiving a first HARQ process identifier corresponding to a primary transport block, and assigning a second HARQ process identifier corresponding to a secondary transport block to be equal to (H+(N/2)) mod (N), wherein H represents the first HARQ process identifier, mod represents modulus arithmetic, and N represents the first value.
US07957279B2	Session border control using multiple processors In one embodiment, a router receives a call request for establishing a multimedia exchange between two remote endpoints. The router selects a processing entity to manage a subset of connections with the remote endpoints according to an endpoint identification such as a remote address included in the call request. A different processing entity manages the remaining connections with the remote endpoints. Accordingly, the load of managing signaling for establishing the multimedia exchange is balanced between a plurality of processing elements that appear externally as a single entity such that modification of remote endpoint behavior is not required.
US07957277B2	Wireless communication method and system for routing packets via intra-mesh and extra-mesh routes A wireless communication system including a mesh network having a plurality of mesh points (MPs), a plurality of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs), extra-mesh local area network (LAN) resources, and an external network is disclosed. When one of the MPs receives a packet, a determination is made as to whether the received packet is destined to another MP belonging to the same mesh network, (or to a WTRU served by another MP), and, if so, a determination is made as to whether there are at least two mesh portals in the mesh network that provide access to the external network via the extra-mesh LAN resources. The packet is routed according to an intra-mesh routing algorithm if there are less than two mesh portals in the mesh network. Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether an extra-mesh routing algorithm or an intra-mesh routing algorithm should be used.
US07957276B2	Call admission control and preemption control over a secure tactical network In a secure network where the network characteristics are not known, a call admission control algorithm and a preemption control algorithm based on a destination node informing the source node of the observed carried traffic are used to regulate the amount of traffic that needs to be preempted by the source. The amount of traffic that needs to be preempted is based on the carried traffic measured at the destination node. The traffic to be preempted is based on the priority of the traffic, where the lowest priority traffic is the first to be preempted until the amount of traffic preempted is sufficient to allow the remaining traffic to pass through the network without congestion.
US07957275B2	Queuing system An improved architecture for switches and a method for transmitting data with the switching are disclosed. An increased amount of memory is utilized, operating at speeds lower than are required by Input Queued switches, and a simple scheduling algorithm. The architecture divides the input ports into groups, where each input port group has an associated set of memory elements. Incoming packets are routed to the appropriate element in the set of memory elements. The number of groups and the number of ports that are included in each group can be varied, allowing the architecture to be modified based on the system architecture, the semiconductor technology, and other design considerations.
US07957271B2	Using mobile traffic history to minimize transmission time A method of reducing the time needed for sending data over a communication network. The method can include analyzing bandwidth usage of a user over a communication network and receiving data associated with the user to be sent over the communication network. The method further can include determining, from the bandwidth usage of the user, a probability that additional data will be received within a specified time period and selectively sending the data via the communication network according to the probability.
US07957263B2	Method and apparatus for acknowledging reverse link transmissions in a communications system A method and apparatus for acknowledging reverse link transmissions in a communications system. An information bit is set and then repeated. The repeated information bit is covered with a code having a frame length defined by S=MNR, where S is the frame length, M is the number of code symbols per slot, N is the number of slots per frame, and R is the code repetition factor. The gain is then set relative to a power control transmission and the frames resulting from the coding operation are then modulated. After modulation, the result is spread on a designated channel using quadrature spreading and after spreading the acknowledgement is transmitted over the reverse link.
US07957260B2	WiMAX system analyzer having RAS emulation function and method of acquiring UL synchronization and testing PSS using the same Disclosed herein are a WiMAX system analyzer having an RAS emulation function and a method of acquiring UL synchronization and testing a PSS. The WiMAX system analyzer includes a clock counter, a D/A conversion unit, an A/D conversion unit, an RF processing unit, switching means, a signal generation unit, a signal analysis unit, and control means. The clock counter creates a frame number. The D/A conversion unit converts a DL sub-frame into an analog signal. The A/D conversion unit converts a UL sub-frame signal into digital data. The RF processing unit RF-modulates the DL sub-frame, outputs the modulated DL sub-frame, and demodulating a modulated UL sub-frame. The switching means connects the RF processing unit to the D/A conversion unit or the A/D conversion unit. The signal generation unit assigns a CID, and creating a DL sub-frame. The signal analysis unit decodes the UL sub-frame, and conducts various analyses. The control means performs control so that the switching means connects to the A/D conversion unit.
US07957258B2	Communication device for receiving and transmitting OFDM signals in a wireless communication system A communication device for receiving transmitted orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signals in a wireless communication system. The device includes a plurality of antenna elements to receive a plurality of OFDM signals transmitted from a transmitter via a plurality of transmission channels. The device performs channel estimation processing and decoding processing on the plurality of received OFDM signals, and weights the plurality of received OFDM signals by weight vectors chosen to improve a performance of the plurality of received OFDM signals.
US07957254B2	Concept for reducing crosstalk A device for reducing mutual crosstalk of a signal routed across a first line and a second signal routed across a second line, wherein by the mutual crosstalk at an output of the first line a first interfered signal may be obtained and at an output of the second line a second interfered signal may be obtained, comprising a modifier for modifying the first interfered signal that is interfered by crosstalk due to the second signal, and for modifying the second interfered signal that is interfered by crosstalk due to the first signal, wherein the modifier is adapted to model an interference due to the mutual crosstalk, and a combiner for combining the first interfered signal with the modified second interfered signal to obtain a first corrected signal and for combining the second interfered signal with the modified first interfered signal to obtain a second corrected signal.
US07957250B2	Optical head A micro optical head is provided, which provides sub-wavelength focusing spot and very long depth of focus. The optical head includes a transparent substrate, an opaque film, and at least one sub-wavelength annular channel. After coherent light transmits the transparent substrate supporting the optical head and passes through the appropriately designed sub-wavelength annular channel, the transmitted light can overcome the diffraction limit, and the transmission energy is improved efficiently. The transmitted light converges after a certain distance behind the optical head and forms a sub-wavelength-scale beam that maintains a very long distance without divergence.
US07957247B2	Apparatus and method for processing information and program therefor An information processing apparatus may include the following elements. A content data generating unit generates first unit data segments constituting first content data and sequentially outputs the data segments. A holding unit is divided into a first holding area and a second holding area and holds the output first unit data segments in the first area. A recording control unit controls a recording operation such that the data segments in the first area are recorded onto at least one of first and second recording media. When second content data is recorded on the first medium, the recording control unit may control a transfer operation in addition to the recording operation such that each second unit data segment constituting the second content data is read from the first medium, the read data segment may be held in the second area, and the held data segment may be transferred to the second medium.
US07957237B2	Recording medium and method and apparatus for recording data A recording medium and a method and apparatus for recording data are disclosed. The recording medium includes a data area in which data is recorded, a lead-in area arranged radially inwardly of the data area, and a lead-out area arranged radially outwardly of the data area, wherein the lead-in area includes information indicating whether pre-recording has been performed with respect to a portion of the lead-in area.
US07957235B2	Disk drive and information processing system having the same A disk drive controls the rotational speed of a disk to an appropriate value. A system controller of the drive stores data read from a disk and read-ahead data into buffer memory. A time interval ti at which the buffer memory becomes full is measured, and the time interval ti is compared with a predetermined lower limit value t1 and a predetermined upper limit value t2. When a relationship of ti>t2 stands, rotational speed is increased. When a relationship of ti
US07957228B2	Information recording device and method, and computer program An information recording apparatus (1) is provided with: a first judging device (191) for judging whether or not a tracking error signal is greater than or equal to a first threshold value; a detecting device (192) for detecting, as a detection angle, a rotation angle of an information recording medium (100) when it is judged that the tracking error signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold value; and a second judging device (193) for judging whether or not the judgment that the tracking error signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold value is performed in synchronization with rotation of the information recording medium and at the same detection angle in a row.
US07957224B2	Human echolocation system A human echolocation system emits toward a target a series of sound pulses beginning at a low frequency and progressing stepwise to a high frequency. Echoes of the pulses enable the user to estimate location, distance and dimensions of the target. Target location and distance are estimated based on a stretched echo delay, while target dimensions are estimated based on a musical pitch corresponding to the echo frequency.
US07957216B2	Common memory device for variable device width and scalable pre-fetch and page size Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for a common memory device for variable device width and scalable pre-fetch and page size. In some embodiments, a common memory device (such as a DRAM) can operate in any of a number of modes including, for example, a x4 mode, a x8 mode, and a x16 mode. The page size provided by the DRAM may vary depending on the mode of the DRAM. In some embodiments, the amount of data pre-fetched by the DRAM also varies depending on the mode of the DRAM.
US07957214B2	Adjustable voltage regulator for providing a regulated output voltage Voltage regulators, memories, and methods for providing a regulated output voltage are disclosed. For example, one such voltage regulator includes a comparator circuit, a driver circuit, an impedance circuit, and a modulation circuit. The comparator circuit generates an output voltage according to a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback voltage. The driver circuit is coupled to an output of the comparator circuit and drives the regulated output voltage at an output node according to the output voltage from the comparator circuit. The impedance circuit is coupled to the comparator circuit and provides the feedback voltage to the comparator circuit in response to a detection current from the output node. The modulation circuit is coupled to the impedance circuit and adjusts a modulation current component of the detection current to adjust the regulated output voltage.
US07957210B2	Variable delay circuit, memory control circuit, delay amount setting apparatus, delay amount setting method and computer-readable recording medium in which delay amount setting program is recorded A variable delay circuit being able to change a delay amount from when a signal is inputted to when the signal is outputted has a first delay section delaying the signal by a first delay amount, a second delay section delaying the signal by a second delay amount greater than the first delay amount, and a delay amount selector selecting a signal route where the delay amount is a sum of the first delay amount and the second delay amount when the delay amount exceeds a maximum delay amount delayable by the first delay amount section. The delay amount from when a signal is inputted to when the signal is outputted can be set in a wide range, while suppressing the circuit scale.
US07957209B2	Method of operating a memory apparatus, memory device and memory apparatus A memory apparatus includes at least two memory devices, each memory device including at least one memory bank. A method of operating the memory apparatus includes receiving a row activation command generated by a memory controller, wherein the row activation command includes a bank address. The method also includes activating a word line in a bank of one of the memory devices based on the row activation command, wherein the bank address is used to select the memory device.
US07957203B2	Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises a cell array including plural MATs (unit cell arrays) arranged in matrix, each MAT containing a plurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines intersecting the plurality of first lines, and a plurality of memory cells connected at intersections of the first and second lines between both lines, each memory cell containing an electrically erasable programmable variable resistive element of which resistance is nonvolatilely stored as data; and a plurality of write/erase circuits connected to the MATs and operative to execute data write or erase to the memory cells inside the MATs in accordance with input data. A part of the plurality of write/erase circuits writes data to memory cells inside a corresponding MAT while another part of the plurality of write/erase circuits erases data from memory cells inside a corresponding MAT at the same time.
US07957201B2	Flash memory device operating at multiple speeds A method of operating a flash memory device includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode having different operating speeds. Each one of the first and second operating modes includes a bit line set-up interval and at least one additional interval. The flash memory is divided into first and second mats connected to respective first and second R/W circuits. During the bit line set-up interval of the second operating mode, the flash memory controls operation of both the first and second R/W circuits in a time division approach to stagger respective peak current intervals for the first and second mats.
US07957198B2	Verifying an erase threshold in a memory device In one or more embodiments, a memory device is disclosed as having an erase verify operation that includes a negative bias on the p-well in which the memory cell or cells being erased are formed. After an erase pulse is applied to the selected cells to be erased, the p-well is biased with the negative voltage and the erase verify operation is performed to determine the erased state of the cell(s).
US07957187B2	Dynamic and adaptive optimization of read compare levels based on memory cell threshold voltage distribution A process is performed periodically or in response to an error in order to dynamically and adaptively optimize read compare levels based on memory cell threshold voltage distribution. One embodiment of the process includes determining threshold voltage distribution data for a population of non-volatile storage elements, smoothing the threshold voltage distribution data using a weighting function to create an interim set of data, determining a derivative of the interim set of data, and identifying and storing negative to positive zero crossings of the derivative as read compare points.
US07957185B2	Non-volatile memory and method with power-saving read and program-verify operations A non-volatile memory device capable of reading and writing a large number of memory cells with multiple read/write circuits in parallel has features to reduce power consumption during read, and program/verify operations. A read or program verify operation includes one or more sensing cycles relative to one or more demarcation threshold voltages to determine a memory state. In one aspect, selective memory cells among the group being sensed in parallel have their conduction currents turned off when they are determined to be in a state not relevant to the current sensing cycle. In another aspect, a power-consuming period is minimized by preemptively starting any operations that would prolong the period. In a program/verify operation cells not to be programmed have their bit lines charged up in the program phase. Power is saved when a set of these bit lines avoids re-charging at every passing of a program phase.
US07957175B2	Information storage devices using movement of magnetic domain walls and methods of manufacturing the same An information storage device using movement of magnetic domain walls includes a writing magnetic layer having a magnetic domain wall. A stack structure is formed on the writing magnetic layer. The stack structure includes a connecting magnetic layer and an information storing magnetic layer stacked sequentially. The information storage device also includes a reader for reading information stored in the information storing magnetic layer.
US07957174B2	Semiconductor memory A semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array area having a memory cell, a word line contact area adjacent to the memory cell array area, a word line arranged straddling the memory cell array area and the word line contact area, a contact hole provided on the word line in the word line contact area, and a word line driver connected to the word line via the contact hole. A size of the contact hole is larger than a width of the word line, and the lowest parts of the contact hole exist on a position lower than a top surface of the word line and higher than a bottom surface of the word line.
US07957169B2	Power inverter A power inverter comprises at least a box-shaped housing; and a power module, a smoothing capacitor, a base plate made of a flat plate, and a rotating electric machine control circuit board arranged in order in the housing. The base plate is arranged with the fringes fixed to the inner wall surfaces of the housing, and the smoothing capacitor and rotating electric machine control circuit board are fixed.
US07957164B2	Power device for supplying AC voltage to a load having a discharge part The present invention provides a power device including a converter part (2) for converting an AC voltage to a DC voltage; an inverter part (3) for converting the DC voltage outputted from the converter part (2) to the AC voltage; and a transformer (4) having an inductance forming a series resonance circuit together with an electrostatic capacity of a load (20) to boost the AC voltage outputted from the inverter part (3). In the power device, an inductance (7) is connected to the output part of the inverter part (3) in parallel with the transformer (4). Thus, in a discharge part 6 provided in the load (20), since when a discharge is not generated, a recovery current is not supplied to a circulating current diode in the inverter part (3), or the quantity of the recovery current is reduced, the heat generation of the circulating current diode can be suppressed without increasing the number of elements of the circulating current diode.
US07957163B2	Current controlled synchronous rectifying drive circuit A current controlled synchronous rectifying drive circuit including a current transducer ST having a primary winding connected in series with a synchronous rectifier SR and having a secondary winding to detect a current signal of a synchronous rectifier SR, a signal shaping and reset circuit connected to the secondary winding of the current transducer ST to convert the synchronous rectifier SR's current signal into a voltage signal and shapes it into a pulse signal, a push-pull power amplifying circuit having an input end connected to the signal shaping and reset circuit and an output end connected to a gate of the synchronous rectifier SR to amplify a drive signal generated by the signal shaping and reset circuit to drive the synchronous rectifier SR, and a drive self-bias drive circuit having an input end connected to the secondary winding of the current transducer ST and an output end connected to the push-pull power amplifying circuit to store energy from the current transducer ST to generate a voltage source.
US07957162B2	Switch mode power supply and driving method thereof The present invention relates to a switch mode power supply and a driving method for reducing switching loss and audible noise in the burst mode. The switch mode power supply includes a main switch, a power supply, an output unit, and a switch controller. The power supply includes a transformer having a primary coil connected to the main switch, and supplies power to a secondary coil of the transformer according to the operation of the main switch. The output unit is connected to the secondary coil of the transformer and outputs power supplied to the secondary coil of the transformer. The switch controller receives a feedback signal corresponding to the output voltage of the output unit, a sense signal corresponding to the current flowing to the main switch, and a sync signal corresponding to the voltage difference at the main switch, controls the on/off of the main switch, and determines whether to start the burst mode by using the feedback signal, and maintains the switching operation forcibly off period in the burst mode so that the reference frequency of burst switching may be less than a predetermined value.
US07957157B2	Printed circuit board A printed circuit board including: a semiconductor package; a board; first to fourth electrodes on a second face of the semiconductor package; fifth to eighth electrodes on a mount region of the board; a first conductor connecting the first electrode with the second electrode; a second conductor connecting the third electrode with the fourth electrode; a third conductor connecting the sixth electrode with the seventh electrode; fourth conductors respectively connecting to the fifth electrode and the eighth electrode; conductive bonding portions bonding each of the electrodes on the second face with corresponding one of the electrodes on the mount region; and a determination circuit connected to the fourth conductors and configured to determine a difference between a value of current supplied to one of the fourth conductors and a value of current received through the other fourth conductor.
US07957155B2	System for attaching a substantially three-dimensional structure to a substantially two-dimensional structure A method and system for transporting a fluid, gas, semi-solid, cryogen, or particulate matter, or combination thereof, between a three-dimensional structure and a substantially two-dimensional structure is disclosed. A system and method for electrically coupling a three-dimensional structure to a substantially two dimensional structure is also disclosed.
US07957132B2	Efficiently cool data centers and electronic enclosures using loop heat pipes Disclosed in the present invention are methods for cooling components contained in enclosures that reject 500 or more Watts employing two phase passive heat transfer devices including Loop Heat Pipes and devices we refer to as LHPLs. The methods minimize the amount of energy employed in cooling while at the same time maximizing the quality of heat rejected to the secondary cooling loops that transmit the heat to the outside world. Where data centers provide direct access to chilled water it becomes possible to reject heat directly to cooling towers in locations as hot and humid as Atlanta Ga. eliminating 40% or more of the total energy consumed. The key advances that make this energy efficient performance possible employ LHPLs that have the smallest possible total thermal resistance, methods that maximize their effectiveness and ancillary devices that minimize the energy consumed in cooling with air.
US07957129B2	Display device A supporting mechanism movably supports a display body, a display surface of which is in the vertical position and in an inclined position. A pressing mechanism has an elastic member which stores repulsive force by being pressed by the display body as the display body moves from the vertical position to the inclined position, and presses the display body by the repulsive force in the direction from the inclined position to the vertical position. A position holding mechanism holds the display body at an optional position anywhere between the vertical position and the inclined position.
US07957127B2	Electronic apparatus having battery receptacle at the rear of keyboard According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus comprises a housing including a keyboard mount portion. A keyboard is mounted on the keyboard mount portion. The keyboard has a plurality of fixing pieces. The fixing pieces are protruded at the rear of the keyboard mount portion, and are removably fixed to the housing. A receptacle on which a module is removably mounted is provided in the housing. The receptacle is located between the fixing pieces at the rear of the keyboard mount portion.
US07957126B2	Transmission structure, input device, and data processing system A transmission structure disposed in an input device of a data processing system is disclosed. The transmission structure includes a fixed plate, a movable plate, a connection member, and a motor driving unit. The fixed plate is mounted in the input device and includes a set of grooves extending toward a first direction. The movable plate is movably disposed on a first surface of the fixed plate and includes a set of first pillars to be disposed in the set of grooves. The connection member is connected to the movable plate. The motor driving unit is connected to the connection member and drives the movable plate through the connection member to move toward the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US07957125B2	Assembly and electronic apparatus An assembly includes a first housing, a second housing that houses a plate member, and a connecting section that connects the first housing to the second housing in such a way that the first housing is openable and closable with respect to the second housing on one side of the second housing. The connecting section includes a first fastening section fastened to the plate member.
US07957123B2	Portable electronic device Provided is a portable electronic device having improved degree of freedom in designing. A cellular phone 1 has a display part 9, a frame 44 holding the display part 9, and a case 7 having a peripheral wall portion 31b which forms an open portion 31c. The frame 44 can be mounted in the case 7 from the open portion 31c, is screwed to the peripheral wall portion 31b by a screw 79 inserted in a direction intersecting the mounting direction, and fixed to the case 7, with the display part 9 exposed at the open portion 31c.
US07957120B2	Capacitor chip and method for manufacturing same The present invention relates to a capacitor chip and a solid electrolytic capacitor, wherein in a capacitor chip in which one or more capacitor element is laminated on a metal lead frame to carry electricity and the whole is encapsulated with resin, a laminated body is located within a certain definite range. The present invention enables to increase the capacitance of a capacitor by broadening the allowable range of the total thickness of the laminated capacitor chips without generating defective appearance of the laminated solid electrolytic capacitor.
US07957117B2	Voltage surge and overvoltage protection Disclosed are various embodiments of voltage protectors that include a first voltage clamping device configured to clamp a voltage of an input power applied to an electrical load, and a second voltage clamping device configured to clamp the voltage applied to the electrical load. A series inductance separates the first and second voltage clamping devices. Also, a switching element is employed to selectively establish a direct coupling of the input power to the electrical load, where a circuit is employed to control the operation of the switching element.
US07957112B2	Protection circuit for limiting operating power of electrical device and method thereof A protection circuit limits operating power supplied to an electrical device from an electrical power source below a predetermined power rating. The protection circuit comprises a switching device for adjusting electrical power supplied from the power source to the electrical device; a sensor sensing a parameter relating to the operating power; and a comparator comparing the parameter sensed by the sensor and, in response to identifying an undesirable operating condition, controlling the switching device to adjust electrical power supplied to the electrical device to below a predetermined power rating.
US07957111B2	Differential current output driver with overvoltage protection A differential current output driver and a method for overvoltage protection of a differential current output driver circuit are provided. The output driver includes a differential current output driver circuit operable by a power supply voltage and including first and second driver transistors in a differential current configuration and first and second output pads, and an overvoltage protection circuit configured to generate a protected voltage in response to a voltage on at least one of the first and second output pads and an absence of the power supply voltage, and to apply the protected voltage to at least one transistor of the differential current output driver circuit.
US07957108B2	Magnetoresistive element having spacer layer that includes two layered regions composed of oxide semiconductor and nonmagnetic conductor phase sandwiched therebetween An MR element includes a free layer having a direction of magnetization that changes in response to an external magnetic field, a pinned layer having a fixed direction of magnetization, and a spacer layer disposed between these layers. The spacer layer includes a first region, a second region and a third region that are each in the form of a layer and that are arranged in a direction intersecting the plane of each of the foregoing layers. The second region is sandwiched between the first region and the third region. The first region and the third region are each composed of an oxide semiconductor, and the second region includes at least a nonmagnetic conductor phase.
US07957099B2	Thermally assisted magnetic head with optical waveguide and light shield A thermally assisted magnetic head which can realize high-density writing onto magnetic recording media is provided.The thermally assisted magnetic head includes a magnetic head part having a medium-opposing surface and a back face opposing the medium-opposing surface. The magnetic head part has a recording head part, an optical waveguide, and light shields. The optical waveguide extends along the opposing direction of the medium-opposing surface and back face. Each of the light shields extends along the opposing direction of the medium-opposing surface and back face and inhibits laser light from passing between the medium-opposing surface and back face. The optical waveguide and light shields are arranged on a first line when seen from the back face. When seen from the back face, the light shields oppose each other while interposing the first line therebetween and are arranged on a second line substantially orthogonal to the first line.
US07957098B2	Magnetic recording head and magnetic recording apparatus A magnetic writing head includes: a main magnetic pole; a laminated body; and a pair of electrodes. The laminated body includes a first magnetic layer having a coercivity lower than magnetic field applied by the main magnetic pole, a second magnetic layer having a coercivity lower than the magnetic field applied by the main magnetic pole, and an intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The pair of electrodes are operable to pass a current through the laminated body.
US07957095B1	Disk drive having a stationary plate facing a disk and with a recirculation filter coupled to grooves in the stationary plate A novel disk drive is disclosed and claimed. The disk drive includes a disk and a spindle motor to which the disk is attached to rotate about an axis of rotation. The disk drive also includes a stationary plate facing and disposed over the disk, wherein the stationary plate includes a plurality of grooves through which rotation-induced air flows from an inlet end to an outlet end. The disk drive also includes a recirculation filter coupled to and immediately adjacent said outlet end of said plurality of grooves.
US07957082B2	Turning film having multiple slopes The present invention provides a light redirecting article for redirecting light toward a target angle, the light redirecting article comprising: an input surface comprising a plurality of light redirecting structures each light redirecting structure having a near surface having two slopes, sloping away from normal in one direction as defined by a first inclination base angle β1, a second inclination angle β2, and a first half apex angle α2, for accepting incident illumination over a range of incident angles and a far surface sloping away from normal, in the opposite direction relative to the input surface, as defined by a second base angle γ1 and a second half apex angle α1. The invention further provides an output surface opposing to the input surface wherein the near and far surfaces are opposed to each other at an angle (α1+α2) that is in the range from 60 to 70 degrees, and the base angle β1 is in the range from 82 to 87 degrees.
US07957066B2	Split field inspection system using small catadioptric objectives A system for inspecting a specimen is provided. The system includes an illumination subsystem configured to produce a plurality of channels of light energy, each channel of light energy produced having differing characteristics (type, wavelength, etc.) from at least one other channel of light energy. Optics are configured to receive the plurality of channels of light energy and combine them into a spatially separated combined light energy beam and direct it toward the specimen. A data acquisition subsystem comprising at least one detector is provided, configured to separate reflected light energy into a plurality of received channels corresponding to the plurality of channels of light energy and detect the received channels.
US07957054B1	Electro-optical display systems Electro-optical display systems are disclosed. An electro-optical display system may include a plurality of electrodes; a display volume containing a fluid having a plurality of colorant particles; a layer adjacent to or part of at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes and configured to at least one of (i) reflect at least one wavelength of light and (ii) absorb at least one wavelength of light; and recessed regions configured to contain the plurality of colorant particles, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to selectively move the plurality of colorant particles between a compacted position in which all or nearly all of the plurality of colorant particles are in the recessed regions, and a spread position in which the plurality of colorant particles are spread across the display volume.
US07957049B1	Highly reflective MEMS device An interference-based MEMS device having a lower substrate including a substrate electrode; a lower membrane spaced apart from the lower substrate by a lower gap, the lower membrane including a lower membrane electrode; an upper membrane located on a side of the lower membrane opposite the lower substrate and spaced apart from the lower membrane by an upper gap, the upper membrane including an upper membrane electrode; and control circuitry configured to provide control voltages to the electrodes of the lower substrate, the lower membrane and the upper membrane to change the dimensions of the lower gap and the upper gap to control the reflective properties of the device with respect to light incident upon the lower substrate.
US07957047B2	Laser projection device A laser projection device includes: an incidence optical system condensing laser light, a scanning device deflect the laser light in a first scanning direction and a second scanning direction with a mirror, and a projection optical system guiding the deflected light to a surface to be scanned. The scanning device performs the deflection in the first scanning direction by resonant driving and performs the deflection in the second scanning direction by non-resonant driving. The incidence optical system has different optical powers in the first scanning direction and the second scanning direction, and makes light incident on the scanning device in a convergent state in the first scanning direction and in a substantially parallel light state in the second scanning direction. The projection optical system has a negative optical power in the first scanning direction.
US07957045B2	Hologram media reading apparatus A hologram media reading apparatus including a reference light source, a stop with gray level aperture, and an optical sensor is provided. The reference light source is disposed on one side of a hologram medium, and capable of emitting a reference light beam. The reference light beam is transmitted to the hologram medium. The stop with gray level aperture and the reference light source are disposed on the same side or opposite sides of the hologram medium. The stop with gray level aperture has a light transmissive region, an opaque region, and a transmittance gradually varying region. The opaque region surrounds the light transmissive region. The transmittance gradually varying region surrounds the light transmissive region. A part of the reference beam from the hologram medium passes through the stop with gray level aperture and is transmitted to the optical sensor.
US07957043B2	Image recording apparatus and image recording method In an image recording apparatus, shift times for shifting switching timings of light modulator elements are obtained so that rise times (U1) after input of output start signals to driving elements connected to respective light modulator elements of a spatial light modulator and fall times (D1) after input of output stop signals become a constant target rise time (U2) and a constant target fall time (D2). This makes it possible to suppress unevenness of the rise times and the fall times after correction of light amounts even if light modulator elements where the rise times and the fall times change by correction of light amounts are used and consequently, an image can be appropriately recorded without a complicate apparatus.
US07957041B2	Image forming apparatus and method for performing job interrupt An image forming apparatus comprises a document reading unit for reading a document on a table or at a predetermined reading position to which the document is transported by a document feeder and an interrupt key for receiving an interrupt job. When a user turns on the interrupt key, an inquiry whether a document for an interrupt job is read on a table or at a predetermined reading position to which the document is transported by the document feeder is displayed on a liquid crystal display. When the user selects either one of them, an interrupt process is executed.
US07957018B2	Coversheet manager application A method, and a system using the method, of managing and using a profile to be associated with a document. The method includes generating an identifier based on the profile and printing the identifier for use in scanning documents to be associated with the profile.
US07957011B2	Printer printing composited print image planes A printer is provided having a receiver for receiving compressed print data, a first decoder for decoding continuous tone image planes in the received compressed print data to produce first decoded data, a second decoder for decoding bi-level image planes in the received compressed print data to produce second decoded data, a ditherer for dithering separate image color planes of the first decoded data to produce dithered data, a compositor for compositing the second decoded data with the dithered data to produce composited data, and a printhead for printing the composited data.
US07957009B2	Image sensing and printing device An image sensing and printing device is provided has a housing which houses an area image sensor, a printing mechanism and processor. The image sensor senses a viewed image to be printed on media and generates pixel data representing the viewed image. The printing mechanism defines a media feed path and includes a printhead assembly of a pagewidth printhead having at least one printhead chip that spans the media feed path and a feed mechanism which feeds media along the path. The processor includes processing circuitry interconnected with image sensor and printhead interfaces. The image sensor interface converts the pixel data into an internal format and writes the converted data to the processing circuitry which for conversion to print image data. The printhead interface provides signals representing the print image data to the printhead so that the printhead generate a printed representation of the viewed image.
US07956996B2	Distinguishing between invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma using raman molecular imaging A system and method to provide a diagnosis of the breast disease state of a test breast sample. A database containing a plurality of reference Raman data sets is provided where each reference Raman data set has an associated known breast sample and an associated known breast disease state. A test breast sample is irradiated with substantially monochromatic light to generate scattered photons resulting in a test Raman data set. The test Raman data set is compared to the plurality of reference Raman data sets using a chemometric technique. Based on the comparison, a diagnosis of a breast disease state of the test breast sample is provided. The breast disease state includes invasive ductal carcinoma or invasive lobular carcinoma disease state.
US07956995B2	Optical sensor and method for manufacturing the same An optical sensor according to the present invention significantly enhances the sensitivity of an optical sensor for molecular measurement using light such as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy utilizing the local plasmon's excitation of a noble metal. By using a transparent substance deposition step for forming a large number of anisotropic nano-columns having a predetermined aspect ratio, with their longitudinal direction and transverse direction aligned, by depositing a transparent substance onto a substrate from an oblique position while periodically inverting the position and a noble metal deposition step for depositing a noble metal onto surfaces of the formed anisotropic nano-columns, it is possible to manufacture an optical sensor with very high sensitivity at very low cost.
US07956994B2	Measurement apparatus for measuring transmittance distribution of optical system A measurement apparatus which measures a transmittance distribution of an optical system, comprises a light source, a first spherical mirror which forms reference light by reflecting light which is emitted by the light source and is not transmitted through the optical system, a second spherical mirror which forms test light by reflecting light which is emitted by the light source and is transmitted through the optical system, a measurement unit which measures intensity distributions of the reference light and the test light, a unit which calculates reflectance distributions of the first spherical mirror and the second spherical mirror, and an arithmetic unit which calculates a transmittance distribution on a pupil plane of the optical system, on the basis of the intensity distributions of the reference light and the test light, and the reflectance distributions of the first spherical mirror and the second spherical mirror.
US07956989B2	Surface plasmon assisted microscope The present invention includes a microscope and a method for using the microscope for single molecule with reduced photobleaching of a fluorophore (20) that includes a light translucent material (16); a metal layer (18) disposed on the light translucent material (16); a medium (15) disposed on the metal layer (18), the medium (15) having one or more fluorophores (20) capable of binding a target analyte (e.g., inside a cell); a microscope positioned to observe the surface plasmon emissions from the one or more fluorophores (20) within 50 nanometers of the surface of the metal layer (18); an excitation source capable of exciting the one or more fluorophores (20), the excitation source positioned to strike the light translucent material (16) at a first angle; and a light detector (38) that selectively detects emitted light generated by excited fluorophores (20) at a second angle (22), wherein light emitted by the one or more fluorophores (20) at the surface plasmon angle is detected through the microscope, such that single molecules may be detected without significantly degrading fluorophore (20) emissions.
US07956984B2	Exposure apparatus, optical projection apparatus and a method for adjusting the optical projection apparatus An apparatus includes a plurality of projection optical systems, each including optical elements arranged in an optical path between a first plane and a second plane and forming a radiation pattern from the first plane onto an exposure field on the second plane via the optical elements. A movable portion is disposed in the side of the second plane with respect to the projection optical systems, which holds an object to be moved relative to the exposure field in a first direction in the second plane during scanning exposure of the object in which the radiation patterns are formed on the object as the object is moved in the first direction. The projection optical systems may include an adjustable wedge prism. The projection optical systems may include first and second optical units, optical axes of the first and second optical units being decentered from each other.
US07956980B2	Liquid crystal device with bi- or multistable alignment gratings A liquid crystal device is described that comprises a layer of liquid crystal material contained between a first cell wall and a second cell wall. The layer of liquid crystal material being switchable between at least a first state and a second state, said first state and said second state having sufficiently low splay to enable rapid electrical switching therebetween. The internal surface of said first cell wall is arranged to provide two or more surface alignment configurations of different pretilt to said layer of liquid crystal material. Said states may persist in the absence of an applied electric field. In particular, the invention relates to pi-cell devices that allow for rapid switching from the initial splay state to the bend states, and also to bistable or multistable pi-cell devices.
US07956978B2	Liquid-crystal display device having a particular conductive layer Techniques are provided for unifying steps of sealing material so that the yield and the reliability of a liquid-crystal display device become high. A starting film of scanning lines is patterned so that prismatic dummy wirings 301 for the first layer which are not electrically connected are formed in regions R1 and R2, and wirings 302 extending from the pixel section are formed in a region R3, and wirings 303 having connection end portions 303a are formed in a region R4. After an interlayer insulation film is formed, the starting film of the signal lines is patterned so that the dummy wirings 304 for the second layer are formed to embed the gaps between the wirings 301 to 303, and also the wirings 305 and the wirings 303 which extend from the pixel portion are connected to each other. This permits unification of the cross-sectional structure of the sealing material formation region.
US07956974B2	Liquid crystal device and electronic apparatus Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a pair of substrates having a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween; a pixels which is provided along a predetermined arrangement axis and constitutes a display area; sub pixels constituting the pixels; pixel electrodes which are disposed on one of the pair of substrates and are provided in correspondence with the sub pixels; and a common electrode which is provided on the pixel electrodes with an insulating film interposed therebetween, wherein the common electrodes includes first electrodes which extend in a direction obliquely intersecting the arrangement axis, a second electrode which has a portion obliquely intersecting the first electrodes and connects one ends of the first electrodes, and a third electrode which has a portion obliquely intersecting the first electrodes and connects the other ends of the first electrodes.
US07956969B2	Liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, as well as a source electrode, a Cs intermediate electrode, and a pixel electrode formed on one of the pair of substrates. The liquid crystal display device also includes vertical alignment films formed on the pair of substrates and polymer layers formed on the vertical alignment films, wherein a contact hole, which connects the source electrode and the pixel electrode, and another contact hole, which connects the pixel electrode and the Cs intermediate electrode, are both formed at a liquid crystal domain boundary.
US07956966B2	Very thin achromatic quarter wave film laminate for transflective LCD and method for producing the same Disclosed herein is an very thin achromatic quarter wave film laminate for transflective LCD included in an LCD polarizer. More specifically, the very thin achromatic quarter wave film laminate for transflective LCD has a considerably reduced thickness, as compared to conventional quarter wave films in which anisotropic polymeric films are laminated.
US07956964B2	Optical device and method for making the same A method for making an optical device includes the steps of: rubbing an orienting film so as to stretch the molecular structure thereof and so as to permit the molecular units of the molecular structure to be aligned along a first axis and to permit the orienting space between each adjacent pair of the molecular units of the molecular structure to be oriented in a direction parallel to a second axis; and forming an optical anisotropical layer on the orienting film by applying a liquid crystal film of rod-like molecules on the orienting film which orients the rod-like molecules by virtue of spatial effect of the molecular units and the orienting spaces.
US07956948B2	Pixel structure A pixel structure formed on a substrate and electrically connected with a scan line and a data line, and including a semiconductor pattern and a pixel electrode is provided. The semiconductor pattern includes at least two channel areas, at least one doping area, a source area, and a drain area. The channel areas are located below the scan line and have different aspect ratios. The doping area is connected between the channel areas. The pixel electrode electrically connects the drain area, the source area is connected between one of the channel areas and the data line, and the drain area is connected between the other channel area and the pixel electrode. The scan line has different widths above different channel areas, and a length of each channel area is substantially equal to the width of the scan line.
US07956947B2	Thin film transistor array substrate having improved electrical characteristics and method of manufacturing the same A thin film transistor array substrate, which can have high mobility of charge and can achieve uniform electrical characteristics for wide display devices, and a method of manufacturing the thin film transistor array substrate, are provided. The thin film transistor array substrate includes an oxide semiconductor layer having a channel and formed on an insulating substrate, a gate electrode overlapping the oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film disposed between the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate electrode, and a passivation film formed on the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate electrode. At least one of the gate insulating film and the passivation film contains fluorine-containing silicon.
US07956940B2	Display system A display system includes a liquid crystal display (10) including a backlight (3), a liquid crystal display panel (1), and a viewing angle control panel (2) for controlling the viewing angle of the display panel (1), the display system causing the amount of external light reflected by the liquid crystal display (10) to be relatively larger than the amount of light leaked from the backlight (3) onto the liquid crystal display panel (1). This provides a display system having an enhanced blocking effect.
US07956939B2	Touch-panel-equipped display module The present invention provides a touch-panel-equipped display module which arranges a touch panel on a display panel and can maintain a favorable display obviating the adhesion of the touch panel to the display module even when the touch panel is strongly pushed. In the touch-panel-equipped display module which arranges the touch panel on the display panel, the touch panel arranges a plurality of first dot spacers on a surface thereof which faces the display panel in an opposed manner.
US07956938B2	Retardation compensation plate, retardation compensator, liquid crystal display device, and projection-type image display device A retardation compensation plate having a birefringent property for compensating residual retardation of a liquid crystal panel includes: a combined unit formed of an optical multi-layered film composed of a plurality of layers having different refractive indices stacked in a regular order and a polymer film. In the retardation compensation plate, the retardation compensation plate and the liquid crystal panel have in-plane retardations that satisfy the relationship: 1
US07956936B2	Remote controller and image system comprising the same An image system includes a digital broadcasting processing apparatus and a remote controller for remotely controlling the digital broadcasting processing apparatus, wherein the remote controller includes a mode switching button for selecting one of a major channel mode and a minor channel mode, a channel search button for sequentially searching major channels and minor channels depending on the selected channel mode, and a radio transmitter which wirelessly transmits information about selection of the mode switching if the mode switching button is selected or information about a searched channel if the channel search button is selected, to a radio receiver. Further, the digital broadcasting processing apparatus includes the radio receiver which wirelessly receives the information and a channel controller which switches a channel mode tuned based on the information on the selection of the mode switching.
US07956927B2	Video signal converter and video display device A video signal converter has a target pixel setting unit which sets up a position of a target pixel of an input video signal, a position parameter feeding unit which supplies a position parameter depending on the position of the target pixel set by the target pixel setting unit, and a characteristic amount calculating unit which calculates a characteristic amount of the input video signal. The video signal converter also has a detection-threshold setting unit which sets up a detection threshold based on the characteristic amount calculated by the characteristic amount calculating unit, a compensation parameter setting unit which determines a compensation parameter based on the position parameter supplied by the position parameter feeding unit and the detection threshold set by the detection-threshold setting unit, and a multiplier which converts a signal of the target pixel set by the target pixel setting unit in the input video signal, based on the compensation parameter determined by the compensation parameter setting unit, and outputs the conversion result.
US07956918B2	Solid-state image pickup device having improved light shielding characteristics and camera including the same Provided is a solid-state image pickup device capable of outputting fine quality image signals at high speed. Vertical transfer sections 40 and a distribution transfer section 20 have a common pattern of electrodes for each 2n+1 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and comprise driving electrodes V1 to V6, V3R, V3L, V5R, and V5L, to which driving pulses φV1 to φV6, φV3R, φV3L, φV5R, and φV5L are applied. The driving electrodes V1, V2, V4, and V6 are shared by all columns and the driving electrodes V3, V3R, V3L, V5R, and V5L are independent electrodes which are separated in an island-like manner. The distribution transfer section 20 controls, independently for each column, reading out signal charges from the vertical transfer sections 40 to the horizontal transfer section 10.
US07956916B2	Solid-state imaging device Provided is a solid-state imaging device having pixel units that are two-dimensionally arranged, and including: a photodiode that generates an optical signal charge corresponding to an intensity and an exposure time of light; a MOS transistor that transfers the optical signal charge; an accumulating unit that generates a voltage corresponding to the signal charge through the MOS transistor; a storing unit that stores a voltage corresponding to an optical signal charge in the accumulating unit; and a voltage setting unit that sets a value of a voltage in the accumulating unit to a value corresponding to the voltage in the storing unit.
US07956913B2	Image sensor and pixel that has positive transfer gate voltage during integration period A pixel and image sensor formed in accordance with the present invention has two modes of operation: a normal mode and a low light mode. The present invention switches from a normal to a low light mode based upon the amount of illumination on the image sensor. Once the level of illumination is determined, a decision is made by comparing the level of illumination to a threshold whether to operate in normal mode or low light mode. In low light mode, the reset transistor (for a 3T pixel) or the transfer transistor (for a 4T pixel) is biased positive.
US07956912B2	Active pixel sensor with mixed analog and digital signal integration An active pixel sensor includes mixed analog and digital signal integration on the same substrate. The analog part of the array forms the active pixel sensor, and the digital part of the array does digital integration of the signal.
US07956911B2	Digital photographing apparatus, and method and program for controlling the same A digital photographing apparatus capable of obtaining an image in which a distant subject is clearly represented and a near subject is naturally represented, and a method and program for controlling the same. The digital photographing apparatus includes a range determiner for determining a distance between the digital photographing apparatus and a main subject, an image pickup element for generating image data from incident light, an edge data acquisition unit for obtaining edge data in different degrees of extraction of the edge data based on the distance between the digital photographing apparatus and the main subject which is determined by the range determiner, when obtaining the edge data on edges of a subject from the image data, and an image data modifier for modifying the image data based on the edge data obtained by the edge data acquisition unit.
US07956908B2	Read-out circuit of image sensor A read-out circuit of an image sensor is provided. The read-out circuit includes: a CDS block, including: a plurality of reset capacitors storing inputted reset values of pixels; a plurality of signal capacitors storing inputted signal values of the pixels; a plurality of reset driving devices outputting the reset values stored into the reset capacitors; a plurality of signal driving devices outputting the signal values stored into the signal capacitors; and a plurality of capacitor equalization devices equalizing electric potential levels of the reset capacitors and the signal capacitors; a reset line transferring reset value output signals of the CDS block; a signal line transferring signal value output signals of the CDS block; a differential amplification unit amplifying a difference between the individual reset value output signal and the individual signal value output signal; and a line equalization device equalizing electric potential levels of the reset line and signal line.
US07956902B2	Imaging device An imaging device determines whether, in an image captured by an imaging unit, straight lines exist which meet a condition of automatic vertical line determination (S14). If straight lines meeting the condition exist (YES in S15), the imaging device performs a vertical line determination process to extract vertical lines and so on (S16). On LCD, the imaging device displays the vertical lines extracted in S16 together with auxiliary lines including one connecting a calculated vanishing point and a target point (S17). The imaging device detects its inclination based on these lines including the vertical lines, and displays a message of “OK” on LCD when the inclination is within a predetermined range to notify a user to that effect. Thus, without increasing the manufacturing cost, the imaging device can prevent a user from capturing a target object while the imaging device is inclined to the horizontal direction in an image space.
US07956901B2	Live-view optical system and image capture apparatus A live-view optical system A is, in an image capture apparatus capable of obtaining an image of an object in a moving picture mode by reflecting an optical image formed on a focusing plate D from a part of a reflective surface F of a penta-dach mirror B and by re-forming the optical image on a live-view imaging device H, positioned between an opening G of the penta-dach mirror and the live-view imaging device, and re-forms light reflected from the part of the reflective surface on the live-view imaging device, wherein a position of an entrance pupil K satisfies the following conditional expression (1). 0.75<((Dp/2−Y)·Za)/((Ra/√2−Y)·Zp) (1) where Dp is a diameter of the entrance pupil of the live-view optical system, Zp is a distance from the focusing plate to the entrance pupil of the live-view optical system, Y is a maximum image height on the focusing plate, Za is a distance from the focusing plate to the opening of the penta-dach mirror, and Ra is a distance from an optical axis of the live-view optical system to a dach ridgeline.
US07956897B2	Image combining device and imaging apparatus A plurality of divided exposure images (first to fourth images) are obtained by dividing a normal exposure time. By an image matching method, a motion detection circuit calculates a plurality of cumulative total correlation values between different divided exposure images, and searches the plurality of cumulative total correlation values for the smallest cumulative total correlation value, thereby calculating a motion vector between the different divided exposure images. In addition, based on the level of the smallest cumulative total correlation value, the level of reliability B[i] indicating the accuracy of the motion vector is calculated. An image combining circuit uses the level of reliability B[i] as a mixture proportion. The image combining circuit positions the divided exposure images based on the motion vector, and combines the divided exposure images together one on top of another in mixture proportions (B[i]), so as to form one still image that suffers less from camera shake.
US07956890B2	Adaptive multi-modal integrated biometric identification detection and surveillance systems A surveillance system is provided that includes at least one sensor disposed in a security area of a surveillance region to sense an occurrence of a potential security breach event; a plurality of cameras is disposed in the surveillance region; at least one camera of the plurality has a view of the security area and can be configured to automatically gather biometric information concerning at least one subject person in the vicinity of the security area in response to the sensing of a potential security breach event; one or more other of the plurality of cameras can be configured to search for the at least one subject person; a processing system is programmed to produce a subject dossier corresponding to the at least one subject person to match biometric information of one or more persons captured by one or more of the other cameras with corresponding biometric information in the subject dossier.
US07956882B2	Multiple-beam scanning device and image forming apparatus having the multiple-beam scanning device A multi-beam scanning device includes a light source part having a plurality of light emitting sources which light emitting sources are monolithically arranged in a surface perpendicular to an optical axis; a light deflection part configured to deflect a plurality of light beams from the light source part in a lump and scan an image carrier surface; and an image-formation optical system where lateral magnification is set so that beam spots of the plural light beams are arranged at a designated pitch in a sub-scanning direction on the image carrier surface.
US07956867B2	Color separation multiplexing for real-time multi-dimensional device calibration In accordance with the disclosure, a method is provided for processing color images for rendering on a color image. The method comprises receiving a plurality of device color separations for an image intended for rendering on a color image device; forming at least one intermediate image by interleaving pixels from at least two of the device color separations, compressing the at least one intermediate image in a compression module; decompressing the at least one intermediate image in a decompression module; processing the at least one decompressed intermediate image through a multidimensional calibration transform to output a calibrated device color separation; and, the device color separations include at least three colors.
US07956865B2	Method and system for modification of EPG object attributes A system for identifying prior selection of specific display information on an EPG. In one embodiment, a user selects an object on a screen, and upon selection of the object, an attribute of the object (e.g., color, transparency, etc.) is modified. The modified value is saved into memory so the user may later identify that the specific object was selected. Each subsequent selection will modify the attribute further, allowing the user to identity that the object was selected a number of times. In one embodiment, the attribute will continue to be modified until a specific expiration limit has been reached.
US07956853B2	Apparatus operating system An apparatus operating system includes a display unit and an input operation apparatus. The display unit displays an electronic map and an operation menu included in a multi-layer hierarchical structure. The input operation apparatus is a rotary switch or joy-stick enabled to input an operation direction or operation amount. When the input operation apparatus is operated with no operation menu displayed, the display unit displays a specific operation menu previously associated with the inputted operation direction or operation amount.
US07956850B2	Touch sensor and signal generation method thereof A touch sensor and a signal generation method thereof are provided. The touch sensor includes: an input signal generation unit generating an input signal; a reference signal generation unit delaying the input signal by a predetermined time to generate a first signal; a plurality of touch sensing signal generation units having a touch pad and delaying the input signal differently according to whether or not the touch pad is touched to generate a second signal; a plurality of variable delay units varying a delay time in response to a control signal and delaying the second signal in response to the varied delay time to generate a varied second signal; a plurality of touch signal generation units generating a touch signal according to a difference in delay time between the first signal and the second signal; and a control unit receiving and analyzing the plurality of touch signals, generating touch outputs when the touch pad is in a touched state, and supplying the control signals to the variable delay units when the touch pad is in a standby state. Accordingly, the delay value may be automatically adjusted even when the delay value, which has been initially set, is varied due to an external environment, so that the touch pad may be prevented from being mis-operated.
US07956844B2	Handheld electronic device providing a learning function to facilitate correction of erroneous text entry in environment of text requiring multiple sequential actuations of the same key, and associated method A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device provides a learning function which facilitates providing proposed corrected output by the device in certain circumstances of erroneous input.
US07956843B2	Handheld electronic device with text disambiguation employing advanced editing features A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants generally without changing the position of the user's hands on the device. If a field into which text is being entered is determined to be a special input field, a disambiguated result can be sought first from a predetermined data source prior to seeking results from other data sources on the device.
US07956812B2	Wide-band antenna and manufacturing method thereof A wide-band antenna and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The wide-band antenna includes a substrate, a first radiator, a second radiator, a grounding portion, and a signal feeding portion. The first radiator is disposed on a first surface of the substrate while the second radiator is disposed on the first surface or a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first radiator and the second radiator are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The grounding portion is disposed on the substrate to couple with the second radiator. The signal feeding portion has a coupling unit disposed on the second surface and at least partially overlapping the first radiator. The signal feeding portion is coupled with the grounding portion and feeds signals to excite the first radiator to form a first band mode through coupling effect by the coupling unit. The first radiator feeds signals to excite the second radiator to form a second band mode by coupling effect.
US07956808B2	Method for position estimation using generalized error distributions A method for improving the results of radio location systems that incorporate weighted least squares optimization generalizes the weighted least squares method by using maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability metrics to incorporate characteristics of the specific positioning problem (e.g., UTDOA). Weighted least squares methods are typically used by TDOA and related location systems including TDOA/AOA and TDOA/GPS hybrid systems. The incorporated characteristics include empirical information about TDOA errors and the probability distribution of the mobile position relative to other network elements. A technique is provided for modeling the TDOA error distribution and the a priori mobile position. A method for computing a MAP decision metric is provided using the new probability distribution models. Testing with field data shows that this method yields significant improvement over existing weighted least squares methods.
US07956801B2	Mobile device comprising a GPS receiver A mobile device comprising a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals; a communications receiver for receiving historical ephemeris data from an external server; and a processor configured to determine later ephemeris data from the historical ephemeris data and to determine a GPS position fix from the later ephemeris data. In particular, the later ephemeris data may be valid for a time period greater than any single set of the historical ephemeris data.
US07956791B2	Remote control device with improved shielding and grounding performance A remote control device (100) includes an insulated housing (2, 3) including an outer surface (20, 30) plated with a conductive material for providing a suppression of EMI, an inner surface (21, 31), and a receiving space (4) defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, a printed circuit board (51) received in the receiving space, and including at least a first conductive pad (511), and a second conductive pad electrically connected to the first conductive pad by conductive trace, a cable including at least one grounding conductor electrically connected to the second conductive pad, grounding means (22) electrically connected to the conductive material and the first conductive pad for providing a sheath for ESD generated on the remote control device.
US07956790B2	Systems and methods for synchronous, retimed analog to digital conversion Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for analog to digital conversion. For example, a retimed analog to digital converter is disclosed that includes a first set of sub-level interleaves and a second set of sub-level interleaves. The first set of sub-level interleaves includes a first sub-level interleave with a first set of comparators synchronized to a first clock phase, and a second sub-level interleave with a second set of comparators synchronized to a second clock phase. The second set of sub-level interleaves includes a third sub-level interleave with a third set of comparators synchronized to a third clock phase, and a fourth sub-level interleave with a fourth set of comparators synchronized to a fourth clock phase. A global interleave selects one of the first set of comparators based at least in part on an output from the second set of sub-level interleaves, and one of the third set of comparators based at least in part on an output from the first set of sub-level interleaves. In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, an output of the first sub-level interleave and an output of the second sub-level interleave are synchronized to the third clock phase, and an output of the third sub-level interleave and an output of the fourth sub-level interleave are synchronized to the first clock phase.
US07956782B2	Current-mode sigma-delta digital-to-analog converter In general, this disclosure is directed to a differential current-mode sigma-delta digital-to-analog converter (SD DAC) with improved accuracy and reduced offset and gain errors. In one example, the SD DAC may include a current source configured to provide a differential current. The SD DAC may further include a switching network configured to adjust a polarity of the differential current according to a bit within the bit-stream to produce a differential current signal. The SD DAC may further include a current-to-voltage converter configured to convert the differential current signal to a differential voltage signal. In additional examples, the differential current source may include one or more source degeneration resistances. In further examples, the current-to-voltage converter may include a fully-differential operational amplifier. A low pass filter may be included within the current-to-voltage converter and/or coupled to the output of the current-to-voltage converter.
US07956780B2	Filter with capacitive forward coupling This disclosure relates to techniques and architecture for summing, sampling, and converting signals associated with a capacitive feedforward filter using a quantizer.
US07956777B2	Method, system and apparatus for dual mode operation of a converter Methods, systems and apparatuses for operating a converter or other circuits are disclosed. More particularly, in one embodiment a converter or other circuit can be operated in two modes which may include the count-to-time and time-to count modes to determine an output value corresponding to an input signal. During operation in the count-to-time mode a converter may be operated using a reference signal to determine a number of clock cycles needed until an output corresponds to a scaling factor is reached. During operation of the circuit in the time-to-count mode then, the converter may be operated for this number of clock cycles using the input signal to determine an output. This output may be proportional to the level on the input signal.
US07956764B2	Ambient condition detector with variable pitch alarm An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.
US07956759B1	Humidity sensitive cutoff fuse A humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage humidity conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined humidity levels, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide humidity information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple humidity conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a predetermined storage humidity limit has been reached with a passive humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag are provided. Since it does not require power to operate, the cutoff fuse is suitable for monitoring e long-term storage condition.
US07956757B2	System and method for monitoring an alertness of an operator of a powered system A system is provided for monitoring an alertness of an operator of a powered system. The system includes a controller configured to initiate an alert countdown upon determining a lack of input received from the operator during an operation of the powered system. The controller is configured to communicate an alert to the operator during the alert countdown. Additionally, the controller is configured to measure a response time of the operator to the alert. A method is also provided for monitoring an alertness of an operator of a powered system.
US07956750B2	Wireless IC tag To provide a wireless IC tag which is readable even in a plurality of countries (destination countries) using different radio frequency bands for reading.The wireless IC tag of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a case (20); an antenna (60), which is provided in the case (20); a metal plate (901), which is disposed in the case opposite to the antenna (60); and a mechanism for altering the resonance characteristics of the wireless IC tag (10) by moving at least one of the antenna (60) and the metal plate (901) in the case (20), thereby altering the distance (D) between the metal plate (901) and the antenna (60). With such wireless IC tag (10), the capacitance of an equivalent tuning capacitor consisting of the antenna (60) and the metal plate (901) can be arbitrarily altered by a distance alteration unit, and thereby, the resonance characteristics of the wireless IC tag (10) can be altered in accordance with the frequency band of reading radio wave used by a reader/writer.
US07956749B2	Wireless association A system for determining compatibility between various items is disclosed. A wireless communication device is used to scan a machine-readable tag which includes a plurality of information fields. The information fields include at least identification information of the primary object to which the tag is affixed, list of compatible items, characteristic information of the primary object or other objects, etc. The scanned information from the tag is compared to information in other tags. If the at least some of the information in the tag affixed to the primary object matches the information in one or more other tags, a notification event is triggered to inform the user of the match.
US07956747B2	Managing electrical device power state A system, method, and program product that manages the power state of a portable electrical device located within a monitored region about a vehicle. Information about the portable electrical device such as the power state of the portable electrical device is obtained and used to identify an action for the portable electrical device. Suitable actions include, but are not limited to, transitioning the power state of the portable electrical device and/or providing a notification about the portable electrical device. Other information such as the state of the ignition of the vehicle and/or the proximity of the driver and/or a passenger(s) with respect to the vehicle may additionally or alternatively be used to determine the action.
US07956734B2	Wireless tag reader/writer apparatus A wireless tag reader/writer apparatus includes a receiving/transmitting antenna configured to transmit an interrogation signal to wireless tags, each having a storage unit with at least a reserved area and an EPC area for storing a group ID unique to the wireless tag, and configured to receive response signals from the wireless tags; a tag-data storing unit configured to store interrogation data and response data, the interrogation data being contained in the interrogation signal to be transmitted to the wireless tags, and the response data being contained in the response signals transmitted from the wireless tags; and a main control unit configured to detect the group ID stored in the reserve area of each wireless tag, from the response data stored in the tag-data storing unit, and configured to determine that at least one of the wireless tags has dropped out, from the number of group IDs stored in the reserved area of each wireless tag.
US07956733B1	Optical fiber sensor for quantitative monitoring of deflection from high-speed launcher operation conditions A measurement system is provided to monitor a launcher assembly along a path along which to accelerate a projectile. This system includes an optical sensor, a light emitter, a light detector and a signal analyzer. The sensor is continuously disposed on (or integrated to) the assembly at a position on the path and has initial and terminus ends. The light emitter transmits an optical signal from the initial end. The light detector receives the optical signal from either the initial or terminus ends. The signal analyzer compares the optical signal from the detector to a quantifiable deflection of the assembly launcher. The signal analyzer issues an alarm indication in response to the quantifiable deflection exceeds a hazard-condition threshold. The sensor may be positioned either substantially parallel to or transverse at discrete points along the path and be disposed longitudinally along and/or wrapped helically around the launcher barrel.
US07956730B2	Method and system for controlling a vehicle given to a third party A method and system for controlling a vehicle given to a third party. The system includes a system controller; a mode-indicating device coupled to the system controller; and an authenticator coupled to the system controller. Here, the system controller is adapted to communicate a driving restriction to the vehicle upon an activation of the mode-indicating device by an authorized driver and until a deactivation of the mode-indicating device by the authorized driver, the system controller is adapted to restrict the activation and the deactivation of the mode-indicating device unless the authorized driver has been authenticated by the authenticator, and the driving restriction includes a limit selected from the group consisting of a limit in number of starts, a limit in speed, a limit in acceleration, a limit in number of minutes, a limit in distance, a limit in gears, a limit in locations, and combinations thereof.
US07956729B2	Electronic device An electronic device, which for example includes a sensor element such as a rotational speed sensor, comprises a first network (4) having a first microcontroller (8) and a first supply voltage source (10). It also comprises a second network (4) having a second microcontroller (8) and a second supply voltage source (30). The electronic device is also provided with decoupling elements (42-50) which are adapted to decouple the networks (4, 6) form interferences.
US07956728B2	Sound production controller A sound production controller can include a horn device that performs a vibrating operation at a predetermined resonance frequency in response to a predetermined operation to produce a warning sound, an input section which receives a sound production command signal outputted in response to execution of a function that requires sound production in the vehicle other than the predetermined operation, and a sound production controller which, if the input section receives the sound production command, provides a high-frequency signal having a frequency higher than the predetermined resonance frequency to the horn device to cause the horn device to produce a sound.
US07956725B2	RFID tag with accelerometer One or more accelerometers may be coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, so that the response of the RFID tag indicates the acceleration being sensed by the accelerometer(s). In some embodiments the accelerometers may be powered from the RF energy harvested by the RFID tag from a received RF signal. The sensed acceleration indicated in the response may be used to determine a motion and/or an orientation of an object coupled to the accelerometers.
US07956724B2	Support for reliable end to end messaging of tags in an RFID infrastructure The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates ensuring reliable data within a radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure. A radio frequency identification (RFID) network can include at least one device that receives data from a tag. A distribute component can initiate a reliable transaction with the received data to ensure at least one subscribing RFID process utilizes such data.
US07956722B2	System and method for providing user-selected information to a paging-capable device A system and method for providing user-selected information to a paging-capable device. An enhanced paging system responsive to information sources and a selection device transmits information to a paging-capable device. The enhanced paging system comprises a storing means, a selecting means, a storage device, and a transmitter. Such a system can provide user-selected information to a paging-capable device, allowing the user to control what information will be sent and when the information will be sent. Intelligent-agent software can automatically search for and store information that would be of interest to the user and can alert the user that more detailed information is available. It can also send critical information to the user without user request.
US07956718B2	Remote control and monitoring of barrier operators with radio frequency transceivers Low cost, low power consumption radio frequency transceivers are incorporated in barrier operator control systems for transmitting signals between an operator control unit, one or more remote control units, a diagnostic or calibration device and an obstruction detector. Similar detector devices, including such transceivers, may be employed in loading docks for detecting the status of dock levelers and vehicle restraint devices. Radio frequency communication eliminates the need for hard wiring and also provides for transmission of commands and status information between various control units.
US07956709B2	MEMS switch and manufacturing method thereof A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) switch includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, and a movable electric resistor formed on the substrate, the movable electric resistor serving as an electric resistor that divides an electric potential where the MEMS switch is set to a conduction state.
US07956707B2	Angled metallic ridge for coupling combline and ceramic resonators An apparatus for coupling a combline resonator and a ceramic resonator, including one or more of the following: a housing; a combline resonator in the housing; a ceramic resonator in the housing, the ceramic resonator having a stem portion and a mushroom portion; a ridge extending between the combline resonator and the ceramic resonator, the ridge passing between the mushroom portion of the ceramic resonator and the housing, wherein a coupling is obtained between an electrical field of the combline resonator and an electrical field of the ceramic resonator.
US07956699B2	Frequency modulator and method for adjusting gain thereof A frequency modulator capable of performing frequency modulation without increasing quantization noise; and a method for adjusting the gain thereof are provided. An input signal is gain-adjusted by a gain adjustment section and outputted to a frequency modulation section. The frequency modulation section is gain-controlled based on a first signal. For setting a digital gain coefficient and an analog gain coefficient of the gain adjustment section, a test signal is inputted. In this state, in a generation section, first control information for setting the digital gain coefficient and second control information for setting the analog gain coefficient are generated based on information regarding a state of the frequency modulation section.
US07956693B1	Method and apparatus for adjusting PLL and/or DLL timing offsets A method and apparatus for adjusting PLL and/or DLL timing offsets have been disclosed.
US07956691B2	System and method for over-voltage protection of a power amplifier A system and method for over-voltage protection of a power amplifier is provided. A power amplifier is typically employed in a transmitter to amplify signals prior to transmission via a load; the load may include an antenna or a cable. As a result of an impedance mismatch between the power amplifier and its load, excess power from the power amplifier output fails to reach the load and must be dissipated by one or more transistors in the power amplifier. In severe impedance mismatch conditions, this dissipated power may damage or destroy the transistor(s). An automatic gain control (AGC) is provided for detecting a gain difference between the power amplifier and a replica power amplifier. A gain difference may signal an over-voltage situation. The AGC may be configured to adjust the gain of the power amplifier if a gain difference exists to prevent device damage.
US07956685B2	Adaptive operational transconductance amplifier load compensation A buffer varies the size of its output stage in response to a varying capacitive load. The capacitive load may vary in a predictable or a random manner. The buffer includes an operational amplifier having an output stage of multiple transistors, selectively connected in parallel. During operation, data regarding the size of the capacitive load is obtained and used to determine the size of the output stage. In general, as the capacitive load increases, the number of transistors connected in parallel at the output stage also increases.
US07956679B2	Differential amplifier with offset voltage trimming A differential amplifier that has a current supply and a differential current to voltage converter with a positive current input node, a negative current input node and a voltage output node, has offset voltage trimming. The voltage output node provides an output voltage that is proportional to the difference in current values flowing into the positive current input node and a negative current input node. A trimming circuit has a plurality of trimming control inputs, an inverting trimming output, a non-inverting trimming output and trimming inputs coupled to the current supply. Trimming resistances couple the inverting trimming output to the non-inverting trimming output. Trimming selectors, controllable by a trim code provided to the trimming control inputs, provide for selectively connecting the current supply directly to the non-inverting trimming output while selectively connecting the current supply to the inverting trimming output through a first selected group of the trimming resistances. The differential amplifier also has a differential transistor pair formed by an inverting transistor that couples the inverting trimming output to the positive current input node and a non-inverting transistor that couples the non-inverting trimming output to the negative current input node.
US07956677B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit and power-supply control method A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first voltage line on which a specific one of a power-supply voltage and a reference voltage appears; a second voltage line; a plurality of circuit cells each receiving power generated as a difference between a voltage appearing on the second voltage line and the other one of the power-supply voltage and the reference voltage; a plurality of switch transistors connected in parallel between the first and second voltage lines to serve as switch transistors including switch transistors each having different conducting-state resistances; and a switch conduction control section for controlling a transition of each of the switch transistors from a non-conducting state to a conducting state by turning on the switch transistors at separate points of time.
US07956670B2	Temperature sensing device and electric device including the same A temperature sensing device includes a current generator to generate a variable current that varies based on temperature, a charge circuit to accumulate charges based on the variable current, and a count logic circuit to generate a count value synchronized to a clock, and to output the count value as temperature data based on a charged voltage of the charge circuit and a reference voltage.
US07956665B2	Methods and articles of manufacture for operating electronic devices on a plurality of clock signals Embodiments of the invention relate to an integrated circuit comprising at least one functional unit configured to operate at a first clock frequency. The integrated circuit also comprises at least one first interconnect originating from a contact pad and leading to at least one frequency divider configured to receive a clock signal having a second frequency and generate one or more clock signals to operate the functional unit at the first frequency. The integrated circuit further comprises at least one second interconnect coupling an output of the frequency divider and an input of the functional unit, wherein a total length of the second wired interconnect is less than a total length of the first wired interconnects.
US07956660B2	Signal processing device A signal processing device includes a correction circuit configured to correct the distortion of the duty cycle in a data signal having different occurrence probabilities of 0 and 1.
US07956656B2	Systems and methods for providing a clock signal Systems and methods for providing a clock signal are provided. A frequency multiplier circuit is provided that can include a plurality of serially connected delay elements that are configured to generate a plurality of delay tap signals from an input signal. The frequency multiplier circuit can also include a phase detector configured to receive a first selected delay tap signal and the input signal. The phase detector can detect a phase shift between the first selected delay tap signal and the input signal, and can generate a phase detection signal indicative of a value of the phase shift. The frequency multiplier circuit can also include a digital logic gate configured to receive the input signal and a second selected delay tap signal. The digital logic gate can be further configured to generate an output signal responsive to the second selected delay tap signal and the input signal. The frequency multiplier circuit can also include a controller coupled to the phase detector and coupled to an output gate. The controller can be configured to receive the phase detection signal and to enable the output gate when the value of the phase shift corresponds to a predetermined value. The output gate can provide the output signal when enabled.
US07956650B2	Input circuit of semiconductor integrated circuit An input circuit is disclosed. The input circuit can include a cross voltage generating block that can be configured to perform charge-sharing on a pair of input signals whose phases are opposite to each other and generate a cross voltage, and an input buffer block that can be configured to buffer the pair of input signals at a voltage level corresponding to a voltage level of the cross voltage and generate an output signal.
US07956647B2	Circuit, apparatus and method of transmitting signal A circuit includes a first wiring to transmit a first signal, an alteration element to adjust a delay amount being added to the first wiring, and a shield element to shield the alteration element from a second wiring, the second wiring transmitting a second signal.
US07956644B2	Peak power reduction using fixed bit inversion A semiconductor device includes a first circuit block, a second circuit block, and a data bus. The data bus is coupled between the first and second circuit blocks. A first data inverter on the data bus inverts a selected segment of data that is transferred onto the data bus. A second data inverter at an end of the data bus re-inverts the selected segment of data before the data is transferred off the data bus. The data that is transferred onto the data is not analyzed in order to determine the selected segment of data that is inverted.
US07956643B2	Semiconductor device capable of switching operation modes and operation mode setting method therefor A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a first internal terminal; a second internal terminal; a first switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a first reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the first reference electric potential; a second switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a second reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the second reference electric potential; and a comparator coupled to the first internal terminal and the second internal terminal to compare an electric potential of the first internal terminal with an electric potential of the second internal terminal, in which the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit exclusively operate in accordance with the electric potential of the first internal terminal. In the above-mentioned structure, when the second internal terminal is not bonded to an external terminal, the second internal terminal is pulled up or pulled down in accordance with a logical level of a signal input to the first internal terminal. Consequently, a connection state between the external terminal and the second internal terminal (mode pad) can be detected irrespective of the logical level (H level/L level) of the signal input to the first internal terminal.
US07956637B2	System and method to determine electric motor efficiency using an equivalent circuit A system and method for determining electric motor efficiency includes a monitoring system having a processor programmed to determine efficiency of an electric motor under load while the electric motor is online. The determination of motor efficiency is independent of a rotor speed measurement. Further, the efficiency is based on a determination of stator winding resistance, an input voltage, and an input current. The determination of the stator winding resistance occurs while the electric motor under load is online.
US07956636B2	Generating test benches for pre-silicon validation of retimed complex IC designs against a reference design This invention (900) describes a method that generates and uses a test bench for verifying an electrical design module in semiconductor manufacturing against an electrical reference model containing a sub-circuit that matches the electrical design module. The invention includes providing (902) a description of an electrical design module that includes a plurality of ports. In addition, the invention includes providing (904) a description of an electrical reference model. The invention further includes providing and or creating (92) one or more implicit defines for the reference modules that appear in hierarchy of the electrical reference model. And, the invention includes providing (906) a description file that includes one or more instance definitions. The invention parses (91) the hierarchy of the electrical design model and then processes (96) the description file. The invention then writes (97) the test bench.
US07956634B2	Apparatus and method for performing an ion concentration analysis in liquid crystal panel The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing an ion concentration analysis in an LCD panel. The method comprises: adjusting common voltage of an LCD panel to be tested and a standard LCD panel, respectively, and obtaining a first common voltage of the LCD panel to be tested and a first common voltage of the standard LCD panel; adjusting the first common voltage of the standard LCD panel and the first common voltage of the LCD panel to be tested, respectively, according to a predetermined testing voltage; loading a first image to the standard LCD panel and the LCD panel to be tested, respectively, and maintaining the first image in the standard LCD panel and the LCD panel to be tested for a period of time; switching the loaded first image to a second image; and analyzing ion concentration in the LCD panel to be tested on the basis of image sticking levels appearing in the standard LCD panel and the LCD panel to be tested.
US07956629B2	Probe tile for probing semiconductor wafer A tile used to hold one or more probes for testing a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The tile has one or more sites for inserting one or more probes to test the semiconductor wafer. Each site has one or more holes. Each hole is coupled with a slot forming an angle. A probe is inserted into the tile from a top of the tile through the hole and seated on the slot. The probe has a probe tip. The probe top is in contact with the semiconductor wafer at one end of the slot at a bottom of the tile. The probe tip is aligned with an X and Y coordinate of a bond pad on the semiconductor wafer.
US07956623B2	Container filling machine The present invention provides a container filling machine comprising a sensing device for detecting the integrity of discrete articles for personal treatment to be packaged in a container. The sensing device comprises a pair of capacitor plates positioned in a substantially opposing relationship for creating therebetween an electric field, a track for guiding the discrete articles for personal treatment through said electric field and a processing unit. The processing unit is in communication with the pair of capacitor plates, and is operative for detecting a change in capacitance as a discrete article passes through the electric field in order to determine the integrity of the discrete article on the basis of the change in capacitance and a characteristic capacitance change signature. The container filling machine further comprises a transportation device, a rejection device, a counting device and a plurality of path blocking devices.
US07956621B2	Anti-capture method and apparatus for micromachined devices A MEMS device has a movable beam, a differential capacitor with a movable electrode that moves in response to the displacement of the movable beam and that is disposed between two stationary electrodes, and a voltage circuit for applying a first voltage to the first stationary electrode, second voltage to the second stationary electrode, and a third voltage to the movable electrode. The MEMS device also has a monitor operably coupled with the movable beam to monitor the displacement of the movable beam. In some embodiments, the monitor may monitor the distance between the movable electrode and at least one of the stationary electrodes. The MEMS device further has a voltage reducing circuit operatively coupled with the monitor, the movable electrode, and the stationary electrodes. The voltage reducing circuit reduces the differential between the third voltage and the voltages on the stationary electrodes when the monitor detects that the displacement of the movable beam is greater than or equal to a threshold value.
US07956618B2	Additional pins on a USB connector An electronic device includes a receptacle for communicating information via a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit different from the first communication circuit, the receptacle including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts having a predefined arrangement. The electronic device further includes a detection circuit and a configuration circuit. The detection circuit is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of contacts, and the detection circuit is operative to detect an electrical state of the at least one contact. The configuration circuit is operatively coupled to a first group of contacts of the plurality of contacts, and the configuration circuit is operative to communicatively couple the first group of contacts to the first communication circuit or the second communication circuit based on the detected state of the at least one contact.
US07956612B2	System and method for displaying medical imaging spectral data as hypsometric maps A system and method for displaying MR spectroscopy data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring MR spectroscopy data from a region of interest using the MRI system. The MR spectroscopy data is processed to determine relative spectral amplitudes of each of a plurality of points in the MR spectroscopy data resulting from frequency components of molecules in the region of interest. Each of the plurality of points is mapped to a particular optical parameter based at least upon on the relative spectral amplitude associated with each point and a point is generated for each of the plurality of points having the optical parameter mapped thereto. The points for each of the plurality of points are arranged to form a hypsometric map.
US07956611B2	Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of high-frequency reception coils, sensitivity distribution information obtaining means for calculating sensitivity distribution information of each of the high-frequency reception coil, sensitivity distribution storage means for storing the sensitivity distribution information, measuring means for acquiring magnetic resonance signals by thinning out encode steps of a k-space, image reconstructing means for reconstructing images using the magnetic resonance signals, and means for performing unfolding calculation using the sensitivity distribution information and the image, thereby to acquire the unfolded image.The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further comprises means for estimating the sensitivity distribution information of a background region by using the sensitivity distribution information of an object region, and means for updating the background region by mutually using the sensitivity distribution information of the respective high-frequency receptions coils thereby to suppress noise component contained in the unfolded image.
US07956610B2	Sensor for sensing a magnetic field direction, magnetic field direction sensing, method for producing magnetic field sensors, and write-in apparatus for producing magnetic field sensors A sensor for sensing a magnetic field direction has a plurality of magnetoresistive sensor elements, each of which having a main sensitivity direction with respect to a present magnetic field. Lines associated with the main sensitivity directions of the magnetoresistive sensor elements and passing through the magnetoresistive sensor elements intersect in an area outside the magnetoresistive sensor elements themselves.
US07956607B2	Digital ferromagnetic part inspection Digital ferromagnetic part inspection system and method use a magnetizer for magnetizing a ferromagnetic part to be inspected, wherein a defect in or near a surface of the ferromagnetic part causes an external magnetic field. A magnetic field sensing element is positioned near the ferromagnetic part for sensing the external magnetic field. An inspection module identifies the defect in or near the surface of the ferromagnetic part by interpreting data collected by the magnetic field sensing element in response to the magnetic field sensing element being placed near the ferromagnetic part.
US07956597B2	Reference buffer circuits for providing reference voltages A reference buffer circuit provides a reference voltage at an output node and comprises a closed-loop branch comprising an amplifier and first and second MOS transistors and an open-loop branch comprising a third MOS transistor. A positive input terminal of the amplifier receives an input voltage. A gate of the first MOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier, and a source is coupled to a negative input terminal of the amplifier. A gate of the second MOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the first MOS transistor, a source is coupled to a first voltage source, and a drain is coupled to the source of the first MOS transistor. A gate of the third MOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier, and a source is coupled to the output node.
US07956594B2	Device and method for compensating for voltage drops A device that includes a voltage supply unit and an integrated circuit, the device is characterized by including a voltage sampling circuit adapted to sample voltage levels at multiple sampling points within the integrated circuit, to provide multiple sampled voltages, wherein the multiple sampled voltages reflect the voltage drops; and wherein the voltage supply unit is adapted to adjust a supply voltage provided to the integrated circuit in response to at least one sampled voltage. A method for voltage drop compensation; the method includes providing a supply voltage to an integrated circuit; the method is characterized by sampling voltage levels at multiple sampling points within the integrated circuit, to provide multiple sampled voltages, wherein the multiple sampled voltages reflect the voltage drops; and adjusting a supply voltage provided to the integrated circuit in response to at least one sampled voltage.
US07956587B2	Power supply apparatus A power supply apparatus that supplies an operating voltage to a microcomputer reliably resets the microcomputer before operation becomes unstable when an external power supply voltage decreases due to interruption. A switching regulator and series regulators are included. An externally supplied power supply voltage is stepped down to generate an intermediate voltage. The intermediate voltage is stepped down to generate an operating voltage for a microcomputer core. The intermediate voltage is stepped down to generate an operating voltage for an I/O port. When the intermediate voltage becomes lower than a reset determining voltage, the power supply apparatus outputs a reset signal to the microcomputer. When the power supply voltage decreases, the microcomputer can be reliably reset and the core can be prevented from operating erratically before the voltage becomes lower than a minimum core operating voltage.
US07956582B2	Activating batteries based on environmental conditions A system measures a temperature condition of a component of a mobile communication device, determines a battery of the mobile communication device based on the measured temperature condition, activates the determined battery, activates a temperature management device connected to the battery, and manages the measured temperature condition of the component with the temperature management device.
US07956568B2	Servo motor controller A servo motor controller having: a frequency identification section that performs analysis based on a frequency response method and identifies the frequency of a disturbance exhibiting a specified phase lag; an input/output gain identification section that identifies the input/output gain at the frequency identified by the frequency identification section; and a magnification factor resetting section that resets an adjustment magnification factor by performing a specified operation on a ratio between the identified input/output gain and a specified target value of the input/output gain.
US07956565B2	Variable field permanent magnet dynamoelectric machine A dynamoelectric machine which operates in a constant power mode.
US07956545B2	Field emission device The field emission device includes: a front substrate and a rear substrate which are disposed at a certain distance and opposite to each other; at least one or more cathode electrodes formed on the rear substrate; at least one or more gate electrodes formed to be distant from the cathode electrodes and to be insulated with the rear substrate; emitters formed on the upper surfaces of the cathode electrodes; an anode electrode formed on the front substrate toward the rear substrate side; a fluorescent layer formed on the anode electrode; a first voltage application circuit for applying an AC voltage to the anode electrode; and a second voltage application circuit for applying an AC voltage to the gate electrode, wherein the AC voltages being applied to the anode electrode and the gate electrode are synchronized.
US07956542B2	External electrode fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method of the same An external electrode fluorescent lamp includes a glass tube made of soft glass, and external electrodes affixed to outer surfaces of both ends of the glass tube. The fluorescent lamp further includes a joining material applied between at least the glass tube and the external electrodes for affixing the external electrodes, which are made up of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient that is larger than that of the glass tube. According to the manufacturing method of the fluorescent lamp, first, the external electrodes are attached to the outer surface of each end of the glass tube, the external electrodes are then immersed in fused solder, and finally, the glass tube is cooled to room temperature. In this manner, the external electrodes are affixed to the outer surface of the glass tube via soldering.
US07956539B2	Plasma display panel Provided is a plasma display panel including a plurality of electrodes and a panel terminal unit providing a driving signal to the electrodes, wherein the panel terminal unit comprises: an electrode pad extending from the electrodes of the panel display unit; a film-shapeddevice providing a driving signal to the electrode pad; an anisotropic conductive film electrically connecting the electrode pad to the film-shaped device; a dielectric layer extending to contact the anisotropic conductive film on the electrode pad so that the dielectric layer covers the electrode pad; and an electrode terminal unit sealant sealing the dielectric layer and the film-shaped device. The electrode terminal unit sealant protects a terminal unit of the plasma display panel against permeation of external gas and external humidity and effectively prevents open and short circuits of an electrode due to a migration phenomenon.
US07956531B2	Display device having a plurality of pixels each comprising sub-pixels An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device is described, the display device having a plurality of pixels each comprising at least two sub-pixels of different types, a first sub-pixel type comprising an OLED device including a first type of OLED material and a second sub-pixel type comprising an OLED device including a second type of OLED material, and wherein at least one of said first and second types of sub-pixel comprises a plurality of series-connected OLED devices. Employing series-connected sub-pixels where different types of OLED material are used for a display such as a color, active matrix OLED display facilitates balancing sub-pixel drive voltages and hence enables the production of display devices with improved efficiency.
US07956526B2	Organic electro-luminescence device with organic light emitting layer having particular ratio of contents An organic electro-luminescence device including an anode, a cathode, an organic light emitting layer and a hole-transporting layer is provided. The cathode has a calcium electrode and an aluminum electrode adjacent thereto. The organic light emitting layer is disposed between the anode and the calcium electrode, and has a polymer, a phosphorescence dopant and an organic electron-transporting material, wherein a ratio of contents of the organic electron-transporting material to contents of the polymer in the organic light emitting layer is substantially between 0.1 and 1. The organic electron-transporting material is 1,3-bis(N,Nt-butyl-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole. The hole-transporting layer is disposed between the light emitting layer and the anode.
US07956525B2	Flexible nanostructure electronic devices A flexible electronic device is made up of nanostructures. Specifically, the device includes a flexible substrate, a film of nanostructures in contact with the flexible substrate, a first conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures, and a second conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures. The nanostructures may comprise nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes disposed along the flexible substrate, such as an organic or polymer substrate. The first and second conductive elements may serve as electrical terminals, or as a source and drain. In addition, the electronic device may include a gate electrode that is in proximity to the nanotubes and not in electrical contact with the nanotubes. In this configuration, the device can operate as a transistor or a FET. The device may also be operated in a resistive mode as a chemical sensor (e.g., for sensing NH3).
US07956492B2	Outlet switch socket device An outlet switch socket device includes a plug, at least one socket, at least one switch, a power converter, a communication module, a microprocessor and an infrared module. Moreover, the plug is used to receive an alternating current. Each switch is respectively coupled between each corresponding socket and the plug. The power converter is coupled to the plug and converts the alternating current into a direct current, thereby supplying the direct current to the microprocessor. Moreover, the microprocessor receives the direct current from the power converter and receives a control signal from a remote control via the communication module. Furthermore, the microprocessor is used to control those switches according to the control signal and transmits the control signal to the infrared module. The infrared module is used to output an infrared signal to control an infrared device.
US07956487B2	Compost updraft tower A system and method for converting heat energy released by compostable matter into electricity through the use of a compost updraft tower. A compost updraft tower comprises a collector region that contains compostable matter, one or more towers that rise up through the collector region, and one or more turbines. The air within the collector region is heated by the energy released during the composting process, and the heated air flows through the collector region toward the open first end of one or more of the towers. The heated air then rises up through one or more of the towers to the open second end of the tower. The heated air flowing through the system drives turbines that generate electricity. In one embodiment the roof of the collector region is transparent to allow solar radiation to penetrate the collector region and heat air within.
US07956462B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A semiconductor device having a multilayer wiring structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in which the reliability and the manufacturing yield are high and the design constraint is small. Wirings are formed on a substrate. Low dielectric constant films are formed around the wirings. Reinforcement insulating films are formed in a dielectric material of a larger elastic modulus than that of a formation material of the low dielectric constant films and are arranged to overlap with the wirings when viewed perpendicularly to a substrate surface. Reinforcement insulating films are arranged to intersect with the wirings.
US07956459B2	Semiconductor device and method of assembly An encapsulated leadless semiconductor package comprises a first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die which are electrically connected by a bond wire. The lower surface of the first semiconductor die and the lower surface of the second semiconductor die are essentially coplanar with the lower surface of the encapsulation material.
US07956457B2	System and apparatus for venting electronic packages and method of making same An apparatus and method, the apparatus includes a substrate configured to support a plurality of dielectric layers, a device coupling area positioned in the substrate, and a plurality of gas exit apertures formed through the substrate. The plurality of gas exit apertures is configured to provide venting of at least one of moisture and outgassed material and the device coupling area is configured to receive an electronic device coupleable to the plurality of dielectric layers.
US07956428B2	Microelectromechanical devices and fabrication methods There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a MEMS device, and technique of fabricating or manufacturing a MEMS device, having mechanical structures encapsulated in a chamber prior to final packaging. An embodiment further includes a buried polysilicon layer and a “protective layer” deposited over the buried polysilicon layer to prevent possible erosion of, or damage to the buried polysilicon layer during processing steps. The material that encapsulates the mechanical structures, when deposited, includes one or more of the following attributes: low tensile stress, good step coverage, maintains its integrity when subjected to subsequent processing, does not significantly and/or adversely impact the performance characteristics of the mechanical structures in the chamber (if coated with the material during deposition), and/or facilitates integration with high-performance integrated circuits. In one embodiment, the material that encapsulates the mechanical structures is, for example, silicon (polycrystalline, amorphous or porous, whether doped or undoped), silicon carbide, silicon-germanium, germanium, or gallium-arsenide.
US07956424B2	Mirror bit memory device applying a gate voltage alternately to gate A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes: an ONO film including a charge storage layer on a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of bit lines each extending inside the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of interspaces each interposed between the adjacent bit lines; a plurality of gates each provided along the bit line on the ONO film above the interspaces; and a plurality of word lines electrically coupled with the corresponding gates formed on one of the interspaces, each extending to intersect with the bit lines. The two gates adjacent with each other in a width direction of the bit line are connected to different word lines.
US07956421B2	Cross-coupled transistor layouts in restricted gate level layout architecture A first P channel transistor and a first N channel transistor are defined by first and second gate electrodes, respectively. The second gate electrode is electrically connected to the first gate electrode. A second P channel transistor and a second N channel transistor are defined by third and fourth gate electrodes, respectively. The fourth gate electrode is electrically connected to the third gate electrode. Each of the first P channel transistor, first N channel transistor, second P channel transistor, and second N channel transistor has a respective diffusion terminal electrically connected to a common node. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth gate electrodes is defined to extend along any of a number of parallel oriented gate electrode tracks without physically contacting a gate level feature defined within any gate level feature layout channel associated with a gate electrode track adjacent thereto.
US07956420B2	Low noise and high performance LSI device, layout and manufacturing method In semiconductor devices in which both NMOS devices and PMOS devices are used to perform in different modes such as analog and digital modes, stress engineering is selectively applied to particular devices depending on their required operational modes. That is, the appropriate mechanical stress, i.e., tensile or compressive, can be applied to and/or removed from devices, i.e., NMOS and/or PMOS devices, based not only on their conductivity type, i.e., n-type or p-type, but also on their intended operational application, for example, analog/digital, low-voltage/high-voltage, high-speed/low-speed, noise-sensitive/noise-insensitive, etc. The result is that performance of individual devices is optimized based on the mode in which they operate. For example, mechanical stress can be applied to devices that operate in high-speed digital settings, while devices that operate in analog or RF signal settings, in which electrical noise such as flicker noise that may be introduced by applied stress may degrade performance, have no stress applied.
US07956415B2	SOI transistor having a carrier recombination structure in a body A top semiconductor layer is formed with two different thicknesses such that a step is formed underneath a body region of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) field effect transistor at the interface between a top semiconductor layer and an underlying buried insulator layer. The interface and the accompanying interfacial defects in the body region provide recombination centers, which increase the recombination rate between the holes and electrons in the body region. Optionally, a spacer portion, comprising a material that functions as recombination centers, is formed on sidewalls of the step to provide an enhanced recombination rate between holes and electrons in the body region, which increases the bipolar breakdown voltage of a SOI field effect transistor.
US07956405B2	Semiconductor storage element and manufacturing method thereof A semiconductor storage element includes: a source region and a drain region provided in a semiconductor substrate; a tunnel insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate between the source region and the drain region; a charge storage film provided on the tunnel insulating film; a block insulating film provided on the charge storage film; a gate electrode provided on the block insulating film; and a region containing a gas molecule, the region provided in a neighborhood of an interface between the charge storage film and the block insulating film.
US07956404B2	Non-volatile two-transistor programmable logic cell and array layout A two-transistor non-volatile memory cell is formed in a semiconductor body. A memory-transistor well is disposed within the semiconductor body. A switch-transistor well is disposed within the semiconductor body and is electrically isolated from the memory transistor well. A memory transistor including spaced-apart source and drain regions is formed within the memory-transistor well. A switch transistor including spaced-apart source and drain regions is formed within the switch-transistor well region. A floating gate is insulated from and self aligned with the source and drain regions of the memory transistor and switch transistor. A control gate is disposed above and aligned to the floating gate and with the source and drain regions of the memory transistor and the switch transistor.
US07956390B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof A semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate, a first impurity region including a first conductive impurity formed in the semiconductor substrate, a first transistor and a second transistor formed in the first impurity region, a first stress film and a second stress having a first stress over the first transistor a and the second transistor, and a third stress film having a second stress different from the first stress provided in the first impurity region between the first stress film and the second stress film.
US07956388B2	Solid-state image pickup element and solid-state image pickup device It is intended to provide a solid-state image pickup element capable of reducing an area of a read channel to increase a light-receiving area. The solid-state image pickup element comprises a p-type planar semiconductor, a hole formed in the p-type planar semiconductor, a p+-type region formed in a bottom of the hole, a p+-type isolation region formed in a part of a sidewall of the hole and connected to the p+-type region, an n-type photoelectric conversion region formed beneath the p+-type region, a transfer electrode formed on the entire sidewall of the hole through a gate dielectric film, a CCD channel region formed in a top of the p-type planar semiconductor, and a read channel formed in a region of the p-type planar semiconductor between the n-type photoelectric conversion region and the CCD channel region.
US07956387B2	Transistor and memory cell array A transistor, which is formed in a semiconductor substrate having a top surface, includes first and second source/drain regions, a channel connecting the first and second source/drain regions, and a gate electrode for controlling an electrical current flowing in the channel. The gate electrode is disposed in a lower portion of a gate groove defined in the top surface of the semiconductor substrate. The upper portion of the groove is filled with an insulating material. The channel includes a fin-like portion in the shape of a ridge having a top side and two lateral sides in a cross-section perpendicular to a direction defined by a line connecting the first and second source/drain regions. The gate electrode encloses the channel at the top side and the two lateral sides thereof.
US07956383B2	Field effect transistor A field effect transistor includes: a first nitride semiconductor layer having a plane perpendicular to a (0001) plane or a plane tilted with respect to the (0001) plane as a main surface; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and having a wider bandgap than the first nitride semiconductor layer; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed so as to contact at least a part of the second nitride semiconductor layer or the third nitride semiconductor layer. A recess that exposes a part of the second nitride semiconductor layer is formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode in the third nitride semiconductor layer. A gate electrode is formed in the recess and an insulating film is formed between the third nitride semiconductor layer and the gate electrode.
US07956380B2	Semiconductor light-emitting device A semiconductor light-emitting device is provided. In an InGaN-based semiconductor light-emitting device including an Ag electrode, a semiconductor layer on the contact side of at least the Ag electrode is a dislocation semiconductor layer of which dislocation density is selected to be less than 1×107 (1/cm2) and thereby short-circuit caused by Ag migration generated along this dislocation can be avoided. Thus, this semiconductor light-emitting device is able to solve a problem of a shortened life and a problem with the fraction of defective devices encountered with the InGaN-based semiconductor light-emitting device.
US07956377B2	Semiconductor light-emitting device and its manufacturing method In a light-emitting device and its manufacturing method, mounting by batch process with surface-mount technology, high light extraction efficiency, and low manufacturing cost are realized. The light-emitting device 1 comprises semiconductor layers (2, 3) of p-type and n-type nitride semiconductor, semiconductor-surface-electrodes (21, 31) to apply currents into each of the semiconductor layers (2, 3), an insulating layer 4 which holds the semiconductor layers (2, 3), and mount-surface-electrodes (5). The semiconductor layers (2) has a non-deposited area 20 where the other semiconductor layer (3) is not deposited. The insulating layer (4) has VIA 10 which electrically connect the mount-surface-electrodes 5 and the semiconductor-surface-electrodes (21, 31). In the manufacturing process, firstly. semiconductor layers (2, 3) and semiconductor-surface-electrodes (21, 31) are deposited on the transparent crystal substrate, and by using build-up process, insulating layer (4) and the mount-surface-electrodes (5) are formed, and secondly, VIA 10 are formed. and finally, the transparent crystal substrate is separated to get light-emitting device (1). Light can be extracted directly and efficiently from the semiconductor layers (2, 3). With the mount-surface-electrodes (21, 31), light-emitting device (1) can be mounted by using surface mount technology.
US07956373B2	Semiconductor light-emitting device with high light-extraction efficiency The invention discloses a semiconductor light-emitting device and a fabricating method thereof. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to the invention includes a substrate, a multi-layer structure, a top-most layer, and at least one electrode. The multi-layer structure is formed on the substrate and includes a light-emitting region. The top-most layer is formed on the multi-layer structure, and the lower part of the sidewall of the top-most layer exhibits a first surface morphology relative to a first pattern. In addition, the upper part of the sidewall of the top-most layer exhibits a second surface morphology relative to a second pattern. The first pattern is different from the second pattern. The at least one electrode is formed on the top-most layer. Therefore, the sidewall of the semiconductor light-emitting device according to the invention exhibits a surface morphology, which increases the light extraction area of the sidewall, and consequently enhances the light extraction efficiency of the semiconductor light-emitting device.
US07956370B2	Silicon based solid state lighting A semiconductor device includes a substrate comprising a first surface having a [111] orientation and a second surface having a second orientation and a plurality of III-V nitride layers on the substrate, wherein the plurality of III-V nitride layers are configured to emit light when an electric current is produced in one or more of the plurality of III-V nitride layers.
US07956361B2	Field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, manufacturing method of field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, and manufacturing method of amorphous oxide film An amorphous oxide containing hydrogen (or deuterium) is applied to a channel layer of a transistor. Accordingly, a thin film transistor having superior TFT properties can be realized, the superior TFT properties including a small hysteresis, normally OFF operation, a high ON/OFF ratio, a high saturated current, and the like. Furthermore, as a method for manufacturing a channel layer made of an amorphous oxide, film formation is performed in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas, so that the carrier concentration of the amorphous oxide can be controlled.
US07956360B2	Growth of planar reduced dislocation density M-plane gallium nitride by hydride vapor phase epitaxy A method of growing highly planar, fully transparent and specular m-plane gallium nitride (GaN) films. The method provides for a significant reduction in structural defect densities via a lateral overgrowth technique. High quality, uniform, thick m-plane GaN films are produced for use as substrates for polarization-free device growth.
US07956351B2	Organic light emitting device and method for fabricating the same An organic light emitting device includes a first electrode disposed on a first substrate and comprising an emission area and an non-emission area, a plurality of barrier ribs located on a portion of the non-emission area of the first electrode, each barrier rib having an overhang structure, auxiliary electrodes disposed on a portion of a lower part of the barrier ribs and electrically contacting the first electrode, an emission layer disposed on the emission area of the first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the emission layer.
US07956344B2	Memory cell with memory element contacting ring-shaped upper end of bottom electrode A memory cell includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode and a memory element switchable between electrical property states by the application of energy. The bottom element includes lower and upper parts. The upper part has a generally ring-shaped upper end surrounding a non-conductive central region. The lateral dimension of the lower part is longer, for example twice as long, than the lateral dimension of the ring-shaped upper end. The lower part is a non-perforated structure. The memory element is positioned between and in electrical contact with the top electrode and the ring-shaped upper end of the second part of the bottom electrode. In some examples the ring-shaped upper end has a wall thickness at the memory element of 2-10 nm. A manufacturing method is also discussed.
US07956341B2	System and method of non-invasive continuous level sensing using a linear sensor array Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for detecting the level of a fluid in a surgical cassette by projecting light from a linear light source into a wall of a cassette. Depending on the amount a light reflected or refracted in the cassette (i.e., due to the cassette material/fluid interface or cassette material/air interface (or other interface)) various portions of a linear sensor array will be more or less illuminated. By examining the illumination of the linear sensor array, the level of fluid in the chamber can be determined.
US07956334B2	Radiation dosimeter for fluid very small substances, and method of measuring radiation dose Provided are a radiation dosimeter for fluid very small substances, which, in a radiation irradiation device for applying a radiation to a fluid very small substance in a fluid in a treatment chamber, can easily and accurately determine a dose distribution and/or minimum dose of a radiation applied to individual fluid very small substances, and a method of measuring a dose of a radiation applied to fluid very small substances using the dosimeter. In the radiation dosimeter for fluid very small substances, a microcapsule includes a radiation transmitting shell body and a radiation color development tautomeric photochromic solution contained within the shell. The microcapsule undergoes a change in color upon a change in color of the photochromic solution upon exposure to a radiation. The dose of the radiation and the color change level of the microcapsule have a quantitative relationship. Further, the particle diameter, which has a peak value in the particle diameter distribution of the microcapsule, is set to substantially the same diameter as the fluid very small substance as a dose measurement object. In the method of measuring the dose of a radiation applied to fluid very small substances, the radiation dosimeter for fluid very small substances is used.
US07956324B2	Charged particle beam apparatus for forming a specimen image The invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus capable of preventing image errors in a display image and capturing a clear display image. A display image displayed on a display unit has a rectangular shape having sides that are substantially parallel to coordinate axes of a rectangular coordinate system determined by wafer alignment. A charged particle beam is radiated onto an area including a display image in a direction that is not parallel to the coordinate axes of the reference rectangular coordinate system to scan the area. Then, among image information obtained by scanning, only information of a position within the display image is displayed on the image display unit. In this way, a clear display image without brightness variation is obtained.
US07956323B2	Ion mobility spectrometer and method for determining an analyte substance or an analyte substance mixture in the presence of a dopant mixture by means of an ion mobility spectrometer The present invention pertains to a method for determining an analyte substance or analyte substance mixture of ammonia and/or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as a component of a gas in the presence of a dopant mixture by means of an ion mobility spectrometer and to a corresponding ion mobility spectrometer.
US07956317B2	Fibre optic probe A bidirectional fiber optic probe comprises an optical in/out coupler and a single fiber or a bundle of fibers, each fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and a numerical aperture NA=sin θ. The numerical aperture NA describes the range of angles over which the optical fiber's proximal end can accept or emit light. The numerical aperture depends on the refractive index n of the fiber core and is given by NA=n sin* θ. θ is the acceptance angle being defined as the half angle of the acceptance cone of the fiber at its proximal end.
US07956314B1	Microwave switching element In some embodiments, a microwave switch element may include one or more of the following features: (a) an electrically isolated input capable of receiving an input, (b) an amplifier electrically coupled to the input and to an active device, (c) a power source magnetically coupled to the amplifier.
US07956308B2	Weld gun control system A system and method for controlling a piston-cylinder assembly of a welding apparatus, the piston-cylinder assembly including a plurality of pressure chambers, wherein the piston-cylinder assembly is operatively coupled to at least one welding electrode of the welding apparatus so as to effect movement of the electrode in a pre-stroke and weld motion, comprises: connecting to a first port of the piston-cylinder assembly a first fluid pressure, the first port in communication with a first pressure chamber so as to effect the pre-stroke motion of the electrode; and connecting to a second port of the piston-cylinder assembly a second fluid pressure, the second port in communication with a second pressure chamber so as to effect the weld stroke motion of the electrode, wherein the second fluid pressure is different from the first fluid pressure.
US07956306B2	High-voltage switch with a metal container filled with insulating gas A high-voltage switch has a metal container filled with insulating gas, and a quenching chamber installed in the container. The quenching chamber contains a housing which is aligned along an axis, an arcing contact arrangement which is held in the housing, an exhaust volume which is bounded by the housing, and an outlet channel which is passed through the wall of the housing for exhaust gases. The outlet channel opens with a mouth section which is aligned predominantly axially into the container. The mouth section is bounded on the inside by a tubular section of the housing and on the outside by a tubular housing attachment which surrounds the housing section at a distance from it. An electrically shielded edge which is passed in an annular shape around the axis is arranged on one end face of the housing attachment on which edge a flow, which emerges from the outlet channel of the exhaust gases is detached from the housing attachment.
US07956305B2	Housing with a sliding switch A housing with a sliding switch with at least three positions and a sliding element that partially projects through an opening in the housing as provided. In order to protect the sliding element against accidental activation, on both sides of the opening, parallel to the direction of movement of the sliding switch, there are flanks.
US07956299B2	Inhibitor switch for automatic transmission A movable contact board is engaged to a detent plate fixed and fastened to a manual shaft and a shaft support portion for supporting the manual shaft which is a turning center of the detent plate to the stationary contact board is formed integrally with the movable contact board. Therefore, the detent plate, the manual shaft and the movable contact board cooperate integrally, leading to an improvement on relative position accuracy of the movable contact board to the stationary contact board.
US07956292B2	Printed circuit board manufacturing method, printed circuit board, and electronic apparatus A printed circuit board manufacturing method includes: a hole-forming step of forming a through hole in a substrate that will become an element of a printed circuit board after manufacturing; and a jig insertion step of inserting a jig in the through hole formed in the hole-forming step such that the jig adheres to a portion of an inner wall of the through hole, the inner wall having a portion connecting to the outside of the through hole. The method further includes a conductive-film forming step of forming a conductive film only on the portion of the inner wall of the through hole connecting to the outside of the through hole, after the jig is inserted into the through hole in the jig insertion step.
US07956291B2	Multilayer printed wiring board In a core substrate 30, a ground through hole 36E and a power through hole 36P are disposed in the grid formation, so that electromotive force induced in X direction and Y direction cancel out each other. As a result, even if mutual inductance is reduced and a high frequency IC chip is loaded, electric characteristic and reliability can be improved without generating malfunction or error.
US07956288B2	Conductive contact and method of manufacturing conductive contact A shape of a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a main body section of a conductive contact is anisotropic.
US07956286B2	Cable handling structure for linear axis, and substrate transfer device equipped with the same A cable handling structure for a linear axis includes a base member, a slide member capable of linearly sliding in parallel with the base member, and a cable guide configured to guide a cable extended from the base member to the slide member with the cable accommodated in the cable guide. The cable guide is curved into a U-shape with one end thereof fixed to the base member and the other end thereof fixed to the slide member, and disposed so as to extend in a moving direction of the slide member and incline with respect to the base member as seen from the moving direction of the slide member.
US07956274B2	Performance apparatus and storage medium therefor A performance apparatus capable of reproducing music pieces while making changeover between the music pieces without disturbing the rhythm of exercise, dance, or the like performed by a user to the rhythm of music. A beat position is acquired that will appear in a preceding performance data for the first time after a preparatory time required for changing the reproduction of the preceding music piece to the reproduction of a subsequent music piece elapses from when a music selection instruction is given. The reproduction of the subsequent music piece is started at the same time when the music is reproduced up to the acquired beat position.
US07956273B2	Apparatus and method for visualizing music and other sounds The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualization of music and other sounds. In one embodiment, the twelve notes of an octave are labeled. When notes are played, the intervals between the notes are visualized by displaying a line between the labels corresponding to the note labels. In some embodiments, the lines representing the intervals are color coded with a different color for each of the six intervals.
US07956271B1	Musical rhythmic teaching block system A set of music instructional blocks includes a number of blocks having mating magnets on two opposing sides thereof and musical indicia on the four remaining sides. The musical indicia represent standard rhythmic notes, musical rests and time signatures. The blocks having musical indicia representing standard rhythmic notes are sized proportionally to the note represented, with the quarter note being the primary sized block. For instructional practice, the blocks can be connected together by the magnets to form musical sequences.
US07956269B1	Pedal assembly for percussion instrument The pedal assembly of the present invention has a base plate, two rack poles, a pedal, an axle member and a transmission member. The axle member includes a first sleeve, an axial unit and two first bearings. A first axial bore is defined in the first sleeve. The axial unit has a first connecting section and an extending section. The first connecting section is received in the first axial bore. The first bearings are disposed between the first sleeve and the axial unit. The axial unit is rotatable independent from the first sleeve. The first sleeve is rotatably supported by one of the rack poles, and the axial unit is rotatably supported by the other one of the rack poles.
US07956266B2	Snare mechanism for a snare drum An internal mechanism for a musical instrument snare drum that supports the snares and allows adjustment of the snare strands in tension as well as relative position to the vibrating member or head of the drum is provided. The mechanism has a support beam that gives a stiffer and more stable base for increased accuracy of all adjustment. The support beam also provides increased guiding for the snare holders during the tension adjustment of the snares. The adjustment of the position of the snares in relation to the vibrating member or drum head is accomplished by deflecting the strands with a bridge like arrangement providing precise placement of the strands for optimum performance.
US07956265B1	Positioning device for a hoop of a drum A positioning device of the present invention is for fixing a relative position of a hoop of a drum and a pedal base, and it includes a main body, a clamping body, a first screw and an adjusting means. The main body is pivotably disposed on the pedal base, and the main body includes a front end and a rear end. The main body further has a threaded bore disposed at the front end along its longitudinal direction. The clamping body is disposed on the front end of the main body. The clamping body has a through hole corresponding to the threaded bore. The first screw inserts through the through hole to mate with the threaded bore. The clamping body is rotatable about the first screw. The adjusting means is for adjusting a height of the rear end of the main body.
US07956264B2	Instrument pick There is an instrument pick configured to selectably couple to a metal surface of an instrument, according to one embodiment of the invention. The instrumental pick includes a base member having an interior cavity and a magnet disposed within the interior cavity of the base member. The base member of the instrumental pick also includes a plurality of apertures configured to dispose a portion of the magnet.
US07956263B1	Capo systems A capo system for stringed instruments, in particular, guitars. A preferred embodiment of the system comprises a clamping assembly in combination with an under-string deflection limiter configured to limit deflection of the strings when clamped.
US07956253B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH475849 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH475849. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH475849, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH475849 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH475849.
US07956242B2	Plant quality traits The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties, including increased soluble solids, lycopene, and improved plant volume or yield, as compared to wild-type or control plants. The invention also pertains to expression systems that may be used to regulate these transcription factor polynucleotides, providing constitutive, transient, inducible and tissue-specific regulation.
US07956237B2	Gene disruptions, compositions and methods relating thereto The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO196, PRO217, PRO231, PRO236, PRO245, PRO246, PRO258, PRO287, PRO328, PRO344, PRO357, PRO526, PRO724, PRO731, PRO732, PRO1003, PRO1104, PRO1151, PRO1244, PRO1298, PRO1313, PRO1570, PRO1886, PRO1891, PRO4409, PRO5725, PRO5994, PRO6097, PRO7425, PRO10102, PRO10282, PRO61709 or PRO779 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.
US07956231B2	Method for separation of olefins To decrease capital costs of crack gas treatment of the olefin plant, a method for separation of olefins reduces the units for catalytic hydrogenation. In the method, olefins having three carbon atoms are separated from olefins having four carbon atoms. Crude gas is precompressed (1), precooled and dried (2), and passed into a C3/C4 separation stage (6) comprising a C4 absorber, operating at full crude gas pressure, and a depropanizer, operated at a pressure of 8 to 12 bar. In the C3/C4 separation stage, the olefins are separated into a fraction having at most three carbon atoms (C3−), and a fraction having at least four carbon atoms (C4+). The fraction having at most three carbon atoms is completely compressed (1) and passed to the catalytic hydrogenation (4); the fraction having at least four carbon atoms is passed out for further processing (7). The catalytic hydrogenation (4) yields a fraction having at least two carbon atoms (C2−), which is passed on to the low-temperature separation, and a fraction having three carbon atoms (C3), is passed to further processing (8).
US07956227B2	Oligomerization of hydrocarbons Methods of oligomerizing hydrocarbons are disclosed. These methods include contacting olefins with an oligomerization catalyst in an oligomerization zone under oligomerization reaction conditions.
US07956219B2	Amino acid analogues In the present specification we describe a new class of compounds, designed to modulate the ability of blood vessels to synthesize NO from L-arginine. In particular we have identified novel compounds which enhance the entry of L-arginine into cells. These compounds improve endothelial function, and thereby have the potential to retard the progression of vascular disease in conditions such as hypertension, heart failure and diabetes. This new class of drugs may also have other potentially, relevant pharmacological actions, including anti-hypertensive and anti-anginal actions.
US07956218B2	Organic salts of β-alanine The present invention relates to stable salts of β-alanine and an organic acid endowed with enhanced nutritional and/or therapeutical efficacy in respect to their individual effects and to solid compositions containing such salts, particularly suited to oral administration. A method of preparation is also provided.
US07956213B2	Toluate esters for use as reactive and non-reactive diluent in polymer applications Disclosed are toluate ester compositions and their use as solvent, plasticizers, extender and/or diluents in binder formulations, a method of producing such ester compositions, as well as polymer compositions containing such liquid ester compositions. Also disclosed is a method of making toluate based esters by reacting methyl-p-toluate with ethylene glycol, diethylene or triethylene glycol, butanediol, etc.
US07956205B2	Peroxide reduction in functionalized vegetable oils Disclosed is a method for the reduction of residual peroxides in vegetable oils, preferably epoxidized vegetable oils using a phosphorous compound preferably alkyl/aryl substituted phosphite compounds or hypophosphorous acid and its derivatives.
US07956197B2	Compounds, compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of orthopoxvirus infections and associated diseases Methods of using di, tri, and tetracyclic acylhydrazide derivatives and analogs, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections and diseases associated therewith, particularly those viral infections and associated diseases caused by the orthopoxvirus.
US07956191B2	3-arylamino pyridine derivatives The invention provides novel, substituted 3-arylamino pyridine compounds (I) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrug compounds thereof, wherein W, R1, R2, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14 are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer, restenosis and inflammation. Also disclosed is the use of such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals, especially humans, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US07956187B2	Method for decreasing opioid metabolism 8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure I in which A is —CH2OH, —CH2NH2, —NHSO2CH3, Q is O or S and Y is O, S or NOH are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications.
US07956184B2	Pyridazine compound and use thereof A compound of formula (1) and its salts and solvates are provided for the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis C virus infections Methods of making and formulating compound (1) are provided.
US07956178B2	RNA interference mediated inhibition of GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of GAB2 genes. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of cancer, malignant blood disease (leukemia), inflammatory diseases or conditions, allergic diseases or conditions, or proliferative diseases or conditions.
US07956161B2	Interferons of rhesus and cynomolgus origin and uses thereof Disclosed are interferons of Rhesus and Cynomolgus origin and methods of production and use thereof.
US07956150B2	Amide-substituted silicones and methods for their preparation and use A composition includes: (A) an amide-substituted silicone and (B) a thermally conductive filler. The composition may be used as a thermal interface material for dissipating heat from electronic devices.
US07956147B2	Preparation method of hollow particle Disclosed is a method of preparing hollow particles comprising polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to form a particulate resin exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000, dispersing the particulate resin in an aqueous medium to form a resin particle dispersion and adding thereto a hydrophobic cross-linkable monomer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass based on 1 part by mass of the particulate resin to polymerize the cross-linkable monomer to form hollow particles.
US07956140B2	Polymerization catalyst comprising amidine ligand The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polymer comprising at least one aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbyl C2-20 olefin in the presence of an ionic catalyst, comprising an organometallic compound and an activator, and optionally a scavenger.
US07956134B2	Modified butyl rubber composition A modified butyl rubber composition containing a modified butyl rubber obtained by a modification reaction of a compound (a) having a nitroxide-free radical, stable in the presence of oxygen at an ordinary temperature, in the molecule thereof and a radical initiator (b) and at least two kinds of bi- or more-functional radical polymerizable monomers (c).
US07956132B2	Production of telechelic compounds by metathesis depolymerization Telechelic unsaturated polymers suitable for conversion to functionalized derivatives such as polyols are prepared by metathesis of an unsaturated copolymer formed by addition polymerization of ethylene, a diene or alkyne and, optionally, one or more C3.20 α-olefins.
US07956131B2	Lactam polymer derivatives Lactam polymers has been modified with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to yield lactam polymers bearing hydroxyl functional groups. These functional groups are useful for the covalent attachment of reactive groups, fluorescent probes, antimicrobial agents, bioactive factors, and drugs. The resulting as components for medical devices, specifically ophthalmic devices and more specifically contact lenses. Hydrogels based on these polymers are also useful for biomedical applications in the areas of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implantable devices.
US07956129B2	Polymer blends Novel polymer blends comprise (a) 1-99% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha olefin having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, said copolymer having (iv) a density in the range 0.905 to 0.940 g cm−3, (v) a melt elastic modulus G′ (G″=500 Pa) in the range 10 to 150 Pa, and (vi) a melt index in the range 5 to 50, and (b) from 1-99% by weight of a low density polyethylene (LDPE) polymer having a density from 0.914 to 0.928 g cm−3 wherein the sum of (a) and (b) is 100%. The copolymers of component (a) are typically prepared by use of metallocene catalysts. The blends exhibit advantageous melt elastic modulus in the range 30 to 200 Pa. The blends are particularly suitable for extrusion coating applications.
US07956121B2	Thermoconductive silicone elastomer, thermoconductive silicone elastomer composition and thermoconductive medium A thermoconductive silicone elastomer comprising a silicone elastomer being a cured body of a hydrosilation-curable organopolysiloxane composition, a reinforcement fine silica powder, a thermoconductive inorganic powder, and an alkylphenylpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature. A hydrosilation-curable thermoconductive silicone elastomer composition comprising: a hydrosilation-curable organopolysiloxane composition, a reinforcement fine silica powder, a thermoconductive inorganic powder, and an alkylphenylpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature. A thermoconductive medium comprising the aforementioned thermoconductive silicone elastomer.
US07956105B2	Silicone impact modifier with high refractive index and method for preparing the same Disclosed is a silicone impact modifier with a high refractive index. The silicone impact modifier can include (A) a rubber core including (a1) an organosiloxane cross-linked (co)polymer with a particle size of about 50 to about 400 nm and (a2) an alkylacrylate-styrenic aromatic compound cross-linked copolymer; and (B) a plastic shell including a vinyl (co)polymer. The refractive index of the silicone impact modifier of the present invention can be about 1.49 to about 1.59.
US07956103B2	Ink composition and metallic material To provide an ink composition capable of forming a metallic material which is excellent in adhesion to a substrate and free from ion migration. An ink composition having fine metallic copper particles and/or fine copper hydride particles, and fine silver oxide particles or fine metallic silver particles, dispersed in a water-insoluble organic liquid, which composition has a solid content concentration of from 10 to 80 mass % and contains from 5 to 90 parts by mass of the fine metallic copper particles and/or fine copper hydride particles, and from 10 to 95 parts by mass of the fine silver oxide particles or fine metallic silver particles, per 100 parts by mass of the total solid content in the ink composition.
US07956100B2	Implantable medical devices fabricated from block copolymers Medical devices, such as stents, fabricated at least in part from a polymer composite including a biodegradable elastomeric phase dispersed within a biodegradable polymeric matrix are disclosed. The composite is composed of a block copolymer including an elastomeric homopolymer block and a glassy polymer block.
US07956099B2	Modification process for polymer surfaces, notably for hydroxylation of polymer surfaces and products so obtained Described is the use of RO• radicals, R being a hydrogen, an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, an acyl group —COR′ in which R′ represents an alkyl group having 2 to 15 carbons, or an aroyl group —COAr in which Ar represents an aromatic group having 6 to 15 carbons, for the hydroxylation, alkoxylation or oxycarbonylation of polymer or polymer mixture surfaces, the said polymers consisting in monomeric units of which at least 50% among these are aromatic units and the said RO• radicals being generated by electrochemical or photochemical methods.
US07956097B2	Curable thermally ejectable printing fluid Various embodiments related to curable printing fluids are disclosed. One example embodiment provides a curable printing fluid composition for a thermal fluid ejection device, the composition comprising a curable liquid-phase monomer, a substantially nonaqueous volatile driver fluid capable of being vaporized by a thermal fluid ejection printhead, an initiator, a phosphate ester resistor protectant, and a colorant comprising a dye.
US07956096B2	Microspheres The invention relates to thermally expandable thermoplastic microspheres comprising a polymer shell made from ethylenically unsaturated monomers encapsulating a propellant, said ethylenically unsaturated monomers comprising from 40 to 70 wt % of acrylonitrile, from 5 to 40 wt % of methacrylonitrile, from 10 to 50 wt % of monomers selected from the group consisting of esters of acrylic acid, esters of methacrylic acid and mixtures thereof, and said propellant comprising at least one of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane and neo-pentane. The invention further relates to the production and use of the microspheres.
US07956094B2	Self-sterilized, antiseptic collagen preparations, their use and methods for producing them A method is provided for sterilizing a collagen preparation and for production of self-sterilized, antiseptic collagen preparations. The preparations may be used for producing collagen products, such as sponges, films or gels, especially for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.
US07956090B2	Composition and method for increasing the anabolic state of muscle cells A nutritional supplement comprising at least a therapeutically effective amount of ethyl pyruvate and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one α-hydroxy branched-chain amino acid metabolite is provided by the present invention. The ingredients of the present nutritional supplement substantially simultaneously act to induce a anabolically-favorable state for muscle by substantially simultaneously maintaining blood and muscle physiological pH levels as well as increasing cellular concentrations of branched-chain amino acids. Both a composition and a method are provided by the present disclosure.
US07956089B2	Cyclopropanecarboxylate and pest controlling composition containing the same There is provided a novel cyclopropanecarboxylate compound having an excellent pest controlling effect represented by the formula (1):

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