Document Document Title
US08079076B2 Detecting stolen authentication cookie attacks
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises logic for detecting stolen authentication cookie attacks. A first transport connection is established between a client and a gateway server, where the first transport connection is authenticated by the gateway server. A first authentication cookie is associated with a client session, between the client and the gateway server, that includes the first transport connection. A second transport connection is established at the gateway server. A request is received over the second transport connection. The request includes the first authentication cookie to associate the second transport connection with the client session. A second authentication cookie is generated for the client session and is returned over the second transport connection. Thereafter, a determination is made whether the second authentication cookie is received over the first transport connection. An attack is detected when the second authentication cookie is not received over the first transport connection.
US08079073B2 Distributed firewall implementation and control
One or more devices on a network may be configured to provide firewall services for other devices on the network. Each of the firewall service suppliers may publish its capability with respect to firewall services and the service receivers may publish their requirements for firewall services. A manager function may broker the requests and offers to match services and requirements. A default firewall service may be provided to devices not publishing their requirements. Network topologies may be re-configured to first route traffic addressed to a device to its corresponding firewall service provider.
US08079071B2 Methods for accessing content based on a session ticket
A method for accessing content stored on a memory device is provided. In this method, a request to access the content is transmitted and a session ticket is received. The session ticket includes a parameter used to decrypt the content and the session ticket is generated based on a variable that is configured to change at a session. The content may be accessed based on the session ticket.
US08079067B2 Streaming content in guest mode
The present application relates to systems, apparatus and methods for transmitting image data from a content source to an image display in a dual mode system which includes a guest mode and an authorized user mode. One example embodiment comprises establishing a secure connection to a network requiring access credentials, detecting a content source, establishing a non-secure connection to receive image data from the content source, receiving the image data from the content source, and providing the image data to a display, wherein the content source is not provided access over the secure connection.
US08079065B2 Indexing encrypted files by impersonating users
Methods and computer-readable media for indexing an encrypted file by impersonating a user is provided. A set of keys may be associated with a particular encrypted file. Once these keys are identified, the users who own these keys may then be identified by consulting an association of keys to users, which may be updated immediately upon the addition of new keys. If one of the users is currently logged on, the logon information associated with that user may be used to access the content of the encrypted file. The encrypted file may then be indexed based on the accessed content. To allow more than one user to use the same index, security identifiers may be assigned to index records associated with encrypted files to protect content of encrypted files from unauthorized users.
US08079061B2 Authentication system managing method
Inputted information (such as biometric information) is compared to template information (including correlation or authentication) and the result is recorded as log information. According to log information for each of the types of the inputted information (such as information specifying the user who has inputted it and the template), analysis is executed for the inputted information for each of the types. This analysis includes the following aspects. That is, the following states are detected and an alarm is outputted for the accuracy of the corresponding type: when the ratio of negative comparison results (correlation failures) not smaller than a predetermined value is detected within a predetermined period of time; and when a negative result is detected within a predetermined time before an affirmative comparison result is obtained.
US08079058B2 Broadcasting and processing multiple data formats
Various embodiments for broadcasting and processing multiple data formats are described. In one embodiment, a method includes sending scheduling information that identifies an encoding format of a data broadcast and a video viewer application capable of processing the data broadcast. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08079057B2 Broadcast receiving apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus
A broadcast receiving apparatus determines whether a broadcast signal that is being played back and that includes print information is a broadcast signal that is being broadcasted or a broadcast signal that is played back by a recording apparatus. The broadcast receiving apparatus also determines whether the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back includes acquisition instructing information instructing acquisition of a print content item transmitted from an external server. If it is determined that the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back includes the acquisition instructing information and the broadcast signal that is being played back is played back by the recording apparatus, the broadcast receiving apparatus notifies a user that a print content item which the print information included in the broadcast signal that is being played back intended to acquire during broadcasting cannot possibly be acquired.
US08079039B2 Isolating, managing and communicating with user interface elements
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that allow a user interface in a managed runtime environment to display content from two or more different partitioned process spaces. A software application having a user interface operates a managed runtime environment. A window handle allows a user interface of the application to display content from different partitioned process spaces at a same time. Information from the partitioned process spaces can be integrated within the user interface while preserving a level of isolation between the partitioned process spaces. This is accomplished by providing a first portion of a content container for the user interface with a host control that contains the window handle and resides in a first partitioned process space of a main window. A second portion of the content container is provided with a source control that provides the window handle and resides in a second partitioned process space.
US08079035B2 Data structure and management techniques for local user-level thread data
Data structure creation, organization and management techniques for data local to user-level threads are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes generating, for a user-level thread (“shred”) to run on a thread unit that is not managed by an operating system (“OS”), a storage area for local data and maintaining state in the storage area across a context switch from the thread unit that is not managed by the OS to a second thread unit that is managed by the OS. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08079026B2 Job definition verification system, and method and program thereof
The job definition verification system includes an approval information storage unit for storing approval information to the effect that execution is allowed which is obtained by an approver as to difference information obtained by update of at least one of job definition information related to information about a job to be executed, job dependency information and schedule information which are stored in a data base, and a job execution unit for executing job information of the data base only when the job information is approved based on the approval information.
US08079021B2 Method and apparatus for display of windowing application programs on a terminal
A video display terminal capable of operating with a graphical user interface such as Windows provides windowing functionality to permit use of popular applications programs resident on a server, without requiring more than application data to be transmitted from the server, and keyboard and mouse information to be transmitted from a terminal to the server. A terminal for communicating with a server includes a network interface for communicating with a server and a processor coupled to the network interface for operating with the network interface and for accessing a windows application resident on the server without executing locally the windows application resident on the server. The processor provides windowing functionality to permit use of a windows application resident on the server without requiring more than windowing information of the windows application to be transmitted from the server, wherein the windowing information includes application data. The terminal further includes one or more memories coupled to the processor, wherein the total amount of the one or more memories in the terminal is less than the total amount of one or more memories in the server. The terminal does not include a hard disk, and the terminal is for providing an appearance that is essentially the same as an appearance provided by a personal computer.
US08079018B2 Test impact feedback system for software developers
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for facilitating a feedback process regarding the impact that changes to source code will have on tests. Changes contained in at least one source code file are analyzed in combination with code coverage information contained in a data store for a plurality of tests to determine when any of the tests will be impacted by the changes. When at least one test is determined to be impacted by the changes made to the source code file, a warning notification is displayed to a user to notify the user of a possible impact of the changes on the at least one test.
US08079010B2 Wiring information generating apparatus, method and program
A wiring information generating apparatus includes an input unit that inputs a wiring layer number indicating a wiring layer, a via layer number indicating a next via layer to connect the wiring layer, and spacing information based on wiring rules. A storage unit stores a terminal figure table providing terminal figures, a logic element device wire protected area table, and a wire protected area table. A wire protected area creation unit adds an area of a terminal figure and a logic element device wire protected area obtained by searching the terminal figure table and the logic element device wire protected area table based on the input wiring layer number and/or via layer number and acquires wire layer-via layer spacing information. A wiring information generating unit generates wiring information in the wiring layer based on connection information and arrangement information of the semiconductor logic circuit, and wire protected area information.
US08079001B2 Verification of requirements specification, design specification, and computer-readable storage medium apparatus, and method thereof
Conditions necessary to be satisfied for execution of each use case from a use case description indicative of a requirements specification of the design object are acquired. Then a state satisfying the conditions, from among a set of states represented in a finite state machine model indicative of a design specification of the design object are detected. A presence or absence of an undetected state in the set of states in accordance with the detection is determined and output.
US08078996B2 Method and system for correcting a mask pattern design
A pattern verification method includes preparing a desired pattern and a mask pattern forming the desired pattern on a substrate, defining at least one evaluation point on an edge of the desired pattern, defining at least one process parameter to compute the transferred/formed pattern, defining a reference value and a variable range for each of the process parameters, and computing a positional displacement for each first points corresponding to the evaluation point, first points computed using correction mask pattern and a plurality of combinations of parameter values obtained by varying the process parameters within the variable range or within the respective variable ranges. The positional displacement is a displacement between first point and the evaluation point. The method further includes computing a statistics of the positional displacements for each of the evaluation points, and outputting information modifying the mask pattern according to the statistics.
US08078995B2 Efficient isotropic modeling approach to incorporate electromagnetic effects into lithographic process simulations
Modeling of lithographic processes for use in the design of photomasks for the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuits, and particularly to the modeling of the complex effects due to interaction of the illuminating light with the mask topography, is provided. An isofield perturbation to a thin mask representation of the mask is provided by determining, for the components of the illumination, differences between the electric field on a feature edge having finite thickness and on the corresponding feature edge of a thin mask representation. An isofield perturbation is obtained from a weighted coherent combination of the differences for each illumination polarization. The electric field of a mask having topographic edges is represented by combining a thin mask representation with the isofield perturbation applied to each edge of the mask.
US08078972B2 Methods and interfaces for displaying performance data related to a current remote access session
A graphical user interface displays performance data related to a communication session between a first computing device and a second computing device. The graphical user interface comprises a first graphical element and a second graphical element. The first graphical element has a number of sections that represent respective physical portions of a connection between the first computing device and the second computing device. Each of the sections displays the performance data of a current session for that respective physical section. The second graphical element displays corresponding performance data for a predetermined number of previous sessions between the first computing device and the second computing device.
US08078964B1 Reconstitute tag-delimited tables in a graphics editing application
A system and method is described for reconstituting a tag-delimited table structure into a file editable by a graphics editing application, the tag-delimited table structure defining an assembly of visible content, the method comprising parsing the tag-delimited table structure into a plurality of cells, generating a slice region within the file of the graphics editing application corresponding to each of said plurality of cells, calculating a cell boundary for each of the plurality of cells, setting a slice boundary according to the calculated cell boundary, and assembling the visible content into the associated slice regions in the file.
US08078960B2 Rendering an HTML electronic form by applying XSLT to XML using a solution
Instructions are received to open an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) document. The XML document is searched to locate a processing instruction (PI) containing an entity. The entity, by example, can be a href attribute, a URL, a name, or a character string identifying an application that created an HTML electronic form associated with the XML document. A solution is discovered using the entity. The XML document is opened with the solution. The solution includes an XSLT presentation application and an XML schema. The XML document can be inferred from the XML schema and portions of the XML document are logically coupled with fragments of the XML schema. The XSLT presentation application is executing to transform the coupled portions of the XML document into the HTML electronic form containing data-entry fields associated with the coupled portions. Data entered through the data-entry fields can be validated using the solution.
US08078952B2 Site redirection
A site redirection system and corresponding methods for redirecting a user from a requested site to a target site is provided. When a user navigates to a site on which the redirection system is implemented, the site downloads onto the user's machine client-side redirection logic. The client-side redirection logic collects the machine's configuration information and passes the collected configuration information to the site. On the site, server-side redirection logic uses the received configuration information to determine a target URL based on the configuration information passed by the client-side redirection logic. The server-side redirection logic then passes the target URL to the client-side redirection logic where the final redirection occurs.
US08078951B2 Depth indicator for a link in a document
A storage medium and computer that determine a tree representing links embedded in documents, create a depth indicator having a size proportional to the size of the tree, and display the depth indicator with a root link in a root document. The tree is determined by repeatedly probing the links to retrieve the documents. In various embodiments, the size of the tree may be the number of levels in the tree or the number of links in the tree. The depth indicator may include representations of the links and represents a possible future context of the root document. In various embodiments, a graphical representation of the tree may be displayed, hover help that includes the tree size may be displayed, and an indication of a condition reported by a document may be displayed. In various embodiments, the condition may include a message, updated content, new content, or an error.
US08078949B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes: a parity generating circuit for generating parity data corresponding to input data; a normal data latching section for latching the input data or data read out from the normal memory cell array; an input selection circuit for selectively outputting the input data or the parity data; a parity data latching section for latching and outputting the output from the input selection circuit or data read out from the parity memory cell array; and an error correction circuit for performing an error detection on the data latched by the normal data latching section by using the data latched by the parity data latching section, and performing an error correction if an error is detected, to output the obtained result. The parity data latching section outputs the data latched by itself externally of the semiconductor memory device.
US08078940B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells arrayed capable of storing information in accordance with variations in threshold voltage. A likelihood calculator has a plurality of likelihood calculation algorithms for deriving a likelihood value about a stored data bit from a threshold value read out of the memory cell. An error correction unit executes error correction through iterative processing using the likelihood value obtained at the likelihood calculator. A likelihood calculator controller changes among the likelihood calculation algorithms in the likelihood calculator based on a certain value of the number of iterations in the iterative processing obtained from the error correction unit.
US08078931B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving broadcast data in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a broadcast physical layer packet in a mobile communication system supporting multi-slot transmission and hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (H-ARQ) are provided. The method comprises initially transmitting the broadcast physical layer packet according to a fixed transmission format for at least one first slot interval and retransmitting the broadcast physical layer packet for at least one second slot interval using a variable transmission format different from the transmission format used in the first slot interval.
US08078930B2 Methods and apparatus for modifying a backup data stream including logical partitions of data blocks to be provided to a fixed position delta reduction backup application
In accordance with one embodiment, a backup data stream is modified to be provided to a fixed position delta reduction backup method. When a data stream is received, the data stream may be parsed into a plurality of logical components, where each of the logical components includes one or more data blocks. Missing data blocks may also be detected in the data stream, and therefore may be detected in each of the plurality of logical components. For instance, each of the logical components may be separated into a separate data stream for which missing data blocks may be detected. A temporary data block is then inserted where each missing data block is detected (e.g., in each of the plurality of logical components). In this manner, inefficiencies introduced into a fixed position delta reduction backup process as a result of new or deleted data in a system implementing a plurality of data blocks which may be stored in the form of logical components are eliminated.
US08078928B2 System and method for verifying the transmit path of an input/output component
A system and method for verifying the transmit path of an input/output device such as a network interface circuit. The device's operation with various different input sources (e.g., hosts, input buses) and output sources (e.g., output buses, networks) is modeled in a verification layer that employs multiple queues to simulate receipt of input data, submission to an output port and transmission from the device. Call backs are employed to signal completion of events related to receipt of data at the device and modeling of data processing within the verification layer. As call backs are resolved, corresponding tasks are executed to advance the processing of the data through the verification layer. A device-specific algorithm is executed in the verification layer to predict the ordering of output from the device, and that output is compared to the predicted output by a transmission checker.
US08078915B2 System and method for verifying operation of a target system
A system, a computer readable article of manufacture, and a method for verifying operation of a target system to be inspected. The system includes an abstract binary tree generation unit and a matching unit. The abstract binary tree generation unit obtains information about a functional specification of the target system and generates one or more binary trees that associate one or more states that can occur in the target system with respective nodes and that associate state transitions of objects constituting the target system and interactions between the objects with connection relationships between the nodes. The matching unit receives an event sequence in an application model of the target system obtained in response to the operation of the target system and matches the event sequence against the binary trees generated by the abstract binary tree generation unit. The method includes steps for accomplishing the functionality of the system.
US08078912B2 Self-service terminal
A self-service terminal comprises a pc core; at least one module coupled to the pc core; a control application executing on the pc core for controlling the operation of the terminal; and a management application executing on the pc core. The management application is arranged to (i) monitor state of health of the pc core, the control application, and the at least one module, (ii) detect a fault state at any of the pc core, the control application, and the at least one module, (iii) monitor the control application to ascertain if a filter criterion is satisfied, and (iv) transmit a fault signal from the terminal only if the filter criterion is not satisfied.
US08078907B2 Failsoft system for multiple CPU system
A cpu-set type multiprocessor system allows a cpu of a cpu-set that has a hardware exception to disable itself and notify the system. The system assigns processes of the cpu-set that include the problem cpu to another cpu-set. The disabling of the problem cpu and transfer of the related processes to another cpu-set allows the system to failsoft so that other cpu-sets the multiprocessor system can continue to run and a recovery of the processes being run on the problem cpu-set occurs.
US08078904B2 Redundant configuration method of a storage system maintenance/management apparatus
Provided is a method of managing a computer system including a plurality of storage systems and a plurality of management appliances for managing the plurality of storage systems. A first management appliance and a second management appliance hold an identifier of a first storage system and management data obtained from the first storage system. The method includes the steps of: selecting a third management appliance from the plurality of management appliances when a failure occurs in the first management appliance; transmitting the identifier held in the second management appliance from the second management appliance to the selected third management appliance; and holding the identifier transmitted from the second management appliance in the selected third management appliance. Thus, it is possible to prevent, after failing-over due to an abnormality of a maintenance/management appliance, a single point of failure from occurring to reduce reliability of the maintenance/management appliance.
US08078903B1 Automatic load-balancing and seamless failover of data flows in storage media encryption (SME)
Methods and apparatus for encrypting data are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, data path information identifying a data path is provided to one or more of a plurality of nodes in a cluster of nodes in a network, each of the nodes in the cluster being configured for encryption of data. One of the nodes is selected to be responsible for encryption of data in the data path. The selected one of the nodes is notified of its responsibility for encryption of data associated with the data path, wherein traffic associated with the data path is redirected to the selected one of the nodes.
US08078901B1 Method for increasing a processor operating frequency when other subsystem demands are low
A host activity measure indicative of a frequency of disk access commands received by a disk drive is determined, and then compared against a host activity threshold. A subsystem activity measure indicative of an activity level of a disk drive subsystem is also determined, and then compared against a subsystem activity threshold. Based at least in part on a determination that 1) the host activity measure is indicative of a greater frequency of disk access commands than the host activity threshold, and 2) the subsystem activity measure is indicative of less activity than the subsystem activity threshold, an operating frequency of a disk drive processor is increased.
US08078898B2 Synchronizing TAP controllers with sequence on TMS lead
A method comprises a system comprising a host device coupled to a first remote device actively operating according to a state diagram that the host device and all remote devices follow during operation of the system. The method further comprises powering up a second remote device while the host device and first remote device are actively operating according to the state diagram. The second remote device waits for a synchronization point sequence. Upon detecting the synchronization point sequence, the second remote device implements a predetermined feature set and synchronizes itself to the state diagram at a common point as the host device and first remote device.
US08078889B2 Method and apparatus for negotiating power between power sourcing equipment and powerable devices
The present invention provides a power negotiation protocol that enables PDs and PSEs to negotiate the amount of inline power that a PD consumes and the corresponding PSE provides. This power negotiation allows the PDs provide fine-grained power consumption level to PSEs, and the PSEs are able to manage inline power efficiently using the negotiation protocol of the present invention. The PDs can ask the PSEs for more power when needed rather than having to constantly reserve the maximum amount of power they can consume at all times. Similarly, the PDs can release reservation of excess power when their respective power requirements decrease. The PSEs can limit the amount of power that can be consumed by the PD, thereby providing the ability for an administrator to control how much power a given PD can consume.
US08078887B2 Power supply voltage regulator circuit and microcomputer
A power supply voltage regulator circuit including a power supply circuit which switches to a first through a fourth state; the first state being the state wherein voltage is supplied to neither a normal circuit nor a backup system circuit based on the combination of logic for the normal circuit power control signal, the second state being the state wherein a primary power supply voltage is supplied to the normal circuit and a secondary power supply voltage is supplied to the backup system circuit, the third state being the state wherein voltage is not supplied to the normal circuit and the secondary power supply voltage is supplied to the backup system circuit, the fourth state being the state wherein the primary power supply voltage is supplied to both the normal circuit and the backup system circuit.
US08078886B2 Method for protecting computer programs and data from hostile code
A method that protects computer data from untrusted programs. Each computer's object and process is assigned with trust attributes, which define the way it can interact with other objects within the system. When an object is classified as untrusted, it can interact with other object within the system on a limited basis. A virtualized system is provided on the computer so that when the untrusted object attempts to perform an operation that is outside its scope of authorization, the virtualized system intercepts the operation but present the untrusted program with an indication that the requested operation has been performed. The method further includes processes to securely move a program from an untrusted group to a trusted group.
US08078885B2 Identity authentication and secured access systems, components, and methods
Security tokens contain data that is each uniquely encrypted based on a unique biometric identifier of an authorized user of that token. Decoders receive the token and the user's biometric identifier, convert the biometric identifier to a biometric key, and apply the biometric key to decrypt the token. In this way, the decoders authenticate the users without performing a biometric identifier comparison. In some embodiments pieces or sets of the data are stored in designated data compartments, which are individually encrypted based on authority keys, and all of the encrypted data compartments are collectively encrypted based on the biometric key to create the token. The decoders store only the authority keys corresponding to the data compartments which they have authorization to open. In addition, in some embodiments the token and the biometric identifier are encrypted and sent to a remote authentication server for decryption of the token.
US08078880B2 Portable personal identity information
A user interacts with a client containing personal identity information operable to identify the user to a relying party when the relying party is presented with claims comprising a portion of the personal identity information. The personal identity information includes one or more claims, metadata associated with the one or more claims, and backing data associated with the one or more claims. The user may initiate use of another client and seek to be identified by the relying party while interacting with the other client by first porting the personal identity information to the other client. Porting the personal identity information includes binding the personal identity information and sending the bound personal identity information to a receiving client.
US08078874B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting data using authentication
A method and apparatus of transmitting data using authentication between a first device and a second device are provided. The method includes transmitting an encrypted certificate of the first device using a shared key shared by the first device and the second device, receiving authentication key generation information for generating an authentication key, which is received when it is determined that the certificate of the first device is valid and not revoked, generating a first random number and generating an authentication key based on the first random number and the authentication key generation information, and encrypting and transmitting data using the authentication key.
US08078870B2 HTTP-based authentication
A system and method for authenticating an HTTP message. A relying party may respond to a request from a requester by sending an HTTP message with authentication specifications to the requester. The requester responds with a new request that adheres to a scheme specified by the relying party. A framework allows for a security token to be located in an HTTP header or a message body, with various options such as fragmenting the token available. An option allows for cryptographically binding the security token to the body of a message. An authentication framework provides for an implementation by an HTTP stack or by an application.
US08078863B2 Information processing apparatus and program
An information processing apparatus including: a first recording medium which stores a first program; a connection section which is capable of connecting to a second recording medium outside of the information processing apparatus; an instruction input section to input, while the information processing apparatus is in an activated state, an instruction for booting a second program stored in the second recording medium that is connected to the connection section on booting of the BIOS; and a controller which, performs a check when booting of a BIOS, if the second recording medium is connected and the instruction has been input while the information processing apparatus is in an activated state; in case when the second recording medium is connected and the instruction has been input is confirmed, the control section boots the second program; and in case when it is not confirmed, the control section boots the first program.
US08078860B2 Encoding and decoding data system and method
A system and method for encoding and decoding data. A method includes selecting a subgroup of bits from one or more bytes of binary encrypted information, wherein the binary encrypted information is for tracking, locating, and disabling an electronic device; passing the subgroup of bits to an encoding function that performs binary mapping operations on the subgroup of bits to generate an encoded byte; and encoding the next one or more bytes of binary encrypted information if the end of the binary encrypted information has not been reached.
US08078859B2 Method of configuring computers with expansion cards
A method of configuring a computer with an expansion card to process a basic input output system (BIOS) program thereof, includes performing an expansion card detecting program to detect and identify the expansion card by reading signals from an identifying finger of the expansion card, and loading a configuration program associated with the detected expansion card of the BIOS program.
US08078858B2 Manufacturing boot process with minimal component initialization
A test mode initialization system includes beginning a power-on self-test (POST) wherein the POST may be performed to determine whether a system under test is in a quick test mode, and in response to being in the quick test mode, initialize only a portion of all memory in the system under test and initialize only a portion of a plurality of central processor unit (CPU) cores.
US08078848B2 Memory controller having front end and back end channels for modifying commands
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for modifying commands. One device embodiment includes a memory controller including a channel, wherein the channel includes a command queue configured to hold commands, and circuitry configured to modify at least a number of commands in the queue and execute the modified commands.
US08078846B2 Conditional move instruction formed into one decoded instruction to be graduated and another decoded instruction to be invalidated
A conditional move instruction implemented in a processor by forming and processing two decoded instructions, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the conditional move instruction specifies a first source operand, a second source operand, and a third operand that is both a source and a destination. If the value of the second operand is not equal to a specified value, the first decoded instruction moves the third operand to a completion buffer register. If the value of the second operand is equal to the specified value, the second decoded instruction moves the value of the first operand to the completion buffer. When the decoded instruction that performed the move graduates, the contents of the completion buffer register is transferred to a register file register specified by the third operand.
US08078832B1 Virtual architectures in a parallel processing environment
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of processor core. Processing instructions in the integrated circuit includes: managing a plurality of sets of processor cores, each set including one or more processor cores assigned to a function associated with executing instructions; and reconfiguring the number of processor cores assigned to at least one of the sets during execution based on characteristics associated with executing the instructions.
US08078824B2 Method for dynamic load balancing on partitioned systems
Methods, systems and apparatuses to dynamically balance execution loads on a partitioned system among processor cores or among partitions.
US08078818B2 Method and system for migrating memory segments
A system comprises a plurality of nodes coupled together via a switching device. Each node comprises a processor coupled to a memory. Migration logic in the switching device is configured to migrate segments of each memory to the switching device.
US08078810B2 Storage system and operation method of storage system
The present invention is able to improve the processing performance of a storage system by respectively virtualizing the external volumes and enabling the shared use of such external volumes by a plurality of available virtualization storage devices. By virtualizing and incorporating the external volume of an external storage device, a first virtualization storage device is able to provide the volume to a host as though it is an internal volume. When the load of the first virtualization storage device increases, a second virtualization storage device 2 is newly introduced, and connected to the storage system. When a transfer direction is issued from a management terminal, the external volume relating to the selected logical volume is transferred from the first virtualization storage device to the second virtualization storage device.
US08078803B2 Apparatus and methods to reduce castouts in a multi-level cache hierarchy
Techniques and methods are used to control allocations to a higher level cache of cache lines displaced from a lower level cache. The allocations of the displaced cache lines are prevented for displaced cache lines that are determined to be redundant in the next level cache, whereby castouts are controlled. To such ends, a line is selected to be displaced in a lower level cache. Information associated with the selected line is identified which indicates that the selected line is present in a higher level cache. An allocation of the selected line in the higher level cache is prevented based on the identified information.
US08078796B2 Method for writing to and erasing a non-volatile memory
A method for writing to and erasing a non-volatile memory is described. The method includes determining the size of a command window for use in n write operations for the non-volatile memory, each write operation having the same time period. A long latency erase command is sliced by a factor of n to provide a plurality of erase slices, each erase slice having the same time period. The method further includes executing n commands to the non-volatile memory, each command composed of the combination of one of the n write operations and one of the erase slices. The total of the time period of one erase slice added to the time period of one write operation is less than or equal to the size of the command window.
US08078791B1 Ordering refresh requests to memory
A device may generate a refresh signal that identifies a beginning of a refresh interval, determine the availability of banks of a memory device, and send refresh requests to the banks during the refresh interval based on the availability of the banks.
US08078789B2 Serially interfaced random access memory
A serially interfaced massively parallel Random Access Memory (RAM) includes a matrix of control logic sections on one integrated circuit die, augmented by a switching matrix with an external interface to multiple high speed serial signaling means. A matrix, of the same dimension, of dense memory element arrays is implemented on a different integrated circuit die. One control logic section die and one or more others containing memory sections are joined by appropriate means to form one integrated circuit stack, implementing a matrix of independent memory units. The switching matrix translates command and data content encoded on the external signaling means bidirectionally between internal data and control signals and connects these signals to the control logic sections. Each independent memory unit ably performs atomic read-alter-writes to enable software mutual exclusion operations (MUTEXes). Each and every matrix may guard against defects by having additional rows and/or columns.
US08078786B2 Method and system for request accessing and scheduling
A request scheduling method is provided in a request accessing system having a processing unit, an upstream unit coupled to the processing unit, a downstream unit coupled to the processing unit and the upstream unit, and at least one endpoint device coupled to the upstream unit and the downstream unit, wherein the endpoint device asserts at least one request to the upstream unit. The request scheduling method includes: transmitting the request to a processing unit while the request is a non-peer-to-peer request, and transmitting the request to a downstream unit while the request is a peer-to-peer request; wherein if the request is a peer-to-peer and posted request and there is a previous asserted request which is peer-to-peer and non-posted request and the previous asserted request has a latency exceeds a predetermined time, transmitting the request earlier than the previous asserted request to the downstream unit.
US08078776B2 Electronic device having a dual key connector
A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.
US08078767B2 Display apparatus, control method thereof, and program
When a communication connection with a device is disconnected during execution of a display based on data transmitted from the connected device, it can be controlled to continue or end the display according to a class of the device. A display apparatus 1 includes a USB connector 102 used to connect an external device so as to be able to communicate with that device. The display apparatus 1 also includes a CPU 107 which controls to make a display based on data received from the external device with which a communication connection is established via the USB connector 102. The CPU 107 acquires class information indicating a class of the external device, the communication connection of which is established. When the communication connection with the external device is disconnected, if the acquired class information indicates a predetermined class, the CPU 107 controls to continue the display based on the received data, and if the class information does not indicate the predetermined class, the CPU 107 controls to end the display.
US08078763B1 Dequeuing and congestion control systems and methods for single stream multicast
A system that processes single stream multicast data includes multiple queues, a dequeue engine, and/or a queue control engine. The queues temporarily store data. At least one of the queues stores single stream multicast data. A multicast count is associated with the single stream multicast data and corresponds to a number of destinations to which the single stream multicast data is to be sent. The dequeue engine dequeues data from the queues. If the data corresponds to the single stream multicast data, the dequeue engine examines the multicast count associated with the single stream multicast data and dequeues the single stream multicast data based on the multicast count. The queue control engine examines one of the queues to determine whether to drop data from the queue and marks the data based on a result of the determination.
US08078757B2 Rewritten URL static and dynamic content delivery
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for returning website content after being requested by a client. A dynamic component and a rewritten URL may be requested and a static component may be requested, which may be updated. The combination of static and dynamic website content may be returned to the client.
US08078756B2 Computing a path for an open ended uni-directional path protected switched ring
Methods and apparatus for enabling a protected circuit path to be created efficiently are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating a protected circuit path within an optical network system includes identifying a first node, a second node, and a third node. Once the nodes are identified, a pseudo link or a virtual link may be created between the second node and the third node. A first circuit path is then routed between the first node and the second node, and a second circuit path which protects that first circuit path is routed between the first node and the third node using the pseudo link.
US08078754B2 Group access privatization in clustered computer system
An apparatus, clustered computer system, and program product rely on cluster-private group names to perform accesses to groups that are resident in a clustered computer system. Thus, for a cluster-accessible group, all nodes capable of participating in a cluster are configured to map to the same cluster-private group name for that group, so that any external user that has access to the clustered computer system can access the group name and utilize the group name to initiate operations by the group.
US08078753B2 Enabling simultaneous use of home network and foreign network by a multihomed mobile node
The invention relates to a method performed by a home agent serving a mobile node in a home network of the mobile node upon attachment of a mobile node to the home network as well as to the home agent. Further, the invention also relates to a method for enabling simultaneous use of a plurality of interfaces by a mobile node being attached to a home network through one of the plurality of interfaces and to at least one foreign network through at least another interface of the plurality of interfaces. Moreover, the invention provides a mobile node and a proxy acting on behalf of the mobile node. To enable a mobile node to use a home network and at least one further foreign network for communications the invention suggests the registration of the mobile node's home address or of a network node within its home network as a care-of address in the home network.
US08078751B2 System and method for using a webpad to control a data stream
A system and method for using a webpad to select a target device which is to receive from a source device a stream of a digital representation of a media. The webpad is used to send a transmission to the source device to cause the source device to route the stream of the digital representation of the media to the target device where the target device decodes and converts the digital representation of the media into analog signals to thereby allow for a reproduction of the media.
US08078750B2 Streaming media encoder with front panel control interface
A streaming media encoder for encoding and delivering media content is disclosed. The streaming media encoder has a media input interface for receiving a media stream, a media encoder for receiving the media stream from the input interface and encoding the media stream, thereby producing an encoded media stream. The media encoder has a first confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the received media stream, a second confidence monitor for displaying a video image from the encoded media stream, and a network interface for providing the encoded media stream to a network.
US08078738B2 Systems and methods for calculating a distribution
Systems and methods are provided for calculating a distribution of a quantity over a number of receiver objects. In one implementation, a data processing system is provided that comprises a number of application programs, each of the application programs being adapted to generate a distribution request, storage means for storing a number of rules, each rule being adapted for distribution of at least a portion of the quantity over the receiver objects and for storing an assignment of a sub-set of the rules to each application program, each rule within one of the sub-sets of rules having an assigned priority of execution and each sub-set of rules having an assigned identifier. The data processing system may also comprise distribution calculation means for receiving the distribution request from one of the application programs, the distribution request comprising the identifier of the sub-set of rules assigned to the one of the application programs, the quantity to be distributed, and the identifiers of receiver objects over which the quantity is to be distributed, the distribution calculation means being adapted to access the storage means for execution of the sub-set of rules assigned to the one of the application programs in the order of the priorities assigned to the rules within the sub-set of rules.
US08078736B1 Virtual interface
A virtual interface is disclosed. A method may include allowing upper layer software to transparently access the capabilities of a network device via a virtual interface as if the network device were in a computing device in which the upper layer software is resident. A communication channel may be established with a computing device. A virtual interface to a network device in the computing device is created. Incoming data units directed to the network device are received via the communication channel, and are made available via the virtual interface. Outgoing data units directed to the virtual interface may be forwarded to the network device via the communication channel. The methods may be implemented on computing devices that include network cards, including computers and/or network testing systems.
US08078720B2 Management of networked devices
The present invention improves the efficiency with which the resources of a device monitoring system are used.A management server stores a device type-dependent database and a monitored device database for devices that are to be monitored by a device monitoring module. The types of information that can be processed by the management server and so on are stored in the device type-dependent database per device type. When this database is updated, notification setting information specifying information that the device is to notify the management server of is created in accordance with the details of the update and sent to the management server. The device sends events and other data to the management server in accordance with the notification setting information.
US08078715B2 Automatic hardware failure detection and recovery for distributed max sessions server
A Max Sessions Server (MSS) automatically detects hardware and communications failures. Upon detection, counters are adjusted accordingly to maintain an accurate count of users or groups of users on a system. A database of unique identifiers for each connection is maintained, where the unique identifier is a concatenation of a Network Access Server (NAS) and the connection's incoming NAS node number. If a user requests permission to log into the system, the MSS first checks the database to determine if the unique identifier is already logged in. If so, then a hardware or communications failure has occurred and the MSS must make the appropriate adjustments to the database and counter.
US08078713B1 Delivering policy settings with virtualized applications
In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a group policy object from an active directory, combining the group policy object and logic for using the group policy object with a virtualized application to provide a virtualized group policy object and delivering the virtualized application and the virtualized group policy object to a targeted computer system.
US08078709B2 Methods and devices for gaming network management
Methods and devices are provided for managing gaming machine networks. A switch may report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a network administrator, e.g., to a host device under the control of a network administrator, and/or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. A display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches may be provided. The prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches may be displayed. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity.
US08078708B1 Grid proxy architecture for network resources
A Grid Proxy Architecture for Network Resources (GPAN) is proposed to allow Grid applications to access resources shared in communication network domains. GPAN bridges Grid services serving user applications and network services controlling network devices through its proxy functions such as resource data and management proxies. Working with Grid resource index and broker services, GPAN employs distributed network service peers (NSP) in network domains to discover, negotiate and allocate network resources such as bandwidth for Grid applications. An elected master NSP is the unique Grid node that runs GPAN and represents the whole network to share network resources to Grids without Grid involvement of network devices. GPAN provides the Grid Proxy service (GPS) to interface with Grid services and applications, and the Grid Delegation service (GDS) to interface with network services to utilize network resources. Resource-based XML messaging is employed for the GPAN proxy communication.
US08078707B1 Network management using hierarchical domains
A system manages a network that includes devices, administrators, and objects. The system forms a hierarchical tree of domains that semantically organize the network, where each of the domains includes logical groupings of the devices, the administrators, or the objects. The system manages the network based on the hierarchical tree of domains.
US08078704B2 Provisioning of a service environment using web services
To perform service provisioning in an infrastructure, a provisioning system receives a request to provision a service environment for an application. In response to the request, the provisioning system employs web services to configure resources of the infrastructure for the application. The provisioning system defines interactions between the web services, and provides the service environment based on the configuring performed by the web services.
US08078689B2 Methods and apparatus for providing access to persistent application sessions
Methods and apparatus for providing remote access to two or more application sessions in which authentication information associated with a user is received, a plurality of application sessions already associated with the user are identified in response to the information, and a client computer operated by the user is connected to the plurality of application sessions.
US08078683B2 Method and apparatus for authenticating electronic communication
One embodiment provides a method for authenticating an electronic communication. The method includes parsing a header of the electronic communication to identify actual domain name data included in the header at a server receiving the electronic communication from a communication client; parsing the header to obtain purported sender data included in the header of the electronic communication; comparing the actual domain name data and purported sender data; and generating in response to the comparison an authenticity indicator, to provide a recipient of the electronic communication with an indication of the likelihood that the electronic communication was sent from a purported sender of the electronic communication.
US08078677B2 Method for making recommendations in a social networking system based on personal communication information and a social networking system incorporating same
A social networking system comprising a plurality of communication devices; a tracking system; and a social networking interface, where, when a first communication device from the plurality of communication devices communicates with the tracking system so as to authorize the tracking system to track communications made between the first communication device and other communication devices form the plurality of communication devices, and thereafter communicate prescribed details of the communications to the social networking interface, the social networking interface operable to generate a set of invite recommendations for the user associated with the first communication device based on the prescribed details.
US08078672B2 Bidirectional asynchronous data communication
In one aspect, method for bidirectional asynchronous data communication between a client and a server over the Internet via a hypertext transfer protocol based on a request/response paradigm is provided. With the aid of a single communication channel, a communication sequence is initiated by the client, such that the two partners are able to exchange data asynchronously and bidirectionally. After the client has established the connection via a request the client sends data to the server as a further request, while the server sends data to the client as a response to the last request. If the server has no data to send, then after a timeout time it sends a dummy response in order to keep the channel open. If the server receives a new request, then it terminates the old one and sends any data remaining to be sent as a response to the new request.
US08078665B2 Sharing media content based on a media server
A media server is hosted in a service provider's network so that media content can be stored from or rendered to a private network such as a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) network. Media content may be stored directly by accessing the media server or by downloading the media content to the media server. A server platform may support a set of media servers, where each media server is connected to a corresponding DLNA network. A multicast group may be established among the set of media servers so that media content may be shared with members of the multicast group. Media content may be aggregated for media content for the multicast group based on content characteristics, where the content characteristics are indicative of media content that can be shared with members of the multicast group.
US08078664B2 Evaluation of current capacity levels of resources in a distributed computing system
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of managing resources in a service-oriented distributed computing system. As described in this disclosure, a control node automatically manages the system such that the system has sufficient capacity to satisfy an agreement to provide a given level of a service. In order to automatically manage the system, the control node evaluates the current capacity levels of resources in the system. The current capacity levels are indicative the capacity of resources to perform certain acts. The capacity of the resources to perform these acts may be indicative of whether the system is able to provide the given level of the service. Because capacities provided by the resources change as the resources start, the control node uses a predicted pending capacity function to evaluate whether resources that are currently starting will be sufficient to satisfy the level of the service when completely started.
US08078663B2 Optical correlation apparatus and method
This invention relates to a pattern recognition correlator and method for correlating input data with one or more reference data sets. The input data, which may be for instance digital amplitude modulated optical data, is used to modulate an optical signal to form a phase modulated optical signal. This temporal phase modulated optical signal is then converted into a parallel optical phase signal, preferably through use of an optical delay, and modulated by an optical phase modulator. When there is a correlation between the input data and the reference data the emerging wavefront is plane and can be strongly coupled to a detector. In the absence of correlation the emergent wavefront is not plane and so is not coupled as strongly to the detector. The detector output can therefore be used as an indication of correlation.
US08078662B2 Multiplier product generation based on encoded data from addressable location
For one disclosed embodiment, an apparatus comprises first circuitry to output encoded data from an addressable location based at least in part on an address corresponding to a first number, wherein the encoded data is based at least in part on data that corresponds to the first number and that is encoded for partial product reduction, and second circuitry to generate a product based at least in part on the encoded data and on data corresponding to a second number. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08078661B2 Multiple-word multiplication-accumulation circuit and montgomery modular multiplication-accumulation circuit
A multiple-word multiplication-accumulation circuit suitable for use with a single-port memory. The circuit is composed of a multiplication-accumulation (MAC) operator and surrounding registers. The MAC operator has multiplicand and multiplier input ports with different bit widths to calculate a sum of products of multiple-word data read out of a memory. The registers serve as buffer storage of multiple-word data to be supplied to individual input ports of the MAC operator. The amount of data supplied to the MAC operator in each clock cycle is adjusted such that total amount of data consumed and produced by the MAC operator in one clock cycle will be equal to or smaller than the maximum amount of data that the memory can transfer in one clock cycle. This feature enables the use of a bandwidth-limited single-port memory, without causing adverse effect on the efficiency of MAC operator usage.
US08078659B2 Reduction of digital filter delay
An apparatus for reducing a digital filter delay includes means for determining the magnitude response of a desired filter. Means form the real cepstrum of this magnitude response. Means transform the real cepstrum into a complex cepstrum of a corresponding minimum-phase filter having the same magnitude response as the desired filter. A filter applies a smoothly decaying shaping window to the complex cepstrum. Means transform the shaped complex cepstrum into an estimated minimum-phase filter.
US08078652B2 Virtual columns
Techniques are described herein for performing column functions on virtual columns in database tables. A virtual column is defined by the database to contain results of a defining expression. Statistics are collected and maintained for virtual columns. Indexing is performed on virtual columns. Referential integrity is maintained between two tables using virtual columns as keys. Join predicate push-down operations are also performed using virtual columns.
US08078645B2 Operations on multi-level nested data structure
Multiple sets of data are obtained from different sources. Each data set is represented using a different format having a different syntax and organized in a multi-level nested data structure. Each data set is reformatted into a standardized table format using a depth-first recursive algorithm without relying on the syntax schema of the original format of the data set. Various operations are performed on the tables corresponding to the data sets, including but not limited to joining multiple tables, grouping selected rows of a table, ranking rows of a table, adding or deleting fields from selected rows of a table, etc. Optionally, inferred namespace and text normalization are utilized for selected table operations. One or more templates are provided for converting the data set of a table to a format that may be presented to a user.
US08078643B2 Schema modeler for generating an efficient database schema
A schema modeler for generating an efficient database schema. Provides intelligent choices for schema structure, generates efficient schemas while minimizing the amount of experience required by a database designer. Architectural elements of a schema design are proposed based on field inputs such as field type or relationship. Schema information is manually entered or imported. Configured for structural compatibility and semantic compatibility checking on fields and relationships for data integrity due to nested structure denormalization, inspection of lookup tables that can hold an unlimited number of records, inspection of taxonomy defined on a non-main table, and inspection of the schema for the existence of a main table. Provide suggested field types or schema structures that allow for a more efficient schema to be generated. Field types may include qualifier, multi-lingual, calculation and may include family or attribute table suggestions as well. Generation of validations and data profiling ensure efficient results.
US08078636B2 Database heap management system with variable page size and fixed instruction set address resolution
A heap management system for a database uses “sets” of pages to store database information. As memory for each successive set of pages is allocated, more memory is allocated for storing rows in each page of the set. Similarly, the maximum number of rows of information storable in each page of each set is greater for each successive set of pages. The number of computer instructions needed to resolve (or calculate) the memory address for a particular row is fixed. Given a target row number, (and the number of rows in the first page, and the width of the column or column group), only a fixed number of computer instructions need to be executed to resolve the starting memory address for the target row. In addition, information of the same type (i.e., one or more columns of a table) may be stored in different pages, and these pages may be located in discontiguous memory segments. This allows space for new rows to be allocated, without requiring all pre-existing rows to be moved to a different memory segment.
US08078632B1 Iterated related item discovery
The present invention provides methods and computer program products for identifying a set of related videos for a first video. An embodiment of the method comprises a video hosting website creating an ordered list containing a plurality of words from the metadata associated with the first video. The video hosting website uses a select number of words from the ordered list to form a search query. The search query is processed by the videos hosting website to obtain search results that contain a number of related videos. If the number of related videos in the search results is not within a set range, the search query is modified and the modified search query is processed. If the number of related videos in the search results is within a set range, the search results are provided as the set of related videos for the first video.
US08078630B2 Systems and methods of displaying document chunks in response to a search request
A computer displays a portion of a document to a user. Upon receiving a user-specified text string that includes multiple search keywords, the computer identifies a chunk within the document that satisfies the search keywords and displays the identified chunk to the user, wherein terms in the identified chunk that match the search keywords are either ordered differently from the search keywords in the user-specified text string or separated from one another by at least one term not matching any of the search keywords.
US08078629B2 Detecting spam documents in a phrase based information retrieval system
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are identified that predict the presence of other phrases in documents. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases. A spam document is identified based on the number of related phrases included in a document.
US08078628B2 Streaming faceted search
Systems and methods for streaming faceted search are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an exemplary method comprises receiving a search query; processing the search query to find matching search results and facet information corresponding to the search query, wherein the facet information is not part of the search query, but is used to group the search results into a plurality of sets, such that each set corresponds to a facet value range common to the search results included in said set, so that the search results are filtered based on certain criteria and sortable based on the facet value ranges associated with each set; designating at least a first output stream and a second output stream, wherein data related to the matching search results for the search query is written to the first output stream, and data related to at least a first facet information is written to the second output stream, so that the matching search results for the search query provided via the first output stream are processed and displayed without any delay associated with grouping the search results into the plurality of sets according to the facet information provided in at least the second output stream; providing the plurality of sets corresponding to the filtered or sortable search results generated according to the facet information for display, in response to finding matching search results that correspond to the facet value range for each set as respective search results become available that match a respective facet value or facet range; and asynchronously generating one or more sets associated with first facet information corresponding to the search results, wherein the sets associated with the first facet information are displayed as second facet information continues to be generated, wherein the search results for a first set corresponding to the first facet information are partially displayed in response to selecting a representation of the first set, and wherein remainder of the search results for the first set are displayed at later time, when additional search results for the first set becomes available.
US08078625B1 URL-based content categorization
Content may be categorized by accessing a URL associated with the content, determining a set of n-grams contained in the URL, and determining a category of the content based on the set of n-grams.
US08078621B2 Method, system, and computer program product for creating searchable documents on a computer network
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a created document based on a community value for at least one community dimension assigned to each section of the created document. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a created document, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value lor the m least one community dimension assigned to the section of the created document.
US08078619B2 Automated grouping of messages provided to an application using string similarity analysis
Messages which are provided to an application are monitored. Similarities between the messages are determined based on a distance algorithm, in one approach, and messages which are similar are assigned to a common group. For example, the messages may be HTTP messages which include a URL, HTTP header parameters and/or HTTP post parameters. The messages are parsed to derive a string which is used in the distance calculations. Additionally, application runtime data such as response times is obtained and aggregated for the group. Further, a representative message can be determined for each group for comparison to subsequent messages. Results can be reported which include a group identifier, representative message, count and aggregated runtime data.
US08078617B1 Model based ad targeting
System and method for quickly selecting content items (e.g., documents) having highest ranking scores in response to a query for content items. Base scores for a plurality of content items are determined based on attributes of the content items. One or more attributes are extracted from the query, the base scores of at least some of the content items are adjusted based on relationships between the query attributes and the content item attributes. A subset of the plurality of content items having the highest adjusted scores are selected, and the selected subset of content items are output.
US08078603B1 Various methods and apparatuses for moving thumbnails
Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for a moving thumbnail generator. The moving thumbnail generator generates one or more moving thumbnails that are visually and aurally representative of the content that takes place in an associated original video file. Each of the moving thumbnails has two or more moving frames derived from its associated original video file. Each moving thumbnail is stored with a relational link back to the original video file in order so that the moving thumbnail can be used as a linkage back to the original video file.
US08078601B1 Determining unambiguous geographic references
A system receives a search query that includes a set of search terms, determines whether at least one of the search terms corresponds to the name of a geographic area, and determines whether the geographic area corresponds to an unambiguous geographic area when at least one of the search terms corresponds to the name of the geographic area. The system performs a local search, based on one or more of the search terms, to identify documents associated with the geographic area when the geographic area corresponds to an unambiguous geographic area.
US08078599B2 Method and system for evaluating environmental impact occurring during an activity cycle
A system for evaluating an environmental impact during a life cycle of an activity includes a controlling unit, which controls the system with a plurality of data storage elements connected to the controlling unit. The plurality of data storage elements includes a first data storage element, a second data storage element, a third data storage element, and a fourth data storage element. The first data storage element stores a first data type for each item to be used for the activity as life cycle inventory data. The second data storage element stores a second data type for each item, which includes grade information and recycle ratio information. The third data storage element stores a third data type for each item as modified life cycle inventory data. The third data type is obtained by modifying the first data type with the second data type. The fourth data storage element stores impact-coefficient data for each item.
US08078596B2 Method and system for a non-hierarchical trace system using a hierarchical control interface
A method for tracing components in computer applications includes setting, within a hierarchical control interface, a trace level for a component; storing, within a non-hierarchical trace system, the trace level; receiving, in the non-hierarchical trace system, a call with trace data from the component; checking, within the non-hierarchical trace system, the trace level of the component; and acting upon the trace data according to the trace level setting.
US08078593B1 Dictionary architecture and methodology for revision-tolerant data de-duplication
Redundant data is removed from a volume of data by partitioning the volume of data into fixed-length input segments and, for each of the input segments, traversing nodes of a search tree in accordance with the value of a fixed-size portion of the input segment to determine if the search tree contains a pointer to a matching fixed-sized portion of a segment within a dictionary. If the search tree contains the pointer, the input segment is compared with the segment within the dictionary pointed to by the pointer, and a token representative of the segment within the dictionary is substituted for at least part of the input segment determined to match the segment within the dictionary.
US08078590B2 Data processing system
Embodiments consistent with the present invention relate to methods and computer systems for displaying customizing parameters of an application program, the customizing parameters being stored in database tables. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises: executing an application program, and acquiring trace data during execution of the application program, the trace data comprising a path for each of the results provided by the application program, each path being descriptive of a sequence of database table entries of the database tables holding a sub-set of the customizing parameters used for a calculation of the corresponding result. The method may further comprise displaying the results, interactively selecting one of the results for further analysis, and displaying the database table entries identified by the path of the selected one of the results.
US08078587B2 Configuring a data protection system
A computer-implemented system configured to describe the relationship between a first Namespace and a second Namespace is provided. The system includes a containment relationship identifying a direct relationship between a first object of the first Namespace and a second object of the first Namespace. Moreover, the system includes a junction relationship linking the second object of the first Namespace to a first object of the second Namespace. In one embodiment, the system is configured to facilitate the recovery of information based on the descriptions of the Namespaces that is maintained.
US08078584B2 Document retrieving system, document retrieving apparatus, method, program and storage medium therefor
Each of two or more document management server stores a document and index data corresponding to the document. Of the index data stored in the two or more document management servers, index data corresponding to a document that satisfies a first retrieval condition is collected for storage. When a user requests retrieval based on a second retrieval condition, it is determined whether the first retrieval condition and the second retrieval condition are the same, and when the first and second conditions are the same, the document retrieval according to the user's instruction is performed by referring to the collected index data.
US08078581B2 Storage system and remote copy control method
A plurality of second groups respectively including one or more second volumes are configured in correspondence with each of the first groups of a remote copy source in a remote copy destination, journals are acquired from the first storage apparatus periodically and in the order the journals were created for each of the configured second groups, and the acquired journals are reflected in the corresponding second volume in the corresponding second group. In addition, the latest time stamp of each of the second groups containing the journals retained in the second volume in an unreflected state is compared, the time difference of the latest and oldest time stamps is detected, and prescribed control processing is executed for acquiring the journals regarding the second group with the oldest time stamp in preference to the journals regarding other second groups when the time difference exceeds a preset threshold value.
US08078573B2 Identifying the unifying subject of a set of facts
A method and system for identifying a subject of a document and facts included within are described. A source document that includes facts and linking documents that include hyperlinks to the source document are identified. The anchor texts of the hyperlinks are identified and candidate labels are generated based on the anchor texts. One of the candidate labels is selected based on first predefined criteria and associated with the source document and/or the facts included within the source document.
US08078571B2 Knowledge archival and recollection systems and methods
A knowledge archival and recollection system accessible by a user, comprising: a data acquisition module in communication with a database server, a file archive and a database connectivity module; a data presentation module in communication with a report module and a search module; a timing module in communication with the database server; an automatic billing module in communication with a report module and database server; a messenger monitor module in communication with the database server, and the file archive; a database connectivity module in communication with the data acquisition module, the file archive, the database server, the report module, the search module, the automatic billing module, the timing module and the messenger monitor module; the system gathers user activity data and files accessed by user through the data acquisition module and archives the data and files on the database server and file archive for retrieval by each user.
US08078568B2 Properties of data elements
Methods and computer program products relating to properties of data elements. A computer-implemented method for identifying a property of a data element includes receiving a request for at least one sought property of a data element. The data element is configured for use in semantically identifying information portions in electronic communications. The sought property is to be valid in a context defined by at least one context value indicated by the request. The method includes identifying the at least one sought property by evaluating at least one logical rule that defines at least one property of the data element as being valid for a specified context. The method includes generating an output in response to the request that indicates the at least one sought property.
US08078565B2 Organically ranked knowledge categorization in a knowledge management system
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to expert modeling in a KM system and provide method, system and computer program product for organically ranked knowledge and categorization for a KM system. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for organically ranked knowledge and categorization in a KM system can be provided. The method can include bookmarking answer content for a first end user of the knowledge management system, suggesting a set of categories previously associated with the answer content by other end users of the knowledge management system, and categorizing the bookmarked answer content with a category selected from the set of categories.
US08078563B2 Method for locating road shapes using erroneous map data
When transmitting an on-road location on a digital map, an information provider transmits, as on-road location information, string of coordinates information representing the road shape of a road section including the on-road location having a predetermined length, additional information including at least one information item chosen from a group of the attribute information on the road including the road location and detailed information on the nodes in the road section, and relative information indicating the on-road location in the road section. Receiving party receiving this on-road location information performs shape matching to identify the road section on a digital map and uses relative data to identify the on-road location in this road section. The receiving party can identify the road shape with high accuracy even when only a small amount of string of coordinates data is available. This makes it possible to reduce the data transmission amount and identify an on-load location with high accuracy.
US08078559B2 System and method for the automated discovery of unknown unknowns
Systems and methods are provided for determining unknown unknowns for at least one assisted decision making system. An assisted decision making system has an associated set of at least one story of interest. The system further comprises a plurality of inferencing algorithms. A given inferencing algorithm is operative to generate story fragments from data stored within an associated knowledge base. A first arbitrator is associated with the first assisted decision making system. The arbitrator accepts a story fragment from the plurality of inferencing algorithms if the story fragment is sufficiently related to a story of interest from the set of at least one story of interest.
US08078555B2 Decoupling static program data and execution data
Persisting execution state of a continuation based runtime program. The continuation based runtime program includes static program data defining activities executed by the program. One or more of the activities are parent activities including sequences of child activities. The continuation based runtime program is loaded. A child activity to be executed is identified based on scheduling defined in a parent of the child activity in the continuation based runtime program. The child activity is sent to a continuation based runtime separate from one or more other activities in the continuation based runtime program. The child activity is executed at the continuation based runtime, creating an activity instance. Continuation state information is stored separate from the static program data by storing information about the activity instance separate from one or more other activities defined in the continuation based runtime program.
US08078548B1 System and method for controlling postage usage independent of meter balance
A postage evidencing meter system is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization database for storing parameters for at least one user, wherein the parameters limit the at least one user's ability to evidence postage using the meter. The parameters include a maximum postage amount that the at least one user is allowed to use on the meter to evidence postage. The parameters may alternatively or also include a period of time during which the user is allowed to use the meter to evidence postage or a maximum amount of postage that can be used during a period of time. The postage evidencing meter further comprises a user interface, a printer, and a security module. In alternative embodiments, the authorization database is stored on a removable storage device and/or is coupled to the meter via a communication link to a remote postage information system.
US08078545B1 System, method and computer program product for collecting strategic patent data associated with an identifier
A system, method and computer program product are provided for organizing patents utilizing a computer-implemented system. An identifier is initially determined, after which a notes field is displayed for receiving manually entered notes, such that the manually entered notes are stored in association with the identifier. Further, the manually selection of a file is permitted. Such manually selected file is then stored in association with the identifier. Still yet, a plurality of patents are associated with the identifier. The manually entered notes, the file, and the patents are thus accessible by subsequent selection of the identifier.
US08078540B2 Gaming machine, gaming information authentication and acquisition device, and gaming information acquisition device
A gaming machine includes a gaming operation execution device, a loading device and a processing device. The gaming operation execution device executes gaming operations. The loading device includes a connector for connecting a storage medium, a first program memory part for storing a first authentication program, a second program memory part for storing a second authentication program, and a first processor for authenticating the first authentication program with the second authentication program. The processing device includes a memory, a reading unit for reading out the gaming information from the storage medium and for reading out the first authentication program authenticated by the first processor, a second processor for authenticating the gaming information with the authenticated first authentication program, a writing unit for writing the authenticated gaming information to the memory, and an operation control unit for controlling the gaming operation execution device.
US08078537B2 Comprehensive insurance product with loss coverage and assistance services
Aspects of the disclosure describe systems and methods for providing a combined insurance and assistance product to an insured. Insurance coverage can be provided to the insured for at least one insured loss event in conjunction with assistance services coverage based upon the at least one insured loss event. A base premium for the combined insurance and assistance product can be calculated based at least in part on a premium for the insurance coverage and a premium for the assistance services coverage. Assistance services can include preventive services directed to helping avoid the occurrence of at least one insured loss event and/or rehabilitative services directed to providing assistance after an occurrence of at least one insured loss event.
US08078535B2 Value transfer systems and methods
One method involves the use of stored value account that may be used, for example, to make internet payments, and that can be credited using a variety of payment techniques. Such a method involves receiving money at a money transfer location from a potential purchaser. The money is then stored as an electronic record in a stored value account of the purchaser. This money is then available for transfer at the request of the purchaser. Upon such a request, the money may be electronically sent to a recipient and the stored value account may be debited.
US08078533B1 Systems and methods for monitoring remittances for reporting requirements
Financial transactions may be monitored for reporting requirements and regulatory compliance. A system provides for receipt of remittances, recognition of payment documents, storage of transaction information, and compliance verification by matching one or more cash equivalent transactions (CETs) made by an individual to determine if the aggregate of the transactions should be reported to meet compliance regulations. Images of the documents may be reviewed by an analyst to determine an account number and/or routing number associated with imaged document. If the information associated with the document reviewed has not been previously reviewed, it may be placed on a list of documents associated with CET transactions such that the document may be determined to be a CET in subsequent encounters with the document without human intervention.
US08078524B2 Method and apparatus for explaining credit scores
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for explaining credit scores, for example in connection with a credit score explanation service, in which consumers can identify the sources of information used to establish their credit score, supply their credit report and credit score information in connection with their application for credit-related products and services, such as loans, and determine the effect on their credit score and cost for credit-related products and services based upon various hypothetical changes in their credit behavior.
US08078522B1 System and method for exchanging institutional research and trade order execution services
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for creating an electronic marketplace, utilizing an electronic non-currency unit of exchange, that provides for and facilitates the cost effective exchange of institutional research and trade order execution services between asset management firms and executing brokers in such manner as to substantially lower trading costs and improve investment performance on a recurring basis for the shareholders and beneficiaries investing in mutual funds and other investment portfolios.
US08078517B1 Systems and methods for monitoring remittances for reporting requirements
Financial transactions may be monitored for reporting requirements and regulatory compliance. A system provides for receipt of remittances, recognition of payment documents, storage of transaction information, and compliance verification by matching one or more cash equivalent transactions (CETs) made by an individual to determine if the aggregate of the transactions should be reported to meet compliance regulations. Images of the documents may be reviewed by an analyst to determine an account number and/or routing number associated with imaged document. If the information associated with the document reviewed has not been previously reviewed, it may be placed on a list of documents associated with CET transactions such that the document may be determined to be a CET in subsequent encounters with the document without human intervention.
US08078511B2 Method and system for foreign exchange price procurement and automated hedging
In the present invention, a hedging engine processor and method monitors business transactions to provide foreign currency exchange hedging instructions and to provide foreign currency price information for goods of commerce. The hedging engine receives business transaction information that relate to purchases or sales of goods by a customer, receives hedging rules, that define rules to exchange a first type of currency to a second type of currency, and receives pricing rules, that define rules to update public foreign currency prices of the goods. The engine also generates public price information to provide foreign currency prices of the goods, based on the pricing rules, and generates hedging instruction information to provide instructions on whether to exchange from the first type of currency to the second type of currency, based on the hedging rules.
US08078508B1 Method and system for upgrading to an integrated financial product
A method for upgrading from a stand-alone product to an integrated financial product, that includes generating a plurality of product accounts associated with a user of the stand-alone product, modifying, while using the stand-alone product, the plurality of product accounts with financial transaction data associated with the user, activating the integrated financial product after modifying the plurality of product accounts, and accessing the financial transaction data using a financial module of the integrated financial product, wherein functionality provided by the stand-alone product is distinct from functionality provided by the financial module.
US08078502B2 Populating an E-commerce shopping cart and other E-commerce fields based upon content extracted from natural language input
Shopper free form input representing an unstructured shopping request can be received. The free form input can comprises at least two of a free form voice input, a text message, an email, a fax message, a browser input and an image. The free form input can include information related to one or more items, at least one of a shipping address, and payment details. Semantics can be extracted from the shopper free form input relating to at least one item available for sale. At least one item can be automatically added to an electronic shopping cart based upon the extracted semantics. An ability can be provided to a corresponding shopper to automatically purchase the items contained in the electronic shopping cart.
US08078500B2 Security enhancements using fixed unique system identifiers for executing a transaction
A method and system are disclosed for enhancing the security of transactions executed using a fixed unique system identifier. By the method of one such security enhancement the fixed unique system identifier is validated by a receiving server system according to a mathematical formula, most optimally a one way hash, from multiple input identifiers at least one of which is either secret or impossible to spoof. Other security enhancements include only delivering goods to an address matching user information already provided by the client system, only allowing trusted server systems to execute transactions, and only allowing trusted server systems to receive the fixed unique system identifiers.
US08078497B1 Distinguishing search results associated with an electronic commerce system
A search engine communicates with a broker to identify search result content associated with merchants that support purchases through an electronic commerce system provided by the broker. The results of a search can include some content associated with merchants that support purchases through the broker, some content associated with merchants that do not support purchases through the broker, and some content not associated with any merchant. The search engine visually distinguishes content in the search results associated with merchants that support purchases through the broker by displaying a badge, such as a graphical icon, with the content. The search engine can use different types of badges to indicate different characteristics of the merchants.
US08078494B2 Methods and apparatus for ordering advertisements based on performance information and price information
An ordering of advertisements requested by an ad consumer is based on scores generated for the ads. In each case, a score may be a function of at least one performance parameter associated with the ad and/or a price parameter associated with the ad. The ad consumer may generate presentation information (e.g., a Web page) including advertisements and non-advertisement content (e.g., search results) by (i) accepting the non-advertisement content and advertisements, each of the advertisements including a score, and (ii) combining the non-advertisement content and the advertisements such that relative placements of the advertisements are based on their associated scores.
US08078490B2 Method and apparatus for corporate voting
A proxy voting system enables an investor with a large number of investments to efficiently manage and vote proxies. A shareholder enters preferences regarding how to vote his or her proxies into a computer system, which then screens the received proxies, automatically enters the shareholder's preferences onto the proxy card and returns the completed proxy card to the appropriate election authority at the proper time. The system includes a central controller, a user interface for each investor, a proxy server and a manual entry subsystem, which provides an interface for those corporations that are not equipped to handle electronic formatted proxies.
US08078482B2 Method for underwriting multinational insurance business in accordance with national and international laws
A method for providing insurance, which includes steps of issuing a first insurance policy covering risk disposed in one or more different countries, determining if one or more of the countries prohibit insurance issued by foreign insurers, and subsequently issuing one or more additional insurance policies, if such insurance is prohibited. The additional insurance policies may be issued in each country, or for groups of countries.
US08078480B2 Method and system for prioritizing opportunities for clinical process improvement
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing opportunities for optimizing clinical processes within clinical facilities. An optimized practice process model may be defined for a particular clinical procedure, setting forth an optimal clinical process. In addition, critical levers may be identified within the optimal clinical process, representing the activities that have the greatest impact on outcomes. The optimized practice process model may also include metrics for quantifying return-on-investments for various opportunities. Clinical facilities may collect clinically-related data, such as current measures for the critical levers. Using the clinically-related data and the optimized practice process model, opportunities for process optimization may be analyzed, for example, by determining a return-on-investment for the various opportunities.
US08078476B2 Cross-platform calendar notifications
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media to provide notification of calendar events across multiple platforms of potentially diverse types. In one embodiment, a method of cross-platform calendar notification can comprise detecting an occurrence of a previously set calendar event. Profile information for a user associated with the calendar event can be read and one or more end devices to which to provide notification of the occurrence of the calendar event can be determined based on the profile information. A notification message can be generated indicating occurrence of the calendar event. The notification message can be sent to each of the one or more end devices.
US08078468B2 Speech recognition for identifying advertisements and/or web pages
A device may identify terms in a speech signal using speech recognition. The device may further retain one or more of the identified terms by comparing them to a set of words and send the retained terms and information associated with the retained terms to a remote device. The device may also receive messages that are related to the retained terms and to the information associated with the retained terms from the remote device.
US08078462B2 Apparatus for creating speaker model, and computer program product
A transformation-parameter calculating unit calculates a first model parameter indicating a parameter of a speaker model for causing a first likelihood for a clean feature to maximum, and calculates a transformation parameter for causing the first likelihood to maximum. The transformation parameter transforms, for each of the speakers, a distribution of the clean feature corresponding to the identification information of the speaker to a distribution represented by the speaker model of the first model parameter. A model-parameter calculating unit transforms a noisy feature corresponding to identification information for each of speakers by using the transformation parameter, and calculates a second model parameter indicating a parameter of the speaker model for causing a second likelihood for the transformed noisy feature to maximum.
US08078461B2 Robust noise estimation
An enhancement system improves the estimate of noise from a received signal. The system includes a spectrum monitor that divides a portion of the signal at more than one frequency resolution. Adaptation logic derives a noise adaptation factor of the received signal. A plurality of devices tracks the characteristics of an estimated noise in the received signal and modifies multiple noise adaptation rates. Weighting logic applies the modified noise adaptation rates derived from the signal divided at a first frequency resolution to the signal divided at a second frequency resolution.
US08078458B2 Packet loss concealment for sub-band predictive coding based on extrapolation of sub-band audio waveforms
A technique is described for concealing the effect of a lost frame in a series of frames representing an encoded audio signal in a sub-band predictive coding system. In accordance with the technique, a first synthesized sub-band audio signal is synthesized, wherein synthesizing the first synthesized sub-band audio signal comprises performing waveform extrapolation based on a stored first sub-band decoded audio signal. A second synthesized sub-band audio signal is also synthesized, wherein synthesizing the second synthesized sub-band audio signal comprises performing waveform extrapolation based on the stored second sub-band decoded audio signal. The first synthesized sub-band audio signal and the second synthesized sub-band audio signal are combined to generate a synthesized full-band output audio signal corresponding to a lost frame.
US08078456B2 Audio time scale modification algorithm for dynamic playback speed control
A modified synchronized overlap add (SOLA) algorithm for performing high-quality, low-complexity audio time scale modification (TSM) is described. The algorithm produces good output audio quality with a very low complexity and without producing additional audible distortion during dynamic change of the audio playback speed. The algorithm may achieve complexity reduction by performing the maximization of normalized cross-correlation using decimated signals. By updating the input buffer and the output buffer in a precise sequence with careful checking of the appropriate array bounds, the algorithm may also achieve seamless audio playback during dynamic speed change with a minimal requirement on memory usage.
US08078452B2 Lexical association metric for knowledge-free extraction of phrasal terms
A method and system for determining a lexical association of phrasal terms are described. A corpus having a plurality of words is received, and a plurality of contexts including one or more context words proximate to a word in the corpus is determined. An occurrence count for each context is determined, and a global rank is assigned based on the occurrence count. Similarly, a number of occurrences of a word being used in a context is determined, and a local rank is assigned to the word-context pair based on the number of occurrences. A rank ratio is then determined for each word-context pair. A rank ratio is equal to the global rank divided by the local rank for a word-context pair. A mutual rank ratio is determined by multiplying the rank ratios corresponding to a phrase. The mutual rank ratio is used to identify phrasal terms in the corpus.
US08078442B2 Screw fastening part analysis model creation method, recording media, and apparatus
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method comprises a screw fastening unit extracting step of extracting a screw fastening unit, in which at least two or more members are fastened by a screw, from a three-dimensional model, a shape changing step of changing each of circular arc surfaces of the screw, a screw through hole, and a screw hole disposed in the screw fastening unit to a polygonal polyhedron approximating the circular arc surface, a mesh creation step of creating an analysis model which is divided into a meshed analysis unit by allocation of polyhedral meshes along each of the edge surfaces of the screw, screw through hole, and screw hole which is changed to polyhedrons, and a contact definition step of setting the friction of a contact unit of the mesh-divided screw and screw hole to be infinite so as to achieve a fixed state.
US08078440B2 Operatively tuning implants for increased performance
A method for preoperatively characterizing an individual patient's biomechanic function in preparation of implanting a prosthesis is provided. The method includes subjecting a patient to various activities, recording relative positions of anatomy during the various activities, measuring force environments responsive to the patient's anatomy and affected area during the various activities, characterizing the patient's biomechanic function from the relative positions and corresponding force environments, inputting the measured force environments, relative positions of knee anatomy, and patient's biomechanic function characterization into the one or more computer simulation models, inputting a computer model of the prosthesis into the one or more computer simulation models, and manipulating the placement of the prosthesis in the computer simulation using the patient's biomechanic function characterization and the computer model of the prosthesis to approximate a preferred biomechanical fit of the prosthesis.
US08078439B2 Method of imaging subsurface formations using a virtual source array
This invention relates generally to a method of simulating the signal of an electromagnetic source using one or more dipole sources. In the method a dipole source is located at an excitation location corresponding to a segment of the electromagnetic source to be simulated. The dipole source is activated, and an electromagnetic signal recorded at one or more receiver locations. This process is repeated for additional excitation locations corresponding to additional segments of the electromagnetic source. The data from the sequence of dipole source excitation locations is processed to determine the simulated signal of the electromagnetic source.
US08078436B2 Aerial roof estimation systems and methods
Methods and systems for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system, which generates and provides roof estimate reports annotated with indications of the size, geometry, pitch and/or orientation of the roof sections of a building. Generating a roof estimate report may be based on one or more aerial images of a building. In some embodiments, generating a roof estimate report of a specified building roof may include generating a three-dimensional model of the roof, and generating a report that includes one or more views of the three-dimensional model, the views annotated with indications of the dimensions, area, and/or slope of sections of the roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08078433B2 Optimal estimation of transducer parameters
The invention relates to an arrangement and method for estimating the linear and nonlinear parameters of a model 11 describing a transducer 1 which converts input signals x(t) into output signals y(t) (e.g., electrical, mechanical or acoustical signals). Transducers of this kind are primarily actuators (loudspeakers) and sensors (microphones), but also electrical systems for storing, transmitting and converting signals. The model describes the internal states of the transducer and the transfer behavior between input and output both in the small-and large-signal domain. This information is the basis for measurement applications, quality assessment, failure diagnostics and for controlling the transducer actively. The identification of linear and nonlinear parameters Pl and Pn of the model without systematic error (bias) is the objective of the current invention. This is achieved by using a transformation system 55 to estimate the linear parameters Pl and the nonlinear parameters Pn with separate cost functions.
US08078431B2 Home power management system
Systems and methods for managing power usage are provided. The system includes a programmable microprocessor, at least one input mechanism, a memory having instructions and/or other information, a display, at least one power consuming power device and a remote server. The systems allows the user of a power consuming device to receive instructions or other information from the server. The method includes using stored program instructions to generate power device related information on a display, collecting power device data representative of the electrical current or power consumed, connecting to a remote computing facility having a server, and providing the data to a computer remotely located from the central server.
US08078428B2 Delay variation analysis apparatus and delay variation calculation method
A method for analyzing a delay time distribution of an N-stage circuit. The method includes a delay time calculation step of calculating maximum deviation delay time of a signal propagating through the circuit and basic delay time of the circuit, a delay variation calculation step of calculating a delay variation value of the N-stage circuit by using the mean square of differences between the maximum deviation delay time of the circuit and the basic delay time of the circuit taken over the N stages, and a step of generating the delay time distribution of the N-stage circuit as a normal distribution by using the calculated delay variation value.
US08078426B2 Metric display for exercise equipment
A display system for exercise equipment in accordance with the present invention includes a processor, a memory, a metric sensor and a metric display. The memory in communication with the processor. The metric sensor operably coupled to the processor. The metric sensor senses an extent of a metric of a user of the exercise equipment. The metric display is operably coupled to the metric sensor and displays the user metric in a generally oscillating manner.
US08078412B2 Method to determine connector leaks during testing
A method for evaluating the leak tightness of a connector, or multiple connectors. The method uses an administrative server having a library of pressure and temperature information on various connectors, as well as the ability to report pressure and temperature data to a network as uncorrected and corrected responses. The method uses a data logger for recording pressure and temperature readings and also reporting corrected and uncorrected responses using one or more equations to shorten the test time by at least 50 percent or to about 5 minutes or less. The method uses a test pump for applying pressure to a connector to generate a corrected pressure which indicates leaks when the corrected pressure changes.
US08078402B2 Method of ranking geomarkers and compositional allocation of wellbore effluents
A method of method of determining relative contributions of two or more producing subterranean sources to a total flow is described using the steps of selecting a subset from a set of identifiable components in the total flow and using the subset to determine the relative contributions of two or more producing subterranean sources, wherein the subset is selected based on the sensitivity of the determination step to errors in the measurement of concentrations of said identifiable components.
US08078398B2 Methods and apparatus for geo-collaboration
Methods and computer readable medium for collaborating on geographical maps between two or more computers are disclosed. In particular, sharing a geographical location on a map between two or more computers and co-navigating a map between two or more computers are disclosed. With respect to sharing a geographical location, the geographical location is retrieved to the first computer. The geographical location is added to the map being rendered at the first computer and is sent to a second computer. A map including the geographical location is rendered at the second computer. With respect to co-navigating, a map is displayed from a map perspective at the first computer. The map perspective is sent to the second computer. A map from the same map perspective being displayed at the first computer is rendered at the second computer.
US08078397B1 System, method, and computer program product for social networking utilizing a vehicular assembly
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for social networking utilizing a vehicular assembly. In operation, a vehicular assembly is utilized to communicate with a mobile device. Information about social contacts is received, utilizing the mobile device. Further, the information about social contacts is displayed, utilizing the vehicular assembly.
US08078391B2 Road traffic information communicating system and method
A control section (212) adds first time information from a clock (204) to road traffic information from a light beacon communication device to create road traffic information by first time for storing in a storage device (205). A time judging device (209) receives second time information from other mobile communication terminal and creates an information transmission instruction if the first time of the first time information is more up-to-date than the second time of the second time information. An information selecting section (211) selects and transmits a part of the road traffic information by first time based on other traveling direction information indicative of the traveling direction of other vehicle and traveling direction information from an azimuth finder (208). Upon receiving road traffic information by third time from other mobile communication terminal, the control section (212) overwrites the road traffic information by first time in the storage device (205).
US08078390B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting vehicle-related information in and out of a vehicle
A method for transmitting vehicle-related information in and out of a vehicle and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed. The method includes the steps of (i) receiving location information via reception means for position finding, (ii) evaluating vehicle-related information and location information via means for coordinating an interaction between the communication means, the reception means and means for wireless radio networking, (iii) transmitting vehicle-related information and the location information to mobile terminals carried in the vehicle by wireless radio networking comprising one bi-directional communication link, and (iv) indicating the vehicle-related information and location information audibly, visually, haptically, or any combination thereof, within a reproduction unit in the mobile terminals.
US08078385B2 Supercharged internal combustion engine system
A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein during periods of high power demand the weight of combustion chamber charge is increased by cooling a portion of intake air in a turboexpander using high-pressure air from a storage tank. In addition to increasing engine output power, cold air intake also reduces engine pre-ignition (knocking) thereby reducing emissions. Mechanical energy produced during expansion of high-pressure air may be used to operate a turbocompressor, which compresses intake air and further increases charge weight. Effective supercharging is achieved even at low engine speeds. One of the objects of the invention is to obtain more power from small displacement ICE and thus providing automotive vehicles with sufficient acceleration in addition to good fuel economy. Another object of the invention is to enhance turbocharged engines and reduce their response lag. Air storage tank may be recharged using energy recovered during vehicle deceleration.
US08078377B2 Compressed air supply system and method for determining system parameters
A vehicle compressed air supply system includes a supply part with compressor, an air drying part and a consumer part including consumer circuits with brake circuits supplied with compressed air via a multi-circuit safety valve. The brake circuits, and optionally at least one other consumer circuit, include compressed air tanks. Pressure in the circuits is monitored by sensors and evaluated by an electronic control device. To determine system parameters in terms of tank size and compressor output, when filling circuits, the rate of pressure increase in a circuit is determined as a function of compressor speed, and air-drying regeneration is effected. The period of a pre-defined pressure drop or pre-defined pressure gradient is determined and air volume for completing regeneration is calculated from the magnitude of the pressure drop, regeneration time and throttle diameter. Tank volume is determined therefrom. Compressor output is calculated from tank volume and rate of pressure increase.
US08078374B2 Control system for an at least temporarily four-wheel-driven motor vehicle
In the case of a control system for an at least temporarily four-wheel-driven motor vehicle having an electronic control unit, which determines at least the rotational speeds of all wheels and the vehicle speed, and by which the driving torque of a drive unit can be distributed in a variable manner by way of a controllable transfer clutch to primary driving wheels, which are permanently connected with the drive unit, and to secondary driving wheels which, can be connected with the drive unit as required, the control unit closes the transfer clutch when the slip of a rear wheel exceeds the slip of the front wheel of the same vehicle side by a value which is greater than a given first threshold and when, preferably, also the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle exceeds a given second threshold or the lateral acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a given third threshold.
US08078373B2 Vehicle dynamics prediction with lane/path information using a preview-correction-prediction approach
A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters.
US08078368B2 Lift truck safety system
A method of operating a lift truck, the method including the steps of actuating an override to move the lift truck from a safety configuration into a working configuration, positioning a load onto a front end assembly movably attached to the lift truck, disengaging the override, whereby the lift truck may move into the safety configuration once the load is removed from the front end assembly. The lift truck includes a motorized mover, a front end assembly movably coupled to the motorized mover, and a load sensor coupled to the front end assembly. The front end assembly is positionable between a safety configuration and a working configuration. The load sensor detects the presence of the load on the front end assembly. The front end assembly is moved into the safety configuration when the load sensor does not sense the load on the front end assembly.
US08078366B2 Seat control device
A seat control device has an input unit for performing at least one of an operation to incline and move a first seat, and a drive control unit for at least one of inclining and moving the first seat based on an output of the input unit. The seat control device has an open/close detection unit for detecting an opened or closed state of a door for getting on and off to and from the first seat, an angle detection unit for detecting an angle of a backrest of the first seat; and a seating detection unit for detecting presence/absence of seating at a second seat positioned behind the first seat. When the open/close detection unit detects that the door is in the opened state, the angle detection unit detects an angle of a backrest of the first seat. When the detected angle is larger than a predetermined angle, the seating detection unit detects the presence or absence of seating at the second seat. The drive control unit is driven based on the detection of absence of seating to return the backrest of the first seat to an original orientation.
US08078361B2 Method and device for assisting a motor vehicle server in the vehicle stabilization
Disclosed is a method for assisting an operator of a vehicle in adjusting a nominal steering angle at steerable wheels of the vehicle for the vehicle stabilization. An additional steering torque is applied to the steering line of the vehicle, which is determined dependent on a difference between a nominal steering angle and an instantaneous steering angle. The method is characterized in that a value of a load moment acting on the steering line of the vehicle is estimated, and that the additional steering torque is established dependent on the estimated value for the load moment.
US08078360B2 Control apparatus of a variable damping force damper
A control apparatus of a variable damping force damper comprises first and second low-pass filters for cutting off high frequency components of a target current of the damper, where the first and second low-pass filters have different response characteristics. The control apparatus further comprises a low-pass filter selection unit for selecting one of the first and second low-pass filters based on at least one of the dynamic state of the vehicle body and the road surface condition.
US08078356B2 Driving assist method and driving assist apparatus
In a driving assist system for a vehicle, a camera driver controls an on-board rear camera to take an image of an area around a vehicle only when light-emitting diodes of the tail lights and brake lights are non-luminous, responsive to an image pickup timing signal output from a light control. An image processor executes panoramic view conversion of image data input from the camera driver, stores the converted data in an image memory, and displays a composite image by combining a plurality of sets of panoramic view data.
US08078349B1 Transitioning a mixed-mode vehicle to autonomous mode
Disclosed are methods and devices for transitioning a mixed-mode autonomous vehicle from a human driven mode to an autonomously driven mode. Transitioning may include stopping a vehicle on a predefined landing strip and detecting a reference indicator. Based on the reference indicator, the vehicle may be able to know its exact position. Additionally, the vehicle may use the reference indictor to obtain an autonomous vehicle instruction via a URL. After the vehicle knows its precise location and has an autonomous vehicle instruction, it can operate in autonomous mode.
US08078347B2 Control device for watercraft propulsion system
A control device for a watercraft propulsion system can reduce wear of a shift mechanism, can achieve an automated extremely slow speed navigation and easy watercraft navigation, and can negate differences between watercraft navigation skills of watercraft operators. A remote control operation section includes a remote controller shift lever. A watercraft propulsion section includes a shift change unit and a shift actuator arranged to drive the shift change unit, a main control section arranged to control an operation of the shift actuator based upon an operational amount of the remote controller shift lever, an auxiliary control section arranged to control a watercraft to move at an extremely slow speed, and a changeover section arranged to select one of the main control section and an auxiliary control section. The auxiliary control section includes a data table for moving a watercraft hull at an extremely slow speed, and the auxiliary control section outputs an execution instruction of extremely slow speed navigation to the shift actuator by selecting one of extremely slow speed navigation instructing data from the data table.
US08078345B2 Method and device for automatically controlling an emergency descent of an aircraft
A method and device automatically engage an emergency descent function of an aircraft as a function of pressure variation measured in the cabin of the aircraft.
US08078338B2 System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle
System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, throttle, brake, accelerator, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. The behaviors include action sets ranked by priority, and the action sets include alternative actions that the vehicle can take to accomplish its task. The alternative actions are ranked by preference, and an arbiter selects the action to be performed and, optionally, modified.
US08078336B2 Two-way communication between a bed facility controller and a remote control for the bed facility
A remote control communicates via two-way communication with a controller for a bed facility to allow a user of the remote control to control a function of the bed facility. Adjustable features of an adjustable bed can be controlled through the two-way communication. Inflation or other features of an air mattress can be controlled through the two-way communication. Two-way communication is supported by either a wired connection or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, USB, ultra wideband, and the like. The two-way communication also supports the remote control controlling a second system that is associated with the adjustable bed.
US08078333B2 Dialysis fluid heating algorithms
A dialysis fluid heating system includes a dialysis fluid heater; a dialysis fluid carrying element in operable communication with the dialysis fluid heater to heat a dialysis fluid; and a logic implementer configured to control the heater using (i) a heater input determined from a dialysis fluid temperature delta and a dialysis fluid flowrate, and (ii) a potential adjustment of the temperature delta using a measured dialysis fluid outlet temperature.
US08078329B2 System for rejection of tablets produced in a rotary tablet press and a method of rejection of tablets
A system for rejection of tablets produced in a rotary tablet press comprises pan ejection nozzle for sorting out defective tablets. The ejection nozzle is supplied with compressed gas through a supply line having an inlet end for connection with a source of compressed gas and an outlet end communicating with the ejection nozzle. The supply line is provided with a control valve controlled by a control unit in order to open the supply line when a defective tablet has been detected by the control unit. Furthermore, the supply line is provided with a sensor arranged between the control valve and the inlet end of the supply line and adapted to detect a variable indicative of a gas flow through the control valve in order for the control unit to generate an error signal in the case of malfunction of the control valve.
US08078323B2 Method for controlling the process of separating mixtures containing several substances
Method for controlling the process of separating mixtures containing several substances having close boiling points and with a known concentration, in a distillation column, wherein the concentration of at least one component is measured at a midpoint of the column, and said measurement, together with other parameters, is used to control the process.
US08078321B2 Behavior control system
A behavior control system is capable of causing an agent carry out a task by smooth motions. The behavior control system makes it possible to reproduce a typical shape characteristic of a reference trajectory, i.e., the characteristic of a motion of an instructor carrying out a task, by using a first model defined on the basis of a plurality of reference trajectories representing the position of a first state variable in a time-series manner. Further, a learning trajectory representing the position of a second state variable in a time-series manner is generated on the basis of a second model, which represents an agent's motion in which the position of the second state variable corresponding to the first state variable and one or a plurality of time differential values (a displacing velocity and acceleration) thereof continuously change, in addition to the first model.
US08078307B2 Apparatus for testing defects of sheet-shaped product having optical film, apparatus for processing test data thereof, apparatus for cutting the same, and production thereof
A defect testing apparatus for testing defects of optical film sheet-shaped product of an optical displaying apparatus, which includes a defect detecting means for detecting defects of a monolayer body and/or a laminate body constituting the sheet-shaped product in a state in which a protective layer on a surface of the sheet-shaped product is not disposed and defect information preparing means for preparing defect information which is information related to the defects detected by the defect detecting means, and the defect information is used for producing the sheet-shaped product provided in a roll form or in separate sheets.
US08078298B2 System for node structure discovery in an audio-related system
A system for determination of the functionality of an audio-related device that is operable in an audio system includes a performance equipment manager. The performance equipment manager may receive from an audio-related device an audio node structure representative of the corresponding audio-related device. The received audio node structure may be reviewed to determine if all the components included in the audio node structure are predefined within the performance equipment manager. For those components that are known, no discovery is necessary and actual values of changeable parameters in the audio-related device may be obtained. For unknown components of the audio node structure, the performance equipment manager may undertake discovery to identify additional portions of the audio node structure, and/or attributes related to the unknown components, in order to obtain actual values of changeable parameters related to the unknown components.
US08078297B2 Interface for retrofitting a manually controlled machine for automatic control
An operator controllable machine is retrofitted to be operator controlled or to be automatically controlled. An electrical joystick output is provided by a manually actuated joystick control, including a joystick, to a machine control in the manually controlled machine. An interface is added between the joystick control and the machine control to permit an external source, such as a GPS receiver or a laser receiver, to apply an electrical automatic control output to the machine control, as well. The interface includes a number of optical isolation circuits and a microprocessor. The isolated microprocessor output is supplied to the machine control, which produces valve control signals to control the hydraulic valves of the machine. The application of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the machine is then controlled by either the joystick control output or the automatic control output. In an intermediate range of joystick movement, the hydraulic cylinders of the machine are controlled by both outputs, resulting in a smooth transition between manual and automatic operation.
US08078296B2 Dynamic procedure selection
A dynamic selection component for an industrial automation system is provided. The system includes one or more abstraction layers that are executed by a controller, the abstraction layers specify higher level requirements of a process. At least one execution layer is provided that is responsive to the abstraction layers, where the execution layer includes one or more process components that are dynamically selectable at runtime in view of the higher level requirements of the process.
US08078289B2 Model predictive control with variable trajectory sharing
One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control.
US08078287B2 His bundle mapping, pacing, and injection lead
A cardiac rhythm management system includes a lead assembly for intracardiac mapping, pacing, and drug delivery. The lead assembly includes an implantable endocardial lead having a proximal end for connection to an implantable cardiac rhythm management device and a distal end for disposal in an intracardiac region. The lead includes a pacing-sensing electrode and a drug delivery device, both located at or near the distal end. A lumen is within and extends throughout the lead, with an opening at or near the proximal end and another opening at or near the distal end. The lumen provides for access to the intracardiac region by a steerable stylet and a hollow needle, one at a time. The steerable stylet allows for electrophysiological mapping of the intracardiac region. The hollow needle allows for delivery of chemical, biochemical, and/or biological substance to the intracardiac region.
US08078280B2 Implantable biomedical electrical connectors having integral side and inner walls
Low resistivity, implantable electrical connectors and biomedical leads having the connectors mechanically coupled to low resistivity wires in a non-welded attachment to extend implanted device battery life. One implantable electrical connector has an inner longitudinal aperture and two opposed flanges angled away from the longitudinal axis and coupled through a radially flexible inner circumferential wall to form a single piece, low resistance path. An elastic member can urge the flexible inner circumferential wall portion inward. In one connector, the electrically conductive, flexible inner wall portion can resiliently contact an inserted electrode. The connector body can include at least one hole adjacent a mechanically deformable sidewall for mechanically securing an electrical conductor inserted within the hole. The low resistivity, implantable, biocompatible electrical connectors and leads can be used in neurological and cardiac applications.
US08078278B2 Body attachable unit in wireless communication with implantable devices
Medical systems and devices are provided. A medical system includes implantable devices and an external device configured for wirelessly interacting with the implantable devices. The external device may be attachable to a patient and be configured for wirelessly communicating with a first implantable device, e.g., using acoustic energy, and wirelessly interacting with a second implantable device, e.g., using non-acoustic energy. The first implantable device may be a diagnostic device, in which case, the external device may wirelessly receive physiological information from the diagnostic device, and the second implantable device may be a therapeutic device, in which case, the external device may wirelessly interact with the therapeutic device to provide or optimize therapy to a patient.
US08078275B2 Regulation of neurotrophins
Disclosed are methods for regulating neurotrophin levels within a human body. The invention utilizes an implantable signal generator to deliver stimulation to neural tissue elements. Alternatively, an implantable pump may be utilized to delivery one or more drugs. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to the neural tissue to thereby alter the level of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF expressed by the influenced neural tissue. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of a nervous system disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate the treatment therapy delivered to the body. The invention describes a novel method to regulate the intrinsic levels of neurotrophins and may be used to treat patients with neurological and cognitive disorders.
US08078273B2 Detection and classification of neuromuscular late wave activity for the assessment of neuromuscular function
A method for the assessment of neuromuscular function by the detection and classification of late wave activity, comprising: (i) pre-processing an ensemble of traces so as to attenuate noise, PFI and baseline disturbances; (ii) identifying time segments of late wave activity in the ensemble of traces; (iii) classifying the time segments of late wave activity into F-wave, A-wave and Repeater segments by exploiting the variable morphology of F-waves across the traces and the fixed morphology of A-waves and Repeater waves across the traces; and (iv) searching the traces in the vicinity of the F-wave trace segments on a trace-by-trace basis so as to identify the F-wave onset latency.
US08078271B2 System and method for distinguishing between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia using an implantable medical device
Techniques are described for detecting and distinguishing among ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. In one technique, these conditions are detected and distinguished based on an analysis of: the interval between the QRS complex and the peak of a T-wave (QTmax), the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTend), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by cardiac ischemia. In another technique, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are predicted, detected and/or distinguished from one another based on an analysis of the amplitudes of P-waves, QRS-complexes and T-waves within the IEGM. Appropriate warning signals are delivered and therapy is automatically adjusted.
US08078268B2 System and method of chemical imaging using pulsed laser excitation and time-gated detection to determine tissue margins during surgery
System and method for differentiating tissue margins in a biological sample using pulsed laser excitation and time-gated detection. A region containing a biological tissue is irradiated with substantially monochromatic pulsed laser light to thereby produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are detected using time-gated detection to thereby obtain a Raman spectroscopic image from the irradiated region characteristic of either a neoplastic portion or a non-neoplastic portion of the region containing the biological tissue. A boundary between a neoplastic portion and a non-neoplastic portion is differentiated and the boundary location in the Raman spectroscopic image is displayed.
US08078267B2 Imaging of macular pigment distributions
Macular pigments are measured by spectrally selective lipofuscin detection. Light from a light source that emits light at a selected range of wavelengths that overlap the absorption band of macular carotenoids is directed onto macular tissue of an eye for which macular pigment levels are to be measured. Emitted light is then collected from the macular tissue. The collected light is filtered so that the collected light includes lipofuscin emission from the macular tissue at an excitation wavelength that lies outside the macular pigment absorption range and outside the excitation range of interfering fluorophores. The collected light is quantified at each of a plurality of locations in the macular tissue and the macular pigment levels in the macular tissue are determined from the differing lipofuscin emission intensities in the macula and peripheral retina.
US08078258B2 Assessment of vascular compartment volume for PET modelling
A method is described for acquiring and analysing the data produced by Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which method provides for an accurate estimation of vascular compartment volume, VB. An MRI scan and the PET scan is performed simultaneously and the results of the former is used to derive a value for VB. The value so derived is then used in pharmacokinetic modelling along with the results of the functional scan.
US08078256B2 Integrated multi-rail imaging system
The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail. The third rail being mounted relative to the second rail and the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the third rail is substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. Alternatively, the needle injection assembly is mounted onto the first rail, such that the second rail is positioned therebetween the needle injection assembly and the scanhead assembly.
US08078248B2 Digital logic module of oximeter sensor probe
A digital logic module of oximeter sensor probe includes a detection probe, an operation circuit, and an integrated circuit. This digital logic module of oximeter sensor probe is provided with the light source driving function and the light source capturing function for reducing loading of the microprocessor, so that a cheaper microprocessor can be used in the oximeter sensor for reducing the development cost of the oximeter.
US08078247B2 Method and circuit for storing and providing historical physiological data
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor, comprising, a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a probe configured to contact a patient and provide an indication of whether the oximeter sensor is in contact with the patient based on an impedance measurement.
US08078242B2 Internal impedance converting superconducting acyclic power converter
An electromechanical power converter that has a rotor assembly with a conductive shell, a first conductor made from superconducting material that is in series electrical contact with the conductive shell and a second conductor made from superconducting material and in series electrical contact with said conductive shell, thus providing an internal impedance converting electromechanical power converter.
US08078238B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a main body, a display module, a first magnet, a second magnet and a third magnet. The display module rotatably positioned on the main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first magnet and the second magnet are positioned on one of the main body and the display module, and the third magnet is positioned on the other of the main body and the display module. The third magnet is an electromagnet. The third magnet can selectably face one of the first magnet and the second magnet by changing the polarity of the third magnet, thereby, the display module can rotate relative to the main body and can be fixed at a different position.
US08078232B2 Portable terminal device
A mobile phone of the present invention includes a first cabinet; a second cabinet that is slidable along an upper surface of the first cabinet; a first touch sensor that enables input by touching the upper surface; a projection that projects from the second cabinet toward the upper surface; a second touch sensor that detects a position of contact of the projection with the upper surface; and a CPU that controls input by the first touch sensor in accordance with output from the second touch sensor. The CPU enables input by the first touch sensor when the second cabinet is in a first position (OP position) where the second case exposes a detection area of the first touch sensor to the outside, and disables input by the first touch sensor when the second cabinet is out of the first position (OP position).
US08078231B2 Device, methods, and user interface for providing optimized entry of alphanumeric text
The present invention includes a device, method, and user interface for providing optimized entry of alphanumeric text. In one form, a method for providing selectable characters within a user interface includes determining an operating mode of a communication device and receiving an input associated with a selected input key. The method determines a group of characters associated with the selected key based on the operating mode and displays the group of characters within the user interface. The user interface may display a first character of the group of characters within a first portion of the user interface and the group of characters proximal to the first character within a second portion of the user interface.
US08078229B2 Portable communication terminal, function menu display method and program to be used in portable communication terminal
The present invention provides a portable communication terminal that allows users to use only basic functions without having to peruse an instruction manual.The basic module (21) of a memory device (2) includes a simple-mode basic module (211) that shows a GUI mode customized to be user friendly, and a custom-mode basic module (212) that shows a GUI mode for letting the user select only desired functions at the time of initial activation. If the “simple-mode” is selected through the basic module (21), the menu display screen of an output device (3) displays only the function menu of the simple-mode basic module (211). If the “custom-mode” is selected through the basic module (21), the menu display screen of the output device (3) displays the function menu of the custom-mode basic module (212) and functions selected through the custom-mode basic module (212).
US08078226B2 Multiple interface card in a mobile phone
A multiple interface smart card adaptor is described for mobile phones to take advantage of at least wireless and contactless communications.
US08078214B2 Wireless communication system with wireless base station and leaky transmission lines
A wireless communication system which includes a wireless base station; a plurality of leaky transmission lines that function as antennas of the wireless base station; and a selector for selecting each of the leaky transmission lines and thereby connecting the leaky transmission lines to the wireless base station, wherein only one leaky transmission line is selected and connected at any given time. The selector may select all of the leaky transmission lines cyclically, one at any given time. Alternatively, the selector may select one of the leaky transmission lines according to a control signal from a selection controller.
US08078213B2 Method of regulating the transmission power of a master station and a slave station for implementation of the method
A slave station and a method of regulating the transmission power a master station are described, which permit an estimate of the signal/interference ratio in a transmission system without sending a pilot sequence, the transmission power being regulated as a function of an estimate of the signal/interference ratio. In a transmission system, in particular a CDMA transmission system, useful signals assigned to different communicating subscribers are separated by orthogonal codes. A useful signal assigned to one communicating subscriber is derived by using one of the codes from a signal received at least in the slave station from the master station and is compared as a reference signal with the received signal to estimate the signal/interference ratio.
US08078206B2 Mobile phone and method for managing short messages of the mobile phone
A mobile phone and method for managing short messages of the mobile phone are provided. The method sets a schedule for managing the short messages stored in a storage device, reads a timestamp of a short message when the short message is received, and assigns a first weight value or a second weight value to the short message. The method further generates a message folder according to the timestamp, and classifies the short message into the message folder. In addition, the method checks whether the short message has the first weight value or the second weight value, and backups the short message to the storage device if the short message has the first weight value, or deletes the short message from the message folder if the short message has the second weight value.
US08078204B2 Unsuccessful call alert
A method for a mobile phone to provide an unsuccessful call alert, including monitoring an outgoing call from a caller to a callee to determine if the callee is available, if the callee is not available, then automatically activating a message editor, automatically displaying a pre-defined call alert message, including an identifier of the caller and contact information for the caller, enabling the caller to edit the pre-defined call alert message, and sending the call alert message to the callee. A system is also described and claimed.
US08078200B2 System and method for blocking the use of a service in a telecommunication system
A method and system for controlling the use of a short message service in a telecommunication system that includes a telecommunication network, a terminal device by which a subscriber is connected to the network, a mobile services switching center connected to the network, a gateway connected to the network, a short message service center connected to the gateway, and a database (DB) connected to or associated with the gateway. A short message sent by an originating subscriber is checked as to whether the short message is among those deemed non-allowed. Forwardable short messages are directed to the gateway, from which the database is queried to determine whether the originating subscriber is permitted the short message to the intended recipient or, alternatively, whether the message should been blocked based on predetermined criteria.
US08078198B2 Method, and associated apparatus, of integrating extraction of extra partial identity bits with quick paging techniques where multiple pages share a message field
Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating access terminal paging. A first non common portion of first and second identities are ordered. Once ordered, the non common portions are included in an access terminal paging message. The ordering of the non common portions are determinative of conveyance of a first additional identity bit.
US08078193B2 Method and system for determining radio spectrum availability and quality
A method is provided for analyzing radio spectrum solutions of a wireless communication service. The method may include obtaining address information of two end points of a wireless communication path of the wireless communication service and performing a check on the address information based on a database system configured to store valid address information and associated geographical information. The method may also include obtaining location related information including a distance between the two end points and determining rain zone information based on the address information and associated geographical information, retrieving radio equipment information on a plurality of radio equipment, and determining a plurality of available wireless communication solutions based on the location related information and the radio equipment information. Each solution may include at least one of a radio spectrum availability and a throughput. Further, the method may include presenting the plurality of wireless communication solutions.
US08078192B2 Supporting the use of a virtual reference station
For supporting the use of virtual reference stations, an apparatus may receive a request to provide virtual measurements on beacon signals that are valid for a virtual reference station, the request including an indication of a desired location of the virtual reference station. The apparatus may further determine an entity that is associated to an area including the desired location. The apparatus may further cause the request to be forwarded to the determined entity.
US08078186B2 Transmission rate control method and radio base station
A transmission rate control method according to the present invention includes: determining, at the radio base station NodeB, a maximum granted value that can be notified to the mobile station UE, in accordance with the happy bit notified from the mobile station UE; calculating, at the radio base station NodeB, as an allowable value to be notified to the mobile station UE, a granted value not more than the maximum granted value; notifying, from the radio base station NodeB to the mobile station UE, the granted value calculated at the radio base station NodeB, by using a transmission rate control channel; and transmitting, from the mobile station UE, the uplink user data, at a transmission rate corresponding to the granted value notified from the radio base station NodeB.
US08078172B2 Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for reserving a cellular resource
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for reserving a cellular resource. According to embodiments, a method for reserving a cellular resource is provided. According to the method, a change in location is determined for a preferred cellular device. Whether the preferred cellular device will be handed off from a first cell to a second cell is predicted based on the change in location for the preferred mobile cellular device. In response to predicting that the preferred cellular device will be handed off from the first cell to the second cell, a cellular resource in the second cell is reserved for the preferred cellular device.
US08078171B2 Handoff of a mobile station from a first to a second type of wireless network
Methods and apparatus for moving or transferring a mobile station from one type of wireless network to another type of wireless network are described herein. The methods may include employing a source radio access technology (RAT) device, a target RAT device, and a cross wireless network type inter-RAT server to collaboratively communicate with each other to move the mobile station between the different types of wireless networks.
US08078169B2 Methods and devices for set-up of a call in an intelligent network
Methods and devices for set-up of a call in an intelligent network (300) comprising a switching entity (SE-31,SE10,SSF) and a control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) are described. The call is subjected to a control by the control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) and the control entity (CE-31,CE10,SCP) is adapted to perform the steps of obtaining (S510) information indicating a status of a bearer for the call, determining (S520) a bearer establishment procedure for the call by analyzing the obtained information indicating the status of the bearer and at least one requirement related to the call, and sending (S530) an instruction to the switching entity (SE-31,SE10,SSF) to initiate an establishment of the bearer for the call according to the determined bearer establishment procedure.
US08078168B2 Scanning and decoding methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices
For each broadcast control channel of a plurality of broadcast control channels associated with a plurality of wireless networks, a mobile device decodes control information on the broadcast control channel and stores this control information in its memory. The control information includes a network identification which uniquely identifies a particular wireless communication network. Such decoding is performed in between or during repeated acts of measuring signal strength levels of an RF signal on the broadcast control channel, and prior to completion of an averaging function for calculating an averaged signal strength level of the signal strength levels on the broadcast control channel. Decoding may be performed only for those broadcast control channels identified to have the most optimal signal strengths. The mobile device performs a network selection technique for selecting one of the wireless networks based on the one or more stored network identifications that were decoded and stored prior to completion of the averaging functions, which may result in more expedient network selection.
US08078162B2 Airborne wireless communication systems, airborne communication methods, and communication methods
An airborne wireless communication system includes circuitry configured to access information describing a configuration of a terrestrial wireless communication base station that has become disabled. The terrestrial base station is configured to implement wireless communication between wireless devices located within a geographical area and a network when the terrestrial base station is not disabled. The circuitry is further configured, based on the information, to configure the airborne station to have the configuration of the terrestrial base station. An airborne communication method includes answering a 911 call from a terrestrial cellular wireless phone using an airborne wireless communication system.
US08078160B2 Wireless network notification, messaging and access device
A wireless device having capabilities to receive identification signals from other wireless devices identifies specific wireless devices by said transmitting devices maximum set identification field. Once the transmitting device is identified as having its maximum length identifier set the receiving device may further allow access or data transfer to an alternate network using the contents of the maximum length identifier and/or MAC address of the transmitting device. The wireless devices may conform to the widely popular IEEE 802.11x specifications.
US08078159B2 Apparatus and method of relay station (RS) for reporting mobile station (MS)-RS channel state in multihop relay broadband wireless access (BWA) communication system
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of a Relay Station (RS) in a multihop relay Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) communication system. The method includes an RS for receiving a signal level threshold of the MS from a Base Station (BS), measuring a signal level of the MS, and transmitting the MS signal level to the BS when the measured signal level is greater than the signal level threshold; and the BS for transmitting the MS signal level threshold to one or more RSs and receiving MS signal levels from the RSs.
US08078158B2 Provisioning applications for a mobile device
Methods and systems for provisioning an application for a mobile device are provided. A user may request an application. A request concerning the application is sent to a provisioning device. The request includes information concerning the mobile device and/or the user of the mobile device. The information is used to determine the requirements for operating the requested application on the mobile device. A hyperlink for downloading the requirements information is sent to the user of the mobile device via text messaging and/or email. The requirements information may be provided directly to the mobile device, to a personal computing device associated with the user of the mobile device, or a combination.
US08078157B2 Method and system for distributing and updating software in wireless devices
A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving an update package from a wireless service provider that includes information indicating that multiple language versions of an update are included in the update package. Based on the information, the method further specifies an update associated with a language from the update package, and transmits the update associated with the language to a wireless device.
US08078156B2 Transfer back
A communication system includes logic to detect a second communication device in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, logic to provide substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to the second communication device, and logic to transfer in a substantially uninterrupted fashion at least a portion of the call to the second communication device back to the first communication device upon indications that a user of the second communication device has shifted back to using the first communication device.
US08078147B2 Mobile terminal system, mobile terminal apparatus, and function locking method
A mobile terminal system is provided whereby, when a memory card or memory card with an IC function inserted in a mobile terminal apparatus is removed, a function of at least one of the apparatus itself and/or the memory card is locked easily by means of an intuitive operation by the user. This mobile terminal system (100) has a memory card (300) and a mobile terminal (200) in which the memory card (300) is inserted in a removable fashion. The mobile terminal (200) detects lengthy depression of a pressure section (202) pressed by the user by means of a long-depression detection section (204), and detects insertion of the memory card (300) inserted into a slot section (206) in a removable fashion by means of a card insertion/removal detection section (208). A locking execution section (218) locks or unlocks a function of at least one of the terminal (200) itself and/or the memory card (300). When the memory card (300) is removed from the slot section (206) during lengthy depression of the pressure section (202), the mobile terminal (200) locks or unlocks a function of at least one of the two using the locking execution section (218) via a terminal control section (220).
US08078144B2 Apparatus and method for applying ciphering in universal mobile telecommunications system
Apparatus and a method for ciphering messages in mobile telecommunications system user equipment are disclosed. The apparatus is arranged to receive ciphering configuration parameters in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer; forward ciphering configuration parameters to a Radio Link Control (RLC) or Medium Access Control (MAC) layer; and, in response to subsequent receipt of a message from the network, which message indicates that the user equipment device is to start ciphering, configuring the user equipment device to start ciphering using the ciphering configuration parameters in the RLC/MAC layer.
US08078133B2 Reduction of gain switching induced phase jumps in high dynamic range downcoversion mixers
A system and method for minimizing phase jumps in an output signal.
US08078117B2 Asset apparency method and apparatus
A method and apparatus making an asset apparent. The method and apparatus may be configured to obtain an asset apparency request to locate an asset, wherein the asset apparency request includes an identification code corresponding to the asset, to generate an asset apparency message, wherein the asset apparency message includes an identification code corresponding to the user, the identification code corresponding to the asset, and one or more instructions to trigger the asset to perform one or more functionalities to make the asset apparent, and to transmit, to a central processing facility wherein the asset apparency message is processed by the central processing facility by: determining a unique identifying value for the asset from the identification codes corresponding to the user and the asset, and transmitting the one or more instructions to trigger the asset to perform one or more functionalities to make the asset apparent.
US08078106B2 Wireless IC device and component for wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip, a power supply circuit board upon which the wireless IC chip is mounted, and in which a power supply circuit is provided, the power supply circuit includes a resonant circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency, and a radiation pattern, which is adhered to the underside of the power supply circuit board, for radiating a transmission signal supplied from the power supply circuit, and for receiving a reception signal to supply this to the power supply circuit. The resonant circuit is an LC resonant circuit including an inductance device and capacitance devices. The power supply circuit board is a multilayer rigid board or a single-layer rigid board, and between the wireless IC chip and the radiation pattern is connected by DC connection, magnetic coupling, or capacitive coupling.
US08078100B2 Physical layer repeater with discrete time filter for all-digital detection and delay generation
A discrete time bandpass filter element (103) having multiple stages (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) for use in a time division duplex radio protocol communications system including an automatic gain control. Discrete time bandpass filter is used to generate delay and can replace SAW filters in a wireless frequency translating repeater.
US08078087B2 Toner carrying device and image forming apparatus
A toner carrying device includes a flexible sheet, and a sheet moving mechanism for allowing the flexible sheet to move back and forth by pulling the flexible sheet. In the flexible sheet, a toner passage hole for leaving a first opening section of a toner carrying pipe to open is provided. In a case where the toner passage hole is divided into first through three areas in such a manner that (i) the first area is provided on a side of one end of the flexible sheet in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the flexible sheet; (ii) the second area is provided on a side of the other end of the flexible sheet in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction; and (iii) the third area is provided between the first area and the second area, the third area extends broader in the moving direction than respective of the first and second areas. This allows the flexible sheet partially having the toner passage hole in its area to move smoothly.
US08078083B2 Image forming apparatus in which developing unit is easily detachable to photosensitive member unit
An image forming device has a main casing, a first cartridge, and a second cartridge. The main casing has the image forming portion and an inner surface. The first cartridge is loadable to and unloadable from the image forming portion. The second cartridge detachably is attachable to the first cartridge. The first cartridge further has a receiving portion for receiving the second cartridge; and a first guide for guiding the second cartridge to the receiving portion. The main casing further has a second guide provided in the inner surface for guiding the second cartridge to the first cartridge loaded in the image forming portion. The second guide communicates with the first guide of the first cartridge loaded in the image forming portion.
US08078076B2 Image forming apparatus that controls width of correction pattern
An image forming apparatus generates a color image on a transfer belt by superimposing toner images of respective colors generated by image forming units, and transfers the color image onto a transfer medium. The image forming apparatus includes a correction pattern forming unit configured to form a correction pattern for correcting color misalignment on the transfer belt, a detection sensor configured to detect the correction pattern formed on the transfer belt by the correction pattern forming unit, and a correction control unit configured to control a width of the correction pattern in response to an output of the detection sensor produced by detecting the correction pattern.
US08078075B2 Image forming apparatus and method to clean stained portion of image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a case, a printing medium feeding unit disposed in the case to feed printing media, an image forming unit disposed in the case to form images on a printing medium fed from the printing medium feeding unit using developer and to include at least one portion being stained when the images are formed, and a control portion to control the image forming unit to form the images in a plurality of print modes. The control portion sends a cleaning command to clean the at least one stained portion when the amount of the developer used by the image forming unit reaches a reference amount of the developer or when the number of the printing media supplied by the printing medium feeding unit reaches a reference value of the number of the printing media.
US08078073B2 Temperature control of a fixing apparatus using an induction heating system
In a fixing apparatus of an embodiment of the invention, a heat roller forwardly and reversely rotated by a drive motor capable of forwardly and reversely rotating is heated by an induction heating coil also when it is reversely rotated. Further, the roller control temperature of the heat roller by a control system is adjusted according to a time of forward rotation of the heat roller and a time of reverse rotation, or a time when the heat roller and a press roller are separated from each other and a time when they are in contact with each other. Besides, after a specified time has passed since an instruction of reverse rotation or forward rotation by a drive signal, output of the induction heating coil is tuned on.
US08078071B2 Image forming apparatus and control method of the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has: a photosensitive drum onto which images are formed; and a primary transfer roller which sequentially forms the color images onto the photosensitive drum by using a plurality of developing devices having different color developers and transfers the color images formed on the drum onto a transfer member or a recording medium. Order of forming the images onto an image bearing member on a photosensitive member is switched based on a use amount of each of the plurality of developing devices.
US08078065B2 Polarization tracking and signal equalization for optical receivers configured for on-off keying or pulse amplitude modulation signaling
According to one embodiment, an optical receiver adapted to recover OOK or PAM data carried by a modulated optical carrier has an optical detector adapted to produce a sequence of vector pairs having first and second digital vectors indicative of complex values of first and second polarization components, respectively, of the modulated optical carrier at a corresponding sampling time. The optical receiver also has a digital processor that is connected to receive the sequence and is adapted to perform a rotation on each pair in a manner that tends to compensate for polarization rotation produced by transmitting the modulated optical carrier from an optical transmitter thereof to the optical receiver. The digital processor is further adapted to estimate values of the OOK or PAM data encoded onto each of the first and second polarization components based on the vectors produced by the rotation in a manner responsive to values of energy errors in the estimated values.
US08078060B2 Optical synchronization system for femtosecond X-ray sources
Femtosecond pump/probe experiments using short X-Ray and optical pulses require precise synchronization between 100 meter-10 km separated lasers in a various experiments. For stabilization in the hundred femtosecond range a CW laser is amplitude modulated at 1-10 GHz, the signal retroreflected from the far end, and the relative phase used to correct the transit time with various implementations. For the sub-10 fsec range the laser frequency itself is upshifted 55 MHz with an acousto-optical modulator, retroreflected, upshifted again and phase compared at the sending end to a 110 MHz reference. Initial experiments indicate less than 1 fsec timing jitter. To lock lasers in the sub-10 fs range two single-frequency lasers separated by several teraHertz will be lock to a master modelocked fiber laser, transmit the two frequencies over fiber, and lock two comb lines of a slave laser to these frequencies, thus synchronizing the two modelocked laser envelopes.
US08078054B2 Apparatus and method for improving the tolerance of tone-based optical channel monitoring to stimulated Raman scattering
For wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) communications, apparatus and methods are provided for performing tone-based optical channel monitoring that is less sensitive to stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). In tone-based optical channel monitoring, in which WDM channels are modulated with one or more tones, detecting and measuring the tone power is commonly used as a measure of signal power in each channel. In WDM systems with long fiber spans and high signal powers, however, SRS tends to transfer energy from shorter wavelengths to longer wavelengths, whereby the tones are no longer accurately indicative of the signal power of the individual wavelength channels. Apparatus and methods are provided which reduce the effect of SRS by filtering the monitored WDM signals into sub-bands and detecting each sub-band independently.
US08078052B2 Protocol-less all-optical 1+1 bidirectional revertive linear protection system
In an optical network a 1+1 bidirectional protection system is presented. Each node across a link has photodiodes to monitor the power of signals received by the node on receiving working and protection optical fibers and also optical switches connected to transmission working and protection optical fibers to modulate signals to its counterpart node across the link. When a node detects a fault in the receiving working optical fiber, not only does the node switch to the receiving protection optical fiber, but it also switches to the transmission protection optical fiber to signal the fault to the node across the link. The optical switches on transmission working and protection optical fibers allow the two nodes across the link to signal each other at a protocol-less or primary protocol level for the link to revert back to its initial state.
US08078042B2 Vibration-proof lens unit and image capturing apparatus
Goal: Providing a vibration-proof lens that can restrict an increase in thickness in the direction of the optical axis.Means: A vibration-proof lens unit comprising a lens holder that holds a vibration-proof lens; a support that supports the lens holder in a manner to be movable within a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of the vibration-proof lens; an engaging section that engages the lens holder with the support such that the lens holder can move (i) in a rotational direction around an axis line parallel to the optical axis of the vibration-proof lens and (ii) in a direction of a rotational radius orthogonal to the axis line; a rotational driving unit that moves the lens holder in the rotational direction; and a linear driving unit that moves the lens holder in the direction of the rotational radius.
US08078034B2 Method and apparatus for navigating through subtitles of an audio video data stream
In a method and an apparatus for navigating through subtitles of an Audio Video data stream an address information of one or more played back data units is stored together with the subtitle information of said played back data units during play back of said data units. One or more of said stored subtitle information can be displayed. Following the selection of one of said displayed subtitle information the stored address information of the data unit corresponding to the selected subtitle information is retrieved and the corresponding data unit is accessed using said retrieved address information. Playing back the accessed data unit conveniently allows to watch and listen to a scene including subtitles again, e.g. by a few clicks on the remote control.
US08078031B2 Video tape indexing system and method
A video tape indexing system in which program broadcast identification information is entered into the system for use in recording the program. When the program is recorded, the system stores indexing information in an index memory. The system monitors a broadcast channel for electronic program guide information that includes titles and usually channel, date, time and length for the titles. The system matches the channel, date, time and length information from the broadcast channel with the identification information entered for the program to be recorded. The title in the broadcast channel associated with the channel, date, time and length information is then associated with the indexing information for the program.
US08078026B2 Device for canceling the wavelength dependence of the nonlinearity coefficient of microstructured fibers
Since the magnitude of a nonlinear effect depends on the nonlinearity coefficient of the microstructured fiber and the intensity of pump light, either the nonlinearity coefficient or the intensity of pump light are adjusted. The nonlinearity coefficient is modified by introducing a nonlinear refractive index profile that has the inverse characteristic of the intensity distribution of either the pump or the signal light. The intensity of the pump light is adjusted by an optical amplifier, an optical attenuator, or a pre-emphasizing filter under the control of a control unit. The control unit controls the intensity of the pump light based on a look-up table which is prepared in advance by experiment or calculation, or based on a function of the pump and signal wavelength.
US08078023B2 System and method for permanently writing a diffraction grating in a low phonon energy glass medium
A system and method for permanently writing diffraction gratings in low phonon energy glass waveguides are shown. Ultrashort light pulses are generated and made to form two beams synchronously superimposed in the waveguide, therefore forming an interference pattern corresponding to the desired grating. The light pulses are focussed so that the light intensity in the waveguide exceeds a filamentation threshold. The exposure of the waveguide to these light pulses is controlled temporally and spatially in order to limit detrimental thermal effects induced by the high-intensity pulses in the glass medium of the waveguide.
US08078022B2 Optical cable module and apparatus using the same
An optical cable module is mainly provided with: an optical waveguide (10), a light-receiving element (11) and a supporting substrate (14) at its end portion of the light releasing side. The end portion of the optical waveguide (10) is fixed in its relative positional relationship with the light-receiving element (11). The end face of the optical waveguide (10) is not made perpendicular to the light axis (X-axis), and is diagonally cut so as to form an optical path conversion mirror (10D). Assuming that a light ray (indicated by a solid line in the Figure) that passes through the center of the light-axis cross section of a core (10A), and is reflected by the optical path conversion mirror (10D), and then reaches a light-receiving face at a light axis reflection position, the center of the light-receiving element (11) is placed with a gap from the light axis reflection position, in the optical cable module (1).
US08078015B2 Optical modulator
In an optical modulator, lights that have been branched by an input optical branching section are input via curved waveguides to a plurality of optical modulation sections arranged in parallel on the same substrate. In the optical modulation sections, optical branching sections of an MZ type optical waveguide are arranged shifted to an output side in the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the substrate, corresponding to an arrangement of input ends of signal electrodes. As a result, even if the input ends of the signal electrodes of the respective optical modulation sections are arranged side by side with a predetermined spacing on one side face of the substrate, input light can be applied to the respective optical modulation sections at low loss, without incurring an increase in the drive voltage.
US08078011B2 Image processing circuit and multi-function apparatus
An image processing circuit for processing a two-dimensional image includes: a rearrangement unit rearranging pixels included in an input two-dimensional image; a main memory storing the rearranged two-dimensional image; and an image processor processing the two-dimensional image stored in the main memory. Here, the rearrangement unit rearranges the pixels so that when the two-dimensional image is divided into a plurality of blocks, the pixels included in the same block should be stored in an area specified by the same row address in the main memory.
US08078005B2 Method for controlling the combining of original image data and coded image data
An information processing device is provided that combines original image data and coded image data in a mutually non-overlapping manner. The information processing device generates coded image data to be combined with original image data. Next, the information process device determines whether or not the object region within the original image data and the generated coded image data region are overlapping. If it is determined that an overlap occurs, the information processing device modifies the shape of the coded image data region in accordance with instructions from a user. Next, the information processing device combines and prints the changed coded image data and the original image data.
US08077981B2 Providing virtual inserts using image tracking with camera and position sensors
Camera registration and/or sensor data is updated during a live event by determining a difference between an estimated position of an object in an image and an actual position of the object in the image. The estimated position of the object in the image can be based on an estimated position of the object in the live event, e.g., based on GPS or other location data. This position is transformed to the image space using current camera registration and/or sensor data. The actual position of the object in the image can be determined by template matching which accounts for an orientation of the object, a shape of the object, an estimated size of the representation of the object in the image, and the estimated position of the object in the image. The updated camera registration/sensor data can be used in detecting an object in a subsequent image.
US08077980B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus enables image data to be handled easily after photography. A server apparatus patterns images and controls information in correspondence with user identifiers. A digital camera photographs a subject, obtains a pattern image and a piece of control information from the server apparatus, and judges whether a portion of the image data obtained by photography matches the obtained pattern image. If a matching portion exists, then the digital camera operates in accordance with an operation instruction included in the piece of control information. If the operation instruction is mosaic processing, then the digital camera performs mosaic processing to the matching portion. If the operation instruction is image replacement, then the digital camera replaces the matching portion with a predetermined image or performs CG processing on the matching portion. If the operation instruction is frame deletion, then the digital camera deletes the image data.
US08077969B2 Contour finding in segmentation of video sequences
A method of image processing includes: receiving at least one video frame of a video sequence, the at least one video frame including at least one foreground subject and a background; and processing the at least one video frame so as to separate the at least one foreground subject from the background. The processing includes: generating a pixel mask containing information indicating, for each pixel of the at least one video frame, whether the pixel belongs to the foreground subject or to the background, and determining contours of the at least one foreground subject on the pixel mask. The determining of the contours includes for each pixel in the at least one video frame; based on the information included in the pixel mask, determining whether at least one pixel border belongs to a contour of the at least one foreground subject, the at least one pixel border separating the pixel from a respective at least one adjacent pixel.
US08077964B2 Two dimensional/three dimensional digital information acquisition and display device
A two dimensional/three dimensional (2D/3D) digital acquisition and display device for enabling users to capture 3D information using a single device. In an embodiment, the device has a single movable lens with a sensor. In another embodiment, the device has a single lens with a beam splitter and multiple sensors. In another embodiment, the device has multiple lenses and multiple sensors. In yet another embodiment, the device is a standard digital camera with additional 3D software. In some embodiments, 3D information is generated from 2D information using a depth map generated from the 2D information. In some embodiments, 3D information is acquired directly using the hardware configuration of the camera. The 3D information is then able to be displayed on the device, sent to another device to be displayed or printed.
US08077961B2 Bank note processing machine and method for identifying forged bank notes
The invention relates to a bank note processing machine and a method for recognizing forged bank notes.With the bank note processing machine according to the invention and the method for recognizing forged bank notes according to the invention the starting point is that the bank notes to be checked are compared with comparative data that are derived from authentic bank notes and known forgeries, additional comparative data of new types of forgeries being used and the bank notes to be checked being compared with both the comparative data and the additional comparative data for new types of forgeries, so as to determine whether a forged bank note is present.
US08077959B2 Stain-based optimized compression of digital pathology slides
A novel and useful method and system of optimized image compression of digital pathology slide images. The optimized image compression mechanism exploits the special color properties of the stained tissue represented by the digital pathology slides and provides an image compression algorithm having improved rate-distortion performance. Optimized color transforms are pre-computed using training sets of pathology slide image scan data for each stain type. The optimized color transforms are used to compress input slide image scans resulting in more efficient image streaming enabling users to review extremely large digital slide scans from any connected location, such as in a hospital, satellite center, home or on a mobile telephone.
US08077952B2 Precomputed automatic pixel shift for review of digital subtracted angiography
Disclosed are method and apparatus for motion correction of Digital Subtracted Angiography (DSA) images. Prior to display of DSA image frames, a pixel shift vector is calculated for each fill frame. For a fill frame in which a pixel shift vector cannot be directly calculated, an approximate pixel shift vector is interpolated between, or extrapolated from, other pixel shift vectors. A mask frame is shifted by a pixel shift vector. The resulting shifted mask frame is subtracted from the corresponding fill frame to generate a motion-corrected subtracted frame, which is then displayed on a video display. Motion correction is performed prior to diagnostic review.
US08077948B2 Method for editing 3D image segmentation maps
A digital image editing method includes receiving a three-dimensional volume image of an anatomical object of interest, wherein the volume image is characterized by first and second mutually exclusive segmentation classes. The method also includes deriving a two-dimensional slice image from the volume image, selecting a single point on the slice image within the second segmentation class, and defining a plane in response to the selection of the single point, the plane dividing the second segmentation class into a target portion corresponding to the object and a remainder portion.
US08077941B2 Method and imaging processing unit and medical imaging device for producing a contrast enhanced image data record of an examination region of a patient
In order to produce a contrast enhanced image data record of an examination region of a patient, a method is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes loading a first image data record of the examination region in the case of which healthy tissue is displayed with a lower intensity than blood and diseased tissue, and a second image data record of the examination region in the case of which blood is displayed with a lower intensity than healthy and diseased tissue. In at least one embodiment, the contrast enhanced image data record is produced by processing the first image data record and the second one, the processing including at least one arithmetic operation, and is thereupon displayed and/or stored. In further embodiments are provided a computer readable medium including a program that implements at least one embodiment of such a method on an arithmetic logic unit, an imaging processing unit that is designed for carrying out a method according to at least one embodiment, and a medical imaging device, in particular an MR device, having an image processing unit that is designed to carry out a method according to at least one embodiment of the invention.
US08077935B2 Methods and apparatus for acquiring a swiped fingerprint image
A method for assisting a user of a fingerprint sensing system includes sensing a position of a user's finger relative to a swiped fingerprint image sensor, and providing to the user, in response to the sensed finger position, an indication of finger placement relative to the fingerprint image sensor. The indication of finger placement may include a display on a computer monitor of actual finger placement and desired finger placement. The fingerprint sensing system may include an image sensor to sense a fingerprint on a swiped finger, a finger position sensor to sense the position of the finger relative to the image sensor, and processing apparatus to provide the indication of finger placement to the user.
US08077934B2 Low power fingerprint capture system, apparatus, and method
The present invention provides a large format fingerprint capture apparatus, system and method that is low power, compact, and lightweight and has a platen area greater than 3.0 square inches. The present system is typically powered, controlled, and exchanges data over a single data/control/power connection to a host PC, e.g., a desk top computer, PDA, or laptop computer although the system can also be used in a wireless fashion with a power subsystem so no physical connections are required. In a preferred embodiment the large format fingerprint device is directly connected to a completely disconnected portable PC, such as a laptop having only a battery power source. The primary system components of the present invention combine to minimize power, size and weight and, thus, enhance portability and battery life. The system typically includes a light source, a prism, a camera (including the lens), and a case. Optional elements comprise holographic elements such as gratings and holographic optical elements (HOEs), a battery subsystem, magnetic stripe reader, barcode reader, platen heater, platen blower, and mirrors to divert the image beam.
US08077933B1 Matching prints with feature collections
In one embodiment, biometric authentication, using fingerprints, handprints, retinal scans and voice recognition, may be used as a means of granting access to an individual, for example, to use a device or gain entry to a building, car, computer, airport, website, a bank account, execute a financial transaction, access a military installation, read or obtain confidential information, execute a legal agreement, authenticate a decision, or another entity. In another embodiment, biometric authentication can be used as an alternative to the use of a key or combination or as an additional form of authentication. Access may be in any of a number of forms. In one embodiment a collection of pairs of features from one biometric print is compared to another collection of pairs from another biometric print to determine whether biometric authentication is successful.
US08077932B2 Face recognition apparatus, face recognition method, gabor filter application apparatus, and computer program
In a face recognition apparatus adapted to recognize an input face image on the basis of one or more registered face images, similarity between an input face image and a registered face image is determined based on a Gabor jet calculated by performing Gabor filtering using Gabor filters defined by a Gaussian function representing a window and sine and cosine functions representing a frequency response for each of predetermined frequency values and for each of predetermined angles of the response function. Values of the filter window are calculated in advance based on the Gaussian function and stored in a filter window data ROM. Values of the response function are calculated in advance for respective angles based on the sine and cosine functions and stored in sine data ROMs and cosine data ROMs. In the Gabor filtering process, coefficients of the Gabor filters are determined from values read from these ROMs.
US08077928B2 Image mapping to provide visual geographic path
Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters.
US08077927B1 Updating a database with determined change identifiers
In various embodiments, old flood maps may be compared to new flood maps to determine which areas of the flood map have changed. These changed areas may be correlated against geographic area descriptions that are within changed areas of the flood map. The changed areas may also be analyzed to determine whether each area has had a change in status (e.g., from a high risk flood zone to a non-high risk flood zone or vice versa) or a change in zone within a status (e.g., from one flood zone to another flood zone). The information on type of change (or no change) may be used to populate a database that includes geographic area description identifiers. In some embodiments, detection of certain types of changes may initiate a manual comparison of the old and new flood maps to verify the change.
US08077926B2 Method of motion detection using adaptive threshold
A method of motion detection using an adaptive threshold, adaptive for determining whether a plurality of target pixels in a current scan line are moving pixels or not, is provided. First, a first threshold is given for determining whether the target pixels in the current scan line are moving pixels. Then, a number of moving pixels in a previous scan line of the current scan line is calculated and determined whether larger than a second threshold. If the number of moving pixels is larger than the second threshold, the first threshold is adjusted by a decrement, and then whether the target pixels in the current scan line are moving pixels is determined by using the adjusted first threshold.
US08077924B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An edge map generator/edge weighting coefficient generator performs edge detection for respective blocks that compose a moving image frame Ft, and calculates correlations between the edges of the respective blocks and those of neighboring blocks as edge weighting coefficients. A predictive vector candidate determination unit calculates a plurality of motion vector candidates for each block based on this edge weighting coefficient. Of these candidates, a motion vector detector obtains a candidate with a small evaluation value based on prediction errors and motion vector cost as a motion vector, thereby generating an interpolation frame Ft−0.5.
US08077923B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a first processing part selecting motion detection points for detecting a motion between images, and acquiring first motion vectors that are local motion vectors at the motion detection points, a second processing part acquiring first representative motions that are representative motions of translation, scaling and rotation based on the first motion vectors, a third processing part eliminating components of the first representative motions from the first motion vectors and acquiring second motion vectors, a fourth processing part acquiring local foreshortening motions at the motion detection points from the second motion vectors, and a fifth processing part acquiring a second representative motion that is a representative foreshortening motion from the local foreshortening motions. This process can obtain information representing geometric deformation between the images by simple processing.
US08077917B2 Systems and methods for enhancing images in a video recording of a sports event
A video signal representing rapid ball movement is produced from a series of source images. An initial image position for the moving ball is identified by, for each image, producing a difference image between sequential images. In the difference image, image elements representing a contents alteration below a threshold are allocated a first value, and those representing a contents alteration above or equal to the threshold are allocated a second value. A set of candidates is then identified, where each candidate is represented by a group of neighboring image elements that all contain the second value. The group must fulfill a ball size criterion. A ball selection algorithm selects an initial image position from the set of ball candidates. The ball is tracked, and a composite image sequence is generated wherein a synthetic trace representing the path of the moving ball is shown as successively added image data.
US08077915B2 Obtaining information by tracking a user
A device may obtain tracking information of a face or a head of a user, determine a position and orientation of the user, and determine a direction of focus of the user based on the tracking information, the position, and the orientation. In addition, the device may retrieve information associated with a location at which the user focused.
US08077914B1 Optical tracking apparatus using six degrees of freedom
This invention discloses an optical object tracking method and system with to up to six degrees of freedom: three translational and three angular coordinates. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes two near-infra-red light sources (e.g., light emitting diode), two cameras, and a digital signal processor. The system performs to tasks: object locking and tracking. For object locking and tracking, a single camera and two off-axis light sources are engaged. For more precise object tracking, two spatially-separate cameras and a single diode are used. In another embodiment, a third camera may be used to separate the locking and tracking tasks. The light sources may have different light wavelengths and may operate in a sequential mode. The cameras may be sensitive over different spectral ranges and may also differ in terms of field-of-view and resolution. The invention describes a method based on capturing images of light reflections at the camera focal plane and analyzing them, through mathematical mapping, for known locations of light sources and cameras. Invention can be adopted for the tracking of an eyeball. The related method determines an object location and orientation or a gaze vector and a point-of-regard.
US08077907B2 System and method for the generation of correlation-based digital watermarks
Disclosed are systems and methods directed to digital watermarks, and more particularly, the generation of invisible correlation-based digital watermarks embedded in halftone images.
US08077904B2 Apparatuses, computer program products, and methods for authenticating digital signals
Apparatuses, computer program products, and methods for authenticating digital signals are provided in which copies of a watermark are extracted from a digital signal with at least some of the copies potentially having distorted values. The original values of the watermark may be reconstructed exclusively based on the extracted copies of the watermark. The method includes estimating one or more bit error rates without training or reference information. The bit error rates are modeled as being equivalent to transmitting the copies through binary symmetric channels. The estimated bit error rates and the distorted values are combined to reconstruct the original values of the watermark. The reconstructed watermark may be compared to an original watermark for authenticating the received digital signal. Also, the estimated bit error rates may be compared to a random sequence of bits for verifying the presence of the watermark without knowing the original values of the watermark.
US08077900B2 Microphone and method for fabricating the same
A microphone includes: a substrate including a tone hole and having a top surface on which a substrate electrode is provided; a converter provided on the top surface of the substrate and including a main body having a back space, a diaphragm provided at the bottom of the back space of the main body, and a converter electrode provided on a region of a bottom surface of the main body facing the substrate electrode; and a bump connecting the substrate electrode and the converter electrode to each other. The diaphragm vibrates in response to sound entering from the tone hole. The converter converts sound into a signal.
US08077898B2 Dual-frequency coaxial earphones
A dual-frequency coaxial earphone includes a frame, a shared yoke, a high frequency speaker part, and a low frequency speaker part. The high frequency speaker part and the low frequency speaker part are coaxially arranged at inside and outside of the shared yoke, and are coaxial with a central opening of the frame. Further, a permanent magnet of the higher frequency speaker part is contrary, in polarity, to an annular magnet of the low frequency speaker part. Therefore, acoustic frequency of the low frequency speaker part can be phase-countered by passing thereof through an acoustic annular recess, so that the acoustic frequency of the low frequency speaker part has the same phase as the acoustic frequency of the high frequency speaker part and both then are output synchronally. The high frequency speaker part and the low frequency speaker part can then be separated, in acoustic frequency, from each other. This will effectively solve the problem of intermodulation of distortion for the high and low acoustic frequencies, and reduce the size of the earphone to more compact.
US08077897B2 Phasing plug
A phasing plug for a compression driver includes a base portion and a hub portion. The base portion includes a first side, a second side, and a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second sides. The hub portion extends from the base portion along an axis. A plurality of channels formed on the second side of the base portion, each channel extending from the hub portion to a corresponding one of a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second sides, the apertures formed to define lines cutting diagonally across the annular section.
US08077886B2 Digital microphone
A digital microphone comprises a ΔΣ modulator. The ΔΣ modulator has a resonator including a membrane which vibrates by receiving a sound wave and a wiring pattern disposed opposite to the membrane, an oscillator, including the resonator, for outputting an FM signal according to the vibration of the membrane, and a one-bit quantizer for outputting a one-bit quantized signal by sampling the FM signal with a high-frequency clock.
US08077884B2 Actuation of floor systems using mechanical and electro-active polymer transducers
Transducers and resonators are embedded in body support structures in contact with a user to for the purpose of conveying musical sound energy to a user's body at selected frequencies and in selected patterns. Body support structures comprise beds, pillows, chairs, and other structures typically used to support people. The sound may be audio tones and/or music. The transducers and resonators may be incorporated into a foam component or in a coil spring component of the body support structure. Latex-type foams and beds made with springs are candidate body support structures for receiving transducer's and resonators. Electro-active polymers are also used as transducers. Floor systems are activated by both mechanical transducers and electro-active polymers.
US08077883B2 Intelligent solo-mute switching
An intelligent solo-mute switching system for an audio signal processing device having a plurality of channels. A plurality of multi-throw momentary switches are monitored by a switch interface to detect at least three switch events. A channel state controller responds to the at least three switch events detected by the switch interface in directing a channel gain matrix to govern the plurality of channels.
US08077881B2 Sound device
A sound device is provided with an input terminal for electronic signal input; a low pass filter adapted to filter electronic signals input to the input terminal and to output low frequency range electronic signals, a switch arrangement adapted to switch between full range mode and sub woofer mode, a power amplifier adapted to amplify (1) electronic signals input from the input terminal when the switch arrangement selects full range mode, and (2) electronic signals output from the low pass filter when the switch arrangement selects sub woofer mode, and a speaker adapted to be operated by electronic signals amplified by the power amplifier.
US08077874B2 Active noise reduction microphone placing
A method and apparatus for increasing phase margin in a feedback circuit of an active noise reduction headphone. The method includes providing an acoustic block comprising an acoustic driver comprising a voice coil mechanically coupled along an attachment line to an acoustic energy radiating diaphragm, the acoustic block further comprising a microphone positioned along a line parallel to an intended direction of vibration of the acoustic diaphragm and intersecting the attachment line, the acoustic block characterized by a magnitude frequency response compensating the magnitude frequency response by a compensation pattern that has a positive slope over at least one spectral range above 10 kHz.
US08077867B2 Confidential information processing apparatus, confidential information processing device, and confidential information processing method
The present invention relates to a confidential information processing device, a confidential information processing apparatus, and a confidential information processing method, and particularly to a confidential information processing device which performs multiple cryptographic computation for different target data included in a data stream. With this configuration, the context control unit outputs the stream on which the cryptographic computation is performed to an external device or other stream analysis unit. Thus, by setting the number of cryptographic computation on a correspondence table, the number of computation can be set to any number. Thus, the confidential information processing device according to the present invention can perform any number of cryptographic computations on one stream. Furthermore, without outputting the stream whenever a cryptographic computation is completed, multiple cryptographic computations can be performed with one stream input. In addition, by setting the number of cryptographic computation on the correspondence table, the number of computation can be easily changed.
US08077864B2 Apparatus for computing streamcipher TSC-4
Provided is an apparatus for computing a T-function based Stream Cipher (TSC)-4 stream cipher. The apparatus includes: two T-function units; and a nonlinear filter for receiving bits output from the two T-function units and generating an 8-bit output sequence per clock. Each of the T-function units includes: a first register for storing an internal state value of the lower N bits; an N-bit internal state updater for updating the internal state value of the lower N-bits stored in the first register; an intermediate result register for storing an intermediate result value output from the N-bit internal state updater; a second register for storing an internal state value of the upper M bits; and an M-bit internal state updater for updating the internal state value of the upper M bits stored in the second register using the value stored in the intermediate result register.
US08077860B2 Accessory structure for portable electronic devices
An accessory structure for portable electronic device includes a primary member and a resisting member. The primary member includes a seat and a supporting plate. The seat defines a recessed portion. The supporting plate includes a flexible portion allowing the seat to be bent relative to the supporting plate. The resisting member is received in the recessed portion. The resisting member is rotatably attached to the recessed portion.
US08077846B2 Combination universal telephone and remote control device
A universal combination cordless phone/remote control device for simultaneously answering incoming phone calls, messages, texts, etc., while operating a television and peripheral equipment includes a remote control side for controlling and operating the television and peripheral equipment and a cordless phone side for controlling various standard telephonic operations with both the remote control side and the cordless phone side including electrical charging contacts that engage charging contacts located on the upper surface of a portable lightweight charging cradle when the control device is placed upon the charging cradle for electrical charging.
US08077840B2 Web integrated interactive voice response
One embodiment of a representative system for web integrated interactive voice response includes an interactive voice response system adapted to provide a plurality of voice menus to a user over a telephone and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the user over a network connection. Information provided in the voice menus corresponds to information provided in the menus in the graphical format and is responsive to commands received by the graphical user interface system from the user. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08077839B2 Handheld device for dialing of phone numbers extracted from a voicemail
A method for processing a telephone number embedded in a voicemail received by a user of the handheld device comprising a processor and a memory is provided. The method includes playing back the voicemail. The method further includes in response to receiving a first marker set by the user to indicate a start of a telephone number, initiating storage of an audio sample corresponding to the telephone number in the memory. The method further includes terminating storage of the audio sample corresponding to the telephone number in the memory either automatically or in response to receiving a second marker set by the user to indicate an end of the telephone number. The method further includes using the processor, processing the stored audio sample to extract digits corresponding to the telephone number and communicating the extracted digits to an application executing on the processor.
US08077834B2 Telephone and method for routing a telephone call in a telecommunications network
A telephone and a method for routing a telephone call using the telephone is provided. The telephone includes a microprocessor and a transceiver coupled to the microprocessor. The telephone further includes a voice recognition unit coupled to the microprocessor. The unit is further configured to determine when the user is speaking proximate the unit and to generate a match signal when the user is speaking. The microprocessor is configured to generate a command signal to induce the transceiver to transmit a voice mailbox routing signal to a telephone switching center upon receipt of the match signal from the unit.
US08077831B2 Method for handling emergency service in network communication
The present invention discloses a method for handling an emergency service in a network communication, including: sending, by an emergency service initiating side, an emergency service identifier together with the emergency service to a network side; and allocating, by the network side, resource to a received service firstly when determining that the received service is an emergency service in accordance with the emergency service identifier. With the present invention, a corresponding emergency service may be identified effectively in a network provided with an independent bearer-control-layer entity, and a resource may be allocated to the emergency service in accordance with a special resource allocation policy. Therefore, it is possible to guarantee the connectivity and the resource for the emergency service as requested in the network, and hence to reduce an unexpected and unnecessary loss.
US08077830B2 Beam filter positioning device
A system includes a beam filter positioning device including a plate configured to support one or more beam filters, and one or more axes operable to move the plate relative to a beam line. A control mechanism is coupled to the one or more axes for controlling the movement of the axes and configured to automatically adjust the position of at least one of the one or more beam filters relative to the beam line.
US08077827B2 Method for thickness calibration and measuring thickness of material
A method for measuring the thickness of a first absorbing material in the presence of a second absorbing material is provided. The method comprises the steps as follow. The thickness (tS) of the first absorbing material is fixed and the thickness of the second absorbing material is varied to obtain a calibration standard. The intensity of the transmissive energy passing through the calibration standard is detected by acquiring multiple pairs of image data comprising a foreground value (logn(Ic+s)) and a background value (logn(Ic)). The thickness (tSi) of the first absorbing material is changed and the above steps are repeated to obtain sets of image data. A fitting constant Id is determined to describe each set of the intensity data as μ s α ⁢ t S = log n ⁡ ( I c + I d ) - log n ⁡ ( I c + s + I d ) . A best fit of the proportional constant μ s α is determined to further calculate an unknown thickness of the first absorbing material (ts′) through the equation t s ′ = α μ s ⁡ [ ln ⁡ ( I c ′ + I d ) - ln ⁡ ( I c + s ′ + I d ) ] .
US08077804B2 Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus and transmitting/receiving system for digital data
A transmitting apparatus for transmitting digital data includes storage unit for storing a digital data delay due to digital processing inside the transmitting apparatus; and delay information transmitting unit for transmitting delay information indicating the delay stored in the storage unit.
US08077803B2 Quarter duty cycle pulse generator for interleaved switching mixer
An integrated transmit circuit includes a voltage controlled oscillator (702) for generating an input frequency signal (e.g., VCO) that is provided to a divide by two quadrature generator circuit (706) which generates therefrom in-phase and quadrature clocking signals (I, IB, Q, QB) that are applied to control a plurality of transmission gates (711-718) configured in a matched switching topology (710) so as to selectively pass pulses from the input frequency signal, thereby generating interleaved LO pulses (Ø1, Ø1B, . . . Ø4, Ø4B). By applying the interleaved LO pulses to control the transmission gates (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40) in the upmixer (720), the +I, −I, +Q, −Q input signals are interleaved over a plurality of phases of a carrier period to produce differential outputs (42, 44).
US08077801B2 Pilot structure with multiplexed unicast and SFN transmissions
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate multiplexing unicast reference symbols and multicast transmissions in the same transmission time interval. In particular, mechanisms are provided that enable multiplexing unicast reference symbols to single frequency network transmissions that utilize a longer cyclic prefix duration. Unicast reference symbols are sent in a first symbol of a slot containing both unicast and single frequency network transmissions. The frequency utilized for the unicast reference symbols is staggered between the first symbol and a subsequent symbol in a sub-frame.
US08077797B2 Method, system, and apparatus for balanced frequency up-conversion of a baseband signal
A balanced transmitter up-converts a baseband signal directly from baseband-to-RF. The up-conversion process is sufficiently linear that no IF processing is required, even in communications applications that have stringent requirements on spectral growth. In operation, the balanced modulator sub-harmonically samples the baseband signal in a balanced and differential manner, resulting in harmonically rich signal. The harmonically rich signal contains multiple harmonic images that repeat at multiples of the sampling frequency, where each harmonic contains the necessary information to reconstruct the baseband signal. The differential sampling is performed according to a first and second control signals that are phase shifted with respect to each other. In embodiments of the invention, the control signals have pulse widths (or apertures) that operate to improve energy transfer to a desired harmonic in the harmonically rich signal. A bandpass filter can then be utilized to select the desired harmonic of interest from the harmonically rich signal. The sampling modules that perform the sampling can be configured in either a series or a shunt configuration. In embodiments of the invention, DC offset voltages are minimized between the sampling modules to minimize or prevent carrier insertion into the harmonic images.
US08077792B2 Method and apparatus for allocating transmission power in communication system with multiple antennas
In a method for allocating transmission power in a communication system including multiple antennas, a plurality of subcarriers are grouped by a plurality of groups, and each group includes at least one subcarrier. A transmission power weight and an antenna transmission vector are calculated for each group by using channel information, a transmission power for each group of each antenna is calculated by using the transmission power weight and the antenna transmission vector for each group, and transmission signals are transmitted through the multiple antennas after determining which signals need to be transmitted from the multiple antennas by using the transmission power.
US08077786B2 Methods and systems for detecting a narrow-band interferer
Various embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be used to compute a minimum variance unbiased estimator by receiving a first OFDM signal at a pilot tone, receiving a second OFDM signal sent in the same frequency band and determining a differential phase metric between the first OFDM signal and the second OFDM signal. In some embodiments, the differential phase metric may be used to diversity combine synchronization statistics. In various embodiments, the differential phase metric may be used to detect a narrow-band interference.
US08077785B1 Generalized co-phasing for multiple transmitting and receiving antennas
A method for determining a phase of each of a plurality of transmitting antennas in a multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) communication system includes: calculating, for first and second ones of the plurality of transmitting antennas, a value based on first and second groups of channel gains, the first group including channel gains between the first transmitting antenna and each of a plurality of receiving antennas, the second group including channel gains between the second transmitting antenna and each of the plurality of receiving antennas; and determining the phase of each of the plurality of transmitting antennas based on at least the value.
US08077772B2 Coding background blocks in video coding that includes coding as skipped
A method, an apparatus, and a method to encode a block in a picture of a time sequence of pictures such as video. The method includes selecting the mode for coding the block, one of the modes being to code the block as skipped. The method further includes limiting the number of consecutive times a particular block is coded as skipped without re-setting the quantization level to a relatively fine level of quantization and re-selecting the mode.
US08077764B2 16-state adaptive noise predictive maximum-likelihood detection system
A 16-State adaptive NPML detector is provided for a tape drive which addresses weaknesses of a conventional fixed, 8-state EPR4 detector. Rather than having a fixed target channel, the detector is programmable to allow a range of target channels and can support “classical” partial response channels such as PR4 or EPR4 by programming predictor or whitening filter coefficients. In one embodiment, two filter coefficients may be set via XREG inputs or dynamically determined through the use of an LMS algorithm allowing the detector to adapt the predictor coefficients as data is being read. Another embodiment provides a detector for an EPR4 target in which the whitening filter has one coefficient. Components of the detection system include the detector itself, an LMS engine, a coefficient engine and a noise predictive or whitening filter. Coefficients from the LMS engine may be loaded or stored dynamically based upon conditions in the tape drive.
US08077755B2 Multi-mode coexistence method for a multi-mode communication device
The present invention discloses a multi-mode coexistence method of a multi-mode communication device comprising steps of: setting priorities of frequency usage for all modes supported by the multi-mode communication device; determining a channel where a signal of a lower priority mode are interfered with by that of a higher priority mode; performing frequency hopping to outside said determined channel by the lower priority mode. The invention allows signals of various modes to coexist in the multi-mode communication device without modifying the existing RF reception system, and thus reduces the system cost and implementation complexity.
US08077749B2 Pulsed laser source with adjustable grating compressor
Various embodiments described herein relate to a laser source for producing a pulsed laser beam comprising a plurality of ultrashort optical pulses having a variable repetition rate. In one embodiment, the laser source comprises a fiber oscillator, which outputs optical pulses and a pulse stretcher disposed to receive the optical pulses. The optical pulses have an optical pulse width. The pulse stretcher has dispersion that increases the optical pulse width yielding stretched optical pulses. The laser source further comprises a fiber amplifier disposed to receive the stretched optical pulses. The fiber optical amplifier has gain so as to amplify the stretched optical pulses. The laser source includes an automatically adjustable grating compressor having dispersion that reduces the optical pulse width. The grating compressor automatically adjusts this dispersion for different repetition rates.
US08077748B1 Hybrid waveguide laser with a fiber gain medium
A laser includes a gain stage and a pump stage. The gain stage includes a fiber link that terminates at a pair of ends and includes a doped fiber. The pump stage includes a glass volume, the glass volume having a pair of fiber interface ports at which the pair of ends of the fiber link are disposed, respectively, for attachment of the gain stage and the pump stage in a ring laser assembly. The pump stage includes a plurality of intrinsic waveguides defined in the glass volume and disposed along in-bulk propagation paths within the glass volume for light travel through the ring laser assembly.
US08077743B2 Method and apparatus for offset interleaving of vocoder frames
The disclosed embodiments provide methods and apparatus for offset interleaving of media frames for transmission over a communication network. In one aspect, a method for interleaving a stream of media frames for transmission over a communication network includes the acts of defining a plurality of packets and interleaving a stream of media frames among the packets.
US08077742B1 Data transmission using address encoding
An apparatus includes an input circuit to receive a frame of data. The frame of data includes an address field. The address field includes an address. An encoder encodes a portion of the address into an encoded address. The encoded address includes at least two fewer bits relative to the portion of the address prior to being encoded. An address circuit replaces the address in the address field with the encoded address and at least two data bits. At least two data bits are provided based on the encoded address having at least two fewer bits. An output circuit outputs the frame of data having the encoded address and at least two data bits within the address field.
US08077737B2 Method for QoS delivery in contention-based multi hop network
An arrangement and a method that, for a given pair of nodes that wish to intercommunicate with a high QoS measure, converts a portion of the contention-based network into a contention-less subnetwork by sending a reservation message and a confirmation message between the given pair of nodes. All nodes that are on the paths used for communicating between the pair of nodes are protected from interference by causing all nodes that potentially can interfere to enter a non-transmitting state.
US08077736B2 Fast audio/visual reception in DVB-H systems
An apparatus and method of reducing a channel switching delay in TDM mobile television systems, and comprises receiving a data burst associated with channels for reception on a RF channel bandwidth received on a mobile television receiver, wherein the data burst comprises a plurality of RTP packets and a RTCP packet; buffering the data burst upon reception of a first RTP packet; synchronizing the buffered data burst to allow for reception of playable A/V data; and adjusting the synchronized buffered data burst upon reception of the RTCP packet. The method may further comprise performing the synchronizing upon reception of the RTCP packet. The method may further comprise inserting a null packet in the data burst prior to performing the buffering. The first RTP packet is preferably received prior to reception of the RTCP packet.
US08077734B2 Method and apparatus for predicting characteristics of incoming data packets to enable speculative processing to reduce processor latency
A system for processing data packets in a data packet network has at least one input port for receiving data packets, at least one output port for sending out data packets, a processor for processing packet data, and a packet predictor for predicting a future packet based on a received packet, such that at least some processing for the predicted packet may be accomplished before the predicted packet actually arrives at the system. The system is used in preferred embodiments in Internet routers.
US08077731B2 Method and system for packet-based tandem free operation
A method and system are provided for enabling packet-based tandem free operation C(FO). In one example, the method includes monitoring packets sent between network elements to identify a TFO request message and a TFO acknowledgement message. A substitute TFO acknowledgement message is sent from an intermediate network element if no TFO acknowledgement message is identified, and both TFO and non-TFO call legs may be established.
US08077730B2 Method and apparatus for providing virtual ports with attached virtual devices in a storage area network
Systems particularly a virtualization switch or a storage device, which include virtual ports connected to virtual devices with virtual worldwide names and virtual LUNs. Because Fibre Channel environment hosts can track worldwide names from one port to another and allow continuity in that regard, the virtual worldwide names are provided with relevant virtual LUNs and connected these to virtual ports so that the virtual devices can be moved as desired to overcome failures or to allow load balancing.
US08077724B2 In-line packet processing
A method and apparatus for in-line processing a data packet while routing the packet through a router in a system transmitting data packets between a source and a destination over a network including the router. The method includes receiving the data packet and pre-processing layer header data for the data packet as the data packet is received and prior to transferring any portion of the data packet to packet memory. The data packet is thereafter stored in the packet memory. A routing through the router is determined including a next hop index describing the next connection in the network. The data packet is retrieved from the packet memory and a new layer header for the data packet is constructed from the next hop index while the data packet is being retrieved from memory. The new layer header is coupled to the data packet prior to transfer from the router.
US08077723B2 Packet processing in a multiple processor system
Packet processing is provided in a multiple processor system including a first processor to processing a packet and to create a tag associated with the packet. The tag includes information about the processing of the packet. A second processor receives the packet subsequent to the first processor and processes the packet using the tag information.
US08077720B2 Methods and devices for generating and forwarding translated MAC addresses
The number of MAC addresses and corresponding tables that need to be stored to forward messages in a network is substantially reduced. Conventional MAC addresses are converted to translated (sometimes called “virtual”) MAC addresses using a new hierarchical format which redefines the conventional 48-bit, MAC label. Though the MAC label is redefined the packet size remains the same. For example, the number of MAC address tables stored by a HUB node may be reduced from 60,000 to 8 while the number stored at a POP node may be reduced from 120,000 to 8 in a “flat” Ethernet design.
US08077718B2 Distributed network management
Hosts or end-systems residing at the edges of a network gather data about the traffic they transmit into and receive from the network. The network's routing protocol (typically a link-state protocol such as OSPF) is monitored and routing data or packets are used to recover the network's current status and topology. This data can be collected, fused, and maintained and a platform, preferably distributed, can be provided to query the data, thus enabling a variety of network management applications.
US08077708B2 Systems and methods for determining a flow of data
A method for determining a flow of data is described. The method includes determining whether a packet including a first number of at least one bit within a first set is assigned a classification value based on the at least one bit within the first set and determining a result to be applied to the packet upon determining that the packet is assigned the classification value. The method further includes analyzing, by a processor, at least one bit of a second number within a second set of the packet upon determining that the packet cannot be assigned the classification value based on the first number of at least one bit of the packet.
US08077706B2 Method and system for controlling redundancy of individual components of a remote facility system
A remote facility and method for operating the same includes a signal processing system including a primary multiplexer multiplexing IP signals to form a multiplexed signal, a primary modulator a primary transport processing system forming a transport stream signal from the multiplexed signal, a primary modulator modulating the transport stream signal to form a modulated signal, a backup multiplexer multiplexing IP signals to form the multiplexed signal, a backup modulator a primary transport processing system forming a transport stream signal from the multiplexed signal, a backup modulator modulating the transport stream signal to form a modulated signal. The remote facility includes a controller in communication with the primary multiplexer, the primary transport processing system, the primary modulator, the backup multiplexer, the backup transport processing system and the backup modulator, said controller forming an output signal using at least one of the primary multiplexer, the primary transport processing system, and the primary modulator and at least one of the backup multiplexer, the backup transport processing system and the backup modulator. The remote facility may be part of a television signal collection system that includes an IP network and a local collection facility in communication with the remote collection facility through the IP network.
US08077692B2 Enhanced frequency division multiple access for wireless communication
Enhanced frequency division multiple access (EFDMA) is a multiplexing scheme that sends modulation symbols in the time domain and achieves a lower PAPR than OFDM. An EFDMA symbol occupies multiple subband groups that are spaced apart in a frequency band, with each subband group containing multiple adjacent subbands. To generate an EFDMA symbol, multiple modulation symbols are mapped onto a first sequence of symbols. A transform (e.g., a DFT) is performed on the first sequence to obtain a second sequence of values. The values in the second sequence corresponding to the subbands used for the EFDMA symbol are retained, and the remaining values are zeroed out to obtain a third sequence of values. An inverse transform (e.g., an IDFT) is performed on the third sequence to obtain a fourth sequence of samples. A phase ramp may be applied on the fourth sequence, and a cyclic prefix is appended to form the EFDMA symbol.
US08077683B2 Method and system for performing peer-to-peer communication between stations within a basic service set
A method and system for performing peer-to-peer wireless communication between stations (STAs) within a basic service set (BSS) while maintaining connectivity with an access point (AP) in the BSS are disclosed. A source STA, an AP and a destination STA negotiate a direct link setup (DLS) channel for performing peer-to-peer communication between the source STA and the destination STA. The DLS channel may be different from a BSS channel used for communication between the AP and each of the STAs. The source STA and the destination STA then perform peer-to-peer communication on the negotiated DLS channel.
US08077677B2 Method and apparatus for paging group handling
A method and apparatus for paging group handling includes grouping wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) into a paging group. The paging group is assigned a paging occasion, and an existence of a page is indicated to the WTRUs.
US08077676B2 System and method for wireless channel sensing
System and method for wireless channel sensing. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of determining band availability for a WRAN. The method includes receiving wirelessly analog signals within a predetermined range of frequencies. The method also includes converting the analog signals to digital signals. The digital signals are characterized in a frequency domain. The method additionally includes determining a plurality of signal strength levels associated with the digital signals at a plurality of frequencies. Furthermore, the method includes comparing the plurality of signal strength levels to reference levels at the plurality of frequencies. Moreover, the method includes determining band availability for wireless communication at the predetermined range of frequencies.
US08077674B2 Mobile wireless communication system and method of carrying out handover in the system
When a strength of an electric field for receiving wireless in downlink is equal to or smaller than a predetermined strength, the mobile communication terminal device 105 transmits a retrieval request to the retrieval server 102 through the first wireless station 103 to cause the retrieval server to start selecting a new wireless station, changes at least one of profiles (UTP) for transmitting wireless in uplink, and notifies the first wireless station 103 of the changed profile(s). The first wireless station 103 changes a profile or profiles (URP) for receiving wireless in uplink, corresponding to the changed profile(s) (UTP) for transmitting wireless in uplink, received from the mobile wireless terminal device, changes at least one of profiles (DTP) for transmitting wireless in downlink, and notifies the mobile wireless terminal device of the changed profile(s) (DTP) for transmitting wireless in downlink.
US08077672B2 Method and apparatus for media independent handover capability discovery
A first media independent handover function (MIHF) receives a media independent handover (MIH) capabilities discovery request from a second MIHF and generates a MIH capabilities discovery response message, including one or more parameters. Then the first MIHF then sends the MIH capabilities discovery response to the second MIHF. Based on the information contained in the MIH capabilities discovery response, the first MIHF may receive a handover request message from the second MIHF. The one or more parameters included within the discovery response message indicates the specific technologies for which the first MIHF supports a MMB handover. The one or more parameters may include a list of the technologies for which a make-before-break (MMB) handover is supported. For example, a parameter may use a specific bit structure wherein each bit is a Boolean representation of whether MMB handover is supported for a specific type of technology.
US08077671B2 Method and system for transmitting data in mobile communications system
A new data transmission method and system that can enhance the speed of data transfer between base stations are provided. Unsent data stored at a base station is transmitted through a plurality of routes. The base station stores unsent packets destined for a mobile station or a gateway. The base station transmits some of the unsent packets to the mobile station or the gateway and transfers the other remaining packets to a handover-target base station. The handover-target base station transmits the received other packets to the mobile station or the gateway.
US08077668B2 Radio communication terminal, radio base station, and packet communication method
A radio communication terminal according to the present invention selects any one of a first session setting mode and a second session setting mode depending on a communication condition of the radio communication terminal. If the first session setting mode is selected, an auxiliary service instance and a main service instance are set on the same radio communication channel. If the second session setting mode is selected, a radio communication channel dedicated for an auxiliary service instance is set and the auxiliary service instance is set on the thus set radio communication channel.
US08077667B2 Radio communication base station apparatus and radio communication method used for multi-carrier communication
Provided is a base station capable of suppressing increase of overhead of allocation result report in frequency scheduling in multi-carrier communication and obtaining a sufficient frequency diversity effect. In the base station, encoding units (101-1 to 101-n) encode data (#1 to #n) to mobile stations (#1 to #n), modulation units (102-1 to 102-n) modulate the encoded data so as to generate a data symbol, a scheduler (103) performs frequency scheduling according to a CQI from each mobile station so as to uniformly allocate data to the respective mobile stations for apart of RB extracted from a plurality of RB, and an SCCH generation unit (105) generates control information (SCCH information) to report the allocation result in the scheduler (103) to the respective mobile stations.
US08077666B2 Method and apparatus for assigning channels for a multi-radio wireless mesh network
A method and device for assigning channels for a multi-radio mesh network is disclosed. The network comprises multiple mesh routers. Each mesh router has multiple radios, wherein, between two mesh routers that are within each other's radios transmission ranges, there is a pair of unidirectional links attached to them whose directions are oppositional each other. The method includes following steps: measuring link load of each link by measuring average busy time for the link to transmit data; and assigning a channel to each link based on the link load of the link.
US08077663B2 Hierarchical mesh network for wireless access
A wireless mesh network is configured as a multiple-level hierarchical network, with each level of the hierarchy having a plurality of nodes. Several clusters of nodes each acting as access points may be organized in numerous first-level meshes, with each of the first-level meshes being coupled to a second-level mesh having nodes that act as gateways to the first-level meshes. The number of nodes in each of the first-level and second-level meshes may be limited to a predetermined number of nodes during configuration in order to improve the performance of the mesh network.
US08077661B2 Access gateway apparatus, base station apparatus, communication control system and communication control method
A communication control system capable of reducing the traffic amount, CPU's processing load and channel bands related to a location registering process. In this system, a paging part (303) of a base station apparatus (300) receives a call request message transmitted from an access gateway apparatus (200) and addressed to a wireless terminal apparatus, and generates a call response message indicative of accommodating the wireless terminal apparatus. An MIP location registering part (304) registers an IP address established at the transmitting source of the call request message, and generates a location registration request message that requests a registration of an IP address established at the local base station. A packet combining part (305) generates and transmits a combined packet, which is obtained by combining the call request message with the location registration request message, to the access gateway apparatus (200).
US08077654B2 Auxiliary FL MIMO pilot transmission in 1XEV-DO
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate providing auxiliary multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) pilot signals to MIMO user devices in a wireless communication environment. According to some aspects, a portion of data transmission power may be reallocated for auxiliary MIMO pilot transmission during a data segment in a time slot, in order to permit a MIMO user device to perform CQI and rank prediction. Additionally or alternatively, non-MIMO pilot transmission power may be reallocated in a pilot segment in the time slot for transmission of an auxiliary MIMO pilot signal to permit the MIMO user device to demodulate data transmitted in data segments of the time slot. MIMO pilot signals may additionally be time-division multiplexed within or across time slots and may be transmitted over available Walsh codes in data and control segments.
US08077652B2 MF-TDMA frequency hopping
Systems, methods, and devices are described for scheduling and mapping upstream communications in a satellite communications system. The disclosure includes various channelization and frequency hopping techniques. A gateway is described to perform novel allocation of time slots on upstream frequency channels to allow frequency hopping. A subscriber terminal may perform frequency hopping according to the allocation, and the range may be limited to the transition range of a digitally controlled oscillator unit at the subscriber terminal. A gateway is described to allocate time slots on different upstream frequency channels in a prioritized manner. Subscriber terminals may receive the allocation, and then control the assignment of their upstream traffic to the time slots.
US08077648B2 VRM selection
There are provided a method, a network system, and a router capable of decreasing the chance of VRM or VLM changes so as to reduce signaling, and consequently contributing to better scalability. The method is applied to mobility management used in an IP-based network system, which contains a plurality of access routers (AR), location managers (LM) and routing managers (RM), through which a mobile node (MN) transmits and receives information. According to the method, a visited routing manager (VRM) where the MN is currently located monitors the MN, an AR currently communicating with the MN discriminates whether or not the MN is moving out of its connectivity range, and the VRM discriminates whether or not the MN is moving out of its control range. Then, the method switches mobility management over from the current AR to a new AR in accordance with the discrimination results, and switches mobility management over from the current VRM to a new VRM in accordance with the discrimination result.
US08077647B2 Systems and methods for utilizing a scanning threshold to reduce power consumption
Included are embodiments for utilizing a scanning threshold. More specifically, one embodiment of a method includes entering a standby mode, wherein in the standby mode, at least one component of a communications device is shutdown, and wherein in the standby mode, at least one channel is scanned to determine potential interference and monitoring exchanged traffic with the communications device. Some embodiments include determining a relative volume of the exchanged traffic, compared to a predetermined threshold and based on the determination of the relative volume of the exchanged traffic and the predetermined threshold, entering a power save standby mode, wherein in the power save standby mode, scanning of the at least one channel is terminated.
US08077640B2 Method for supporting asymmetric service flexible in multi-carrier time division duplex mobile communication system
A method to support dissymmetry service for multicarrier time division duplexing mobile communication system, which contains adopting different uplink and downlink time gap conversion point to support dissymmetry service among multicarrier frequency of different cells and same cell, when the original configured uplink and downlink time gap ratio can not support the service request, then changing the time gap ratio to receiving said request, adjusting service to avoid interference by quick dynamic channel distribution technology, in ending request service, changing time gap ratio in original ratio. Said invention supports different uplink and downlink time gap conversion point, the base station equipment needs establishing isolated uplink and downlink.
US08077638B2 Methods and apparatus for providing quality of service in a peer to peer network
Methods and apparatus related to scheduling traffic slots in a wireless communications system, e.g., an ad hoc peer to peer communications network are described. An implemented timing structure includes multiple traffic transmission slots and multiple request blocks with different priorities corresponding to a traffic transmission slot. A wireless terminal determines its own block priority level. If a wireless terminal's determined block priority level is the highest block priority level the wireless terminal is allowed to transmit a traffic transmission request in the highest traffic transmission request block; otherwise, the wireless terminal is restricted from transmitting a traffic transmission request in the highest priority request block. A wireless terminal monitors for request and/or request response activity corresponding to other connections high priority block signaling, and uses the collected information to determine its own block priority.
US08077626B2 Quality of service (QoS) aware establishment of communication sessions
In general, this disclosure relates to the establishment of communication sessions between communication devices. In particular, this disclosure describes techniques that provide for quality of service (QoS) aware establishment of communication sessions. As an example, a communication device may attempt to reserve QoS for one or more codecs using a QoS reservation procedure corresponding to the access technology of an access network via which the communication device accesses a core network. The communication device selects one or more codecs to include in a call control message, such a Session Description Protocol (SDP) message, based on the QoS reservation and a QoS mode of the device.
US08077625B1 Apparatus and method for using a communication resource for performing a timing operation
A method for using a non-timer dedicated resource, such as a communication resource, for performing timing operations is provided. The method is advantageous for use with embedded applications in dedicated devices having limited timing resources, particularly in cases where the existing timing resources have all been allocated to specific tasks and are not available to accommodate further timing requirements.
US08077624B2 Method and system for out-of-band signaling for TCP connection setup
Embodiments of this invention improve TCP performance over unreliable links and allow TCP connections to be set up when otherwise not possible. Embodiments of this invention include the use of out-of-band signaling for TCP to synchronizing and establishing a connection between two TCP endpoints without modification to the TCP/IP protocol suite. Embodiments of this invention provide a system that creates a control channel to enable out-of-band signaling for TCP connection establishment between two TCP endpoints. In embodiments of this invention, the control channel used for the out-of-band signaling traffic between the TCP endpoints (or peers) is achieved using a system that consists of a signaling broker, an agent application, and a virtual network interface and capture module that together create control channel for the TCP signaling traffic. Embodiments of this invention include a protocol to execute out-of-band signaling for TCP.
US08077615B2 Multicast admission control
A resource admission control entity and method in an administrative domain (AD). The AD has a topology view that comprises link capacity and link usage information. The resource admission control entity receives a request intended for a user to obtain a multicast content, derives a list of links to be newly used by the multicast content based on the request and verifies if the multicast content can be admitted on the links to be newly used by the multicast content based on the topology view thereby providing an admittance verification result. If the admittance verification result is positive, the admission control module updates usage values in the topology view for the links to be newly used by the multicast content.
US08077608B1 Quality of service marking techniques
A network device adapted to process data packet traffic over a telecommunication network. The network device includes an ingress pipeline adapted to receive a data packet at a port of the network device. According to embodiments of the present invention, the data packet is characterized by an external QoS attribute having M bits. The network device also includes a processor adapted to form an internal QoS Profile associated with the data packet. The internal QoS Profile includes a QoS Profile Index having M+N bits and M and N are internally assigned. The processor is also adapted to process the data packet through the network device.
US08077602B2 Performing dynamic request routing based on broadcast queue depths
Mechanisms for performing dynamic request routing based on broadcast depth queue information are provided. Each processor chip in the system may use a synchronized heartbeat signal it generates to provide queue depth information to each of the other processor chips in the system. The queue depth information identifies a number of requests or amount of data in each of the queues of a processor chip that originated the heartbeat signal. The queue depth information from each of the processor chips in the system may be used by the processor chips in determining optimal routing paths for data from a source processor chip to a destination processor chip. As a result, the congestion of data for processing at each of the processor chips along each possible routing path may be taken into account when selecting to which processor chip to forward data.
US08077600B2 Mobile communication system
To provide a method and an apparatus for achieving a cell redundancy. Base stations, to which different frequency bands are assigned, have active base-station transmitter-receivers with a predetermined number of wireless zones repeated. Some base stations also have standby base-station transmitter-receivers at the rate of one in every predetermined number of sites that have the predetermined number of wireless zones. Under a normal condition, the different frequency bands, which are obtained by dividing a predetermined frequency bandwidth by the predetermined number of the wireless zones, are established at the respective base stations in the respective wireless zones. Under a troublesome condition, different frequency bands, which are obtained by dividing the predetermined frequency bandwidth by the predetermined number of the wireless zones plus the predetermined number of the sites, are assigned to base stations in the respective wireless zones and to base stations that are positioned on the periphery of a wireless zone where the trouble has occurred and that have the standby base-station transmitter-receivers. Further, the output powers of the standby base-station transmitter-receivers of the base stations, which are positioned on the periphery of the wireless zone where the trouble has occurred, are adjusted such that the output powers are overlaid on the wireless zone where the trouble has occurred.
US08077594B2 Radio communication base station device and correlation setting method
Provided is a radio communication base station device which can suppress a use amount of an SRS communication resource. In this device, a correlation rule setting unit (102) sets a rule for correlating a preamble with an SRS transmission time interval so that the preamble transmission time band and the SRS transmission time band are in the same transmission time band. An SRS transmission band decision unit (103) decides a time interval of a transmission time band which can transmit the SRS according to the preamble transmission time interval inputted from a preamble transmission band decision unit (101) and the correlation rule setting unit (102).
US08077584B2 Beam shifting element for an optical storage system
The present invention relates to a beam shifting element and to an apparatus for reading from and/or writing to optical storage media using in such a beam shifting element.According to the invention, the beam shifting element has at least a first optical element for deflecting an incoming light beam by a first angle and a second optical element for deflecting the light beam coming from the first optical element by a second angle opposite to the first angle, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are optical elements with an adjustable deflection angle.
US08077573B2 Optical disk apparatus and disk identification method
A highly reliable optical disk apparatus adapted to record and reproduce the information in and from plural types of optical disks is disclosed. An acquisition unit acquires a predetermined signal from the reflected light obtained by radiating a predetermined laser on each of the optical disks. A comparator compares the waveform of the signal acquired by the acquisition unit with the comparative waveform of the signal stored in a memory beforehand and obtained from the radiated laser corresponding to the optical disk. An identification unit identifies the type of the optical disk based on the result of comparison by the comparator.
US08077572B2 Recording medium with restricted playback feature and apparatus and methods for forming, recording, and reproducing the recording medium
A recording medium, such as a high-density and/or read-only recording medium, such as BD-ROM, capable of preventing unauthorized duplication of data streams, written thereon, onto another medium, such as a BD-RE or BD-R, which includes physical mark information, and to methods and apparatuses for forming, recording, reproducing, and restricting playback of the recording medium to prevent unauthorized duplication.
US08077570B2 Error recovery method for video recording
An error recovery method for video recording is provided. The method is suitable for recovering data of a disk when an error occurs during video recording. The method includes following steps. First, a last writable address of the disk is obtained. Then, a file system last written onto the disk is located by searching forward from the last writable address. Next, a new file system is generated based on the file system and a data segment of the defected recording. Finally, the new file system is written onto the disk so as to recover the data on the disk. Therefore, the data currently written onto the disk and the existing data in the disk can be recovered.
US08077567B2 Recording and reproducing apparatus and recording and reproducing method
A recording and reproducing apparatus includes a drive unit that reads data from a first medium and a drive unit control unit that controls the drive unit. The apparatus includes a second medium in which the same amount of data as the amount of data recorded in the first medium can be stored, and from or in which data is read or written at a speed higher than a speed at which data is read or written from or in the first medium. The apparatus further includes an input/output unit that inputs a reading request with which predetermined data is read from among data items stored in the first medium or second medium. The apparatus also includes an access control unit which controls the drive unit control unit or a second medium control unit.
US08077561B2 Recording medium, apparatus for recording/reproducing data on/from the same and method thereof
A physical structure, apparatus for recording/reproducing on/from a recording medium using the same and method thereof are disclosed, by which the physical structure suitable for such a recording medium as BD and the like may be provided. The present invention includes a plurality of recording layers. Each of the recording layers includes a power test area not provided to a physically same position and a management area not provided to a physically same position, wherein a layer having the power test zone and the management area allocated consecutively includes a test area buffer allocated to the power test zone.
US08077560B2 Additionally recordable information recording medium, information recording method, information reproducing method, information recording apparatus and information reproducing apparatus
An additionally recordable information recording medium has a complicated management structure for managing an unrecorded area. Therefore, there are problems that it takes a long time for a disk to startup and it is difficult to build a recording/reproducing system. The additionally recordable information recording medium according to the present invention includes a simple data structure for managing a location information for a recorded area located at the rearmost location in a user data area. An additionally recordable apparatus according to the present invention also includes means for updating the location information of the recorded area so that the recorded area located at the rearmost location in the user data area is always managed.
US08077557B1 Multiple aperture VCSEL EAMR heads
A magnetic recording device comprises a multi-aperture vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) operably coupled to a magnetic recording head and a plurality of waveguides disposed in the magnetic recording head. Each of the plurality of waveguides has a first end coupled to a different aperture of the multi-aperture VCSEL. The magnetic recording device further comprises a near field transducer disposed in the magnetic recording head. Each of the plurality of waveguides has a second end coupled to the near field transducer.
US08077555B1 Sponge replacement and reminder system and method
A method and system for identifying when a cleaning article, such as a sponge, should be replaced or disposed within a period of time is disclosed. A cleaning article such as a sponge is labeled with a time increment that will act as an expiration date or reminder for the user. The time increment may be in month increments that can be abbreviated or spelled. At the end of the time increment, the user will be reminded that he has used the sponge longer than the time increment by seeing the time increment on the sponge. The sponge will be replaced with a sponge having a new time increment.
US08077546B2 Method for monitoring a multi-layered system
A method for monitoring a multi-layered system below a surface comprising a slow layer and a fast layer; the method comprising: transmitting one or more seismic waves from one or more seismic sources through the multi-layered system; receiving signals emanating from the multi-layered system in response to the one or more seismic waves with one or more receivers located a distance from the one or more seismic sources; identifying one or more critically refracted compressional (CRC) waves amongst the signals; and inferring information about a change in the slow layer based on the one or more CRC waves; wherein the CRC wave is a refracted wave which has traveled along an interface between the fast layer and an adjacent layer.
US08077536B2 Method of operating semiconductor memory device with floating body transistor using silicon controlled rectifier principle
A method of maintaining the data state of a semiconductor dynamic random access memory cell is provided, wherein the memory cell comprises a substrate being made of a material having a first conductivity type selected from p-type conductivity type and n-type conductivity type; a first region having a second conductivity type selected from the p-type and n-type conductivity types, the second conductivity type being different from the first conductivity type; a second region having the second conductivity type, the second region being spaced apart from the first region; a buried layer in the substrate below the first and second regions, spaced apart from the first and second regions and having the second conductivity type; a body region formed between the first and second regions and the buried layer, the body region having the first conductivity type; and a gate positioned between the first and second regions and adjacent the body region.
US08077532B2 Small unit internal verify read in a memory device
Methods for small unit internal verify read operation and a memory device are disclosed. In one such method, expected data is programmed into a grouping of columns of memory cells (e.g., memory block). Mask data is loaded into a third dynamic data cache of three dynamic data caches. The expected data is loaded into a second data cache. After a read operation of programmed columns of memory cells, the read data is compared to the expected data and error bit indicators are stored in the second data cache in the error bit locations. The second data cache is masked with the mask data so that only those error bits that are unmasked are counted. If the number of unmasked error bit indicators is greater than a threshold, the memory block is marked as unusable.
US08077529B2 Circuit and method for outputting data in semiconductor memory apparatus
A data output circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a pre-driver generating pull-up and down signals from driving rising and falling data in active periods of rising and falling clocks, respectively, in accordance with a state of an output enable signal. A main driver generates last output data to a common node from the pull-up and down signals. An assistant pre-driver generates an assistant drive signal, which is activated when the rising data disagrees with the falling data, in correspondence with inputs of the rising data, the falling data, the rising clock, the falling clock, and a pipe output control signal. An assistant main driver generates assistant last output data to the common node from the pull-up and down signals in accordance with a state of the assistant drive signal.
US08077518B2 E/P durability by using a sub-range of a full programming range
A NAND flash memory system is controlled by determining whether to change a value of a voltage threshold. The voltage threshold is associated with an erase operation to a portion of a NAND flash memory chip. In the event it is determined to change the value of the voltage threshold, the value of the voltage threshold is changed and the changed value of the voltage threshold and an identifier associated with the portion of the NAND flash memory chip is stored.
US08077515B2 Methods, devices, and systems for dealing with threshold voltage change in memory devices
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for dealing with threshold voltage change in memory devices. A number of embodiments include an array of memory cells and control circuitry having sense circuitry coupled to the array. The control circuitry is configured to determine changes in threshold voltages (Vts) associated with the memory cells without using a reference cell, and adjust the sense circuitry based on the determined changes and without using a reference cell.
US08077510B2 SRAM device
An SRAM device including a memory cell, the memory cell having two access transistors connected to a word line, and a flip-flop circuit having complementary transistors, the transistor being a field effect transistor having a standing semiconductor thin plate, a logic signal input gate and a bias voltage input gate, the gates sandwiching the semiconductor thin plate and being electrically separated from each other, a first bias voltage is applied to bias voltage input gates of the transistors of the memory cells in a row including a memory cell being accessed for reading or writing, and a second bias voltage is applied to the bias voltage input gates of the transistors of the memory cells in a row including a memory cell under memory holding operation.
US08077507B2 Phase-change memory device
A phase-change memory device includes a data write control unit configured to generate write control signals according to a data combination of a plurality of input data and output write control codes with a code update period controlled according to an activation period of one of the write control signal, and a data write unit configured to output a program current in response to the write control signals and control a level of the program current according to a code combination of the write control codes.
US08077505B2 Bipolar switching of phase change device
Memory devices and methods for operating such devices are described herein. A method as described herein includes applying a reset bias arrangement to a memory cell to change the resistance state from the lower resistance state to the higher resistance state. The reset bias arrangement comprises a first voltage pulse. The method further includes applying a set bias arrangement to the memory cell to change the resistance state from the higher resistance state to the lower resistance state. The set bias arrangement comprises a second voltage pulse, the second voltage pulse having a voltage polarity different from that of the first voltage pulse.
US08077500B2 Volatile memory elements with soft error upset immunity
Memory elements are provided that exhibit immunity to soft error upset events when subjected to high-energy atomic particle strikes. The memory elements may each have ten transistors. To overcome difficulties in writing data into the memory elements, signal strengths for one or more of the signals provided to the array may be adjusted. There may be two positive power supply voltages that are used in powering each memory element. One of the power supply voltages may be temporarily lowered relative to the other power supply voltage to enhance write margin during data loading operations. Other signal strengths that may be adjusted in this way include other power supply signals, data signal levels, address and clear signal magnitudes, and ground signal strengths. Adjustable power supply circuitry and data read-write control circuitry may be used in making these signal strength adjustments.
US08077497B2 Resistive memory device and operating method thereof
A resistive memory device includes: a storage element; a first line and a second line; a first drive controller; and a second drive controller.
US08077496B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of driving the same
A nonvolatile memory and a method of driving the same are provided, which adopt an improved write verify operation. The method of driving a nonvolatile memory device having variable resistance memory cells, bit lines coupled to the variable resistance memory cells, and column selection transistors coupled between the variable resistance memory cells and the bit lines to receive a first control voltage being applied to their gates, includes making the first control voltage at a first level, and changing a resistance of the variable resistance memory cells by providing a write bias to the variable resistance cells; verifying and reading whether the changed resistance enters into a specified resistance window; and changing the first control voltage to a second level that is different from the first level, and changing the resistance of the variable resistance memory cells by providing the write bias to the variable resistance memory cells.
US08077494B2 Ferroelectric memory with sub bit-lines connected to each other and to fixed potentials
A memory capable of suppressing increase of a chip area thereof while preventing nonselected subarrays from disturbance is obtained. This memory comprises a first transistor for connecting respective sub bit lines with each other, and connects the sub bit lines of the nonselected subarrays with each other through the first transistor and connects the same to fixed potentials arranged on both ends of a memory cell array at least in a read operation.
US08077493B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array disposing a plurality of memory cells at each intersection of word lines and bit lines, the memory cell including one pair of cross-connected inverters including a transistor, a first dummy transistor having a threshold voltage which has a certain relationship with a threshold voltage of the transistor of the memory cell, a dummy bit line connected to one end of the first dummy transistor, and the dummy bit line charged so as to have a predetermined voltage, a dummy transistor control circuit configured to control conduction of the first dummy transistor, and a word line driver configured to supply a word line voltage to the word line connected to the selected memory cell, and the word line driver configured to change a rise time of the word line voltage in accordance with a change in a voltage of the dummy bit line.
US08077486B2 Method and apparatus for power converter fault condition detection
An example controller includes a fault detector and a control. The fault detector is to be coupled to a feedback circuit of a power converter to detect a fault condition in the power converter in response to an input voltage of the power converter. The control is coupled to the fault detector and is to be coupled to control the switching of a power switch to regulate an output of the power converter. The control is coupled to inhibit the switching of the power switch in response to the fault detector detecting the fault condition during the switching of the power switch.
US08077479B2 Apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference and spreading heat
A radio module for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The radio module has a shield for reducing electromagnetic interference on the radio module. The shield may include a heat-spreading layer made of a material including graphite. The heat-spreading layer may spread heat generated by the radio module. The shield may also include a reflective layer overlapping the heat-spreading layer and configured to reflect electromagnetic energy to the heat-spread layer. The heat-spreading layer is also configured to absorb at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy, thereby reducing the electromagnetic interference on the radio module.
US08077471B2 Pressure guide for PCB
A pressure guide for an electric connection between strip conductors on a circuit board and electric contacts arranged in an edge connector is provided. The pressing device aligns a circuit board guided between two guide bars by a spring element arranged in the one of the guide bars, such that the electric strip conductors applied on the circuit board exactly conform to the contacts arranged within the edge connector.
US08077468B2 Rail coupling handle, unit support mechanism and electronic device
A disclosed rail coupling member couples a pair of rail members to be attached to lateral sides of a unit that is detachably supported in an electronic device. The rail coupling member is a flexible and discrete unit, and is not part of the rail members. The rail coupling member has end portions to which the rail members are to be joined, respectively, in a separable manner.
US08077456B2 Apparatus, mounting structure, and mounting method
An apparatus has a plurality of printed board units each including a printed board, a frame to have the printed board arranged therein, a first rail to be arranged at a first lower end of an inner wall of the frame having the printed board located thereon in a lower opening of the frame, and a second rail to be arranged at a second lower end opposed to the first lower end in the opening; a housing including a rail holding unit to movably hold the first rail of a first printed board unit and the second rail of a second printed board unit adjacent to the first printed board unit among the plurality of printed board units; and a cooling fan to be arranged on an upper side or underside of the housing to send air into the frame.
US08077453B2 Modular protective housing with peripherals for a handheld communications device
A peripherals device for coupling with a handheld communication device includes an interface to the handheld communication device and a processor for performing functions complementary to the communications device. According to another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a conformal cavity for receiving a handheld communications device in a secure fashion. According to yet another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a data collection device for collecting data and using the interface for sending the collected data to a remote processor for further processing. The data collection device can include an image reader, a barcode reader, a signature capture device, an optical character recognition. In yet another embodiment, there is a power subsystem that powers the peripherals device and the handheld communications device. The power system has a low power state to conserve energy. In another embodiment, the peripherals device comprises a plurality of processors that automatically reconfigure themselves to work with the communication device to which the peripherals device is connected.
US08077451B2 Surface contact card retention assembly
A retention assembly for securing a surface contact card in a portable electronic device includes a main body defining a receiving groove in the main body, and a locking member slidably positioned on the main body adjacent to the receiving groove. The locking member is slidable from a first position at a side of the receiving groove to a second position on a top of the receiving groove, and is latched at the second position, thereby pressing opposite ends of the surface contact card.
US08077449B2 Mounting apparatus for computer case
A mounting apparatus is provided for fixing a computer case to a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. The mounting apparatus includes a supporting bracket attached to a backside of the LCD monitor, and a latch mechanism movably mounted to the supporting bracket. The latch mechanism includes a locking member slidably engaging with the supporting bracket, and a driving member slidably engaging with the supporting bracket. The locking member may slides to a locking position to hold the computer case to the supporting bracket. The driving member is capable of being slid in a direction to push the locking member to an unlocking position, where the computer case is ready for being released from the supporting bracket.
US08077446B1 Molten dielectric capacitor energy storage system
A molten dielectric capacitor energy storage system for storing and providing power to an electric motorized vehicle. The molten dielectric capacitor energy storage system has an outer shell defining a hollow interior, a first conductive electrode with at least one first conductive plate, a second conductive electrode with at least one second conductive plate, and a dielectric material made of at least opal and sodium nitrite located in the hollow interior of the outer shell said. The first and second conductive plates are located in the hollow interior of the outer shell adjacent to each other defining a gap therebetween and are immersed in the dielectric material. A heating element is used to maintain the dielectric material in a molten phase.
US08077441B2 Interface circuit and communication device
An interface circuit and a communication device are provided. The interface circuit includes a transformer unit, a protection unit, and an interface unit. A secondary side of the transformer unit is connected with a chip. A first terminal of the protection unit is electrically connected with a center tap of a primary side of the transformer unit, and a second terminal of the protection unit is grounded. A first access terminal of the interface unit is connected with a first port of the primary side of the transformer unit, a second access terminal of the interface unit is connected with a second port of the primary side of the transformer unit, and a third access terminal and a fourth access terminal of the interface unit are electrically connected with the first terminal of the protection unit respectively.
US08077419B1 Method and apparatus for adjusting a gain of a variable gain amplifier in a read channel module
A read-channel module including a VGA module to amplify a signal based on a variable gain, an ADC module to generate a sample based on the amplified signal, and an AGC module to control the variable gain of the VGA module. A gain adjusting module generates (i) a first gain and (ii) a second gain when an amplitude of the sample is (i) less than or equal to a first predetermined threshold and (ii) greater than or equal to a second predetermined threshold, respectively. The AGC module (i) increases and (ii) decreases the variable gain of the VGA module based on (i) the first gain and (ii) the second gain, respectively. The gain adjusting module generates the first gain and the second gain by (i) multiplying a present gain of the AGC module by a predetermined multiplier or (ii) adding a predetermined offset to the present gain.
US08077415B1 Preamp circuit including a loopback mode for data storage devices
A data storage device preamplifier circuit including (i) a write amplifier having an input and an output, and (ii) a read amplifier has an input and an output. The data storage device preamplifier circuit further includes a loopback circuit configured to selectively connect the output of the write amplifier to the input of the read amplifier.
US08077414B2 System and method for analyzing magnetic media surfaces for thermal erasures and other characteristics
Analyzing magnetic media surfaces for thermal erasures and other characteristics is described. The system includes a drive channel module configured to measure servo automatic gain control values for a magnetic media surface that represent the amount of gain applied by the drive channel module to a preamble signal recorded on the magnetic media surface. The gain control values are then acquired according to certain measurement parameters. The gain control values are then arranged by proximity to each other and organized to generate images that represent changes in the characteristics of the magnetic media surface. Analysis of the images then detects patterns that represent changes in the characteristics of the media surface and determines measurement parameters that coincide with the change in the characteristic.
US08077409B2 Lens driving device and image forming apparatus
A drive mechanism includes a rotational cylinder capable of moving upon the optical axis, a cam part on a fixed member and a cam follower which is formed on the rotational cylinder fitting with the cam part and has a conical portion and a cylindrical portion. The cam part includes a tapered cam groove formed such that the cylinder extends in the optical axis upon a range whereupon the cylinder moves from the collapsed state to a photography state and a planar surface formed such that the cylinder does not move upon the optical axis upon the photography range. The conical portion fits with the cam groove of the cam part upon the range whereupon the cylinder moves upon the optical axis, and the cylindrical portion fits with the planar surface of the cam part upon the range whereupon the cylinder does not move upon the optical axis.
US08077408B2 Lens barrel, lens driving apparatus, camera, and mobile information terminal
A lens barrel includes a plurality of lens groups each having at least one lens; a plurality of lens retaining frames which retain a corresponding one of the plurality of lens groups; a telescopic cylinder containing therein the plurality of lens groups and the plurality of lens retaining frames; a lens retaining frame driving device configured to drive at least one of the lens retaining frames; a moving member which moves in a direction along the photographing optical axis; and a position detector configured to detect a change in a position of the moving member, wherein the plurality of lens retaining frames including a retractable lens retaining frame configured to retract the at least another one of the plurality of lens groups from the photographing optical axis to a retracted position out of the telescopic cylinder in the collapsed state.
US08077402B2 Imaging lens
It is to provide an imaging lens that can improve optical performance while reducing size and weight.An imaging lens includes, in order from an object side to an image surface side, a diaphragm, a first lens that is a biconvex lens, and a second lens that is a lens having a negative power whose concave surface faces the object side, wherein conditions expressed by the following expressions are to be satisfied: −0.3≦r1/r2<−0.1 and 0.8≦f1/FL≦0.98 (where, r1: center radius curvature of the object side face of the first lens, r2: center radius curvature of the image surface side face of the first lens, f1: focal distance of the first lens, and FL: focal distance of the entire lens system).
US08077392B2 Composite optical element
The present invention relates to composite optical elements, and particularly to a composite optical element in which second and third optical components are coupled to a first optical component. The present invention is advantageous in enhancing optical properties. A composite optical element (1) includes first, second and third optical components (10, 20, 30). The first optical component (10) has a lens surface (13). The second optical component (20) is coupled to the first optical component (10) at the lens surface (13) and has a lens surface (22) at a side opposite to a first coupling surface (21) at which the second optical component (20) is coupled to the first optical component (10). The third optical component (30) is coupled to the second optical component (20) at the lens surface (22) and has a lens surface (32) at a side opposite to a second coupling surface (31) at which the third optical component (30) is coupled to the second optical component (20). The lens surface (13) partially has a first uneven region (13a). The lens surface (22) partially has a third uneven region (22a). The lens surface (32) partially has a third uneven region (32a).
US08077387B2 Optical microscope
An optical microscope, which has a light source, for observing a sample by illuminating light from the light source on the sample includes a second light source that is different from the light source and is insertable/removable in/from the optical path of the optical microscope. The second light source is configured to have the peak of an emission spectrum only in a wavelength range of 400 to 490 nm.
US08077386B2 Movable objective lens assembly for an optical microscope and optical microscopes having such an assembly
A movable objective lens assembly that includes an infinity-corrected objective lens providing the microscope with an optical field of view. The assembly permits the imaging of a specimen under investigation over an area of the specimen much larger than the field of view of the objective lens without moving the microscope and/or a specimen stage relative to one another. The assembly includes a mirror system and the linearly movable infinity-corrected objective lens. The mirror system includes a plurality of mirrors that provide a folded optical path that allows the objective lens to be moved relative to the specimen without moving the entire microscope. The mirror system and the objective lens are pivotably mounted relative to the rest of the microscope so as to allow the objective lens to be located substantially anywhere within a circular, or circular-sectoral, viewing area.
US08077385B2 Reconfigurable optical amplifier, reversible optical circulator, and optical signal transmission system
A reconfigurable optical amplifier including a first reversible optical circulator and an optical gain device is provided. The first reversible optical circulator has four I/O ports which are respectively referred to as a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The four I/O ports sequentially transmit an optical signal in a transmission direction of a forward circulation or a backward circulation according to a control signal. The first terminal is isolated from the adjacent fourth terminal. The optical gain device is connected between the first terminal and the adjacent fourth terminal. The second terminal and the third terminal are respectively connected to a first communication node and a second communication node.
US08077378B1 Calibration system and method for light modulation device
A calibration method for a grating light modulator includes calibrating light reflective ribbons on the modulator on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The method further includes performing a dark-state calibration and a bright-state calibration for each pixel. Once completed, the results of the dark-state calibration and the bright-state calibration may be combined to ensure a smooth transition between a dark state and a bright state for each pixel.
US08077374B2 Display devices using electrochromism and polymer dispersed liquid crystal and methods of driving the same
Provided are display devices using electrochromism and PDLC and methods of driving the display devices. A display device may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes; a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer between the first electrodes and the second electrodes; a plurality of third electrodes and a plurality of fourth electrodes; a plurality of electrochromic layers between the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes; and an electrolyte layer between the third electrodes and the fourth electrodes.
US08077373B2 Clear to circular polarizing photochromic devices
The present invention provides composite optical elements including a photochromic linear polarizing element and a birefringent layer such that composite optical element circularly or elliptically polarizes transmitted radiation. The photochromic linear polarizing element is formed from (i) an at least partially ordered polymeric sheet; and (ii) a reversible photochromic-dichroic material that is at least partially aligned with the polymeric sheet and has an average absorption ratio of at least 1.5 in the activated state. The birefringent layer includes a polymeric coating or a polymeric sheet connected to the photochromic linear polarizing element.
US08077371B2 Optical beam scanning apparatus, optical beam scanning method and image forming apparatus
An optical beam scanning apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source, a pre-deflection optical system, a light deflecting device, a post-deflection optical system configured to at least include one or plural first optical elements which act on the luminous fluxes for all color components, plural second optical elements which respectively act on the luminous fluxes for each of color components, and plural first reflection mirrors that are respectively provided on an upstream side of the plural second optical elements in optical paths and reflect luminous fluxes emitted from the first optical elements, and a position adjusting mechanism configured to adjust positions of the first reflection mirrors.
US08077369B2 Optical scanning device, optical writing device, and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a first optical system for guiding light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting units to an optical deflector, and a second optical system for focusing the light beams to optically scan a surface to be scanned. At least one of the first optical system and the second optical system includes a resin lens having a diffractive surface. The diffractive surface includes a diffractive portion and a refractive portion. A power of the diffractive portion and a power of the refractive portion cancel each other.
US08077368B2 Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
Synchronization detecting units detect synchronization signals by receiving the light beam deflected to one side of a light source on one side of an optical deflector and receiving the light beam deflected to an opposite side of an optical axis of a scanning optical system from the light source on the other side of the optical deflector. Photodetectors that detect the synchronization signals are arranged on the opposite side of an optical axis of a scanning optical system from the light sources and on a side closer to the scanning optical system that detects the synchronization signals by receiving the light beam deflected to the light source.
US08077366B2 Holographic storage device having an adjustment mechanism for a reference beam
A monocular holographic storage device or system to provide for compact recording and/or reading of data pages in a holographic storage medium. Also provided are methods for carrying out such data storage and/or data recovery using a monocular holographic storage device or system. Further provided are articles including holographic storage media for recording or for reading recorded data using such devices or systems.
US08077364B2 Security system, particularly for valuable documents
The invention relates to a security system especially for security documents, wherein a security element is provided in a carrier plane, that under incident light holographically reconstructs a pattern outside the carrier plane, in which concealed information is stored and having a flat transparent verification element which on flat contact with the security element makes the information stored therein visible. The invention further relates to a security element and a verification element for use in the security system and a security document fitted with the security system. The invention additionally relates to an apparatus and a method for reading out the concealed information which is stored holographically in the pattern reconstructed on the security element under incident light.
US08077360B2 Method for automatically identifying scan area
In accordance with the present invention, a method for automatically identifying a scan area by a scanner is disclosed. The method comprises steps of scanning an original comprising an object, identifying the original to establish a location and a profile of the object in the original, displaying a preview window corresponding to the original, wherein a location and a profile of a confined area is exactly the location and the profile of the object, receiving a framed area selected from the preview window by user, wherein a portion of the framed area beyond the confined area is automatically removed to generate a scan area, and scanning the scan area. The present invention can also extend to a method for selecting a scan area by a user and a scanner with a feature of automatically identifying a scan area.
US08077344B2 Print controlling apparatus and method of controlling the same
Print data is saved in a hot folder. The hot folder is a storage area for saving print data. Saving of print data in the hot folder is monitored at regular time intervals. Upon detecting saving of print data in the hot folder, the number of pages to be printed included in the print data is detected. If the number of pages to be printed is one page, an output layout is generated in accordance with a width of an output sheet. If the number of pages to be printed is two or more pages, an output layout in which the pages to be printed are arranged is generated. Then, the print data is registered as a print output job.
US08077338B2 Method for online printing digital project
A method for online printing a digital project includes the steps of: separating at least one image from a digital project template; replacing the digital project template with an executable file; encapsulating an executable code into the executable file; converting the image into at least one thumbnail; writing the executable file, the thumbnail, and related information into an image file; uploading the image file to a server via a network; extracting the image file by the server, so as to read out the executable file, the thumbnail, and the related information; reading a corresponding project template from a database of the server according to the executable code; attaching the thumbnail back to the project template according to the related information in the image file, so as to recover a preview image of the digital project and print the project image by a printer.
US08077336B2 Network system and information processing device
A network system includes a first device, a second device connectable to the first device via an IP network and an external device detachably connectable to each of the first device and the second device. The first device stores setting information. A first device control unit is provided to control the first device in accordance with the setting information. The first device further includes a first transmitting unit configured to transmit the setting information in response to receipt of a sending request. The second device retrieves the address of the first device that is stored in the external device, and transmits the sending request to the first device via the IP network. Then, with a receiving unit, the setting information transmitted from the first device via the IP network is received. A second control unit controls the second device in accordance with the received setting information.
US08077334B2 Method and apparatus for managing printing solutions in a local area network
Method of managing printing using multiple workstations, each with unique ID, and multiple printers having a type and configuration dependent on the ID, in a network including a document server and identification generator. At least one printer is connected to a workstation. The network polls a workstation upon connection to the network to determine what printers are connected to it; determines workstation ID, printer type and configuration from type and workstation location, and ID code for each connected printer using the identification generator; develops a look-up table of workstation ID, type and configuration of printer, and ID code; receives a print request from a workstation at the document server; in response to the request identifies from the look-up table the configuration of a printer that can receive the print request; and sends the print request to the identified printer with the appropriate ID code, as identified by the look-up table.
US08077333B2 Printing control apparatus and printing control method
This invention discloses a printing control apparatus capable of allowing even an inexperienced operator to execute a printing process by properly and efficiently using a plurality of printing devices in accordance with the contents of each job, printing conditions, and the like. A printing control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of this invention determines device combinations suitable for the attributes of a printing job from performance information of the devices and the attributes of the printing job. The printing control apparatus presents the combinations so as to be able to select one of them, and displays an explanation of printing process steps using the selected combination.
US08077328B2 Variable color incoherent alignment line and cross-hair generator
An alignment device includes an incoherent light source, a first convex lens, a mirror rod, and a second convex lens. The incoherent light source emits incoherent light that is received by the first convex lens that produces a low divergence light beam. The low divergence light beam is directed to the mirror rod that reflects the light beam to the second convex lens that focuses the light beam to a convergent light beam.
US08077321B1 System to reduce gyroscopic errors with limited power supply quality in a fiber optic gyroscope
One embodiment is directed to a power supply for a fiber optic gyroscope that comprises at least one main power supply, at least one demodulator local power supply to operatively couple the main power supply to a demodulator included in the fiber optic gyroscope, and at least one modulator local power supply to operatively couple the main power supply to a bias modulator included in the fiber optic gyroscope. The demodulator local power supply comprises a first current source to source current to the demodulator and a first shunt regulator coupled across a load associated with the demodulator. The modulator local power supply comprises a second current source to source current to the bias modulator and a second shunt regulator coupled across a load associated with the bias modulator.
US08077310B2 System and method of capturing multiple source excitations from a single location on a flow channel
The invention includes a system and a method for capturing multi source excitations from a single location on a flow channel. The system preferably includes a light subsystem that emits light onto a single location on a flow channel, a detector subsystem to detect light emitted from the single location on the flow channel, and a processor to separate the detected light. The method preferably includes emitting light onto a single location on a flow channel, detecting light emitted from the single location on the flow channel, and separating the detected light.
US08077300B2 MTF measuring system, MTF measuring method, MTF measuring unit and MTF measuring program
A MTF measuring system includes measurement result screen data indicative of an object image and an MTF curve image are generated in accordance with the object image data obtained by photographing the object and the MTF curve image data indicative of the MTF curve generated from MTF data that become an index to evaluate lens performance. The measurement result screen based on the generated measurement result screen data is displayed on a real time basis in the case of evaluation measurement operations of the lens performance. A user can grasp the necessity for a focus adjustment from the MTF curve image on the measurement result screen. If necessary, the user can adjust the focus of the object displayed together with the MTF curve image, and at the same time can evaluate the lens performance from the MTF curve image.
US08077299B2 Method for measuring polarization characteristics of optical fiber, drawing method, method for identifying abnormal point, and method for configuring optical fiber transmission line
The present invention relates to a measuring method, etc., comprising a structure for accurately measuring optical characteristics such as PMD of an optical fiber. The measuring method is a technique for measuring polarization characteristic distributions along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber as a measuring object by using BOCDA, and by propagating probe light and pumping light opposite in the optical fiber, BGS is generated at a plurality of respective measurement positions. Then, based on Brillouin gain fluctuations at the respective measurement positions, polarization characteristic distributions are calculated.
US08077298B2 Apparatus for monitoring optical obstructions in an optical split network and method thereof
An apparatus and method for monitoring optical fiber obstructions in an optical split network is described. The monitoring apparatus comprises a broadband-monitoring light source module, an optical circulator, an optical spectral analyzer, a high-density multi-wavelength OTDR, a controlling computer, a wavelength division multiplexer, a specific wavelength optical filter, a monitoring-waveband reflector, and an optical channel selector. The monitoring apparatus utilizes the specific wavelength optical filter and the monitoring-waveband reflector to collectively construct an optical split network optical fiber obstruction monitoring apparatus for the passive optical network having multiple split routes by filtering, reflecting, and transmitting coming lights, so as to achieve the purposes of locating the obstructed split routes and obstruction locations at the same time.
US08077295B2 Distance measurement device
A distance measurement device having better measurement accuracy than conventional distance measurement devices. A stereo camera (1) has a camera stay (4) to be secured to a housing (12) of a vehicle and also has a pair of cameras (2, 3) mounted on the camera stay (4). The camera stay (4) has an installation section (4a) located between the pair of cameras (2, 3) and to be mounted on the housing of the vehicle via fixation sections (6, 7, 8). The installation section (4a) is movable in the direction of a base line interconnecting the cameras (2, 3).
US08077284B2 Substrate for a display device, a method for repairing the same, a method for repairing a display device and a liquid-crystal display device
The present invention is a substrate for a display device comprising an active matrix substrate and an opposed substrate which are opposed to each other with a display medium layer interposed therebetween, said active matrix substrate including a pixel electrode arranged in a matrix shape on the side of the display medium layer and said opposed substrate including a common electrode opposing to the pixel electrode on the side of the display medium layer, wherein said substrate for a display device includes an electrode slit formed in one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode; and at least one of the electrical connecting portions of said electrode slit is provided outside of a light-blocking region.
US08077283B2 Display with reduced moire effect
A display has reduced moire interference. The display has a backplane with a regular array of pixels and a frontplane with a regular array of cells. The backplane and frontplane are laminated together. The width of the distribution of aperture (the total inner cell area above an active pixel area divided by total pixel area) over the display is reduced. Sinusoidally curved walls or other curved pixel edges may be used in the frontplane or backplane to control the distribution.
US08077279B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for producing the same
A picture element includes a 4-divided domain including first, second, third and fourth sub-domains which are arranged in this order in a predetermined direction and in each of which an orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules located in the vicinity of the center of a liquid crystal layer in the thickness direction is different from those of the other sub-domains. A first substrate includes two first regions having an orientation-regulating force for orienting the liquid crystal molecules in a first direction and a second region provided between the two first regions and having an orientation-regulating force for orienting the liquid crystal molecules in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A second substrate includes a third region having an orientation-regulating force for orienting the liquid crystal molecules in a third direction that crosses the first direction and a fourth region having an orientation-regulating force for orienting the liquid crystal molecules in a fourth direction that is opposite to the third direction. The first sub-domain is formed between one of the two first regions and the third region, the second sub-domain is formed between the second region and the third region, the third sub-domain is formed between the second region and the fourth region, and the fourth sub-domain is formed between the other one of the two first regions and the fourth region.
US08077278B2 Flexible display device with dilatant fluid
A display device is provide, which includes a supporting substrate, a flexible display provided with a transparent display substrate formed above the supporting substrate, and a dilatant fluid accommodating member. The dilatant fluid accommodating member is disposed on the outside of the flexible display.
US08077276B2 Display system
A display system according to the present invention includes: a dimming device capable of switchably presenting a light reflecting state or a light transmitting state; and a display device for displaying information by modulating light transmitted through the dimming device and/or light reflected by the dimming device. The dimming device has a plurality of regions each being independently capable of switchably presenting a light reflecting state or a light transmitting state, and, when a plurality of types of information are being displayed on the display device, the dimming device is capable of selectively switching between the light reflecting state or the light transmitting state of each of the plurality of regions in accordance with the types of information being displayed.
US08077265B2 Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes: a first base substrate; a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines disposed on the first base substrate and crossing each other; a pixel electrode pattern disposed on the first base substrate; a storage pattern disposed on the first base substrate, the storage pattern being positioned between consecutive gate lines and substantially in parallel with the gate lines; a second base substrate; a common electrode disposed on the second base substrate and alternately positioned with the pixel electrode; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second base substrates.
US08077259B2 Video signal converter, video display device, and video signal converting method
When each value of luminance signals of three primary colors in the primary video signal is less than the output lower limit value, in short, when the gradation level is negative, the negative gradation level of the present primary color is, in accordance with its magnitude, in other words, in accordance with the absolute value of the negative gradation level, replaced with positive gradation levels of other two primary colors. Therefore, in accordance with A VIDEO SIGNAL CONVERTER of this invention, even when the primary video signal includes a signal value having a negative gradation level, in short, even when one or more of each signal value of RGB is below the output lower limit value, a color according to the combination of those gradation levels (a combination of each level of primary colors (RGB)) can be reproduced (displayed) by a display means.
US08077258B2 Image display apparatus, signal processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product
An image display apparatus includes the following elements. An IP converter performs signal conversion processing for converting an interlace signal into a progressive signal including information on interpolated pixels. A frame controller temporally divides an input image frame to generate a plurality of sub-frames. A high-frequency-enhanced sub-frame generator and a high-frequency-suppressed sub-frame generator perform filtering processing on the sub-frames to generate high-frequency-enhanced sub-frames and high-frequency-suppressed sub-frames, respectively. A first output controller alternately outputs the high-frequency-enhanced sub-frames and the high-frequency-suppressed sub-frames. A gain controller adjusts an output level of the sub-frames. A second output controller receives an output from the first output controller and an output from the gain controller to output an output-level-adjusted signal as a signal corresponding to the interpolated pixels and outputs an output-level non-adjusted signal as an original pixel signal. A display unit performs frame-hold-type display processing and alternately displays the high-frequency-enhanced sub-frames and the high-frequency-suppressed sub-frames.
US08077252B2 Electronic camera that adjusts a distance from an optical lens to an imaging surface so as to search the focal point
An electronic camera includes an image sensor having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene through a focus lens. When the object scene captured by the imaging surface includes a face portion of a human, a CPU designates, as a focal-point search area a first imaging area for covering an outline of the face portion. The CPU also designates, as a frequency-component detection area, a second imaging area that is smaller than the first imaging area and is for capturing an inner side of the outline of the face portion. Subsequently, the CPU obtains a high-frequency AF evaluation value and a mid-frequency AF evaluation value detected corresponding to the frequency-component detection area, and designates, as a lens moving range, a range different depending upon a relative ratio between the high-frequency AF evaluation value and the mid-frequency AF evaluation value. Thereafter, the CPU moves the focus lens within a designated range, and references a partial image generated on the imaging surface in a manner to correspond to the focal-point search area so as to search a focal point for the face portion.
US08077250B2 Electronic still camera with capability to perform optimal focus detection according to selected mode
An electronic still camera includes a finder optical system for viewing a subject image. An imaging section obtains the subject image. A display section displays the subject image based on image data associated with the subject image obtained by the imaging section. A mode selecting section selects either a first mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while a user views the subject image through the finder optical system or a second mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while the user views the subject image on the display section. A first focus detection circuit performs a first focus detecting operation when the first mode is selected by the mode selecting section. A second focus detection circuit performs a second focus detecting operation when the second mode is selected by the mode selecting section.
US08077246B2 Method and apparatus for controlling imaging direction and magnification of camera
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an imaging processing method where a plurality of images are picked up while an imaging direction of a camera is being changed. The images are combined into a composite image. A target region is specified within the composite image. An imaging direction and an imaging magnification for imaging an object included in the target region in a predetermined size are calculated based on a position and a size of the target region in the composite image and an imaging parameter set for the camera when the plurality of images are picked up. Accordingly, the imaging direction and the imaging magnification for imaging the object to be imaged can be set easily.
US08077236B2 Method and apparatus providing reduced metal routing in imagers
An imaging device and method for operating the device. The imaging device comprises a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. At least one pixel of the array comprises a photosensor and a first reset circuit responsive to a first reset control signal for resetting the photosensor. A first terminal of the first reset circuit is coupled to the photosensor and a second terminal of the first reset circuit is configured to receive a first resetting voltage from a control line.
US08077231B2 Imaging apparatus containing a solid-state imaging device and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes: a solid-state imaging device including a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements provided in the semiconductor substrate and a spectral element which is provided over the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that are consecutive in a straight-line manner, in which a trapezoidal opening longitudinal in a direction from a bottom side into which light incident on the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements is introduced to a top side is provided, and which makes a spectral separation occur in the longitudinal direction by interference between the incident light and light reflected from an inner side surface of the trapezoidal opening; and a polarizing element which is provided on an optical path from a photographic subject to the solid-state imaging device and which allows polarized light to be transmitted therethrough.
US08077229B2 Image parameter correction for picked-up image and simulated image
Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus for performing predetermined image signal processing on an image signal picked up by an image pickup device in order to convert the image signal for recording and display purposes, the imaging apparatus including, a parameter storage section, a parameter setting section, a gamma correction processing section, and a display-ready signal conversion section.
US08077228B2 Processing of sensor values in imaging systems
A digital image system identifies defective pixels of a digital image sensor based on sensor values of pixels positioned in at least two dimensions on the digital image sensor. The exemplary imaging system includes a buffer for receiving sensor values that are each associated with a pixel in the digital image sensor and electronics for comparing the sensor value associated with a test pixel to the sensor values of pixels positioned in at least two dimensions on the digital image sensor. The electronics determines whether the test pixel is a defective pixel based on the comparison.
US08077221B2 Image capturing apparatus and control method therefor with determination whether storage medium is limited-rewriteable storage medium
An image capturing apparatus using a limited-rewriteable storage medium is disclosed. The image capturing apparatus writes generated image data in the limited-rewriteable storage medium at the time of shooting processing. On the other hand, an internal memory in the image capturing apparatus holds management information such as a FAT and directory entry. The apparatus writes the management information in the limited-rewriteable storage medium after the contents of the information are determined.
US08077216B2 Image pickup apparatus with a human face detecting function, method and program product for detecting a human face
A digital camera has a human face dictionary set 151 for storing information defining peculiarities of a human face and a mode selection key 142 for selecting a first mode or a second mode, wherein the first mode is for putting priority to a speed at which the human face is detected and the second mode is for putting priority to accuracy of detecting the human face. When the first mode has been selected with the mode selection key 142, a control unit 7 controls a face detecting unit 15 to read less information from the human face dictionary set 151 than information to be read from the human face dictionary set 151 when the second mode has been selected, and to use the less information to detect a face of a person to be photographed with CCD 2. When the face of the person is detected, the control unit 7 processes a photographed image of the person based on image information of the detected face and records the processed image in an external memory 13.
US08077211B2 Image blurring correction device and imaging device using the same with a high pass filter
An imaging device includes an angular velocity sensor (11), which outputs a blurring signal, a high-pass filter circuit unit (12), which eliminates a direct current component in accordance with a first time constant, and which outputs a fluctuation portion with respect to a reference voltage as an angular velocity signal, an analog switch ASW (1), which cause a charge that is accumulated within the high-pass filter circuit unit (12) to discharge according to a second time constant, a computation unit (15), which is for performing a computation in order to correct a blurring of an image in accordance with the angular velocity signal, and a detection circuit unit (15D), which, in order to detect a change over time of the angular velocity of the camera body, samples the angular velocity signal on a per fixed time interval basis, obtains a derivative in accordance with a value thus sampled of the angular velocity signal, and detects a change over time in a size of the derivative thus obtained, wherein the time constant of the high-pass filter is switched between the first time constant and the second time constant of the high-pass filter by controlling a switching on or off of the analog switch in accordance with the result of the detection that is performed by the detection circuit unit (15D).
US08077203B2 Vehicle-periphery image generating apparatus and method of correcting distortion of a vehicle-periphery image
A vehicle-periphery image generating apparatus and a method of correcting distortion of vehicle-periphery image corrects distortion of the obstacle image appearing in the vehicle-periphery image after viewpoint conversion, so that visual discomfort experienced by the driver is reduced. Images around the vehicle are captured by a plurality of cameras, and an obstacle around the vehicle is detected by an ultrasonic sensor. When the obstacle is detected, a width of an image in the region positioned on the far side of the obstacle is compressed in the center direction of the images to generate the vehicle-periphery image. As a result, when a three-dimensional obstacle around the vehicle appears in an camera image, the camera image is viewpoint-converted so that enlargement or stretching of the obstacle image can be prevented.
US08077202B2 Driving-operation assist and recording medium
A vehicle-operation assist includes a circumferential-state imager for imaging a circumferential state of a vehicle with a camera and generating a circumferential-state image; a synthetic-image generator for generating a synthetic image by superimposing on the circumferential-state image, an assumed-movement pattern of the vehicle performing a predetermined series of driving operations; and a display for displaying the synthetic image. The circumferential-state imager has at least one camera and a camera parameter table for storing characteristics of the camera and generating the circumferential-state image on the basis of the camera characteristics.
US08077197B2 Three-dimensional data preparing method and three-dimensional data preparing device
A 3-dimensional data preparing method, comprising a first step of continuously taking digital images when moving from a first known point, via a second known point, to a third unknown point, a second step of generating tracking points from an image acquired at the first point, and sequentially specifying the tracking points on the continuously acquired images, a third step of obtaining 3-dimensional data of the tracking points based on the first and second points, a fourth step of sequentially obtaining a position of the third point, based on the orientation and the position data of the tracking point, a fifth step of obtaining position data of an image based on the first and second points, and a sixth step of sequentially obtaining position data of images from the orientation of the images at the second and third points and from the position data at those points.
US08077195B2 Autostereoscopic system
A method for the autostereoscopic representation of images on a screen, wherein image information of separate channels for a right eye and a left eye of a user is displayed in interleaved segments on the screen, and a lens array is disposed for deflecting light emitted from the screen such that the image information of each channel is visible only for one eye of the user, including the steps of defining a channel mask, as determined by the lens array, projecting the channel mask onto the screen, thereby to assign to each pixel of the screen a correlation with at least one of the channels, storing, for each channel, and determining the contents of each pixel on the basis of its correlations with the channels.
US08077193B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using the same
An optical scanning device configured to remove or sufficiently reduce ghost light includes an input optical system for directing a light beam from a light source to a deflecting surface of a deflector, and an imaging optical system for imaging a light beam scanningly deflected by the deflecting surface upon a surface to be scanned, wherein, in a sub-scan section, the light beam is incident on the deflecting surface of the deflector from an oblique direction with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, wherein a light blocking member for blocking ghost light is disposed on a light path between the deflecting surface and the scanned surface, wherein an end portion of the light blocking member in the sub-scan direction is formed with a curved shape having a height in the sub-scan direction which height changes in accordance with the position in the main-scan direction.
US08077185B2 Mechanism to mitigate color breakup artifacts in field sequential color display systems
A system and method for displaying video images in response to each frame of field-sequential video signals. The system comprises a backlight comprising first, second and third primary color light sources. The backlight is operable to emit light for at most 5.67 milliseconds of each frame (on-time), and to emit no light during the remainder of each frame (off-time). During a portion of the on-time, at least two of the primary color light sources are on simultaneously. For another portion of the on-time, the primary color light sources are on sequentially.
US08077184B1 Intelligent color remapping of video data
The color remapping system places axes on the Cb-Cr color plane to differentiate and isolate colors of interest. Each axis has a programmable position, hue change value and saturation change value. Input pixels from the video data stream are calibrated with respect to the axes and enhanced based upon the two neighboring axes adjacent to the input pixels. The system can be reconfigured in real time by repositioning the axes and changing their hue and saturation change values. The system is easy to program and reconfigure and provides visually pleasing enhancements to the digital video.
US08077174B2 Hierarchical processor array
Apparatuses and methods are presented for a hierarchical processor. The processor comprises, at a first level of hierarchy, a plurality of similarly structured first level components, wherein each of the plurality of similarly structured first level components includes at least one combined function module capable of performing multiple classes of graphics operations, each of the multiple classes of graphics operations being associated with a different stage of graphics processing. The processor comprises, at a second level of hierarchy, a plurality of similarly structured second level components positioned within each one of the plurality of similarly structured first level components, wherein each of the plurality of similarly structured second level components is capable of carrying out different operations from the multiple classes of graphics operations, wherein each first level component is adapted to distribute work to the plurality of similarly structured second level components positioned within the first level component.
US08077172B2 Method and apparatus for processing an image, image display system, storage medium, and program
In an image display system, when a sequence of frames α, α+1, α+2, α+3, . . . , with a frame rate of m is given as an input video signal S1, a controller controls a frame memory to output a sequence of frames α, α+2, . . . , as an output video signal S2 at a frame rate of m/2 and a sequence of frames α+1, α+3, . . . , as an output video signal S3 at a frame rate of m/2 such that the timing of outputting each of frames α+1, α+3, . . . , of the output video signal S3 is delayed by 1/m with respect of the timing of outputting each of frames α, α+2, . . . , of the output video signal S2. By displaying the output video signals S3 and S2 in the above-described manner, a resultant motion image formed by a combination of the output video signals S3 and S2 is refreshed at an effective frame rate of m.
US08077171B2 Signal regulator module and related display device
A signal regulator module includes a floating current regulator, a signal sensor, and a feedback controller. The floating current regulator is electrically coupled to a driving circuit and the light sources of a display panel for regulating the driving signals based on a feedback signal in a photo couple means. The signal sensor is electrically coupled to the floating current regulator for generating a corresponding voltage signal based on the driving signal through a photo couple means. The feedback controller is electrically coupled to the signal sensor and the floating current regulator for generating the feedback signal based on the voltage signal and outputting the feedback signal to the floating current regulator.
US08077167B2 Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
An LCD panel including scan lines, data lines, first common lines, second common lines and pixels electrically connected to the scan lines and the data lines is provided. Each pixel has a first display region and a pair of second display regions when the pixels are driven. The first display region and the pair of the second display regions of each pixel are coupled by the first common lines and the second common lines, respectively so as to display different levels of brightness. Besides, the first display region and the second display regions of each pixel are aligned in a column direction, and the first display region of each pixel is disposed between the pair of the second display regions.
US08077159B2 Systems and methods for correction of variations in speed of signal propagation through a touch contact surface
Methods and algorithms for compensating for variances in the uniformity of a touch substrate in a touch sensitive device.
US08077157B2 Device, system, and method of wireless transfer of files
Device, system, and method of wireless transfer of files. For example, a method includes: identifying a selection of a representation of a digital object stored in a mobile device by detecting contact on a touch-sensitive surface of the mobile device at a contact position that corresponds to said representation; identifying a directional movement of said contact position on the touch-sensitive surface; and in response to said directional movement, wirelessly transferring data corresponding to the digital object to a nearby computing device.
US08077151B2 Information processing apparatus
The information processing apparatus of the invention includes: a display section having a display screen on one surface thereof; a main unit that supports the display section so that the display section can open and close with the one surface arranged inside, and, when opened, serves as a base to erect the display section; and an input section that is physically detachably coupled to the main unit so as to be flush with the main unit. The input section has operating members for inputting information arrayed on a top surface thereof. The length of the sum of the input section and the main unit in a direction of the depth thereof when coupled is substantially same as the length of the display section in the same direction when closed.
US08077150B2 Storable mouse
A storable mouse is provided. The storable mouse includes a mouse body, a connecting element and a protective case. A connecting surface of the connecting element is coupled with a rear surface of the mouse body such that bilateral sides of the connecting element are rotatable with respect to the mouse body. The protective case is pivotally coupled with the connecting element and rotatable with respect to the connecting element. The protective case includes a receptacle. When the protective case is folded toward the mouse body, the upper surface of the mouse body is sheltered by and accommodated within the receptacle of the protective case.
US08077147B2 Mouse with optical sensing surface
A mouse with an extended optical sensing surface is disclosed.
US08077146B2 Display system and method for detecting pointed position
A plurality of infrared-light-emitting areas are displayed in a display screen of a liquid crystal display apparatus in a method that allows each of the infrared-light-emitting areas to be distinguished. Then, an image in a direction of a pointed position is captured by an operating device. Based on a result of distinguishing each of the infrared-light-emitting areas and a position of each of the infrared-light-emitting areas, a pointed position on the display screen is calculated. This makes it possible to properly detect the pointed position on the display screen pointed by the operating device, regardless of (i) a distance between the operating device and the display apparatus and (ii) a rotation angle of the operating device around an axis in an image capture direction of the operating device.
US08077141B2 Backplanes for electro-optic displays
A backplane for an electro-optic display comprises a pixel electrode (104), a voltage supply line (C) arranged to supply a voltage to the pixel electrode (104), and a micromechanical switch (106, 112) disposed between the voltage supply line (C) and the pixel electrode (104), the micromechanical switch (106, 112) having an open state, in which the voltage supply line (C) is not electrically connected to the pixel electrode (104), and a closed state, in which the voltage supply line (C) is electrically connected to the pixel electrode (104).
US08077133B2 Driving circuit
In a driving circuit of a display device, a period for writing to pixels is shortened while an increase in size of an integrated circuit is avoided. In a first period of the writing period, the pixel is charged up with a gradation potential of a particular node in a node group that includes a node which is at an objective gradation potential. In the first period, a plurality of lines corresponding to the number of nodes included in the node group are connected in parallel between the particular node and the pixel. In a second period of the data-writing period, this parallel connection is cancelled and only the node corresponding to the objective gradation potential is connected to the pixel.
US08077128B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel having liquid crystal cells, a gate driver for driving gate lines of the liquid crystal display panel, a data driver for driving a first to (2m+1)th data lines of the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the liquid crystal display panel includes first thin film transistors connected to odd numbered data lines arranged on each horizontal line in zigzag with reference to the odd numbered data lines, second thin film transistors connected to even numbered data lines arranged on each horizontal line in zigzag with reference to the even numbered data lines, pixel electrode connected to the first thin film transistor for having a first data signal supplied thereto through the odd numbered data lines, and a common electrode connected to the second thin film transistor for having a second data signal supplied thereto through the even numbered data line and forming a horizontal electric field together with the pixel electrode.
US08077115B2 Antenna device, radio tag reader and article management system
There is provided with an antenna device includes; a first antenna element which is either a spiral antenna element or a loop-like antenna element; and a first feed point provided at a first end of the first antenna element, the first end being an outer end of the spiral antenna element or an one end of the loop-like antenna element, wherein a length from an second end of the first antenna element to the first end of the first antenna element along the first antenna element is about one half wavelength of operating frequency, the second end being an inner end of the spiral antenna element or the other end of the loop-like antenna element.
US08077112B2 Collapsible tri-axial frame antenna
A antenna is described including a first frame having a first loop antenna element disposed thereon; a second frame having a second loop antenna element disposed thereon, the second frame disposed perpendicular to the first frame in an operational mode and disposed parallel to the first frame when in a stored mode; and a third frame having a third loop antenna element disposed thereon, the third frame disposed perpendicular to the first and second frame in an operational mode and disposed parallel to the first and second frame when in a stored mode.
US08077111B2 Optimized radiation patterns
An antenna arrangement comprising at least two antenna arrays, each array comprising a plurality of radiating elements being arranged so as to have at least a plurality of corresponding radiating element positions, wherein for each radiating element there is associated an excitation means comprising a magnitude weight and a delay weight, wherein there is a first set of excitation means associated with a first array providing a first radiation pattern and a second set of excitation means associated with a second array providing a second radiation pattern. At least two respective excitation means associated with a corresponding radiating element position of at least two respective arrays have at least two different magnitude weights, and at least two respective excitation means associated with a corresponding radiating element position of at least two respective arrays have at least two different delay weights.
US08077109B1 Method and apparatus for wideband planar arrays implemented with a polyomino subarray architecture
Methods for producing wide-band planar array antenna designs and antenna corresponding thereto.
US08077104B1 Passive anti-jamming antenna system
System and method for improving the interference resistance of an radio frequency (RF) antenna system through passive prescreening of the RF energy incident upon the antenna. The invention physically partitions the RF environment into two or more sectors with respect to the direction of arrival of incident energy. The power level of the RF frequencies of interest incident upon each sector is determined such that whenever the power level exceeds a given threshold, the received signal from energy incident on that sector is modified.
US08077101B1 Trans-grade communication network
Methods and apparatus that provide grade-level RF transceivers for use in trans-grade wireless communication networks. The methods involve incorporating slot antennas into grade-level opening covers, such as manhole covers, to provide built-in antennas for transceivers that may be connected by transmission lines. The grade-level transceivers use coupling mechanisms to connect transceivers to the slot antennas by way of transmission feed lines. Multi-slot grade-level transceivers use switching mechanisms to switch between multiple slot antennas. Certain embodiments may also include adaptable RF circuitry. Trans-grade wireless communication networks use these grade-level transceivers to communicate between below-ground and above-ground portions of the network, which may be used in underground utility systems such as combined sewer systems.
US08077100B2 Antenna connector
An automotive glazing, comprising an antenna connector is disclosed. The glazing comprises at least a first ply of a transparent glazing material, and a ply of a plastics material extending across the ply of glazing material and having a line-like electrical conductor in contact therewith, a portion of the electrical conductor line being configured to form an antenna conductor and a portion being configured to form a coupling region. In addition, a surface contact is provided on the surface of the first ply of glazing material situated away from the plastics material, in registration with the coupling region. The coupling region and the surface contact form a transmission line acting as a bandpass filter for a frequency band f, the portion of the electrical conductor forming the coupling region having a length approximately equal to an odd multiple of a quarter of a first effective wavelength λeff in the glazing corresponding to f. Signals received by the antenna in the bandwidth are transferred between the coupling region and the surface contact by low-impedance radio frequency coupling. Preferably, the surface contact and the coupling region form a two-line transmission line.
US08077099B1 Multi-band symmetric phase center folded monopole antenna for GPS/proximity munitions fuse applications
The present invention is a folded monopole antenna assembly. The folded monopole antenna assembly includes a dielectric substrate, the dielectric substrate being configured for receiving at least one input. The folded monopole antenna assembly further includes a folded monopole antenna. The folded monopole antenna is configured for being connected with the dielectric substrate. Further, the folded monopole antenna includes at least one reactive circuit. The folded monopole antenna is further configured for receiving a signal via a received input included in the at least one received input. The antenna assembly is configured for implementation within an artillery shell and/or a munition.
US08077097B2 Dual-band antenna and electronic device employing the same
A dual-band antenna includes a feed portion, a ground portion, a radiating portion and a fine-tuning portion. The feed portion is operable to feed electromagnetic signals. The radiating portion includes a first radiator, a second radiator and a connecting portion. The first radiator is elongated and has a first end electrically connected to the ground portion, and a second end of the first radiator is floating. The second radiator is U shaped, with two open ends floating. The connecting portion is connected to the first radiator, the second radiator and the feed portion. The feed portion feeds electromagnetic signal to the first radiator and the second radiator via the connecting portion. The fine-tuning portion is arranged around the second radiator, operable to control operating frequency bands of the second radiator.
US08077096B2 Slot antennas for electronic devices
Slot antennas are provided for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices. The slot antennas may have a dielectric-filled slot that is formed in a ground plane element. The ground plane element may be formed from part of a conductive device housing. The slot may have one or more holes at its ends. The holes may affect the impedance characteristics of the slot antennas so that the length of the slot antennas may be reduced. For example, the holes can be used to synthesize the impedance of the slot antennas so that the slot antennas have a resonant frequency that is different from their natural resonant frequency. The holes may affect the impedance of the slot antennas in multiple radio-frequency bands.
US08077088B2 Method for single satellite geolocation of emitters using an ambiguous interferometer array
A method of locating a terrestrial emitter of electromagnetic radiation in the midst of a plurality of emitters in a satellite in orbit about the earth which utilizes a location estimation and location probability determination process with respect to each possible emitter site and its corresponding error region and then using both feedback and feed forward interaction between location and phase ambiguity resolution processes to generate resolved phase from emitter location, update emitter location or some or all of the emitters, and subsequently utilizing the probabilities thus determined to produce a single estimate of the desired emitter's location.
US08077086B2 Methods and apparatus for obtaining GNSS time in a GNSS receiver
A method and apparatus for obtaining Global navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time in a GNSS receiver are provided. The following steps are included: obtaining a time relationship between a first clock signal and the received GNSS time; obtaining a first clock value of a second clock signal and an first associated clock value of the first clock signal at a first time point; calculating a first GNSS time corresponding to the first clock value of the second clock signal according to the first associated clock value and the time relationship; obtaining a second clock value of the second clock signal and an second associated clock value of the first clock signal at a second time point; and calculating a second GNSS time corresponding to the second associated clock value, according to the first GNSS time, the first clock value and the second clock value of the second clock signal.
US08077084B2 Supporting an assisted satellite based positioning
For supporting a satellite based positioning of a mobile arrangement (30,40) with assistance data, a communication network converts parameters of a dedicated orbit model describing a movement of a satellite (50,60), which dedicated orbit model is defined for a particular satellite based positioning system, into parameters of a common orbit model describing a movement of a satellite (50,60). Alternatively or in addition, the network replaces a reference value that is based on a satellite based positioning system time in available parameters of an orbit model by a reference value that is based on a communication system time. After the parameter conversion and/or the reference value replacement, the parameters are provided as a part of assistance data for the satellite based positioning.
US08077075B2 Object verification method for use in radar systems for motor vehicles
In an object verification method for use in radar systems for motor vehicles, the distances and relative velocities of located objects are determined on the basis of received radar echoes. The signature of multiple reflections is searched for in the received radar echoes to verify real objects.
US08077069B2 Two-step subranging ADC architecture
First and second track and hold stages track and store an input voltage for a sample of an analog input signal. A coarse reference ladder provides a plurality of coarse references. In one embodiment, the coarse reference ladder includes a first coarse reference and a second coarse reference ladder. A coarse ADC performs a first comparison of the input voltage and the plurality of coarse references and outputs a coarse output based on the first comparison. A switch matrix includes a plurality of switches and is configured to close a switch corresponding to a coarse reference based on the coarse output. A fine reference ladder provides a plurality of fine references. A fine ADC performs a second comparison of the input voltage and the plurality of fine references and outputs a fine output based on the second comparison. Logic outputs a digital output for the sample of the analog input signal based on the coarse output and the fine output.
US08077068B2 Quantizer, analogue-to-digital converter comprising such a quantizer, and ultra-wide band receiver integrating such a converter
The invention relates to an N-bit asynchronous Quantizer including a 2N−1 signal amplifier stages (G12-G2N−12) arranged in series, the input of the first stage being capable of receiving a signal to be quantized; 2N−1 comparators (C12-C2N−12), one comparator being connected to the output of each amplifier stage (G12-G2N−12), and capable of comparing the value of this output with a predetermined threshold value; and at least 2N−2 delay lines (D12-D2N−12) placed at the output of the 2N−2 first comparators, the signals supplied at the output of the delay lines (D12-D2N−12) and of the last comparator constituting at any instant the quantized binary values of the input signal with a time shift.
US08077067B2 Method and apparatus for simulating a potentiometer
A contactless sensor utilizes analog and digital circuitry to provide direct interchangeability with a simple potentiometric sensor, matching all of the electrical properties of a potentiometer, including supply voltage range, power supply current, output voltage range, and having three connection terminals. The contactless sensor operates with voltages from 2 to 30 volts direct current, which includes all of the common industrial sensor power supply voltages: 5V, 10V, 24V, and +/− 15V. The contactless sensor utilizes a total current of less than 0.005 amperes, and its output voltage range includes the power supply rails. These improvements combine to enable the contactless sensor to be a direct replacement when a potentiometric sensor is removed from service.
US08077056B2 Immobilizer receiver for outboard motor
An immobilizer receiver for an outboard motor includes a control unit that is housed in a liquid-tight case and arranged to receive an authentication code, an antenna wire arranged to receive the authentication code, and an answer-back buzzer arranged to provide an indication that the authentication code has been received, which are housed in a recessed section of a housing. A distance from an opening surface to a bottom surface of the recessed section of the housing is arranged such that the antenna wire can receive the authentication code even in a case that a hull is made of metal. Then, the opening surface of the housing is preferably mounted on a vertical or approximately vertical surface of the hull. Therefore, it is possible to secure a receiving function of the antenna wire that is housed on the bottom surface of the recessed section. In addition, the answer-back buzzer is protected against coming in contact with water. The immobilizer receiver can easily be mounted to a hull and has a receiving function that is secured.
US08077055B2 Method and device for filtering windshears alarms for an aircraft
Method, device and item of equipment for filtering alarms originating from a windshear detection system embedded in an aircraft being able to emit an alarm. The aircraft has at least one sensor allowing the acquisition of a flight parameter. The device includes: units for the calculation of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the calculation of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter, units for the comparison of the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter with a threshold C1, units for evaluating whether the absolute value of the second derivative of the flight parameter exceeds the threshold C1 over a duration greater than a time threshold T, and units for suppressing the alarm originating from the windshear detection system.
US08077052B2 Illuminated wind indicator
An illuminated wind indicator that provides visual indication of wind motion even at night. One or more chime members and a pendulum assembly are suspended from a support of housing, and arranged so that the chime members and the pendulum assembly may more relative to each other. In addition, a light source is situated such that a portion of the pendulum emits light. The light source is powered by a solar cell and a rechargeable battery. A light source may be used to detect ambient light and switch the battery from accumulating charge to powering the light source. The light source may include a luminescent material.
US08077051B2 Fault detection system with redundant product teach verification
Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states.
US08077050B2 Transport system evaluator
An evaluating apparatus arranged to evaluate an item-transport system having a flow path. The apparatus includes one or more position markers adjacent the path and an evaluating device for sensing the markers and conditions of the transport system. The evaluating device has at least one evaluation sensor configured to (A) sense conditions of the transport system and (B) produce evaluation-sensor data based on the sensed conditions. The evaluating device also has a position-marker sensor configured to sense the position markers and produce position-marker data. The apparatus further includes a distance meter configured to produce distance data and at least one computing device configured to determine a particular location at which the evaluating device was along the path of the item-transport system when a particular condition of the item-transport system was sensed based on the evaluation-sensor data, the position-marker data, and the distance data.
US08077042B2 Diagnostic radio frequency identification sensors and applications thereof
An integrated passive wireless chip diagnostic sensor system is described that can be interrogated remotely with a wireless device such as a modified cell phone incorporating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities (such as the emerging Gen-2 standard) or Bluetooth, providing universal easy to use, low cost and immediate quantitative analyses, geolocation and sensor networking capabilities to users of the technology. The present invention can be integrated into various diagnostic platforms and is applicable for use with low power sensors such as thin films, MEMS, electrochemical, thermal, resistive, nano or microfluidic sensor technologies. Applications of the present invention include on-the-spot medical and self-diagnostics on smart skin patches, Point-of-Care (POC) analyses, food diagnostics, pathogen detection, disease-specific wireless biomarker detection, remote structural stresses detection and sensor networks for industrial or Homeland Security using low cost wireless devices such as modified cell phones.
US08077036B2 Systems and methods for security breach detection
A system for detecting and classifying a security breach may include at least one sensor configured to detect seismic vibration from a source, and to generate an output signal that represents the detected seismic vibration. The system may further include a controller that is configured to extract a feature vector from the output signal of the sensor and to measure one or more likelihoods of the extracted feature vector relative to set {bi} (i=1, . . . , imax) of breach classes bi. The controller may be further configured to classify the detected seismic vibration as a security breach belonging to one of the breach classes bi, by choosing a breach class within the set {bi} that has a maximum likelihood.
US08077033B2 Disaster vulnerability assessment in buildings
The number and identities of people in a building along with personal data that is useful in disaster response planning are determined from a database receiving information from the building's security access card readers and from user information extracted from wireless network access points. This information is used in the event of a disaster alarm to quickly compute vulnerability indicia for each of several locations in a building and each of several buildings in a group.
US08077032B1 System and method for selectively providing security to and transmission power from a portable electronic device depending on a distance between the device and a user
A portable electronic device is provided for sending and receiving a communication signal to and from a target, respectively. Among other components, the portable electronic device includes an antenna, a transceiver, a signal processing system and control circuitry. The signal processing system determines a distance between the target and the portable electronic device. There are various ways to determine the relative distance between the target and the device. One such methodology is to use a change in a signal that is transmitted from the transceiver and reflected from the target back to the transceiver. The change can be a frequency shift, a phase shift, a capacitive coupling change, an impedance change, or any other change which notes the presence of a target relative to the transceiver. The control circuitry may be used to change the amount of power applied to the antenna and/or to change at least one security measure of the device depending on the distance detected between the target and the device.
US08077027B2 System and method for analyzing faulty event transmissions
A system and method are disclosed for recording and evaluating faults in event transmissions between security system components. A panel in a monitored building may send event signals to a receiver located in a central monitoring facility. Event signals may represent a status of individual alarms or sensors in the building, or they may provide a status of the system as a whole. If the quality of the transmission is substandard or in a format that is unacceptable to the receiver, the signal data associated with the event is recorded for analysis. Recording is controlled by a line card associated with the receiver, and the signal data is stored in local or remote memory. Signal data can be manually or automatically analyzed to determine the source of the fault. In addition, recorded signal data can be used to build customized software to recognize signals from previously unrecognized or faulty panels.
US08077025B2 Intelligent tire systems and methods
The invention is related to intelligent tire systems and methods. In one embodiment, an intelligent tire system (ITS) comprises a first sensor device, a second sensor device, a central control unit, and a transceiver. The first sensor device is mounted in a tire of a vehicle and comprises a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The second sensor device is mounted in the tire and comprises an RF transceiver, the second sensor device adapted to receive a transmitter transmission from the first sensor device comprising first sensor data. The central control unit is mounted in the vehicle. The transceiver is mounted in the vehicle and is adapted to receive a transceiver transmission from the second sensor device comprising first sensor data and second sensor data and to transmit the transceiver transmission to the central control unit.
US08077024B2 Vehicle comprising a distance control system
The invention pertains to a vehicle (01) with a distance control system, wherein the distance control system features at least one distance sensor (08) for measuring the distance of the vehicle (01) from surrounding objects (02, 03, 05). A distance sensor (08) is arranged on at least one side of the vehicle (01) in the central region thereof, particularly in or on the exterior rearview mirror (06, 07).
US08077020B2 Method and apparatus for tactile haptic device to guide user in real-time obstacle avoidance
An apparatus for providing information about a physical surrounding environment to a user includes an elongate body having first and second opposing ends and a mast, at least one sensor mountably coupled to the mast, at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device including first and second haptic force feedback mechanisms and a vibrator, and a processor, which receives signals from the at least one sensor and operatively controls the at least one dual purpose, bi-directional haptic force feedback device.
US08077016B2 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a plurality of devices
Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.
US08077015B1 Method for waking a device in response to a wireless network activity
A method and a system for data transmission between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device is in a sleep mode. Transmission of data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device occurs while a microprocessor in the second device is in sleep mode and the wireless transceiver is in a wake mode. The first electronic device transmits data signals and the second electronic device detects the transmitted signal. A base band processor in the second electronic device optionally determines if the signal is from a known source. If the first electronic device is a known electronic device, an interrupt signal is generated to wake up the microprocessor in the second electronic device. The wakened microprocessor opens a communication port and disables the wake-up interrupt. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the data receive line is directly coupled to a line that triggers an interrupt when a signal is detected. The received message is then stored in memory for subsequent use.
US08076989B2 Differential waveguide system connected to front and rear network elements
A waveguide system comprises a differential waveguide with at least one first and one second signal conductor, which are coupled to one another within the waveguide, and a divider network with front network elements disposed at a front end of the waveguide in the signal-flow direction and with rear network elements disposed at a rear end of the waveguide in the signal-flow direction. The front network elements comprise a first parallel element, which extends in the direction from the first signal conductor to the earth conductor, and a second parallel element, which extends in the direction from the second signal conductor to the earth conductor. Alternatively, the parallel element can also be disposed between the signal conductors.
US08076987B2 Pulse width modulating circuit
A pulse width modulating (PWM) circuit includes an activating module and a pulse generating module connected to the activating module. The activating module includes a current resource and a compensation unit. The current source generates an activating current, and the compensating unit detects the activating current and compensates the activating current if the activating current changes. The activating current is input to the pulse generating module to generate pulse voltages output by the pulse generating module.
US08076986B2 Switching capacitor generation circuit
A switching capacitor generation circuit which reduces the on-resistance and parasitic capacitance of a switch element and improves the operation properties of the switch element. The switching capacitor generation circuit, which has first and second output terminals, includes a first capacitor coupled to the first output terminal, a second capacitor coupled to the second output terminal, and a single switch element coupled between the first and the second capacitors.
US08076982B2 Voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillation circuit and signal processing circuit
A voltage-controlled variable frequency oscillation circuit, includes: an oscillation circuit section including a resonance circuit which includes a coil and a variable capacitance element, and a negative resistance circuit; and a first resistor connected between the oscillation circuit section and a first one of a pair of terminals of a power supply.
US08076963B2 Delay-locked loop having a delay independent of input signal duty cycle variation
A Delay-Locked Loop (DLL) uses a delay line to delay a first signal by a “delay time”, thereby generating a second signal. A capacitor is charged at a first rate starting at a first edge of first signal and continuing until an edge of the second signal. The capacitor is then discharged at a second rate until another edge of the first signal. A control loop controls the delay time such that the amount the capacitor is charged is the same as the amount the capacitor is discharged. The delay time is constant and is substantially independent of variations in the duty cycle of the first signal. In one example, duty cycle distortion cancellation is accomplished by changing the first rate proportionally with respect to changes in first signal duty cycle. In another example, the first and second rates are independent of the duty cycle of the first signal.
US08076962B2 Frequency synthesis system with self-calibrated loop stability and bandwidth
In a frequency synthesis system with self-calibrated loop stability and bandwidth, a detector produces a detection signal based on a difference between an input signal and a feedback signal; a charge pump produces a control signal based on the detection signal; a filter produces a tuning signal and a source current based on the control signal; a bias circuit produces first and second bias signals; a controllable oscillator produces a differential output signal with a selected specific frequency; a differential-to-single converter produces an output signal with the selected specific frequency; a programmable frequency divider produces the feedback signal; a current mirror circuit receives the source current for producing a mirror current; a compensation circuit produces a compensation current based on the mirror current for compensating the variation of the damping factor and the bandwidth-to-reference frequency ratio.
US08076960B2 Digital phase-locked loop with two-point modulation using an accumulator and a phase-to-digital converter
A digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) supporting two-point modulation is described. In one design, the DPLL includes a phase-to-digital converter and a loop filter operating in a loop, a first processing unit for a lowpass modulation path, and a second processing unit for a highpass modulation path. The first processing unit receives an input modulating signal and provides a first modulating signal to a first point inside the loop after the phase-to-digital converter and prior to the loop filter. The second processing unit receives the input modulating signal and provides a second modulating signal to a second point inside the loop after the loop filter. The first processing unit may include an accumulator that accumulates the input modulating signal to convert frequency to phase. The second processing unit may include a scaling unit that scales the input modulating signal with a variable gain.
US08076958B2 Signal preprocessing device comprising band-pass filters for structure-borne noise sensors
A signal preprocessing device is disclosed, which is integrated into a structure-borne sound sensor or into an acceleration sensor for sensing structure-borne sound, or which is connected at the input end to at least one sensor of this type and is connected at the output end to at least one signal channel that is connected to at least one central electronic control unit, and wherein the signal preprocessing device has at least one filter module having at least two bandpass filters.A method for preprocessing structure-borne sound sensor signals is also disclosed, in which a filtering operation is carried out in which at least two frequency bands, which are at least to a certain extent part of the structure-borne sound spectrum, are transmitted. Use of the above device in electronic motor vehicle security systems, in particular safety systems, in particular in vehicle occupant protection systems and/or passenger protection systems is also disclosed.
US08076956B1 Relatively low standby power
A circuit includes a first transistor stack that receives an input signal, a voltage reference, a reference potential, a clock signal and an inverted clock signal, and generates an output signal that is an inverse of the input signal. A first inverter receives the output signal from the first transistor stack. A second transistor stack receives the voltage reference, the reference potential, the clock signal and the inverted clock signal, and generates an output signal that is an inverse of an output signal from the first inverter. A pass control circuit includes first and second transistors. The first terminals of the first and second transistors are coupled together and receive the output signal of the second transistor stack, control terminals of the first and second transistors receive the clock signal and the inverted clock signal, respectively, and second terminals of the first and second transistors are coupled together and output the output signal of the second transistor stack.
US08076953B2 LED outage detection circuit
Disclosed is an outage detection circuit for detecting a defective light source, such as a LED coupled to a DC-DC converter circuit for receiving a power signal. The outage detection circuit includes a top voltage detector coupled to the LED for detecting a voltage across the LED. The top voltage detector has a top voltage terminal for supplying a top voltage signal. The detection circuit further includes a differential amplifier coupled to the top voltage terminal for receiving the top voltage signal as a first input signal and coupled to a reference voltage terminal. The reference voltage terminal is configured to supply a reference voltage as a second input signal. The differential amplifier includes an output terminal for supplying an outage detection signal.
US08076951B2 Spray cooling thermal management system and method for semiconductor probing, diagnostics, and failure analysis
A micro-spray cooling system beneficial for use in testers of electrically stimulated integrated circuit chips is disclosed. The system includes micro-spray heads disposed about a probe head. The spray heads and probe head are disposed in a sealed manner inside a spray chamber that, during operation, is urged in a sealing manner onto a sealing plate holding the integrated circuit under test. The atomized mist cools the integrated circuit and then condenses on the spray chamber wall. The condensed fluid is pumped out of the chamber and is circulated in a chiller, so as to be re-circulated and injected again into the micro-spray heads. The pressure inside the spray chamber may be controlled to provide a desired boiling point.
US08076946B1 Leakage calibration
An integrated circuit and a method for efficiently operating integrated circuit devices. The integrated circuit includes an input that is configured to receive a first current which is representative of a leakage current drawn by leakage in a portion of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a leakage calibrator that is configured to compare the first current to a current required to perform a switching operation and output a value indicative of the leakage.
US08076943B2 Impedance-based arc detector for computed tomography scanner and method of use thereof
The present disclosure relates to an impedance-based arc detector for CT scanners and method of use and diagnosis therewith, and more specifically, to a two- or three-way conductive probe detector system and associated signal processing unit to distinguish the location of arc faults on a CT scanner at either the high-voltage cable of an x-ray tube, an anode connected to the x-ray tube, a cathode also connected to the x-ray tube, a high-voltage well, or a power distribution unit of the tube.
US08076942B2 Method for marine electrical survey of oil-and-gas deposits
A method for survey of hydrocarbon deposits in a researched profile of sea-bottom comprises providing a generator generating pulse electric current with a generator frequency in a towable generator line exciting electric field signals measured by sea-bottom stations synchronized with the generator, forming space-domain data arrays for the generator frequency and for higher odd harmonics frequencies nearest thereto, forming time-domain data arrays for selected offsets, inversion of the time-domain and space-domain data, and determining a bottom strata resistivity and polarization characteristics for the researched profile, based the inversion's results. The inversion preferably encompasses synchronizing and adjusting the generator line and electric field signals, dividing them into a frequency branch, including a fast Fourier transform and a robust summation producing the space-domain arrays, and a time-domain branch, including a robust summation producing the time-domain arrays. Embodiments include transient field analysis with spatial derivatives, special towing configurations, generator line types choices, etc.
US08076941B2 Bottom system for geophysical survey (variants)
A bottom system related to equipment deployed for seabed geo-electrical survey is proposed, in preferred embodiments comprising a basic module, including registration and power supply means, or a combination of the basic module with at least one additional module: a magnetic characteristics measuring module or/and a seismic characteristics measuring module. The additional modules are connected with other modules through hermetic connectors. The modules are attached to a load with Kevlar straps, provided with an electrochemical release system. Arms with electrodes measuring electromagnetic characteristics of seabed, are attached to the basic module, in their initial position directed upwards at minimum 15° from the vertical, and fixed with fixing elements, connected with a releasing element of a device for descending and lifting the bottom station. The arms are made telescopic for convenient transportation. Independent embodiments without additional modules include a non-conductive conical member joined to the basic module and to the load.
US08076935B2 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using SPIR and/or chess suppression pulses
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit and an image data acquisition unit. The imaging condition setting unit sets an imaging condition applying first and second suppression pulses of which at least ones of types, center frequencies and frequency bands are different from each other. The first and the second suppression pulses frequency-selectively suppress at least one of fat and silicone. The image data acquisition unit acquires image data according to the imaging condition.
US08076934B2 Black-blood steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging
In an imaging method, periodic maintenance radio frequency pulses (α, −α) are applied to maintain a steady state magnetic resonance excitation in an imaging region. Readout (66) of imaging data from the imaging region is performed during selected intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. A spatially selective blood signal suppression sequence (62, 62′) is performed during selected other intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. The blood signal suppression sequence suppresses a blood signal in a suppression region different from the imaging region. The blood signal suppression sequence has substantially no zero the moment applied magnetic field gradient.
US08076933B2 Method for determining wettability of an oil reservoir
A method for determining wettability of an earth formation zone surrounding a borehole, including the following steps: introducing paramagnetic ions into the water component of the zone; performing NMR measurements on the zone, and determining an NMR relaxation time parameter for the zone; extracting a fluid sample from the zone; performing NMR measurements on the sample, and determining the NMR relaxation time parameter for the sample; and determining wettability of the earth formation zone using the determined relaxation time parameter for the zone and the determined relaxation time parameter for the sample.
US08076930B2 Thin film 3 axis fluxgate and the implementation method thereof
There is provided a thin film tri-gate fluxgate for detecting a component of a magnetic field in directions of three axes, the thin film tri-gate fluxgate comprising: two first thin film fluxgates of a bar-type disposed on a plane for detecting horizontal components of the magnetic field in direction of dual axis; and a plurality of second thin film fluxgates for detecting a vertical component of the magnetic field, wherein each of the first thin film fluxgates and the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates comprises a drive coil for applying a power, a pickup coil for detecting a voltage and, a magnetic thin film, and wherein the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates are substantially perpendicular to each of the first thin film fluxgates wherein a length of the magnetic thin film of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is shorter than that of each of the two first thin film fluxgates, and wherein two end portions of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is wider than a center portion thereof.
US08076927B2 Magnetic-field sensor and method of calibrating a magnetic-field sensor
An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor has a plurality of sensor elements connected to form measurement arrangements, each measurement arrangement having a measurement tap, and a control circuit formed to perform an embodiment of a method of calibrating the magnetic-field sensor.
US08076920B1 Switching power converter and control system
A switching power converter tracks a time-varying input voltage during each cycle of the input voltage to provide power factor correction. The switching power converter includes a switch with a frequency and duty cycle modulated control signal. The switch controls the transfer of energy between the input and output of the switching power converter. The frequency of the control signal is greater than a frequency of the input signal. The control signal frequency is modulated during each cycle of the input voltage so that energy transferred from the switching power tracks the energy supplied to the switching power converter.
US08076918B2 Multi-phase driving circuit with phase adjusting function
A multi-phase driving circuit includes a single-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, a number of drivers, and a number of switch circuits connected to the number of drivers correspondingly. The single-phase PWM controller is configured for providing a single-phase PWM signal. Each of the number of drivers receives the single-phase PWM signal and adjusts a phase of the single-phase PWM signal to output an adjusted PWM signal. Each of the number of drivers also outputs a driving signal. Each of the number of switch circuits receives the adjusted PWM signal and the driving signal from a driver. Each of the number of switch circuits generates a driving voltage controlled by the driving signal and adjusts a phase of the driving voltage controlled by the adjusted PWM signal and then outputs the adjusted driving voltage, so as to make the number of switch circuits output a multi-phase driving voltage to a load.
US08076907B2 Method and apparatus for exporting power in a renewable energy system employing a battery charger
A method of charging a battery in a system involving a renewable energy source and operable to supply at least some electrical energy from the renewable energy source to a third party involves causing a charge controller operably connected to the renewable energy source to receive the electrical energy from the renewable energy source and operably connected to the battery, to charge the battery, using only the electrical energy from the renewable energy source, according to a charging sequence. The charging sequence includes at least a bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged at a relatively constant charging current, an absorption period following the bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged in an absorption mode, and a float period following the absorption period wherein the battery is charged in a float charging mode.
US08076906B2 Battery system configured to survive failure of one or more batteries
The battery system includes a battery pack having a plurality of power sources arranged in parallel groups that are connected in series. Each parallel group includes a plurality of power sources connected in parallel. Each power source includes a battery. The system also includes electronics configured to repeatedly charge the battery pack according to a charging protocol. The charging protocol is configured such that the voltage of any one battery in the battery pack does not exceed its maximum operational voltage after failure of a battery in the battery pack.
US08076905B2 Battery charging method and device thereof
A battery charging method and device thereof are disclosed. The method includes the following steps. First, a charging current is supplied into a plurality of cell blocks of a battery module for charging, and the terminal voltages of the cell blocks are detected, when one of said terminal voltages exceeds a first threshold, the charging is kept continuously over a first preset time period. If one of said terminal voltages of said cell blocks exceeds a second threshold, an over voltage protection is performed, else the charging current is reduced and the battery module is charged by the reduced charging current continuously over a second preset time period and if the cell blocks are determined that they are fully charged, the charging is stopped, otherwise, the battery module is charged continuously. Therefore, the battery charging method and device thereof in accordance with the present invention can prevent the battery module from being overcharged and prolong its life.
US08076902B2 Charger
A charger capable of clamping portable communication device is provided. The charger includes a body, a securing portion, and at least one elastic element, wherein the at least one elastic element is deformable elastically when electricity power is supplied thereto, and recoverable to its normal shape when the power is off. The at least one elastic element joins the securing portion to the body. When a user uses the charger, firstly, places the portable communication device between the body and the securing portion, then, supplies electricity power, and the at least one elastic element contracts and drives the securing portion to move towards the body, as a result, the portable communication device is clamped.
US08076898B2 Method of brushless DC motor control and its application
The invention relates to electric engineering, in particular to methods for controlling an ac electronic motor. The inventive control method consists in starting and rotating a rotor upon EMF signals in current-free sections of an armature winding, in converting the EMF signals into discrete logical level signals by a normalizer, in detecting switching points by means of a microcontroller and in displacing said points according to a load current quantity, the rotor speed of rotation and the inductance of the armature winding sections, wherein the switching points are calculated and displaced with respect to bridging times of the free sections EMF whose voltage levels are different from zero. The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises a reference level displacing unit (26), which is arranged in the normalizer between a divider 22 and a comparator unit (23) and which consists of a current sensor (27), a voltage sensor (27), two adders (29, 30) and an inverter (31).
US08076894B2 Superconductive rotating electric machine drive control system and superconductive rotating electric machine drive control method
The present invention provides a superconductive rotating electric machine drive control system that has higher efficiency and is smaller size and lighter in weight than conventional systems, and also provides a superconductive rotating electric machine drive control method to be implemented in the superconductive rotating electric machine drive control system. By the superconductive rotating electric machine drive control system and the superconductive rotating electric machine drive control method in accordance with the present invention, a control operation is performed so that the field current If2 applied to the superconductive field winding of the synchronous rotating electric machine satisfies an equation for the field current If2 in accordance with the variation of the electric power exchanged between the synchronous rotating electric machine and the power unit.
US08076890B2 AC motor driving apparatus and control method
Provided is an AC motor driving apparatus and an AC motor control method capable of utilizing the conventional PWM system as-is even in an ultra-compact AC motor having an extremely few turns of exciting coil and preventing occurring of vibration and noise. The AC motor driving apparatus has an inverter converting a DC voltage to an AC voltage and supplying the AC voltage to an AC motor; a PWM device controlling a magnitude and a frequency of an output voltage of the inverter and means for changing a time constant of the AC motor in accordance with a carrier frequency of the PWM device. Between the PWM device and the AC motor, there is provided a condenser and/or a coil for adjusting the time constant, and the capacity thereof is adjusted in accordance with the carrier frequency of the PWM device.
US08076889B2 Support device
A support device adjustable in 3-DOF includes a base, a pitching arm, a rolling arm, a yawing arm, a pitching drive unit, a rolling drive unit, a yawing drive unit, and a controller. The rolling arm rotatably interconnects the pitching arm and the yawing arm. The pitching, rolling, and yawing drive units are configured for automatically driving the pitching, rolling, and yawing arms about pitch, roll, and yaw axes respectively. The roll axis is perpendicular to the pitch and yaw axes. The controller is configured for controlling the pitching, rolling and yawing drive units in response to control inputs. In use, a display panel can be attached to the yawing arm and automatically pitch, roll, and/or yaw by the respective drive units under control of the controller, to achieve an optimum viewing angle.
US08076888B2 Method for protecting an electronic device driven by DC motor and circuit for detecting positioning signals thereof
A method for protecting an electronic apparatus driven by a DC motor and a detection circuit for detecting positioning signals thereof. The electronic device includes an optical encoder, a code strip, and a DC motor. While moves along the code strip, the optical encoder outputs a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal for the control of the DC motor. The method includes the steps described below. First, states of the first and second positioning signals are detected. If the states of the first and second positioning signals are normal, the DC motor is controlled according to the first and second positioning signals. If the first positioning signal or the second positioning signal is abnormal, a preventive method is performed.
US08076883B2 Drive system and method for operating a drive system for an electronically operated vehicle
A drive system for an electrically operated vehicle includes an electric drive unit operable as a motor and as a generator, a first power source circuit with a control device for controllably outputting power, a second chargeable and dischargeable power source circuit having at least one capacitor and which is connected in parallel to the drive unit, an electric intermediate circuit connected to the first and the second power source circuits and to the drive unit, a third chargeable and dischargeable power source circuit with at least one battery and which is connected to the intermediate circuit, a first detection device for detecting an electrical voltage of the intermediate circuit, which detection device is connected to the control device, and a second detection device for detecting a characteristic value of the vehicle speed and which is connected to the control device.
US08076877B2 System and method for controlling power balance in an electrical/mechanical system
An electrically commutated actuator and control system has a stator and a shaft that is movable with respect to the stator. A plurality of magnets movable with the shaft provide a first magnetic flux, and an electric current in at least one coil defined on the stator provides a second magnetic flux. The second magnetic flux is controlled in response to the first input so that the second magnetic flux has a predetermined phase with respect to the first magnetic flux. The second magnetic flux is controlled in response to the second input so that the phase of the second magnetic flux with respect to the first magnetic flux varies from the predetermined phase.
US08076876B2 Servomotor system with integrated brake control
A servomotor system is provided. The servomotor system includes an enclosure and a motor stator and rotor disposed in the enclosure. The servomotor system also includes a motor brake disposed in the enclosure and configured to selectively brake the rotor from rotation and a brake control switch disposed in the enclosure and coupled to the motor brake for selectively providing power to the motor brake for selectively engaging and/or disengaging the brake.
US08076874B2 On-vehicle actuator system
A motor is controlled to always consume power supplied from a power supply system or not to supply power to the power supply system, by performing control to advance or delay a phase of a 3-phase current flowing in the motor or to reduce a percentage of the generated torque with respect to an effective value of the 3-phase current of the motor, or by applying a d-axis current to the motor.
US08076870B2 LED illumination system with multiple independent loops
A LED illumination system with multiple independent loops includes an input unit provided to receive a D.C. voltage, and a plurality of light module control circuits electrically connected to the input unit. Each of the light module control circuits includes a light module controller and two filtering units. The two filtering units are electrically connected to the light module controller, and receive D.C. power transmitted form the input unit to drive two set of LED illuminators, respectively. The light module controller controls current of the two set of LED illuminators via the two filtering units so as to control brightness of the LED illuminators, respectively. Therefore, the LED illuminators are controlled by the independent loops to reduce mutual influence among the LED illuminators.
US08076867B2 Driving circuit with continuous dimming function for driving light sources
A driving circuit for controlling power of a light source includes a power converter coupled to a power source and the light source, and a dimming controller coupled to the power converter. The power converter can receive power from the power source and provide a regulated power to the light source. The power converter includes a control switch coupled in series with the light source. The dimming controller can monitor a power switch coupled between the power source and the driving circuit, and receive a dimming request signal and a dimming termination signal. The dimming request signal can indicate a first set of operations of the power switch. The dimming termination signal can indicate a second set of operations of the power switch. The dimming controller can continuously adjust the regulated power from the power converter by controlling the control switch if the dimming request signal is received, and can stop adjusting the regulated power from the power converter if the dimming termination signal is received.
US08076861B2 Driving method and driving device for discharge lamp, light source device, and image display device
A method for driving a discharge lamp that lights by performing discharge between two electrodes while alternately switching a polarity of a voltage applied between the two electrodes includes: modulating an anode duty ratio, which is a ratio of an anode time for which one of the electrodes operates as an anode in one period of the polarity switching, by setting first and second periods with different anode duty ratios; and setting the first period, in which the anode duty ratio is higher than that in the second period, longer than the second period in one modulation period, which includes the first and second periods and for which the modulation is performed, when a predetermined condition is satisfied.